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Prose and Ivy
An MLBLOGS Top 100 most visited blog (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) covering CHICAGO CUBS BASEBALL. 'Cause it's write, write, write 'bout the Cubbies…if you don't read it's a shame'. Feel free to leave comments by clicking the speech bubbles next to each post! Go Cubs Go!
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Kings of Leon, Paramore and more added to the iTunes Festival lineup
We're still a few months out from Apple's annual iTunes Festival in London, but the lineup continues to grow with the latest big name acts confirmed as Kings of Leon and Paramore. UK music fans can apply for tickets for these, and all iTunes Festival concerts easily via the official app downloadable from the App Store or from iTunes on your computer.
Besides these two, Vampire Weekend, Rizzle Kicks and Sigur Ros also join the line up that boasts some already huge name artists. The iTunes Festival runs through the month of September at the Camden Roundhouse in North London, and all concerts will be available to view on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV.
- Free - Download Now
There is 1 comment. Add yours.
App is UK store only. This sucks cause I enjoyed it last summer. Does anyone know if its working on AppleTV still?

subset: commoncrawl


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I'm going to do the A-B-A routine 3 times a week for atleast a month and we'll see how it works out for me.
My first workout was a mixed one with both upper and lower body:
12-11-2010 Mixed workout
Bench press 85kg 6x2x2x2
Military press 50kg 6x2x2x2
Deadlift 120kg 6x2x2x2
Leg press 200kg 6x2x2x2
Pulldown 55kg 6x2x2x2
Welcome aboard, how come you opted for a mixed workout straight off?
A Westside journal.
'There are no layby's on the road to strength'
'The greatest pleasure in life is achieving things people said you could not achieve'
'He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man'
Weird to see the full-body workout...but it does look very well organized. I like the exercise selctions and the order you do them in. Very cool. How often do you plan to do that each week?
Off Road Journal
AtLarge Nutrition Supplements Get the best supplements and help support Wannabebig!


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This is the best scrub I have ever used, hands down! I stumbled upon this at Sally's about a month ago and I am 110% satisfied with it. The granules in the scrub are on the small/finer side and are gentle (to me) but you can make it "rougher" but scrubbing harder. My skin is baby butt smooth after every use. I use this every other day and I have had no problems. This has not made me break out, and the smell is very pleasant. The scrub is actually quite moisturizing too. You can't beat the price either! 3 bucks! And a little goes a long way. I will buy this over and over! I only wish the top was a flip-top and not a screw off one but I can live with it. If you like the mint julep mask (or even if you dont) give this a shot. you won't be disappointed!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
Very, very, very nice facial scrub. It is definately not to rough, and it does not leave my skin dry. And it smells really good! Would definately buy it again. And it is very cheap for the amount of product you get!
I love Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, so I picked up the matching scrub at Sally's today hoping it would be just as good. It was on sale, so I only paid $2.99, a LOT cheaper than other scrubs and cleansers I've bought in the past. I don't really like the smell, it's a weird minty scent. Reminds me of the dentists office. The packaging is annoying because it has a screw top which is inconvenient. What's inside, however, is pretty good. This is a gritty, but gentle scrub; one that you can use daily without irritation. Feels nice, and assures that all the little flakes and dead skin cells have been washed away. Not quire sure if it's an HG product, but so far so good.
I have heard SO many good things about this product, so I decided to try it, and I'm glad I did. Totally worth the hype it's given. I found this in Bed Bath and Beyond for $4.99, and who can beat that price...? It actually works, and it leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean, and bright looking. I will be purchasing this again and again and again :)
I looked high and low for this product in Canada and could not find it anywhere, till I went to my local health food store, and there it was! I was so excited. Needless to say, I rushed home to try it and see what all the hype was about, now I understand. This is a good mask, cleans great and left my skin feeling good - a perfect prep to my sunless tanner. Oh, and got to love that price!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
FANTASTIC! Just wish it was more widely available to buy in the UK. It costs about £9 (15 USD) to get it over here, which is annoying as I know it's much cheaper in the US. I tried this product after reading all the rave reviews on here and I'm so pleased I did. It works fantastic on my fair, sensitive, dry/combo skin and my DH loves it too, using it on his oily/acne prone skin. The smell is really pleasant, refreshing and it exfoliates without scratching the skin too much, but enough to remove flakey patches of skin on my nose and cheeks. I use it every other day in the shower before my facial cleanser/wash, as does my DH and we're on our 4th tube of the stuff! Possibly my HG facial exfoliator, but I'd like to try some of the other QH facial scrubs first before I award it with that title.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I love this scrub. I use this nearly everyday, and have noticed SUCH an improvement in my skin. Unlike other scrubs, this one is not full of super harsh bits and chunks that feel like they are doing more harm than good. I find the scrubbies in this to be similar to those in the Aveeno scrub (small, gentle, effective w/o being harsh). I've always like the Aveeno more than other DS brands, but I also wanted more than the Aveeno could offer... I just wasn't sure what that "more" was until I tried this. WOW! It has been amazing. And I love the tingle this minty scrub gives. Pair this with the masque 2-3 times a week, and you've got a real winner!
I wanted to get the masque but my sallys only had this product. I really like it, it is gentle on the skin, smells great and make my skin feels nice. A lot of scrubs are too abrasive and this one isn't, I don't feel like I am ripping my skin off which is always nice. The packaging could be made better with a flip top,but it's not a big deal. Would repurchase.
Great product, great price and it works. I love to use the mint facial scrub with my gentle Buf Put and the the mint masque. This product feels nice on your skin, has just the right amount of "grit" and it's a great value. I always have a tube on this on hand if I feel like a "mint" beauty day.
I've been visiting this site for about a year, but actually never left a review before. However, upon using this face scrub, I just felt like I had to share my experiences with it.
I've never had that many problems with my complexion, I've tried a few facial cleansers but none have ever seemed to do anything for me. I picked this up at Sallys on a sort of whim, I had started getting a few random pimples and wanted to try something that would cleanse a little deeper. After just the first time using it, I noticed how much BRIGHTER my face looked. It seriously glows after using it, which my face has never done. Also my face has never felt so soft, even after a serious work out with my face covered it sweat - my face still felt soft. Plus, it smells so good. I'm literally shocked at how much it's done for my face, especially considering how cheap it is.
Definitely will repurchase. If you're on the fence about it, it's definitely worth a try!


