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As groups working to elect Mitt Romney president look to spend up to $1 billion in the months leading up to November, money in politics is poised to be one of the most prominent media narratives of the 2012 campaign.
Much of that money is coming from Texas, home to some of the most influential of 'the political one percent of the one percent.' A Sunlight Foundation report found that during the 2010 election cycle, many of the largest donors to federal political campaigns called Texas home.
In the 2012 election cycle these donors have opened up their pocketbooks again, and have contributed significant amounts to federal campaigns and Super PACs. According to an analysis by the Houston Chronicle, donors from Texas have contributed more cash to the twenty largest Super PACs than donors from any other state. The $36.5 million from Texans filling the coffers of Super PACs far outpaces the $22 million from California and $17 million from New York.
Two of the three biggest spenders in the country are among the biggest wallets in Texas, and five of the top twenty-five write checks from Texas zip codes. Only New York has more donors on the top twenty-five with seven, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics.
The combined contributions of the seven New York donors of $11 million does not equal the total of the biggest contributor from Texas, Harold Simmons, who has so far contributed $14.9 million to federal campaigns and PACs. In total the five Texans in the top twenty-five have contributed $26.8 million during the 2012 election cycle.
In addition to the money flowing out of Texas to Republicans and conservative committees, Democrats are also sending money out of the state. As the Chronicle reported, of the $21 million Texas Democrats have given to candidates running for federal office, Super PACs and party political committees in the 2012 election, only $4.8 million has gone to candidates from Texas.
"In the short-run, Texans who support the Democratic Party are likely to see their campaign donations have a much more substantial impact on the electoral process and policy process outside of Texas rather than inside the state," said Mark Jones, a professor and chair of the political science department at Rice University. "In terms of the 36 U.S. House races, 34 to 35 are not considered to be competitive, that is we know they will either be won by a Democrat or a Republican even today. The same holds true for the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Texas."
Jones says that in contrast, through donations to U.S. Senate races in states such as Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan and Missouri, Texas donors can play a major role in races which will determine which party holds a majority in the U.S. Senate next year, as well as affect the partisan composition of the U.S. House. "By comparison, barring something truly dramatic occurring, we know for a fact that the winner of the GOP U.S. Senate primary in Texas will assume office in D.C. in January," said Jones.
While most of the attention is being paid to money donated to federal candidates and Super PACs, these same individuals have been quietly funding campaigns in Texas. With no campaign contribution limits in state races, some candidates have gotten checks in excess of $100,000. Operating in the same way as Super PACs, political action committees in Texas received huge checks even before the Supreme Court opened the door to unlimited campaign contributions. Texas PACs regularly receive contributions of $100,000 or more, sometimes as much as $500,000.
"Unlike the case at the national level where the outsized influence of the mega-rich on campaigns via Super PACs is relatively novel in the post Citizens United world, the mega-rich having an outsized influence on elections is the normal state of affairs in Texas, given our lack of any real limits on individual and PAC donations to candidates," said Jones.
According to Jones, the very wealthy have a much greater impact on politics and public policy in Texas than they do in a large majority of states. "This is particularly the case when you take into account the large size of the Texas House and Senate districts, which make state legislative campaigns much more expensive than in all states except California and New York, both states which have ceilings for individual and PAC donations," said Jones.
Bob Perry, a Houston home builder and perennial financial supporter of the Texas governor and Republican candidates, has contributed more than $3.4 million since the end of the 2010 campaign, Texas Ethics Commission records show. Perry's contributions have been spread out to lawmakers and committees throughout the state, the vast majority of which have been to Republicans or right leaning committees.
Embattled Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Republican Joe Straus has received $85,000 in contributions from Perry. A Democrat representing a district along the border, Rep. Eddie Lucio III has received $58,500. Even party switcher Republican Rep. Aaron Pena has pocketed $16,000.
Simmons, a Dallas businessman who owns Contran Corporation, has donated primarily to Republican candidates and right leaning committees throughout the state. In addition to $45,000 that Simons gave to Speaker Straus, Dallas Republican Rep. Dan Branch has received $75,000. Commissioner of the General Land Office and 2014 Lt. Governor candidate Jerry Patterson has received a total of $100,000.
Both Perry and Simmons have reserved their largest checks for political action committees. In fact, they are the two biggest funders of one of the most politically powerful organizations in the state. Texans for Lawsuit Reform, an organization that has successfully lobbied for tort reform in Texas, has received $750,000 from Simmons and $500,000 from Perry.
(Image: Jared Rodriguez / t r u t h o u t; Adapted: Thomas Hawk, Rob Shenk)


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March 5, 2014
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Quinoa and Lentils with Butternut Squash and Rapini
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The South Florida Wildlife Center located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is seeking a Release Specialist.
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Ambulance Driver, South Florida Wildlife Center
The South Florida Wildlife Center located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is seeking an Ambulance Driver.
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Wildlife Protection Campaign Manager, Wildlife Administration
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is seeking a Wildlife Protection Campaign Manager for its Wildlife Administration section.
February 25, 2014
Chickpea and Kale Super Soup
In this "super soup," you get chickpeas for protein, mushrooms for minerals, kale for vitamins and iron, and a warm feeling in your tummy knowing that it's good for you.
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55 Ways to Help Animals
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Companies with Invasive Chimpanzee Research Policies
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Wildlife Nursery Intern, South Florida Wildlife Center
South Florida Wildlife Center is seeking a wildlife nursery intern.
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Crammed into Gestation Crates
U.S. factory farms confine millions of breeding sows (female pigs) for nearly their entire lives inside tiny crates so small the animals can't even turn around.
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Rainbow Wraps
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Teaching Dogs the "Come" Command
Teaching your dog to come when called is not only a behavior issue, it is also a safety issue. The HSUS will show you how to train your dog to do it.
February 12, 2014
Eggplant-Wrapped Quinoa
Wrap up your plans for dinner with this recipe for eggplant-wrapped quinoa.
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Seitan Cutlets
Enticing blurb about xxxxxxxxx.
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Seitan Piccata
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What You Should Have in Your Pet's First- Aid Kit
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The Facts about Horse Auctions
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subset: commoncrawl