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Availability: Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
Deluxe RoomMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children)
Room, Ocean ViewMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children)
SuiteMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children)
A modern take on the classic beach hotel, moments from the ocean
Beach within blocks
Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica is 2 blocks from the civic center, 4 blocks from the beach, 5 blocks from trendy Third Street Promenade, and 6 blocks from the famed Santa Monica Pier.
Rooftop ballroom
The Delfina Ballroom offers panoramic views 9 stories up and a dance floor for weddings and other events. This Santa Monica hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and a complimentary fitness room.
Signature comfort
These Santa Monica guestrooms and suites reflect an authentic and contemporary California style, and offer welcoming room amenities.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica Amenities
- General
This hotel is 4 blocks from the beach, 6 blocks from the Santa Monica Pier, and 8 miles from Beverly Hills.
The nine-story Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica has a rooftop ballroom for 250 guests that offers panoramic views of the city and ocean. The hotel has a conference center and 9 meeting rooms. Room service is available for breakfast right through to a late-night snack.
Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access is available.
Guests have complimentary access to an outdoor heated swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness center that offers cardio equipment with personal TVs. Bicycles can be rented on site.
- Luggage storage
- Number of meeting rooms - 9
- Room service
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Number of buildings/towers - 2
- Pool cabanas (surcharge)
- Pool sun loungers
- 24-hour fitness facilities
- Conference center
- Outdoor pool
- ATM/banking
- Bar/lounge
- Conference space
- 24-hour front desk
- Porter/bellhop
- Express check-out
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Multilingual staff
- Total number of rooms - 310
- Number of floors - 9
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Restaurant
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee shop or café
- Concierge services
- Elevator/lift
- Meeting rooms
- Smoke-free property
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Wireless Internet access (surcharge) , Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
Available in some public areas: Free Wi-Fi , Free wired high-speed Internet
- Parking
Valet parking (surcharge)
- Room Amenities
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Down comforter
- Phone
- Private bathroom
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
- Premium TV channels
- Video-game console
- Pay movies
- Climate control
- Premium bedding
- Desk
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Iron/ironing board
- Coffee/tea maker
- Air conditioning
- Daily housekeeping
- Hair dryer
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Shower/tub combination
- Cable TV service
- Wireless Internet access (surcharge)
- Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
- Dining
Longitude Bar and Restaurant - Located near the Le Méridien Hub, offering signature cocktails and American fare in different atmospheres defined by music, lighting, and service.
Zest Kitchen - Serves French cuisine and offers grab-and-go service featuring eclectic coffees by Illy and locally produced pastries, breads, tarts, and breakfast cakes. State-of-the-art computer portals feature free wireless Internet access. Open for breakfast and lunch.
- Recreation
The Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica offers an outdoor swimming pool with sundeck. A complimentary fitness center features cardio equipment with personal TVs.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel in the surrounding Los Angeles area; fees may apply.
- Mountain biking nearby
- Skydiving nearby
- Ecotours nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
- Segway rental/tour nearby
- Bicycle rentals on site
- Boat tours nearby
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Surfing/boogie boarding nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
- Accessibility
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Accessibility equipment for the deaf
- Braille or raised signage
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Minimum check-in age is 21
- Check-out
Check-out time is noon
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: JCB International, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
- Pets
Pets allowed, Only dogs are allowed, Maximum number of pets per room 1, Pet maximum weight in lb is 40
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 15.00 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)
- Fee for in-room high-speed Internet (wired): USD 15.00 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)
- Valet parking fee: USD 32 per day
- Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per stay (maximum USD 100 per stay)
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 25 per stay
- Additional Details
Children 17 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. The property allows pets in specific rooms only and has other pet restrictions (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- Details
Go Green and Save
Book a stay in any room type and receive the following:
- US$10 discount from valet parking when driving a hybrid vehicle or complimentary self parking (based on availability)
- US$35 credit applied to room rate when driving a hybrid vehicle or when using mass transit to travel to the hotel


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You have chosen to sponsor your bid up to a maximum amount of .
Project Description:
We already made this app for Android and blackberry using java and shall be giving source codes and files to developer. we want freelancer to make Iphone/Ipad version of app. Java source code and all graphics will be made available.
1) App will send sms via our API to phone contacts, call log, group via API
2) Inbox, outbox draft with options to forward/reply
3) Check balance
4) Auto reply sms based on keyword
5) Alert when sms is received with option to reply/forward
6) Compose sms will have scheduling and counter
7) Nice interface with icons