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100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine, TX | Directions 7605132.94242 -97.05995
M-Su 24hr
High in cost but well worth it – My family went on vacation with another family. The only bad thing i can say is you do have to wait in line to check in took us 15 minutes to check in and the elevators are a little slow other than that our kids had a terrific time. (ages 10 to 14) the waterpark, arcade, teen club were excellent and Grapevine Mills Mall is right down the street. It was an absoultely beautiful vacation. I am saving right now to go next year.
Horrible custome service and if you get hurt - FORGET IT – Stayed here with my family - fell on a slick tile - there are some there - you can't wear shoes and my grandon got thrown in the pool and I cracked my elbow open, bleeding everywhere - asked them to pay my $500 in medical bills and they told me I should have been more careful - the tile was slick- not sure how much more careful I could have been, I am not a child runnig around. They handed me a band-aid but had to get the bleach out to clean up the mess. Not very nick or compassionalte!! BEWARE
We went to The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine for our Family Reunion...WOW!!! – We just had a family reunion at the Great Wolf Lodge and it was a blast! We had people of all ages, my youngest niece is four years old and I had four other nephews ages 6-13. My brothers, sister, parents, cousins, aunt and uncle were also there. The suites were so nice and there were more than enough pools, slides, games, etc. to keep the kids busy. The adults were able to enjoy the restaurants, spa and water park. All in all it was the perfect facility to hold a family reunion and I would recommend it to anyone. The Lodge staff was excellent and everyone made sure that we were having a great time. We all agreed that we would meet back at the Lodge for next year?s reunion!
You Never Have to Leave and the Kids Won't Want To – What a wonderful recommendation. Me, my husband and our two children were visiting some of his family in the Dallas area last month over the kids' Spring Break. We wanted to take the kids to something special for a few days and another family member recommended the Great Wolf Lodge. What surprised me most wasn't how much fun the kids had--they slept like logs every night!--but was how much fun my husband and I had. The great thing about the resort/lodge (yes it's actually an enormous wooden cabin) is that everything is within the hotel--you never have to leave! The different food selections were great and there were plenty of other attractions and activities other than the water park. Needless to say, the kids are constantly asking when we're going back. I'm sure this is going to be a stop every time we're visiting the family in Dallas. Too bad there isn't one near Austin. Thanks Great Wolf!
Great place for larger families – We loved our Stay at the Lodge. We have 4 small children, so going anywhere usually involves serious planning and coordination. At this Lodge, the kids were able to enjoy all the attractions from the waterpark (loved the big bucket!), to magiquest (kept the kids busy for 3 hours!), to just running around their themed bedroom in the suite. The service was top notch and Mom can't stop talking about the spa. All in all this was a great place for the kids to let loose, and Mom and Dad even had a chance to relax for the first time in years!... We will definitely be back when the next chance arises.
Ahhh....NO! – NO! Very stressful! Far too expensive. Not all what its cracked up to be. We just spent this past weekend there with our four kids. So over crowded! There was a line around the lobby, took an hour to check in and we had to wait over an hour before our room was ready. Indoor pool again....over crowded, if you have small children, forget about relaxing! Barely hot water in the rooms, not enough elevators....elevators were so cramped it would take 2-3 waits before you could get in one! I do not recommend whatsoever. There are many other places for your family to enjoy at a lesser price with less stress than this hotel. Service? Big fat ZERO!
boooooooo!!!!!! – no way! would NOT recomend it ever. not good. sjlhfdlksjhdflakjshdfjhl ahjsdfhlakjs fhlakshdf laskjfhd aklsjfh alskjfh alksjfhd alkj fhalkshdf asjkfhaljfh sdjaldjfhaskaljdfhksjalksjfhd alkj fhlaskjfdh fhjdal fhjdkasl hfjdslaalskd fhalskjfhd ald fh
North Woods adventure-themed, full-service resort leaves nothing to be desired. – In Short
Perhaps the better question is: "What isn't inside this 52 acre, ten-story lodge decked out with wood paneling and moose antler chandeliers in Grapevine?" There's a five-story atrium, 402 guest suites, indoor and outdoor water parks totaling eleven waterslides and seven pools, a family-themed restaurant and bar, a coffee café, a spa featuring with eight treatment rooms, a fitness room, an arcade with more than 100 video games, and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.
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Fantasy Impact: The Tampa Bay Lightning pulled off a double-swap, trading Steve Downie to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Kyle Quincey... and then shipping Quincey off to Detroit for a first-round pick and prospect defenseman Sebastien Piche.
The Lightning get: a great draft pick and more cap room. Kudos to Steve Yzerman for being proactive in the trade market and getting his house in order before the "last minute".
The Avalanche gets: some grit, some skill...and perhaps a potential headache in the dressing room. Although I haven't heard anything negative about Steve Downie lately, he is a skilled agitator with a track record of bending the rules. These players are often welcomed for a couple of years before the act gets old. But his presence will add plenty of sandpaper, which should help protect the likes of Peter Mueller, Paul Stastny and Matt Duchene from injury. Certainly can't hurt. With all the injuries to this club over the past couple of seasons, they saw toughness as a weakness that needed addressing.
The Red Wings get: a decent defenseman who is actually more of a stay-at-home type who has discovered an offensive touch since he went to Los Angeles. Quincey is a former Red Wing, so they knew exactly what they were getting and he should add some great depth for the secondary power play, as well as a solid guy for the third pairing on defense.
Fantasy Players Impacted: The Red Wings are gearing up for a deep postseason run, which means that they don't have time for a young player like Jakub Kindl to grow into the NHL. This move makes Kindl the seventh defenseman and Mike Commodore the eighth. Brendan Smith becomes ninth on the pecking order, despite his NHL readiness. Quincey as a No.5 or No.6 guy says it all - the Red Wings have one of the best defense corps one through eight in the league.
As for Quincey, he was having his usual second-half slide after a promising start offensively. He fits in better in a lesser role. I don't believe this trade will impact Ian White or Niklas Kronwall.
The Colorado Avalanche have just made room for Stefan Elliott. Possibly Tyson Barrie, but my money is on Elliott making a return to the NHL for good. Landing Downie will do one of two things. It pushes Kevin Porter out of the lineup and it makes it easier to move David Jones. I think Downie will have the usual "just traded" adrenalin rush, which should mean decent points to start.
Steve Downie being off the Lightning roster should finally give Brett Connolly some decent ice time. Yzerman would love to see what he can do with it, and he knows better than anyone that a prospect won't develop as well getting five or six minutes. Look for 10 or 11 minutes instead.
Fantasy Players this helps, in order:
1. Elliott
2. Connolly
3. Downie
4. Barrie
Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:
1. Quincey
2. Smith, for this year
Larry said:
Downie could still be a decent top 6 forward-but has to get his head into the game.
Tampa is really cleaning house,but all that cap space wont do them any good unless they get a goaltender.
r22yu said:
Pengwin7 said:
Not exactly a Stevie Y type of player.
-15... buh-bye.
Steffen said:
Does this mean Mikkelson is the anointed one?


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Community Picks
Community Picks -- Mangoes
Once again, we want to give a big thanks to all of our volunteer recipe testers for your thoughtful comments and for helping us continue to strengthen our recipe recommendations. You can read each tester's comments by clicking through to the Community Picks recipes — the comments are at the top. And even if the recipe you tested wasn't chosen as a CP, please feel free to leave your testing notes in the recipe's comments section. Constructive criticism is always encouraged!
Mango Soufflés with Coconut-Lime Crème Anglaise
Mango Salad with Fennel Frond Pesto
Rum-Spiked Roasted Caramelized Mangoes
Mango Ice Cream with Chili Sea Salt
Community-Tested Pick Candidates (Tested by you!)
Brown Buttered Mangoes Foster
Quinoa and Mango Salad with Lemony-Ginger Dressing
Mango Mousse
Champagne Broiled Mangoes with Cookie Butter
Mango Popsicles
Aamer Morobba (Indian Mango Preserve)
Tiger Lily
Pan Seared Halibut with Mango-Avocado Salsa
Mango Honey Frozen Yogurt with Brown Butter Almond Brittle
Citrusy Mango Butter
Move Over Major Grey Mango Chutney
Mango-Lime Sherbet
Mango Honey Mustard
Thai Mango Curry with Chicken -- Made From Scratch
Photos by James Ransom and Joseph De Leo
Tags: community picks, your best mangoes, mango
Comments (12)
almost 2 years ago PistachioDoughnut
Thanks Forester_lady for the review.
@arielleclementine - yaay! for the salad..i have made it so many times after this contest...
almost 2 years ago arielleclementine
:D thanks pistachiodoughnut!!
almost 2 years ago ElizabethQ
What a delicious array of Mango recipes ! Can't wait to try them. I love mangoes so much, can't get enough of them!
almost 2 years ago ElizabethQ
What a delicious array of Mango recipes ! Can't wait to try them. I love mangoes so much, can't get enough of them!
almost 2 years ago Kitchen Butterfly
Absolutely gorgeous recipes - very well done everyone. And as I have mangoes this week....I can try some new recipes out!
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
Thanks so much for the double community Pick, & the fab opportunity to test drBabs mango honey Fro Yo!
almost 2 years ago dymnyno
I wish I had the time to test recipes...hopefully my life will get back to normal soon. I do wish that Mama's Mango Chutney has been awarded an Editors' Pick. I have made that recipe at least 3 or 4 times since it was originally published and I think that it is delicious. It is the perfect condiment with pork or chicken or roasted vegetables. Sometimes I add it to chicken salad or use it on sandwiches.
almost 2 years ago gingerroot
Congrats to all!! It is a banner mango season here and I cannot wait to try all of these. Special thanks to sdebrango for such a lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the cocktail.
almost 2 years ago
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
It is perfection, my pleasure I really wanted to make it.
almost 2 years ago
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Congratulations to all! What a wonderful group of recipes.
almost 2 years ago EmilyC
Congrats to all on another great collection of CPs, and many thanks to the editors and Madhuja for your thoughtful testing notes!
almost 2 years ago arielleclementine
eee! thanks for the CP and congrats to everyone for the lovely recipes! i really love mangoes :)


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Throughout history, muses have inspired artists to create their greatest works: Dora Maar to Picasso, Zelda to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Yoko to John. Could technology be marketing's muse? MediaLink will bring visionaries from the worlds of entertainment, education, publishing and advertising to discuss how technology pushes them to test the boundaries of their creativity.
Michael Kassan, Chairman & CEO, Media Link LLC
Russell Simmons, Partner, All Def Digital
Wenda Harris Millard, President, MediaLink
Tim Castelli, President of National Sales, Marketing, & Partnerships, Clear Channel Media + Entertainment
Janine Gibson, Editor in Chief, The Guardian
Ben Lerer, Founder, Thrillist
Eddy Moretti, Chief Creative Officer, Vice
Fred Santarpia, Chief Digital Officer, Condé Nast Entertainment
David Shing, Digital Prophet, AOL
Freddie Wong, Co-Founder & Partner, Rocketjump Studios
Keith Weed, CMO, Unilever
Apps are changing the way viewers consume and interact with television. The proliferation of 2nd screen tablets or smartphones is giving programmers, operators and marketers a new way to reach viewers. Join 2nd screen pioneers who, by adding a companion "little" screen experience programming, are making the "big" connected screen even bigger.
Guy Finley, Executive Director, MESA/2nd Screen Society
David Bishop, President , Sony Home Entertainment
Luis Goicouria, Senior Vice President, PGA Tour
Ivan Perez-Armendariz, Chief Digital Officer, Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Scott Schiller, Executive Vice President, Digital Advertising Sales, NBCUniversal
Smartphone and tablet designs have stagnated, but sensor-based hardware innovation is thriving in unexpected places. Startups and companies with no tech history are developing whole new device types for our homes, cars, and bodies. This panel investigates where traditional manufacturers stand and which new players are leading the hardware revolution.
Brian Cooley, Editor at Large, CNET
Tim Stevens, Editor-at-Large, CNET
Mike Bell, VP and GM New Devices Group, Intel Corporation
James Buczkowski, Technical Fellow and Director, Electrical and Electronics Systems, Research and Advanced, Ford
Julie Larson-Green, EVP, Devices and Studios , Microsoft
Sonny Vu, CEO and Founder, Misfit Wearables
The week of CES sets the stage for the year's product launches, but it can be difficult to tell the fads from the future. We've tapped some of the top names in the world of 3D printing, alternative interfaces, wearables, robotics, transportation and home automation to separate the fads of today from the game changing technologies of tomorrow. Which emerging technologies are set to take center stage for CESes to come and how will they impact our lives?
Brian Heater, Director of Media, Engadget
Michael Buckwald, Co-Founder and CEO, Leap Motion
Brendan Iribe, CEO, Oculus VR
Eric Migicovsky, CEO, Pebble Technology
Avi Reichental, CEO, 3D Systems, Inc.
The Obama Administration and Commerce Department are spurring economic and job growth through innovation, data, and trade and investment. Discover the core priorities of Secretary Pritzker's new "Open for Business Agenda," which includes boosting innovation and our digital economy, driving R&D, protecting ideas, unleashing data, expanding trade, and growing a highly-trained workforce.
The Honorable Penny Pritzker, Secretary, US Commerce
Gary Shapiro, President and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Join new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler and CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro for a candid conversation about Chairman Wheeler's new post as Chairman of FCC and his visions for his tenure at one of the nation's leading regulatory agencies. They will discuss spectrum issues, developments in broadband, competition policy and other critical issues impacting the consumer electronics industry.
Tom Wheeler, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Copyright © 2003 - 2014 CEA. All rights reserved.


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Set/3 Magnetic Neck Cowls
Attractive neck cowls disguise sags, wrinkles and scars in a snap! Easily attaches and removes with the hidden magnetic closure to instantly hide problem areas and imperfections. Unlike traditional tie scarves, this lightweight polyester design won't weigh you down or cause you to overheat. Please specify: Safari (1 ea: leopard, giraffe, zebra), Holiday (1 ea: red, white, black), Classic (1 ea: white, leopard, black), or Pastel (1 ea: pink, floral, plum). Hand wash, dry flat. 19"W x 7½"D.
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Apr 24, 2014 12:21 PM
Madinat al-Muslimeen Community
The Madina Minaret
Ramadan Courtyard
Articles about Ramadan
How to Keep Ramadan Alive for the Rest of the Year
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Topic: How to Keep Ramadan Alive for the Rest of the Year (Read 377 times)
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How to Keep Ramadan Alive for the Rest of the Year
Sep 01, 2011 04:25 AM »
How to Keep Ramadan Alive for the Rest of the Year
By Hesham Hassaballa
Sunday, 28 August 2011 07:06
For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is the most wonderful time of the year. The benefits and beauties of this month are boundless.
Almost invariably it happens a few days after the end of Ramadan; the letdown.
Fasting is finished; the nightly prayers are over; the group gatherings to break the fast have vanished. We can eat, drink, and be merry again when the sun is shining. And that special feeling you have in your heart--the one that keeps you going despite your hunger and thirst--gradually fades away.
The spiritual high evaporates, and all you are left with are the bad habits you tried to shed during Ramadan, but mysteriously rear their ugly heads once it is over.
Ramadan is supposed to increase your faith and God-consciousness:
"Believers! Fasting has been prescribed for you--as it was prescribed for those before you--so that you may be conscious of God." (Al-Baqarah, 2:183).
The point is not to be an angel for Ramadan and a demon at other times. The lessons learned and spiritual benefits gained during that month are intended to carry over for the rest of the year until next Ramadan.
Yet frequently they do not. Is there anything we can do about it? Absolutely and here are five ways we can try to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive and well throughout the rest of the year.
Good Habits Kept Up
More than just denying oneself food and drink, the fast of Ramadan is a complete body-and-soul fast. Although this should be the behavior of the believer at all times, when one is fasting, he or she should take special care not to harm anyone, curse anyone, or do anything wrong. In fact, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
"Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions [while fasting], God is not in need of his leaving his food and drink."
Well, once Ramadan is over, these good behaviors should continue.
For instance, if you took the opportunity of the month of Ramadan to try to curb talking about other people, why not continue to refrain from doing so after Ramadan is over? We should continue to go to the mosque for congregational prayers. It is so amazing to see the mosque--which was packed just a few days earlier--stand almost completely empty during Isha', or night prayers, after Ramadan. If we can go to the mosque each day during Ramadan, we can get there every day during the rest of the year.
Smoking is prohibited during daylight hours during Ramadan, which makes it the perfect opportunity to quit cigarettes. Yes, the nicotine in tobacco smoke is more addictive than heroin, and it is one of the most difficult addictions to beat. But if you can go without smoking for 14-17 hours a day during Ramadan, you can go without it for the remaining 7-10 hours. Ideally, there should be no Muslims who smoke, given the fact that they have to stop doing so for most of a month every year. Sadly, the reality is quite different. Many, many Muslims smoke, and it saddens me--especially since I am a lung specialist who sees firsthand the devastation wrought by cigarette smoking--to see groups of men outside the mosque immediately light up the moment sunset arrives.
Fast Throughout the Year
perhaps we can fast one, two, or three days each month. Whatever the number, we should try to fast outside of Ramadan to help keep the spirit of the month alive in our daily lives
I must admit that this is the most difficult one for me to follow, but I must mention it anyway. The fast of Ramadan is obligatory for every adult Muslim, but there are numerous other fasts that Muslims are encouraged to undertake throughout the year, and we should try to participate. For instance, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, encouraged Muslims to fast six days of the month of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan. The reward is equivalent to fasting the entire year. In a few months, the season of Hajj will begin, and those Muslims who do not perform the Hajj are encouraged to fast the day of Arafat, when all the pilgrims will be standing on that plain and begging God for forgiveness. We should fast that day. For Ashura, the day that commemorates the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt, Muslims are encouraged to fast that day as well as the day before. (Ideally, Muslims should fast the first nine days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, when the Hajj occurs.)
For the very ambitious, the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to fast every Monday and Thursday, and if one is able, he or she could follow this Sunnah, or tradition of the Prophet. The very, very ambitious could even fast in the tradition of the Prophet David, peace be upon him; fasting every other day. If this is too much, perhaps we can fast one, two, or three days each month. Whatever the number, we should try to fast outside of Ramadan to help keep the spirit of the month alive in our daily lives.
Qiyam Praying
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims gather together and perform the Isha, or night prayer, and then special devotional prayers, called Tarawih, in congregation (together these are called, qiyam, extra devotional night prayers). It is such a wonderful time, and it is perhaps--after actually getting to eat and drink--the best part of Ramadan. We are all together in the mosque, and we get to hear the entire Qur'an recited if we go every night of Ramadan.
Why not, at home, have your own "mini-Tarawih"? You can either read what you have already memorized, or you can read from the Qur'an itself. If you continue this throughout the year, it is quite possible to finish reading the entire Qur'an many times over. This is an excellent way to keep the feeling and spirit of Ramadan alive.
Ramadan is also the month of charity. It was said that the Prophet, already the most generous of men, was even more generous during the month of Ramadan. Along with teaching the believer discipline and spiritual focus, the fast of Ramadan is a potent reminder that there are millions of people around the world who must forgo food and drink involuntarily, out of sheer poverty. As a result, Muslims are frequently motivated to give to the poor during Ramadan, and the reward for an act of charity--already substantial--is multiplied many times over in the month of Ramadan. Muslims often discharge their obligatory annual alms tax, the Zakah, during this month.
Why not keep up the contacts made during Ramadan throughout the rest of the year?
Yet that does not mean we should be stingy and miserly throughout the rest of the year. We should continue to be generous even when it is not Ramadan, perhaps devoting a little bit of what we earn to help the poor. You could even open a donor-directed fund or a charitable gift fund at a brokerage firm and invest your donations so you could give more. If you want to be even more ambitious, you can start your own charitable endowment, an essential aspect of the classical Islamic tradition that has unfortunately gone by the wayside in modern times.
"Haven't Seen You Since Last Ramadan..."
Another beautiful aspect of Ramadan is the frequent invitation to people's homes for iftar meals after sunset. Here, Muslims gather and break their fast together. Many times, it is an opportunity to see friends (and maybe even family) they do not normally get a chance to see during the rest of the year. Well, the same theme applies: if you can do it during Ramadan, you can do it at any other time as well. Why not keep up the contacts made during Ramadan throughout the rest of the year? Have monthly gatherings at each other's homes or at a favorite restaurant. Let it not be another year when you say to a friend, "Wow! I haven't seen you since last Ramadan!"
For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is the most wonderful time of the year. The benefits and beauties of this month are boundless, and--even though I can once again drink my 24 oz. French-Irish-Vanilla-Chocó-Crème Coffee chino in the morning--I always feel a tinge of sadness when Ramadan is over.
Yet we can keep the spirit of the month alive and well throughout the rest of the year. For that is the whole purpose of the fast, isn't it- to be conscious of God?
The Almighty Allah says,
"When a servant thinks of Me, I am near.
When he invokes Me, I am with him.
If he reflects on Me in secret, I reply in secret,
And if he acknowledges Me in an assembly,
I acknowledge him in a far superior assembly."
- Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reptd by Abu Huraira
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Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa
Rookery Hall is a well located 70 bedroom hotel complete with Spa, being 15 minutes from the M6 and 45 minutes from Manchester. The best choice for conference venues in Cheshire.
Rookery Hall, Cheshire offers 70 bedrooms, 48 of which are executives, as well as the purpose built Nantwich Suite, a contemporary meeting and conference facility complete with direct access to the extensive gardens, terraces and grounds.
The hotel is a versatile venue with modern syndicate rooms and breakout areas including the ground floor Worleston Suite which is capable of holding 200 delegates theatre style for conference or meetings, or alternatively, can be divided into two smaller meeting rooms for flexibility. Rooms in both the Nantwich Suite and the Old Hall are perfect for private dining in Cheshire with an excellent selection of menus and dining options available.
Function rooms & capacities
Meeting packages & offers
- 4 AA Red Star and 2 AA Rosettes
- Fine dining restaurant and spa café bar
- Health Club and Spa facilities
- Air conditioning and natural daylight
- The Worleston Suite features floor to ceiling windows plus direct access to extensive team building areas
Transport links
- Nearest Motorway Link: M6 J16/18
- Nearest Airports: Manchester 25 miles
- Nearest Train Station: Crewe 5 miles
- Helicopter Grid Reference: North 53 05 95 West 02 30 53