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Lance Dewease Takes Back Top Spot with OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
by Robert Cortum - O'Reilly All Star Public Relations
(Camergo, IL) The battle between Lance Dewease and Dale Blaney just got a little tighter. As Dewease left the Butler Battlegrounds with the $5,000 check and victory, he took with him a 3 point lead.
The O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions season championship will pay $50,000 to the winner in 2008. Dewease is in search of his first title with the series while Blaney is looking to cash in on his 3rd career series title.
Both drivers represent well their sprint car rich states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Dewease's home state of Pennsylvania will feature the All Stars at Lernerville on Friday, August 29th, while Blaney's stomping grounds of Ohio will welcome the series twice this coming weekend. Saturday, August 30th, will be Attica Raceway Park and Sunday, August 31st, the series heads to Hilltop Speedway near Millersburg, Ohio.
Stay tuned to the hottest battle in the country by visiting allstarsprint.com.
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What is a safe amount of weight to lose in a month?
I want to lose weight, but have been cautioned to do it in a safe way-- so what is a safe amount of weight to lose in a month? or do I just need to be losing it in a safe way meaning good diet and exercise and not worry about losing it too fast?NicGrahamCracker by:
by: CharlieW77
I've heard that 1-2 pounds is the safest amount to lose in a given week,
Looking into it some more, I've found that 1-2 pounds is recommended mostly because it's an attainable goal to set each week. The point is to set reasonable goals that you can reach, otherwise if you set an unrealistic goal and you don't reach it week after week, you may get discouraged and quit because "what's the point?" might set in.
by: KateHough
Your rate of weight loss depends on your current body composition. Obese people tend to lose weight faster in the first few weeks of a nutrition and exercise program, as their bodies deflate due to losing a combination of water weight and fat. As you begin to put on more muscle, you may find your pants are fitting better, but you are not losing weight very fast. That's ok. Overall, your improved health and losing inches off your body is a better indication of success than weight lost.
by: clynnsky
Like others said 1-2 pounds per week is the best. You tend to gain weight back quicker if you lose a lot at one time. It's more unrealistic I guess. You definetly want to loose it in a safe way too though, diet pills are only temporary weight loss and that's if they even really work. You can do if you just set your mind to it!
by: michaelk
Some people caution us like that because they are afraid we will thrive and blossom and make them question themselves. I would not worry too much.
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Search for exciting venues and eventsFind a Venue
If you need advice or help finding venues or event suppliers, use our free helpline service.
Despite the recession, the spa industry shows no sign of slowing down. Suzanne Archer discovers that combining meetings with massages can have huge benefits for corporate groups
In a year when it's hard enough to convince your boss to boost the budget for the Christmas party, campaigning for a group spa trip might seem a bridge too far. But far from being an unnecessary indulgence, a few hours spent relaxing in a spa can not only help to de-stress employees and improve staff health but also present opportunities for client bonding in a more informal environment. In turn, a hotel stands to benefit hugely from having a spa: a high-end luxurious offering can improve the hotel's reputation and ensure it becomes a destination in its own right. 'You need to take a long-term view when investing in a spa,' says Sarah Ward, editorial director of European Spa Magazine. 'It's not all about an instant return on investment; rather a spa represents a huge USP in terms of attracting the corporate events market.' A recent industry survey commissioned by the Global Spa Summit estimated Europe alone has more than 22,000 day and stay spas, which generate $18bn (£11bn) in revenue. And as spas become more mainstream, that growth is predicted to continue. 'These days, any top hotel without a spa is behind the times and will have to fight harder to hold on to its market share,' claims Ward.
While it's true that a spa will always feel like a luxurious treat (and so it should), it's not all about self-indulgence. 'The brain gets overworked at conferences and the need for wind-down time is key,' says Noella Gabriel, director of product and treatment for award-winning spa and skincare brand Elemis. 'Chilling out in a spa can stimulate the creative thought process, benefiting delegates' overall performance. And of course, specific treatments can also help to reduce stress.' Anna Dowling, managing director of The Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa in St Helier, points out that a break from business is now more important than ever. 'Corporates are under more pressure at the moment, while at the same time people are taking better care of themselves than they have in the past, and taking a proactive approach to their health,' she maintains. 'A spa is therefore a major trigger point in a company's decision to purchase.'
'Stress is such a massive problem within companies now that managers can justify adding a holistic side to a corporate event,' agrees Cathy Ball, spa director at Calcot Manor in the Cotswolds, quoting one client who told her: 'I don't care how bad things get – this is the last thing I'll give up.' At a time when stress levels are rocketing, looking at a spa stay as a form of preventative healthcare and a way of motivating staff becomes a persuasive argument. 'Stress has reached pandemic proportions worldwide and never more so than in the corporate arena,' says Sarah Ward. 'Therefore, hotels that can provide first-class spa services as part of their overall corporate package can really offer a point of difference when it comes to business bookings.'
Haralambos Stavrou, director of event organisers Beyond Certainty, recently organised an off-site at The Grand Jersey for a client who specifically requested a half-day of treatments in the spa as a way for execs to wind down following two intensive days of meetings. 'We created a menu beforehand in conjunction with the spa so treatments could be chosen in advance,' says Stavrou. 'Bathrobes and Elemis products were waiting in their rooms on arrival and the hotel drafted in extra therapists as well as setting up a nail bar specifically for our group. The spa's flexibility was a key factor in our decision-making process and the group left feeling as if they'd really been looked after.'
With expectations riding high, it's not surprising that every four- or five-star hotel is scrambling to open a new spa that's bigger and better than the competition, or speeding up plans to refurbish an existing one. A spa with at least an indoor pool and steam room or sauna is fast becoming as standard a requirement as free Wi-Fi. 'People are looking for five-star spa facilities ahead of a quality restaurant these days,' says Gabriel.
At luxury resort Fairmont St Andrews, £2.5m of last year's £17m investment programme was spent on the spa. It's proved a popular choice with corporate groups ever since. 'A spa is an absolute necessity if you want to compete in the five-star market,' says the hotel's GM Charles Head. 'The main reason we expanded the treatment rooms from seven to 12 was because we didn't previously have the capacity to support the corporate and incentive market.' The spa also has treatment rooms designed specifically for men, with flatscreen TVs and wireless headsets, as well as a private suite of three therapy rooms with a relaxation lounge for small groups.
At the Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa in St Helier, whose spa was named UK Residential Spa of the Year (11 Treatment Rooms or Under) at this year's Professional Beauty Awards, Dowling certainly hasn't seen any downturn in spa bookings as a result of the recession. On the contrary, demand is exceeding supply, despite the spa having launched just seven months ago. 'We have six treatment rooms and six therapists but I'm looking at recruiting double the number of therapists this year,' she says.
Over at Pennyhill Park in Surrey, an expansive 45,000sq ft spa with 22 treatment rooms and eight indoor and outdoor pools has seen spa bookings rise by 15-20%. This is no doubt in part thanks to the hotel's focus on tailoring treatments to guest requirements. 'When corporate groups come to us they are often pressed for time, so we send therapists to the meeting rooms to give oil-free Indian head massages during breaks and little energisers before meetings, such as a yoga session or mini back massage,' says general manager Julian Tomlin, who adds that it's not unusual to look out of the restaurant at breakfast to see a group of 15 delegates doing Tai Chi on the lawn. If you're lucky, you may also spot members of the English Rugby Union team, which has signed up to use the hotel as its training base until 2012. Though the team has its own private gym, you could well be sharing a swimming pool with Phil Vickery or sweating it out in the tepidarium with Paul Sackey.
An ongoing concern for many spas (and an issue to bear in mind if you're planning a corporate spa visit) is how to balance the demands of three key groups: hotel residents, non-residents on day spa packages and local health club members. 'In our experience, the sector that books the furthest ahead is conference and group clients, so they usually secure first priority within the spa; after that we can top up the bookings from our local membership group or non-residential spa days,' says Charles Head.
The ability to slow business down or speed it up makes an experienced spa director such as Cathy Ball a valuable person to know. 'We can control numbers and footfall in the spa to ensure that
corporate groups always have enough space and time,' she says. 'For example, I would advise groups to come in August when a lot of the local membership base is on holiday. We have also introduced a
weekend-only membership, so out of 500, only 200 of our members have access to the spa during the week. Additionally, if I know a group is booked in, I'll limit day spa packages on those weekdays.'
Ball adds that she is looking at getting a freelance pool of therapists whom she can draw on at late notice during busy times – something which larger venues such as The Grand Jersey already have
in place.
If you have a large group on a residential package, it's worth taking a look at the ratio of treatment rooms to bedrooms to give you an idea of how busy the spa is likely to be. Pennyhill Park, for instance, provides a generous 22 treatment rooms to 123 bedrooms, and Stobo Castle an impressive 40 to 42 bedrooms. It's difficult to give a standard recommendation (a spa is as much about its relaxation areas, thermal suites and pools as the number of treatment rooms) but a good rule of thumb is to look for one treatment room per 20 bedrooms. More important is to book ahead as far as possible rather than waiting until your group checks in before reserving treatment slots.
Competition between spas is fierce, not only in terms of the number of treatment rooms and product lines, but the design and interior of the spa itself. 'The challenge is to invest wisely and carefully when creating a spa to ensure that it delivers a memorable spa experience to your chosen market,' says Ward. 'A great spa has potential to bring new life to a hotel or resort's existing offer as well as new business.'
Health journalist Jo Foley, in her book Great Spa Escapes, agrees, stating that 'spas are often at the forefront of hotel excellence in design and service'. It's certainly true that a no-expenses-spared spa, with some unusual design features, can make a name for a hotel and add to its reputation. Think of The Grove, famous for its black-tiled mosaic pool; Pennyhill Park's thermal suite, the most advanced in the UK; The Berkeley's rooftop pool; or The Forum Spa at Celtic Manor, which boasts the largest hydrotherapy bath in Europe. Even small touches, such as being able to select different styles of music in your treatment room (a recent introduction at The Dorchester), can turn a good experience into an outstanding one.
Martin Hulbert of Fox Linton Associates, the designer behind the multi-million-pound revamp of The Dorchester, believes that a spa should reflect the nature of the property it's attached to. At The Dorchester, the art deco theme is a nod to the heritage of the hotel, built in 1931, while Coworth Park, the latest Dorchester Collection property due to open in summer 2010, will have a more organic, contemporary feel. 'All eight treatment rooms will look out over the surrounding parkland and benefit from natural light,' explains Hulbert. The spa aims to be the first carbon-neutral eco-luxury spa in the UK, with a 'living roof' to grow herbs for treatments and treatment rooms with walls made from hemp. In an ever-growing eco-aware market, these sorts of details are bound to attract corporates with a green conscience.
Similarly, Wiltshire retreat Lucknam Park has worked on bringing the outside in, with the launch of its ambitious new spa last November. 'We tucked the spa away within the walled garden of the hotel grounds, with a glass roof over the pool and a glazed wall overlooking the distant fields,' says project architect Carolyn Merrifield of Holder Mathias Architects. Nice to note, however, that as plans surged ahead to fulfil the owner's dream of making Lucknam Park a world-class hotel spa, guests were kept very much in mind. 'The managing director Harry Murray was always focused on the client experience, keeping a keen eye on practical issues such as how to get behind unusual design features to clean them, disabled access and keeping us down to earth on the more fantastical design elements,' says Merrifield.
It's not always possible to take over an entire spa exclusively as local members need to retain access, but larger spas will often offer private treatment suites coupled with relaxation rooms for small groups. If you're looking to treat important clients, the InterContinental London Park Lane, following its £76m revamp last year, has opened London's first 'spa bedroom'. Stay overnight in a junior suite opening on to an adjoining private spa suite complete with massage table, wet room and relaxation area, with therapists from the hotel's Elemis spa at your beck and call. You can also hire the suite alone for four hours.
Elsewhere, Northamptonshire's Fawsley Hall has just opened a new spa in a former coach house which offers an ideal self-contained space for small groups of six. Its Grayshott Studio Spa, sister of the famous Grayshott Hall in Surrey, has six treatment rooms and above them, six guest bedrooms (which can be made into twins or doubles), as well as its own private garden. 'We found that converting our former stables into a self-contained conference and banqueting venue was really popular with the corporate market so we wanted to ensure the spa had the same level of privacy,' says general manager Brian Garside.
This article first appeared in Square Meal Venues & Events magazine, summer 2009