text:
I am going to try a new project this year with my high school students. I am going to have them create a scale model of the solar system in proportion to the length of our math hallway. I may have them make models to hang from the ceiling or create 2-dimensional images. I was wondering if anyone has tried this project and if there were any suggestions from your own experiences with this or similar projects. Thanks.
This is a great project for integrating math and science. I did it with advanced 6th graders. We used spreadsheet to work out the scaled distances and sizes. Because of the vast distances relative to the sizes of the Sun and planets, it's difficult to create a model that is to scale for both size and distance. There is a book you'd find useful:
A wonderful science museum in Vermont has an exhibit that shows everything to scale. It's astounding!
The project is worth doing if you consider both distance and size and make decisions about what to do.
Have you seen Powers of 10? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fKBhvDjuy0
Good luck.
Thank you Claire. Could you describe what your finished model was like, where you did it, etc?
It was 2-D (if I remember correctly) and ran the length of the longest hallway in our school. We measured the hallway, detemined the scale factor based on the avg distance from the Sun to Pluto (then the farthest planet, but now demoted), and built the system on that scale. Students were assigned their own planets; they researched them, scaled them, created a representation, adding visual detail and a blurb about it that hung on the wall next to where the planet was suspended from the ceiling. The Sun was so large that we could only fit 1/4 of it on the end wall.
I hope this helps. It was a long time ago.
I wonder how much that model would have changed without including Pluto. The distance from Neptune to Pluto seems to take up about 25% of the model according to http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/
One of my fourth-grade classes tried to come up with a way of showing the various sizes. It was not easy. We then used string to demonstrate the distances of the planets from the sun. It took the the large school courtyard. I wish I'd had the info provided by this website at that time: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/
I will have my sixth-grade class try it next Spring. Let me know what you decide to do.
This sounds like a great activity! While we at Illuminations don't have a lesson that directly relates, we do have several lessons that could inspire another lesson or help with aspects of this one. I'll list them below in case you find them helpful!
We can't wait to hear how your lesson shapes up!
I'm not sure about the accuracy, but the visual concept that I found most helpful was an orange sitting in the middle of the Rose Bowl. Large numbers are hard for us to picture, but it helps to have students calculate with proportions and made-up units, like the number of dollar bills to reach to the moon, or a trillion dollars is the wealth of 1000 billionaires
I did something like this a few years ago. I can't remember what we used to determine our scale factor (I think just the size of my room so it would fit), but I had the students use wodden beads for the planets (the sizes of the planets were not true to scale, unfortunately, but they had some choice in size and color), and then pieces of string to tie each planet individually extending out from the sun. This makes it a little more realistic in that the planets are never really in a straight line. The largest problem with this was getting the strings tangled as the distances got longer and longer. I had them wrap some of the long pieces around a strip of cardboard until we were ready to pin them to the ceiling.
Thanks for reminding me of this - and all the great links! I might try it again this year!
Here is a huge list of resources: http://www.vendian.org/mncharity/dir3/solarsystem/
I was doing some early calculations. It looks like if I scale the solar system to my hallway, the sun is only going to be 11mm, Jupiter would be 1mm and Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are almost nonexistent. Which is doable but not very visually appealing.
What if we only modeled the inner planets? If we only went out to Mars the Sun would be 210mm, Mercury .7mm, Venus 1.8mm, Earth 1.9mm, Mars 1mm. We could then estimate how far up the street the other planets would be.
I will leave it up to the students, but I'd like to have a few options in mind.
I also did this project with 6th graders. It is a project in the Everyday Math program for the 6th. We did 3D for the size.
You need a different scale for size and distance from the Sun.
Another year we did it with chalk in the driveway. The students loved it. Each group had a different planet to make and then know where to place. It involved ratio and powers of 10. We also used a spreedsheet to put it all together.


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In a scene reminiscent of the popular movie "Pay It Forward," about 30 Bellingham High School students plan to canvass downtown Bellingham to dispense nearly $1,000 worth of good cheer.
The students are members of Jamie O'Brien's marketing class. For a recent classroom exercise, the students formed teams to think of a new product or service and present plans for their idea - including logos, slogans, business plans and requests for startup money. Then they made a sales pitch, similar to ones in the TV show "Shark Tank," to a panel of four local business people.
The four judges were so impressed by the students' effort that they decided on their own to give the class $1,000 to distribute in some way that would benefit the most people.
There was just one requirement - the students had to agree unanimously.
"The kids' mouths just dropped," O'Brien said.
The student had two days to develop their "Shark Tank" proposals and then present them in class May 31. Ideas put forward to the judges included mobile food carts to sell hot oatmeal with healthy toppings, a smartphone app that enables people to share or loan each other money, a clothing company that makes and sells clothing for people who submit a design online, and a consignment store specializing in used electronic equipment.
At the end of the session, the judges told the students about the $1,000.
"It was a complete surprise," said Rachel Housen, a senior in the class.
On Wednesday, June 5, the students spent an hour discussing 18 ideas about what to do with the money, then settled on the "pay it forward" approach.
In the 2000 movie - which Housen didn't know about - a boy portrayed by Haley Joel Osment is given an assignment by his teacher, Kevin Spacey, to think of a way to change the world and then take action. Osment decides to do a good deed for three people, with the idea that each person he helps will, in turn, help three others ... and on ... and on ... and on.
On Wednesday morning, June 12, the students in O'Brien's class will fan out with $30 apiece to disperse. Ideas include buying coffee for other people in line, and buying snacks and handing them out free. Some of $1,000 will be used to print cards explaining what the students are doing and encouraging the recipients to do a good deed for someone else.
One of the four judges, who asked not to be named, said the idea was to encourage the students to think beyond themselves, to think creatively and to learn to reach agreement.
"He wanted to empower them to start being young philanthropists," O'Brien said.
Reach Dean Kahn at email@example.com or call 715-2291.


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CASSIDIAN supports Science and Research
26 September 2012
- The "ARGUS" research prize for outstanding performance of young scientists has been awarded for the tenth time
- Professors' Day as communication platform for industry and science
Cassidian, the defence and security division of the EADS aerospace group, supports the research activities of universities and colleges and maintains a close dialogue with the world of science. In this context, the "ARGUS" research prize for outstanding performance of young scientists in the field of communications, radar and high-frequency technology has now been awarded for the tenth time by Cassidian.
"Close cooperation with science and research is of fundamental significance for a high-tech company in order to attract young talent," said Werner Stockburger, Human resources Manager at Cassidian. "Moreover, initiatives such as ARGUS provide the graduates with valuable contacts to the world of industry and, as a result, with good career perspectives."
The ARGUS prize, which includes a cash award of 1,500 euros, has been awarded for the last ten years for outstanding academic achievement in the disciplines of communications engineering, radar and high frequency technology, which are key technologies at Cassidian in Ulm. New developments in this area are extremely important for security electronics, e.g. for sensor systems in flight safety and geodesy or for the protection of aircraft and vehicles.
The prizes were awarded during the annual Professors' Day at Cassidian's Ulm site. About 50 professors from renowned universities and colleges as well as company experts make extensive use of this platform for the exchange of ideas. A jury made up of university professors and Cassidian specialists selected a total of five outstanding theses for the ARGUS prize, two of which have been submitted by Ulm University.
Michael Volpp gained a distinction for his bachelor's thesis on antenna technology, which was supervised by Professor Wolfgang Menzel from the Institute for Microwave Engineering at Ulm University. Florian Waeckerle, also from Ulm University, was awarded the prize for his master's thesis on a new method of significantly improving linearization of transmission signals in certain modulation processes. He was taught by Professor Robert Fischer of the Engineering Science and Computer Science Faculty. Sven Thomas, taught by Professor Nils Pohl from the Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Faculty of Ruhr University in Bochum, impressed the jury with his bachelor's thesis on the development of a new type of transmit/receive chips for radar technology applications. Another prize was awarded for Simran Singh's master's thesis from Aalen College on the development of adaptive algorithms for signal improvement in radar systems. He was taught by Professor Heinz-Peter Bürkle at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
In his speech, Professor Heinrich Dämbkes, head of System Development at Cassidian, emphasised, "Technological progress, above all in communications equipment, and the networking of different application areas mean that we in the field of security electronics have to widen our focus in the direction of system design and software development." He added: "Our cooperation with universities is already resulting in some excellent progress."
At Cassidian's Ulm location, about 3,000 employees are working on the development and manufacture of complex security electronics, including protection systems for aircraft and ground vehicles, radars and radio surveillance systems. 50 per cent of the staff are engineers, which is a very high value compared with the industry average, above all in the areas of communications engineering and electrical engineering.
About CASSIDIAN
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2010, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.9 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 121,000.