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If your child is dehydrated, it means that he doesn't have as much fluid in his body as he needs. Children are more prone to dehydration than adults, and it can happen if your child takes in less fluid than he loses through vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or sweating. Dehydration can be mild and easily corrected, moderate, or severe and life threatening.
Any of these signs could indicate that your child is dehydrated or is becoming dehydrated:
Signs that your preschooler may be seriously dehydrated:
Children can quickly become dangerously dehydrated, so if you think your child shows signs of serious dehydration, take him to the emergency room immediately. He may need to receive liquids through an intravenous (IV) tube until he's rehydrated.
If you're concerned but don't think your child is seriously dehydrated, give his doctor a call for advice. She may want to see your child to make sure he's okay. If she decides that he's mildly dehydrated, she'll probably just instruct you to give him plenty of water and other liquids that he normally drinks. But it's also possible that she'll suggest a special liquid to replenish the water and salts (electrolytes) that his body has lost.
Electrolyte liquids are available in most pharmacies. Pedialyte, Infalyte, and ReVital are some of the name-brand products. (Ask your pharmacist about generic brands, too.) Don't substitute sports drinks such as Gatorade. Although they do contain electrolytes, sports drinks have a higher concentration of sugar than the electrolyte liquids that are specifically made to help rehydrate children.
Not all kids appreciate the taste of electrolyte liquids, so if your child refuses to drink them, be sure to ask your doctor about alternatives. Increase the amounts of the liquids he normally drinks as well.
It's important to make sure your preschooler drinks plenty of fluids, especially on very hot days and when he's ill. Offer your child water frequently, but don't overdo the juice. If your child enjoys juice, you might try diluting it with water to make it go further. (So if he drinks 6 ounces of juice a day, for example, you could dilute it to make 12 ounces of liquid.)
Don't give your child carbonated drinks, though, as they're terrible for his teeth. And remember, once your child becomes dehydrated, he's lost electrolytes as well as water, so he may need a special liquid to replace them.
Be especially alert to symptoms of dehydration under these circumstances:


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Elma Round Tray
Complete the look with: Tam Small Dip Bowl, Tam Small Dip Bowl, Tam Medium Dip Bowl
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Carhartt Hats: Heavy Brushed Cotton Cap A127DKB
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about Todd FlowerdayA Roman Catholic lay person, married (since 1996), with one adopted child (since 2001). I serve in worship and spiritual life in a midwestern university parish.
about John Donaghy
John is a lay missionary since 2007 with a parish in western Honduras. Before that he served in campus ministry and social justice ministry in Iowa. His ministry blog is http://hermanojuancito.blogspot.com
He also blogs reflections on the lectionary and saints/heroes/events of the date at http://walktheway.wordpress.com
He'll be a long-term contributor here analyzing the Latin American bishops' document from their 2007 Aparecida Conference.
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Category Archives: constellations
Camelopardalis: Inside the Spots
I did not stay up to view the rocky debris that appeared to originate from the northern sky the other night. Universe Today has this detailed report from Minnesota. The Camelopardalid meteor shower may be new, but I have known … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations, Scripture Leave a comment
Looking Up At Two Crosses
Did you know there are two crosses in Earth's sky? This image from Astronomy Picture of the Day today captures both of them. But you have to get as far south as Hawaii. We talked about one of the crosses … Continue reading
The Fish Enthrone a King
King of the planets, that is. If you are looking up in the night sky these days at that bright object high in the sky, behold Jupiter. It's well placed for viewing, being on the opposite side of the sun … Continue reading
Getting Bullish on Star Clusters
Astronomers now believe that most stars are formed in clusters. Giant interstellar clouds of gas and dust produce dozens to hundreds of stars in fairly close associations. Then over millions of years, these families become more diffuse as the gravity … Continue reading
The Dogs of Winter
Last night was an amazingly good night for skywatching. The (earthbound) dog and I went for a walk a few blocks from the house. Temperature was in the teens and a bitter wind was cutting into my coat from the … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations, My Family Leave a comment
Chasing Rabbits
The family dog and I have been enjoying (or enduring) nightly walks this winter, usually when I get home from an evening meeting or before I go to bed. We live in a curious neighborhood a bit over a mile … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations, My Family 1 Comment
Two At The Foot of the Cross
Tammy Plotner writes at Universe Today today: Summertime conjures up great images of enjoying a double dip ice cream cone, and what more wonderful way to enjoy than with two flavors? Would you like to have some fun while the … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations 1 Comment
Crab Holding The Beehive
We took a break from packing last night and went to the astronomy society's public opening for Summer '08. The Powell Observatory is an amazing site to visit. It houses our club's telescopes and a 30-seat room for weekly presentations … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations 2 Comments
Ara: Altar of Wonder
The little-known constellation of the altar (Latin: Ara) might be a traditionalist's favorite, if you can navigate the scorpion's sting. Before worshipping, consider this altar was commissioned by the pagan gods of Olympus to commemorate their victory over the mythological … Continue reading
Sagittarius: Your New Year's Sun Sign, But Not Mine
In astrology, the sun sign rules. Presumably, it is the constellation in which the sun was found on one's day of birth. But traditional astrology has never benefitted from something like a church council, which would resolve the problem of … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations 1 Comment
Perseus Holds A Comet
Comet 17P/Holmes is now visible for Northern Hemisphere stargazers. On Wednesday this week some outburst from this two-mile-wide body kicked up its brightness from magnitude 17 to nearly 2, a factor of about a half-million. Chris Peterson of Cloudbait Observatory … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations 4 Comments
Ursa Major: Biblical Constellation
How many of the eighty-eight constellations are mentioned in the Bible? Ursa Major, the "Great Bear" is one of them: Job (9.9) asks: (W)ho made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south(?) And later God … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations 3 Comments
Ursa Minor: Magnitude Guide
The constellation Ursa Minor (Little Bear for those who prefer the vernacular) contains Polaris, the star which will point you north–if you have a mostly cloudless night. It also contains a helpful guidepost for judging the magnitudes of other stars … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations 2 Comments
Ophiuchus and the Holy Cross
Before the Liturgy of the Word at the school Mass, our pastor asked the kids to listen for mention of any reptiles in the readings today. During the homily, as he preached on the feast and drew in the notion … Continue reading
Posted in Astronomy, constellations, spirituality Leave a comment
The Dolphin Leaps in Dark Skies
Saturday night at the astronomy club, I was introduced to a constellation you just can't see in a city, Dephinus, the dolphin. Even Brittany agreed it looked like a leaping dolphin when I pointed it out. In dark skies, it … Continue reading