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Fat f****ng p*ssy
Report: Jonathan Martin done for the year, unlikely to return to Dolphins
Embattled Miami offensive lineman Jonathan Martin will not play again this year and feels he cannot return to the Dolphins, according to ESPN"s Lisa Salters.
Martin is currently undergoing therapy at an undisclosed location in California and has not been with the team since walking out after an incident in the team's lunchroom.
Martin's alleged treatment by fellow offensive lineman Richie Incognito, in particular, has led to much media scrutiny. Incognito, who denied that he bullied Martin in an interview with FOX, has been suspended indefinitely by Miami for conduct detrimental to the team.
KING: MMQB: Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers make strong playoff pushes
THIS JUST IN: Jonathan Martin likely done for year. Source tells @saltersl that Martin wants to play again but feels he can't in Miami.—
(@SportsCenter) November 11, 2013
Harbaugh needs to go get his former player. He would be a steal for the 49ers if the price is low before the draft.
I don't doubt he got shafted. This situation was very unfair, where the guy harassing him was popular in the locker room (bullies often are, mostly people are happy to have the negative attention directed at someone else).
He is done in Miami for sure and likely the rest of the NFL. There is always next round's draft picks and a lot of teams would pass in spite of talent (and he is decent but not great), because they do not want the circus that will come with it. This is before getting into "what will he do to us"... it's overall just a distraction, the same way a lot of teams want nothing to do with Hard Knocks.
The only team with a situation that could deal with Martin is San Fran because of the relationship with Harbaugh and that Harbaugh has the player's respect. Even so they wouldn't like it so I doubt that Harbaugh would take him on, because Harbaugh is not out to do any favors for anyone.
From what I understand of it there's a firewall between the coach's office and the locker room and the players are expected to police it. Owner up top is clueless to all of this going on.
The better way to have handled it is to have gone to the owner and dumped this on him and asked, how do you want me to handle this because I am 2 steps from leaving the team. Of course, by doing that you shoot your bolt and you give them time to get all the deniability in place. When it comes down to BIG MONEY we see time and again that truth and what is right takes a far back seat. Nobody minds crushing any individual when there is big business going on.
So I suppose by doing what he did, he took the initiative and put everyone else back on their heels with their pants down. This is why he is not getting any support from his own locker room, they all look bad as a result of this as they all tolerated it.
In the end he's going to sue the pants off of them and retire with his health. He's got a huge case and the NFL will push the Dolphins to settle out of court before a whole line of lawyers comes calling once precedent is set. Anything he says now about still wanting to play is going to be about establishing this whole nightmare scenario has having denied him his right to work without harassment, anywhere.
Well with all die respect to Martin, I don't think any team is gonna want the guy. He has shown already he has no toughness and he wont keep his issues within the locker room, he will leave and tattle to the media. What locker room needs a snitch and a coward with no heart. Life is tough, tougher sometimes then an NFL locker room and you cannot always just leave the people who work beside you and let them fend for themselves while you find your inner lion. I think most players see his willingness to go outside with his troubles as a betrayal, they feel these issues should be hammered out within the locker room and rightly so.
If not for football, Incognito would be in prison.
We heard incognito's side of the story. With his history it's hard to believe anything he says. Martin's side will come out.
How could he return no one would trust him. Who could blame them right or wrong.
Once again, commenters prove their idiocy. None of you know any of the participants or the total story but think youknow enough to talk about people Lousy lineman? Obviously the Dolphins did not think so by signing him- but I guess experts here know better. No heart? Which of you idiots knows him personally, since I have not seen any of the football people say this? I personally don't think I know enough yet to make a judgement, although many media idiidiots have already hung Dolphin management.
Good riddance. Lousy lineman anyway.......no heart
Here is the NFL brotherhood that players always talk about:
Billion dollar league with a lowball concussion settlement.
Players union that fought tooth and nail against pension and disability payments to former players. "Take better care of your money," was the argument.
Go to jail? Tough. Drug problem? Tough. Broke? Tough. I'll tweet my empathy so the fans think I care #keepyaheadup Yeah. That'll do.
Martin did what most Americans only dream of doing: Giving a big FU to your employer.
I hope he gets the help he needs. It sure sounds like he needs a lot of it.
Good riddance!!!
Luck would stick up for him in Indy - if he even wants to play any more. Wouldn't blame him if he didn't.
That's quite a "culture" they've got. :D
I hate to say it, but with the all the locker room drama this has caused, I don't think there will be to many teams that will allow him in the locker room. He has lost the trust of his team mates for spilling the beans about the culture. No one wants that in their locker room. They have to trust the guys they play with, and he has lost that trust.
There is no way Martin could come back to the Dolphins at this point. What player would trust him?
This guys issues go way beyond Incognito. Nice for the simpletons and the league to have a whipping boy though.
There's a lot to this story that hasn't come out yet. This can't be a simple case of Incognito being a bully, otherwise Martin would not have needed to quit and go to therapy. I can't imagine this was the first team on which he heard such language or was the target of bad words -- a lot of that is said on the field by opposing players too (as far back as high school, sometimes middle school if the coach is a real tool).
Not defending the language, and frankly all NFL, college, high school and any other locker rooms should ban the use of the n-word (and similar words) period. It has no place in our society, no matter your skin color.
Incognito is a piece of work, but this just has the feeling of something far more going on behind the scenes. Best to reserve judgment until the final report is out.
Martin has far too much integrity for the Dolphins.
Martin, like 99.9% of us, is simply not cut out for the NFL.
Good riddance. He never blocked well for me.
run, puss
Has Miami welcomed him back ?
good attorney found martin..now they will try and make some money off this scam
Where will he fit in? They're aren't many touchy-feely teams in the NFL to choose from and until they come up with a WNFL, he's screwed.
@DavidHarte Oh yeah ,,,,,, as a Seattle fan I would love to see San Francisco take Martin.
@Mech When it's you against 52 players and the coaches, lemme know how you handle it.
@Aloha! If not for a badge, many cops would be in prison. If not for a title, many politicians would be in prison.
Bring something better than "If not..."
@OnePass I can see God didn't give you a brain. Or your parents for that matter. You left out the part that fringe players who earn minimums make over $400K a year. That's just minimum. $400k over a typical 2-3 year life span of an NFL player and they made more money than most Americans in their entire lifetime. Even after taxes they should be ok enough to support a family for a while. If they actually applied themselves and learned something with their free college tuition that many brainiacs in America salivate over, these players should be ok in the long term financially too. Instead, what you get are a bunch of thugs who squander their money and complain about not getting enough benefits. Well tough titty.
@NFL_Madness Tebow is a complete lack of talent and even he was able to get a few different teams to give him a shot. Pacman Jones was a HUGE mess and now plays for the Bengals. In the NFL, if someone can play, they will find a roster spot.
@Whatever Funny.....in earlier tweets from "anonymous" (which was examined by experts and they believe they were actually from Richie's dad's account) he stated that Pouncey and Martin were doing drugs and--if Richie is going down--others would be, too. Sounds like blackmail to me and reason for Pouncey to be defending Richie so vehemently. I'm quite certain Richie has a lot on the other players and they are defending him for that reason plus--some of the others are also guilty of harassing Martin along with Richie and that will come out later, too. I admit--Martin is a little too sensitive to survive in a man's locker room lifestyle but nobody deserves to be tortured and threatened every day the way he was by his "teammates".
@MarkBecker I guess Martin didn't think he was being paid enough as a starting guard in the NFL … what a piece of scum Martin is ...
@thebigdawg3 You're an idiot piece of garbage....take your own advice.
@thebigdawg3 When you are not in your jr high detention, do you get on line because you have no real friends? What makes you such a lonely, pathetic little boy? Does mommy ignore you too? Is this a cry for attention from a real loser trying to feel like big boy? Come on little boy, make a big bad reply, make yourself feel big and bad and call me a really bad name...little boy.
@thebigdawg3 Spoken from another fake internet tough guy!!.....I am sure you liked to bully people much smaller than you your whole like...typical coward bully..try me!!
@Beldar Grazinski If he wants to play he'll be picked up by a team needing O-Line help. If he beats out the competition he'll play. The NFL is a business. Teams make decisions that will give them the best chance to win/make money. Many teams would consider him simply for the PR boost they would get as they "save" him from the dysfunctional Dolphins...
@Beldar Grazinski Mike Vick was able to play again so if this guy can't play ever again, then the NFL really is a world of a-holes.
@evil.aaronm @Mech It never is you against 52 players,,,,,, so get over that. 52 grown men cannot agree on anything like that. Had he stood up to it and stated his case, he would have found backing and some middle ground, but he refused to do that, for whatever reason, and took his case to a lawyer. Sorry I have no sympathy for that. Lawyers sc*&^w up everything in this world. An honest man cannot be cheated or in this case bullied,,, all he had to do was stand up and ask for help, instead he went for a lawyer.
That's the point. Why was it him vs. 52 other players in the first place? The kid's a weird little sh/t with no social skills and his parents failed him. Grow the f*^$ up and get the hell on with life. Boo hoo, a teammate didn't read me Dr. Seuss before snack time and hold my hand in the bathroom line. I'm telling teacher. As annoying as Incognito seems to me, I like Martin less.
@dt @OnePass The more I earn the less my pension should be? Got it.Actually, no. The better I am at my job, the higher my salary. The higher my salary, the higher my contribution. My employer matches the contribution. That is the agreement, regardless of what the average American earns. It is the proverbial carrot on a stick.
And a 2-3 year player would not qualify for a pension.
@TerrapinStation87 @BeatrizBelen but was her last payment $12418 ?
@Cool @thebigdawg3 This whole thread is proof that evolution is a crock... "Grog comment on issue he knows jack about... Grog tough guy... Grog fight! Fight Good! Where lizard? Grog Hungry...
@Mr. J @thebigdawg3 ..lol@commenting on internet people that threaten then do so yourself
too fuuny little man
@Wombat There is no proof that the Dolphins are "dysfunctional" or that the organization has any part in Martin's allegations. It's been all talk so far. Have you personally seen all the text messages ALONG with all the context that goes with it? Martin clearly has ulterior motives and if he is gone, good riddance. He was a terrible o-lineman anyway. If you cannot see the obvious that Martin is a pansy who is not cut-out for the NFL and has attorney parents that are just salivating at the word "lawsuit", you have been living under a rock. We are living in a greedy and opportunistic world and Martin and has parents are a clear example of it.
@mrfrogburger @Beldar Grazinski I get so sick and tired of the Mike Vick comparison. Incognito would only fit in the Miami Dolphin locker room. From what I understand, the punter is the longest tenured player on the team. Then Incognito. No veteran leadership anywhere on this team. No other team would welcome Incognito into their locker room. He's stuck with the Dolphins, unless they cut him.
@Wombat @Cool @thebigdawg3 Using your own words you used to respond to someone in an earlier post:
What stunning insight into a complex social issue... idiot...
@Wombat Animalistic and pack mentality behavior actually does more to back evolution than the beliefs of creationism.
@MarkBecker @Mr. J @thebigdawg3 Right? That was *precious*!
@Hola @mrfrogburger @Beldar Grazinski Ill take that bet. Incognito will play in the NFL again.This event is nothing to in any locker room. And yes, I too am sick of the comparisons to Vick. One participated in the rape and killing of defensless animals while one shouted words to a 6'5 300lb man


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Monday, January 3rd, 2011
Complete Obituary
Forest Hileman
Forest M. Hileman, 93, Rockford, died at 12:15 p.m. Dec. 31, 2010, at the Laurels of Shane Hill in Rockford.
He was born Jan. 14, 1917, in Rockford. On March 7, 1936, he married Aileen E. Hoverman, who died Aug. 25, 2010.
Surviving are two sons, Larry (Marjorie) Hileman and Ned (Paula) Hileman, both of Rockford; two sisters, Lula Byer, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Ruth Pierstorff, Sarasota, Fla.; five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Also deceased are five brothers, Dale, Gale, Orville, Kent and Guy Hileman; three sisters, Helen Temple, Winifred Nutt and Jean Brumbaugh; a grandchild and a great-grandchild.
He was a carpenter and a farmer all of his life. He was a school teacher at Vantage Career Center in Van Wert for five years.
Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, the Rev. Mark Rutledge officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the State of the Heart Hospice.
Condolences may be left at ketchamripley.com.
Additional obituaries for this date
Weather forecast
for Wednesday:
Mostly sunny
for Wednesday:
Mostly sunny
Monday, April 21
Monday, April 21


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Jimmy Uso Arrested
September 29, 2011 1 Comment
Name: Jimmy Uso
Known For: Professional Wrestler
Charge: Driving Under the Influence with a BAC Over 0.15
WWE wrestler Jimmy Uso (real name Jonathan Fatu) was arrested early Thursday (September 29, 2011) morning in Tampa, Florida.
Uso was arrested after being pulled over around 3 a.m. for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. He had a blood alcohol level of .180 percent.


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- Congressional Republicans support Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies - the special interests that benefited from George Bush's policies and created the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. A decade of Republican rule nearly doubled our national debt. Why would we go back?
- Democrats in Congress are fighting to help small businesses create jobs here at home. Democrats are taking America in a New Direction - creating good American jobs, providing the lowest taxes in 60 years for the middle class and small businesses, and closing tax loopholes that send jobs overseas.
On Friday, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced $75 million in funding from the Recovery Act for On-the-Job Training Grants. These grants offer a method to jump start re-employment for dislocated workers experiencing prolonged unemployment by enabling employers to create training and job opportunities.
'Today's grants will help dislocated workers across the country learn while they earn. For most that will mean not just employment, but also the chance to receive training that allows them to upgrade their skills,' said Secretary Solis. 'As our economic recovery takes hold, this investment presents a win-win scenario. After all, workers are not the only ones who benefit from the approach. On-the-job training programs also offer tremendous returns for employers who commit time and other resources to training and hiring employees.' [6/25/10]
The Jackson Citizen Patriot (Michigan) - Great Lakes to add jobs with $2.5M in grants [MEMBER MENTIONED: Mark Schauer (MI-7)]
With $2.5 million in federal stimulus money, a Blackman Township manufacturer will keep 50 jobs and add 50 more as it makes gears for wind turbines.
Great Lakes Industry Inc. on Friday received a $2 million grant through the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer praised the government's investment in the company.
"The investment of Recovery Act funds right here in Jackson will not only help revitalize the local community, but fills a much-needed gap in Michigan's renewable energy industry," Schauer said in a statement. [6/26/10]
Journal and Courier (Indiana) - County rakes in stimulus funds[DISTRICT MENTIONED: R-Steve Buyer (IN-4): Voted NO on Recovery Act]
To new teachers, Head Start employees or food service workers hired using federal stimulus program funds this past year, the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is obvious.
That's because Tippecanoe County's share of the stimulus pie as of March 31 -- the most recent figures available -- totaled $166 million. That's the third highest amount among 92 Indiana counties. The spending accounted for the creation of 163 jobs, according to federal data.
In Indiana, state and local agencies have been awarded $4.2 billion in federal stimulus grants, loans and contracts, according to the federal government. Those agencies in turn have reported creation of 5,709 jobs.
But stimulus funds have meant new jobs in most agencies where the money has been directed. [6/27/10]
Niles Daily Star (Michigan) - $3.8 million awarded to DELEG for on-the-job training
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) a $3.8 million competitive grant to provide on-the-job training for Michigan workers.
The grant, funded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), will allow the state of Michigan to put approximately 850 people into custom training programs that allow participants to earn wages while learning new skills.
"These Recovery Act dollars will give Michigan citizens an opportunity to gain career-building skills while supporting their families," Granholm said. "When our workers are well trained and gainfully employed, businesses win, workers win and Michigan wins." [6/27/10]
Minneapolis Star Tribune (Minnesota) - Pelosi on Union Depot: 'This is the future' [MEMBERS MENTIONED: Nancy Pelosi (CA-8), Betty McCollum (MN-4), Keith Ellison (MN-5), and Jim Oberstar (MN-8)]
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to St. Paul's Lowertown area on Saturday to survey the empty halls of the historic Union Depot, which lawmakers hope to transform into a transportation hub, with the financial backing of the federal government.
The federal government has allocated about $85 million for the effort, $35 million of which came from the stimulus bill.
Pelosi was joined Saturday by Democratic Reps. Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison and Jim Oberstar, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee.
'This is the future,' Pelosi told a crowd of reporters and local officials. 'And I think that this is a lot of money, but a small price to pay for taking this region into the future.' [6/27/10]
The Union Star (Virginia) - Sens. Webb, Warner Announce $1.5 Million
Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner have announced that the State of Virginia has been awarded $1,498,683 from the U.S. Department of Labor for on-the-job training programs to help Virginians get back to work. The funding is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which was supported by both senators.
'These investments will enhance on-the-job training programs and provide out-of-work Virginians with an opportunity to both earn a paycheck and learn new skills, making them better-qualified candidates for future employment,' Senator Warner said.
On-the-Job Training Grants will help jump start re-employment for dislocated workers experiencing prolonged unemployment by enabling employers to create training and job opportunities for these individuals. [6/28/10]
Other Headlines:
- Rapid City Journal (South Dakota) - State gets federal grant to boost jobs
- The Sierra Vista Herald (Arizona) - Stimulus cash aids county children, business