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April 2015
Sporting clays is a shotgun shooting game in which clay pigeons are presented to the gunner in ways that mirror the flight pattern of game birds, or occasionally rabbits, in their natural habitats. Sporting clays is exciting and challenging. Its popularity coming from England. The shooting grounds are laid out in stations (also called stands) with each station representing one type of bird or a combination of game: a rabbit and a grouse.
Join us for the Annual Sporting Clays Tournament to support the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America's Scouting programs for at-risk youth. Based on last year's demand, we have expanded to include 100 teams.
Registration | Location | Team Levels | Rules | Scoring
Schedule | Live and Silent Auction | Where Does Money Go? | Committee
Registration will open in early spring.
We are currently researching a new venue for the 2015 event, due to Rio Brazos closing in the fall of 2014.
The Sam Houston Area Council's Annual Sporting Clays Event uses four (4) person Team format. Teams can be made up of male, female, youth, adult, pro class shooters, beginner shooters, or combination.
Eagle Team ($5,000) includes 1-4 person team, golf cart, 1 hour of Sporting Clays instruction the morning of the shoot, ½ page ad in the event program, website listing for six (6) months, 2'x3' banner on the course, special recognition item for each member of the team, and 1-4 person team in the Fall Top Gun Shoot.
Life Team ($3,000) includes 1-4 person team, golf cart, ¼ page ad in the event program, website listing for three (3) months, 18"x24" Station Sponsor sign, recognition item, and 2 shooters in the Fall Top Gun Shoot.
Star Team ($2,000) include 1-4 person teams, golf cart, company name in the event program, recognition item.
First Class shooters ($500) are individual shooters and will receive recognition item.
We will be using the Lewis class system for scoring the event and will award trophies for 1st and 2nd place for AA Class, A Class, B Class, C Class and D Class. Team and individual team member awards will be given for 1st and 2nd place in each of these classes.
We are going to have one flight and 100 clays per shooter. We will offer a delicious lunch and light dinner, after the shoot, along with the silent and live auction. The tentative schedule is as follows:
There are large live and silent auctions at the event. Over $75,000.00 worth of merchandise will be auctioned off. In the past, items in the auction included golf outings, hunting trips to local lodges, a week at a Colorado condo with airfare, a week in Napa Valley and the California Redwoods with airfare, a dove hunting trip to Argentina with airfare, and much more. It is truly an auction that you will not want to miss.
Raffle Packages: $100 and $250 raffle packages are available; raffle items typically include many guns(of all types), art work, golf certificates, restaurant gift certificates, and much more. Come prepared to participate in a top flight raffle and you may go home with a new shotgun of your dreams!
Auction Donation Form
Funds raised from the annual Sam Houston Area Council BSA Sporting Clays Event go to support the Scouting program in the Greater Houston Area. Scouting teaches self-reliance, strength of purpose and conviction of character. These are the values that have guided the Sam Houston Area Council over the years. While there are many youth organizations, including sports, service clubs, fitness and educational programs that help young people, Scouting goes above and beyond by providing activities that:
- Graduate from college (35% versus 19%)
- Earn higher annual household incomes ($80,000 versus $61,000)
- Have lifelong friendships (89% versus 74%)
- Attend religious services (87% versus 77%)
- Believe helping other should come before one's own self interest (92% versus 83%)
- Over the past 16 years this event has raised close to $2 million dollars to support the Scouting program in the Greater Houston area.
- Graduate from high school (91% versus 87%)
Mike Kasecky – Schlumberger
Steve Leyh – Leyh, Payne & Mallia, PLLC
Rick Benavides
Michael Blake – Knights of Columbus
Dan Bowen – OfficeMax
Greg Christmann – Green Bank
Harold Christmann – Christmann & Company
John Crafton – Mobilease
Mark DeVaney – Amegy Bank
Cletus Dodd – Greenbriar Partners
Ken Fickes – Harris County
Dave Golder – PetroNeft Resources, PL
Jim Goolsby – Tauber Oil Company
Mike Greer – Greer Auction Services
Shad Higdon – Deloitte
Harry Leach – Capital Certified Development Corp.
Miles Milton - Northern Trust
Mark Romanchock - Pan Atlantic Exploration Company
Wendel Skolaski - Cadence Bank
Kelly Stephens – Law Office of Kelly Stephens
Richard Tauber – Tauber Oil Company
Autumn Waska – Costline Logistics, LLC
Dane Webb – Raymond James and Associates
Dave Weaver - Petrolink
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If the NFL wants to play at Dodger Stadium, Frank McCourt could be the sole landlord.
In any case, the value of the Dodgers sale could exceed $3 billion.
Those details were included in previously unreleased provisions of the sale agreement between McCourt and the Dodgers' new owners, Guggenheim Baseball Management. The Los Angeles Superior Court last week denied Guggenheim's request to keep those provisions secret; The Times obtained a financial summary of the deal Wednesday.


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Alive for a playoff spot just a few weeks ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seen their aspirations of a playoff berth after a 4-12 season in 2011 disappear in quick fashion. And as the team limps to the finish, including Sunday's loss to the St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay fans are reconsidering the change they thought they saw in the team when things looked far brighter.
Over at Bucs Nation, the bloggers were pretty clear about their disappointment in the direction of the team in the waning weeks of the season.
Greg Schiano's culture change hasn't produced the results he wanted at the end of the season. The secondary simply isn't good enough, while Josh Freeman has been too inconsistent. The Bucs had chances to win games this season, as they did today, but they came up short just a little too often.
Josh Freeman again fell short of expectations, throwing four interceptions, but the bloggers didn't pin all of the blame on Freeman.
Freeman's four interceptions on the game weren't all his fault, as Mike Williams fell down on one and then ran a bad route on another. ... But interceptions are interceptions, and you can't win games when you turn the ball over four times.
Elsewhere, there was a bright spot in the Bucs second-half defense, as the defense stepped up just as the offense showed signs of a comeback attempt. But as it did all day, it fell short.
The defense got two consecutive three-and-outs, and Josh Freeman found Mike Williams for a weaving 61-yard touchdown catch-and-run. The very next drive, the Bucs managed to drive all the way down to the five-yard line, but a failed fourth-down quarterback sneak saw them come away with no points.


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Commentary by Katie BarrySubscribe via Email or RSS | Biography
February 14, 2009
Sir Ken Robinson in Seattle
At the end of January I had the opportunity to see creativity and innovation expert Sir Ken Robinson speak in Seattle. His new book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, talks about how adults (in his experience) don't know what their talents are - they don't know their "element."
Why is our element important? Three reasons:
Creativity is a process that our education systems can suck out of us as we're forced into a world of conformity and linearity. Education systems are based on "date of manufacture" – education is ruled by how old we are. The goal of these systems is to teach children to go to college and get jobs.
Sir Ken points out that we need to recognize that life is organic, it evolves - and we need to invest in our natural capacities that mimic the nature. Excellence is not standardization - it's about personalization and customization.
Note: If you haven't had the opportunity to see Sir Ken Robinson speak in person, check out this video from a TED presentation in 2006 on whether schools kill creativity. It's a well-spent 20 minutes (as I can safely state having just watched it yet again).
Comments [45] | Permalink
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The 's youth soccer league will kick off with a little more fanfare than usual this weekend.
Children participating in the league can show up between 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday morning at to find out their team assignments and engage in a league meet and greet, as well as participate in drills.
co-founder Kahra Buss, , said the league kickoff event will also feature a "soccer swap," where players will have the opportunity to bring in used equipment—cleats, shin guards, etc.—and trade it in for new used equipment.
Another new element of youth soccer this year will be the creation of the "Civility Awards." Each week, a player will be recognized with the award—created through a collaboration between the rec department and Live Civilly—for "acts of sportsmanship and civility," Buss explained.
"Coaches can nominate kids on their team or other teams," she said. "Part of the recreation philosophy is getting out there to play for the fun of it … and good sportsmanship.
"It's great to recognize the kids when they win. It's also great that Suzie helped another player up after she knocked her over."
Next Sunday, Sept. 23, will host, in partnership with Live Civilly, a "Give Back Night" from 5-8 p.m. at their Moorestown franchise on Nixon Drive. Buss said the event is set up as a friendly competition between the various youth soccer teams.
"The team with the greatest number of people that come in that night will win a complete team lunch" at the end of the season, she explained.
Perhaps more important is the fact that Jersey Mike's has pledged to donate 20 percent of the sales from that day to Live Civilly to support various community outreach programs, including the Ministerium Food Pantry and afterschool nutrition and education assistance programs held at the .
Parks and recreation director Theresa Miller said the department will be launching a new soccer program for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students on Saturday, Sept. 22—though if the department is still getting registrations, the start date could be postponed.
"Attendance is up in all the programs," said Miller, who mentioned the "overwhelming response" she got for the weekly soccer clinics that will be held at Jeff Young Park every Tuesday during the season. It was so popular, in fact, that the clinic is unfortunately filled up and they're not accepting new registrations, she said.
The youth soccer season starts on Sept. 22.