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The flight home went surprisingly well for the first eight hours. The remaining two hours were substantially less successful with the last hour being one of the longest of my life. Coco no longer wanted to be on an airplane. She yelled in my ear but that's not the worst of it -- she also refused to return to her seat, close her tray table, or stow her electronic devices.
As I wrestled her into her seat and buckled her in, I thought, man, where's a goddamn air marshall when you need one? I could have used some help with an unruly passenger.
Even with Coco clawing at my face, my spirits lifted when we crossed the Canadian Rockies --
We were getting close and I knew what I was about to see. And sure enough, there it was on the horizon, right where I left it three years ago --
Hell yes, Mount Rainier
When I saw Mount Rainier, tears streamed down my face, though whether they were for love of that damn volcano or the debilitating pain of Coco's scratchy fingernails on my sensitive face skin, I really can't say.
We're temporarily living in an apartment in downtown Seattle. It's not as charming as our Paris apartment but it's bigger and warmer and has a full-on view of the Space Needle. The Space Needle is not as pleasing to the eye as the Eiffel Tower, and in fact looks to be something left behind by aliens after a halfhearted space mission, but I've still been staring at it a lot and grinning like a fool.
my ugly-ass beloved symbol of home
The kids have been awake every morning at a really stupid hour because jetlag is a bitch. The first morning found all four of us piled in our bed, looking at the Space Needle and eating Nacho Cheese Doritos at 3:00 a.m. The early hour sucked but I really love Nacho Cheese Doritos, so all in all a pretty good morning.
Life back home so far is strange, surreal, bizarre. It's like someone walked into my home and moved everything twelve inches to the left. When I come back in, I recognize it all, I can find it all, yet somehow something's off and I'm standing unsure in the middle of the room thinking "OK...who's f*ckin' with me?"
I've found the overbearing friendliness of people a huge relief, but jarring nonetheless. Their smiles are so big in front of my face, I have to fight the urge to give them a karate chop to the throat. Stop trying to help me, goddammit! I am an island!
I've gotten lost several times in a city I used to know like the back of my hand. I'm now terrified of driving and am hunched over the steering wheel like a little old lady with sweaty palms and a racing heart whispering "ohmygodohmygodohmygod." Related, I've discovered my two kids are afraid of riding in cars, especially when going up and down steep hills, of which there are many in Seattle. They both scream at the top of their lungs and Lucien yells, "IS THIS HILL ALMOST DONE, MOMMY?" It makes errand-running super exciting but is not helping my driving nerves any.
Oh. My. God. What. The. Hell.
Our first grocery shopping trip Stateside took hours as we walked every single aisle, delighting in items we'd completely forgotten about. Pirate's Booty! Craisins! Dryer sheets! I became hypnotized in the cereal aisle and wasted a good twenty minutes deciding between Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Honey Bunches of Oats. We bought a lot of bacon, too, because my God we missed bacon.
Worlds colliding -- Paris coat meets case of Northwest microbrew
I kicked our washing machine today when it stopped after fifteen minutes. We thought it was broken until we remembered that's how long it takes to do a load of laundry here, as opposed to our two-hour machine in Paris. My God, I can do more than two loads a day? Oh, the wondrous laundry possibilities!
In other news, I went to an "authentic French bakery" near our apartment where I promptly spit my almond croissant onto the sidewalk outside. So, so bad. That one's gonna hurt.
I've returned to Seattle a different person, as it should be, but thankfully my heart still sings in these streets. Paris is beautiful, but Seattle is cool. Paris looks perfect, Seattle rough around the edges. Paris is fantastic and exciting and I love her forever but Seattle is home.
There's so much to say about these first few days but the Paris blog is not the place -- so come see me at my new Seattle blog or suffer the dire consequences! I'm calling it "Seattle Moxie" because I've realized the greatest gift Paris gave me was a whole lot of moxie and a whole lot of fearlessness. I don't ever want to lose it. If I do, someone kick me in the teeth.
Come on over, posse -- Seattle's waiting for YOU. www.seattlemoxie.blogspot.com. I haven't actually posted there yet but have great confidence I'm going to get around to it any day now.
We're home, Seattleites, so keep an eye out for us. Shouldn't be too hard to spot -- we're the car full of screaming people on the hills of downtown.


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Columbia Regional Airport is getting close to its goal of raising a half a million dollars from the private sector. The money would be used to try to land another connecting flight to the airport.
Columbia Regional Airport is starting its daily, non-stop service to Atlanta one week from today. The University of Missouri believes the new flight could open up opportunities for future enrollment. MU Senior Associate Director of Admissions Chuck May says the flight offers a direct connection to one of the busiest airports in the world.
The head of a Columbia Chamber of Commerce task force trying to find ways to improve air travel in Mid-Missouri says it will consider a smaller hotel tax increase, now that a larger one has appeared to stall. Greg Steinhoff says hotel owners in Columbia weren't thrilled with the idea of a 3 percent increase to the hotel tax, with the proceeds to be used for airport upgrades. But now that an organization representing those owners has said it would support a 1 percent hotel tax increase, Steinhoff says his task force will try to figure out how far that money would go.
The Columbia Regional Airport will expand its reach beginning in June.
Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid says offering additional air service to travel hubs like Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta is a major goal of city and regional planners.
The Columbia Regional Airport is under new leadership.
A proposed tax increase on hotel rooms could help finance improvements to the Columbia Regional Airport, according to Columbia City Manager Mike Matthes.
Watch the show and join the conversation on the Intersection website.
The Columbia Regional Airport will be cutting their service beginning next month.


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Join Us
Membership Options
With our transparent membership options you can purchase your gym membership online
and see exactly what you'll be getting.
Just select your local club below to view the prices. Do your research, sign-up and
get started today!
Get all of the perks of a Fernwood gym membership.
Get private Food Coaching and a personalised scientifically sound nutrition program to help you focus on achieving your weight management goals.
Fernwood Personal Training is designed especially for women to get more out of their workouts and provides ongoing motivation.
Fernwood Personal Training combined with our customised Food Coaching program will give you maximum results in the shortest amount of time.
No. You can choose any length of term that works for you, but 12 month memberships are our most affordable option.
Online, however, we only process 3 month and 12 month memberships. Speak to your local club about other term options.
Prices vary by club and by package and start from just $18.90 per week.
As when you join any club or team there's a small start up fee.
It's a one-off payment and you never have to pay it again as long as you are with us.
All the basics you can expect from a gym are included: cardio and strength training equipment, group fitness classes, and Personal Training.
We also offer some Fernwood-specific services like Food Coaching, free breakfast, our bi-monthly Fernwood Magazine, Members' Lounge,
our 3 Step New Member Journey and complimentary toiletries in the change room. Extra facilities like childcare, parking and beauty services vary from club to club,
so we recommend contacting your local club for their list of services.
Yes! You can attend our classes as often as you like.
Depending on what you want to achieve, our Member Motivators will be able to work out a plan to get you the results you want in the time you want to achieve them by.
By engaging in regular strength and cardio training and maintaining a healthy diet, you can expect to have more energy, gain more strength and tone in your body,
increase your cardiovascular fitness and lose weight.
Yes! Once you join, your home club can explain how this works.
Yes. The cooling off period is 7 working days.
If you decide you no longer want to be a member at Fernwood, you can cancel at any time. You should notify your club as soon as possible, in writing, to begin the cancellation process.
Cancellation conditions and fees will depend on the term of your membership.
A 12 month membership can be put on hold for up to 8 weeks. This deferral can be extended for overseas travel or medical reasons, and the minimum deferral period is two weeks.
Your membership term end date or minimum term date will be extended by the period of your deferral. A small weekly fee applies to do this – check with your club about their policies and prices.
There's no need to feel apprehensive when you first step foot inside a Fernwood club. In your first couple of weeks you'll be shown all the ropes.
On your first visit you'll be inducted with a Member Motivator who will go through your goals with you, show you where to find our lockers and change room, give you a quick 'how to'
session for all the cardio equipment and navigate you through the weights area of the gym. You'll also receive a complimentary Personal Training session and complimentary Food Coaching session to get you on the right track. As you gain confidence, start trying different group fitness classes and trying new machines – after a couple of weeks you'll feel like a regular!
It's no fashion parade at Fernwood, you just need to make sure you are wearing something that is comfortable and breathable. A good fitting sports bra and pair of trainers are important too.
Yes! Anytime. Just let us know before they visit and we'll make sure we look after them too.
Each club offers a different selection of group fitness classes, so it's best to check with your club by giving them a quick call or take a look online at their timetable.
We recommend trying as many classes as you can to see which ones you like best. Whether you choose BodyPump, Cycle, BodyStep, Zumba, Boxing, Pilates, yoga or circuit classes, the group atmosphere,
fun music, and enthusiasm of the instructor will keep you motivated and get you moving on those days when you otherwise wouldn't feel like it. Classes usually last from 30 minutes to an hour,
which is easy to fit into your day. You burn calories and have a lot of fun while doing it!
Personal Training varies by club and by package, with prices starting from just $36 extra per week.
Weight loss is as much about what you eat as how much you move. That's why we offer weekly one-on-one sessions with a specialised Food Coach to motivate our members who want to lose
weight and keep them accountable to their goals. A Food Coach will work with you on a personalised, scientifically sound nutrition program to help you focus on achieving your weight management goals.
Prices vary by club and by package, starting from just $17 extra per week.
Full terms and conditions for all Fernwood Fitness Memberships can be found here


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Cm has never cooperated with my phone, liquid, p.e, and cush2push have worked best for my phone, I get lots of problems with cm, they make good roms, but my phone just don't like them
Sent from my Droid using DroidForums
CM7 is ridiculously awesome! Do not tell people to stay away from anything. Let him figure out which one he likes and state your opinion. I personally think CM7 nightly build #39 is extremely stable and have had no issues with it.
Sent from my Cyanogen Droid using DroidForums
Been back at Froyo after 2 - 3 different GB roms that were packed with issues. I know its the actual roms but GB itself. I relay on the phone to much to risk dealing with GB issues.
Sorry to say to all of the hard working developers but its just not meant for the OG, stability is key and GB on the OG just don't have it.
My personal Froyo favorite is Sourcery.
Ditto for me. Ran GB for 2 - 3 months. Switched back to SS 4.96 two days ago. It was like a new phone all over again!!
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
Baton Rouge, LA
Maybe I should go back to something worse so I don't get spoiled haha :P
Lol... i tried.. just ended up going back to Sourcery and resetting it the way i like it.
Man, I hope u guys at least gave SS 5.2 a fair chance. I know GB isn't for everyone but that ROM is amazing for GB
Sent from my Droid using DroidForums


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Miu Miu
2008 March 3
Miu Miu - Paris Fall 2008
View Gallery
(PARIS) Roll Call: Ludivine Sagnier, Chloë Sevigny, Mischa Barton, Milla Jovovich, Jefferson Hack, Arya Stark, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, and French actresses Mélanie Bernier and Sara Forestier
Chic Report: Miucca Prada's divine muse for her newest Miu Miu collection was, shockingly enough, jockeys. Models emerged in literal jockey uniforms, complete with their initials monogrammed in leather across their chests. The sporty theme continued with streamlined, color-blocked dresses, windbreaker-ish jackets, and laser-cut shifts worn over bodysuits (definitely a nod to Prada's lace-mad fall show). For evening, Prada showed a series of fancy, broad-shouldered cocktail dresses in matte black and sequins.