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ORNL's operating hot cells
Workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiochemical Engineering Development Center use advanced manipulators to process highly radioactive materials inside shielded hot cells. The hot cells operation is located adjacent to ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor east of the main campus, and it is among the facilities involved in a pilot project to produce quantities of plutonium-238 for the space power program. Irene Klotz of Discovery News has a story this week that talks about that program.


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Peter Jackson must have been nervous ahead of screening 12 minutes of his latest return to the blockbuster 'Lord Of The Rings' franchise, firstly because to return to of the most succesful film franchises ever would be a daunting task for any one, and second of all, because the last time he screened footage reviews were mixed.
Yet all that seems to be behind him now, as fans reportedly went wild for the screening of 'The Hobbit' at Comic-Con.
James White of Empire magazine described the fans as hysterical with joy, saying: "All in all it was something of a triumph for Jackson and his crew, with screaming from the crowd throughout and Justin Bieber levels of hysteria ...."
Jackson decided to screen the excerpt in 2D at 24 frames per second after complaints that his 3D 48 frames per second version (his preferred format) was too realistic, leaving the sets looking like sets.
PHOTOS: The scenery of Middle Earth


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July 23, 2014 4:45 pm
In an effort to preserve usable housing, the City of Ottumwa acquires title to derelict… more>>
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The City of Ottumwa has requested the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to reduce the… more>>
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Please join with the community in making important plans for the future of our riverfront.… more>>
June 10, 2014 11:37 am
The application forms for Auctioneers Licenses and for Peddlers/Transient Merchant Licenses are now available online… more>>
June 3, 2014 12:50 pm
Summertime means summer storms. Severe thunderstorms can pop up very quickly in the warmer months… more>>
May 6, 2014 1:23 pm
Ottumwa Trash and Recycling Customers are reminded that their weekly curbside collection allows for a… more>>
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Today's weather forecast: Freshly Roasted
It may rarely dip below 60 degrees in L.A. this winter, but there's more than enough ice to go around. Grab a date or pack up the kids for a day of skating at seasonal rinks around the city
Pershing Square Downtown on IceDowntown's 14th annual holiday celebration includes weekday lunchtime concerts, sing and skate shows at night, and the free Winter Holiday Festival on Dec. 10.
Dates and times:Nov. 17-Jan. 16: Monday-Thursday from 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.Special times Dec. 19-Jan. 6: Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Open 12 p.m.-10 p.m. on Christmas and New Year's Day.
Cost: $6 skating session. $2 skate rental.
Map | More info
Holiday Ice at L.A. LiveTake a twirl outdoors at Nokia Plaza before you dine at one of L.A. Live's 22 restaurants, see a performance, or catch a movie.
Dates and times: Nov. 26- Jan. 5. Monday-Friday from 5 p.m.-11 p.m.. Saturday and Sunday from 3p.m.-11 p.m..Beginning Dec. 17: 12p.m.-11 p.m. daily.
Cost: $12 for admission and skate rental.
Map | More info
ICE at Santa MonicaHead to Downtown Santa Monica's floral-patterned ice rink and "skate by the surf" to the tunes of live bands on Fridays or play broom ball after hours on Wednesdays.
Dates and times:Nov. 11-Jan. 16: Monday-Thursday from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday from 2 p.m. to midnight. Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.Special times Dec. 19-Jan. 6: Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Woodland Hills IceBring the kids straight from bed to the rink to skate in their jammies every Saturday morning, or put them in skating school and they'll be swizzling in no time.
Dates and times:Oct. 21-Feb. 5: Monday-Thursday from 1 p.m.-10 p.m.. Friday from 1 p.m. to midnight. Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight. Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.Holiday hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $12 for children. $13 for students/seniors. $15 for adults. Includes skate rental.
Chill Ice Rink at the WThe pool at the W Hotel in Westwood freezes over to form a small but swanky outdoor rink. During breaks, sip on cocktails or order food from the comfort of cabanas.
Dates and times: Nov. 18-Jan. 1: Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Dec. 3.
Cost: $10 for admission and skate rental.
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Following Wednesday reports that large retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores, Target Corp. and 7-Eleven are developing a mobile payment network, Wal-Mart confirmed on Thursday that a new company has been formed by Wal-Mart and other leading U.S. retailers to develop and deploy an m-commerce solution much like the Starbucks Square initiative that was announced last week.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it has introduced its first onsite large-scale wind turbine project, unveiled at its DC in Red Bluff, Calif.
Walmart has completed its 100th solar installation in California, at a store on College Avenue in San Diego.
Andrea Thomas, senior VP sustainability, Walmart, talked with Chain Store Age contributing editor Connie Gentry about what sustainability means at Walmart and how the company leverages its scale to make the biggest possible impact for global good.
Editor's note: No one could have predicted that a colossus was in the making when the very first Wal-Mart opened its doors on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Ark. Billed as the area's first "quality discount center," the store promised name brands and 22 departments, from jewelry and hobbies to ladies' wear and shoes.
Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon will provide an update on the company's U.S. business at the Morgan Stanley Retail and Restaurants Conference in Boston on May 23.
Walmart said it has launched a "Pay with Cash" service that offers cash payment options for online orders at Walmart.com in the United States.
In response to the New York Times article about compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Wal-Mart VP corporate communications, David Tovar on Tuesday made the following statement:
Wal-Mart Stores announced that its board of directors has nominated Marissa A. Mayer of Google Inc., for election as a new member of the company's board at Walmart's Annual Shareholders' Meeting on June 1, 2012.
Significant waste reduction and greater use of renewable energy are detailed in Walmart's just-released fifth annual Global Responsibility Report (GRR).
MSP Technology, Huntington, N.Y., a leader in the development of energy-efficient dehumidification and energy recovery technology, announced that it has furnished two 20,000 cfm roof-mounted dehumidification units to Walmart and Sam's Club supermarket locations in Puerto Rico.
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced $958.9 million in cash and in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012.
Walmart announced it has launched its Women in Factories program, a five-year initiative that will empower 60,000 women working in factories that supply products to Walmart and other retailers in India, Bangladesh, China and Central America.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter profit dropped 4.2% on higher costs, but its U.S. business continued to draw in more shoppers.
Walmart takes the top spot on a ranking of the most valuable U.S. retail brands from branding consultancy firm Interbrand.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it has named Greg Foran as president and CEO of Walmart China.
New York -- The NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y., has signed an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores to receive and analyze its U.S. point-of-sale data.
Under the terms of the agreement, NPD will receive sales data from Walmart U.S. stores and the retailer's Web site. The deal covers a broad range of general merchandise categories, but does not include beauty.
Wal-Mart Stores no longer is employing greeters during the overnight shift at its approximate 3,000 U.S. supercenters, Bloomberg reported.
Wal-Mart Stores announced a series of management changes that include an unexpected change in leadership at Sam's Club, and a new chief information officer.
Wal-Mart Stores said Monday that, on the eighth day of its "12 Days of Giving" Facebook campaign, it is awarding $140,000 to nine nonprofits aiding veterans, active members of the military and their families.
DLC Management Corp. announced a new deal signed with Wal-Mart Stores to open a 44,271-sq.-ft. Walmart Market at DLC's Bethesda Walk Shopping Center in Lawrenceville, Ga.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said that it has kicked off its "12 Days of Giving" campaign, awarding over $1.5 million to nonprofits that were nominated by Facebook users.
Wal-Mart Stores has acquired Australian tech start-up Grabble for an undisclosed amount.
Wal-Mart Stores said it will kick off the holiday season at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving with three Black Friday sale events.
A homeless man was charged with murder Thursday for a baseball bat attack on a 74-year-old Lakewood man in a Southern California Walmart, the Associated Press said.
Past Issues