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Strength and Beauty is a full orchestral piece with an expansive sound full of passion. I wanted to create a piece that achieves greatness and true inspiration, and think this work is a success on both accounts. Soaring melodies, rich strings, and soothing brass will motivate any project.
Thank you for listening!
For more inspiring orchestral works, please have a look at these other tracks in my portfolio:
If you enjoy this track and purchase it, please consider providing a rating! Thank you!


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With over 350 species of birds, Saskatchewan is a solid destination for birding activities. That seems to be ringing true throughout the chilly winter months and is evident even in my backyard. As I learn more and more techniques for attracting certain types of birds into my yard, they seem to come a 'flocking'. And they bring their friends.
I think I have even been able to get my neighbors on the bird train and there may even be some friendly competition going on for the most attractive yard for the feathery visitors.
At any given time I can see large families of sparrows can be spotted nestling contentedly in the pine tree; juncos cleaning up the fallen seeds in the snow; a downy woodpecker rapping on the maple tree; house finches hopping along the fence link; beautiful red polls who pose for me; and of course nuthatches and chickadees who have fierce speed competitions through the branches. Those are the most common yard visitors this year but certainly not the full extent. Winter birding in Saskatchewan has not disappointed.
Continue reading


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Entropy - Mystic Brewery
Displayed for educational use only; do not reuse.
Ratings: 53 | Reviews: 9 | Show All Ratings:
3.81/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pretty good beer.. It's like taking a shot.. The 14% alcohol this beer is taste stronger.. Well brewed... Great beer to taste after you've tasted the lower percentage beers on the list when you're at the brewery.. Bottle is fashionably nice .. This is a beer you would like to pour a glass in sip on it during a nice steak dinner..
Serving type: on-tap
12-03-2013 03:26:02 | More by Guess2814
4.08/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
I was at the Mystic Brewery today and had the pleasure of getting a tour of the place by its founder. He had just returned from the Craft Beer expo down in DC and was a bit tired. He did however make it a big point that all of us on the tour try the new Entropy batch that had just been released.
This was batch #17 of Entropy and let me tell you it was DELICIOUS!
Appearance: Dark brown, no head, little to no carbonation.
Smell: This beer smells like you're about to take a sip of a fine cognac not of a beer and that is not a bad thing as long as your know what you're getting yourself into.
Taste: This beer tastes almost like sipping on a fine cognac like previously stated you get the dark fruit notes in your sip and it finishes with a bit of an aftertaste comparable to hard alcohol. I would put it closer to a Sam Adams Utopia finish than a standard Belgian quad finish, but good nonetheless.
Mouth: Without carbonation some may not like it very much and I was told that the longer you let it aged the heavier it will feel in your mouth. I thought it was about medium bodied and delicious.
Overall: A great specialty beer that is currently only available at the tasting room of Mystic. I was talking to the guy running the tasting room and they have plans to bottle it (750ml w/cork & cage) and sell it around $20 a bottle so getting a free taste before you buy is recommended as this beer in my opinion is only for beer connoisseurs or extremists.
Serving type: on-tap
03-31-2013 05:39:58 | More by Dicers
New Hampshire
4.18/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I got the opportunity to try this at the brewery today at the founders party. Pours a solid dark brown with barely any head that never really disappears. Smells like an aged German dopplebock at first. Lots of dark and burnt sugars, melanoid, dark dried fruits like prunes and raisins with a touch of alcohol. Taste is sweet with lots of burnt sugars, caramel and dark dried fruits. A bit of warming alcohol reminds you this is a serious beer, but never gets harsh. Medium to thick body, light level of carbonation with a sweet sticky mouthfeel. Wow this stuff is great. 18 % and it drinks like its 8. I can't wait to get a few bottles of this when it gets released.
Serving type: on-tap
12-04-2011 00:52:43 | More by johnnnniee
4.23/5 rDev +9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A-EBF sample pour. Body is thick and viscous. Dark brown color.
S-Big notes of dark fruits. Smells a bit like a port or sherry. The aroma was very rich. Also there was some alcohol in the nose.
T-The four yeasts used really bring out different flavors. The sherry, Barleywine and Trappist yeasts are the most noticeable. It tastes like sherry, and it also has flavors synonymous with both Barleywines and dark Belgian beers. Dark, booze-soaked fruits, rich brown sugar and some vinous flavors.
M-Flat. Viscous and pleasurably oily. Alcohol is actually more forgiving than one would expect it to be.
O/D-I have only had a few beers like this one. The Xyauyu beers are similar. This one is awesome and should be tried if the opportunity arises. I would like to grab a bottle and age it.
Serving type: bottle
03-24-2014 00:35:59 | More by VelvetExtract
4.51/5 rDev +16.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
a beer like no other, if we can even call it that. something like four or five yeasts make this quad turned barleywine something to behold. it pours an almost still looking rich dark caramel brassy color, darker than that, shaded, clean looking, not much head, thick and sticky. the smell of this is a quad at heart, i do get a genuine belgian yeast with all its fruity esters and big dark grain sugars, but i also get so much more. a white wine yeast is apparently used to dry it out, which is highly successful, i get some mild acidity in the nose, but none in the feel. i also get a ton of fruit, some dried cherries and even plums, but fresh fruit too, red grapes, tangy pomegranate, and a woody nuttiness like pecans, all in the smell. it also has a spirit sort of nose, likely from the sherry yeast they continue to referment this with. the flavor oozes vanilla and belgian dark malts. molasses, brown sugar, cherry juice, black tea, this is impossibly complex. lots of woody mustiness, almost no residual sugar even though this is like dessert to me. the sherry yeast is a very interesting touch, giving this a velvety texture that is light in spite of its thickness. it coats the mouth and glides down the throat finishing more english than belgian really, but mixing the best of both worlds. even at room temperature all this alcohol is magically well hidden. one of the most memorable mouthfeels in beer for me, not a lick of carbonation, rich and decadently full bodied, but soft and delicate and gentle and clean and slippery, really just a beautiful creation. my first and only beer from mystic to date. this is refined to a level usually reserved for some of the heavy hitters in craft brewing. this deserves much more attention, much higher ratings, and is honestly some of the most special beer ive ever encountered. like nothing else out there.
Serving type: bottle
01-24-2014 18:29:54 | More by StonedTrippin
4.49/5 rDev +15.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
From the batch released on Black Friday (not the exploding batch). Pours a deep dark brown which is almost black in the glass. Complex odor, sherry is the most prominent. Smooth flavor with obvious notes from the barrel and some dark fruitiness from the yeast. No carbonation, tastes like a strong beverage, but the alcohol is only a little noticeable on the lips.
Overall this is really likable, and obviously a brew that Mystic put a lot of care into. 'Belgian Quad' doesn't really describe it. Maybe more like a strong barleywine. I'd like to pick up another and see how it ages.
Serving type: bottle
01-01-2014 22:21:47 | More by bleeps
3.83/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Shared with my friend and poured into a tulip. Opened this only because of mystics recall sure to bottle explosions.
A - Poured a slightly hazy garnet with a half finger light tan hue that never really fades to leave s thin blanket. No real lacing though.
S- Aromas of caramel, rum raisins, toffee, light alcohol, light malt sweetness.
T - Taste is full of activity from yeast which is a bad thing. Zombie year herewith more dark fruits, caramel, sticky sweetness, fair amount of alcohol, fair amount of raisin sweetness here. Not much barrel notes though and unfortunately lots of yeast notes that shouldn't be there.
M - Mouthfeel is nicely carbonated for a barleywine, even though it shouldn't be.
O - Overall this was unfortunate as I really wanted to age this for years but due to bottle fermentation issues I had to drink this now. Sigh
Serving type: bottle
06-02-2013 00:23:15 | More by rudzud
3.73/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
2013 bottle. Waxed and corked.
A: Pours a murky, cloudy dark brown. No head of course, this beer is still. I won't mark it down too much on appearance, it's an atypical and intended style.
S: Boozy dark fruits. Like rum-soaked raisins, fig and prunes. Loaded with very sweet caramel and some molasses too.
T: Again, huge boozy dark fruits as mentioned in the aroma. Very oaky throughout. Big alcohol with a nice sting in the finish. Sweet but not as sweet as I was expecting. Lots of lingering dried fruits and earthiness in the aftertaste. I'm not sure if this was aged in fresh barrels or what, but it does have a slight white wine flavor too. Not strong, like their wine barrel saisons, but its there.
M: Thick and heavy, but not ridiculously so. Flat, of course.
O: Well, one of the more unique beers I've ever had. Ignore the fact that it says barleywine, it barely resembles any normal beer. I'm not sure what I'd even use for classification, probably just the generic "american strong ale". It's a big, boozy and fruity ale with barleywine, wine and belgian yeast characteristics. A belgianwine? It's not bad, curious to age one for a while and see how it turns out. Surprisingly drinkable given 14.2% ABV and completely flat.
Serving type: bottle
05-19-2013 00:32:05 | More by Dope
4.19/5 rDev +8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Tried this at a weekly tasting local to me.
This is a "still beer", no carbonation. It is very complex and has many features similar to wine and a flat stout like body. It's very dark and pours with no head. Also oaky. I bought a bottle for myself so I could age it for some time. The website says up to 20 years...
You can taste this beer for a while and discover new flavors. However, it is not a "mega super awesome" brew like the price might suggest. But its certainly unique and high quality.
Serving type: bottle
05-07-2013 00:06:09 | More by Lledd
Entropy from Mystic Brewery
87 out of 100 based on 53 ratings.