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Outside My Window: Chickadees are searching the undergrowth for food.
I'm Thinking About: How much my children still love Curious George.
What's Cooking: French Toast for lunch and Turkey a la King for dinner.
On My Nightstand: All the Pretty Hearses (Daheim) and The Barker Street Regulars (Conant).
Music of My Day: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Albums.
Around the House: Re-trimming tiny Christmas trees and hanging fresh garland outside.
I'm Wishing: I could knit when my children are around (they have a cat-like attraction to yarn & needles.)


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An article from Leah Hyslop in the Telegraph entitled, "Cheaper to Uprate Frozen Pensions," caught my eye recently. The piece highlights nicely the current campaign being waged by the Pension Parity and the International Consortium of British Pensioners(ICBP) to uprate frozen British expat pensions .
Quoting from a report commissioned by ICBP as part of their new "hearts and minds" strategy Ms Hyslop highlights some interesting facts relating to pensioners in the UK, their plans for retirement and the actual cost to the British Government of introducing pension parity for all overseas based UK pensioners.
For me an even more interesting revelation is the "savings" a British Government actually makes from pensioners who live overseas in their retirement. This is what John Markham, director of UK Parliamentary affairs for the ICBP has to say:
"Every person who retires abroad saves the Government around £4,000 per year, and we estimate that around 7,000 people retire to countries where pensions are frozen every year. This number would clearly increase if the freeze was lifted. The report suggests that if all pensions were uprated, the Government could save £31 billion over the next 15 years, compared with only £33 billion if they weren't uprated.
"Essentially, these are vast numbers, which I don't think the Government understands or recognises. It's not simply the case that these people, many of whom made national insurance contributions their whole working life, deserve to have their pensions unfrozen: it makes economic sense too."
If John's figures are correct and I am sure they are, then personally I do believe we have a very good case for some Government action. A government that incidentally came to power pledging to get the countries finances in order.
You can help support the campaign to win the UK Governments hearts and minds by visiting the Pension Parity(ICBP) web site and discovering what you as an individual can do. If you have a British Expats orientated web site you might also like to display the Pension parity banner(in the side bar) with links to the relevant site.


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Paulo Navy Suede Fall 2013
Product DescriptionPaulo is an adorable moccasin infused with some serious style! It's in the details with Paulo - smart gray and blue ribbon woven into the strap and fanciful cream stitching over the front of the shoe, all featured on lovely navy suede. Paulo is your urban cow kid, a little country and a little city!
• supple suede exterior
• comfy and breathable insole
• easy on-off Velcro closure for a just-right fit
• padded collars for comfort
• this style is available on our Turf sole in sizes 4-9 and on our Wavy Sole in sizes 10-4Y


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Photo-Age Deep-Action Exfoliating Cleanser
Immediately breaks apart surface discolorations and stimulates cells to restore fresh, even-toned skin. Creamy, exfoliating cleanser with gently rounded scrub grains.
Salicylic Acid
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VAI-tuh'-mihn SEE
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The annual Orange Crush beach party is expected to take place on Tybee Island this weekend. Loosely organized through social media, it's rarely certain exactly when the event will take place. There has also been talk of it happening on April 20th because it's traditionally happened later in April. A local group worked with Tybee's Mayor late last year following citizen complaints after the 2012 event. They tried to plan an organized event, but their permit request was turned down by Tybee City Council. Instead, the organizers have planned parties for both Friday night and Saturday night, taking place away from Tybee. One is happening at a Savannah location, the other just across the Talmadge Bridge in South Carolina, but the traditional beach party is still expected to take place at Tybee during the day. Tybee's Police Chief, Bob Bryson, says his department is prepared for both weekends, though based on twitter traffic they've been monitoring, they expect the bigger crowd the weekend of the 13th. Chief Bryson says the city will have help from neighboring agencies in controlling those crowds. CEMA will be bringing out it's Mobile Command Unit which will be set up in the beach parking lot. Members of the drug squad will also be out. Chief Bryson says based on complaints from citizens following last year's Orange Crush, his officers will be more pro-active in writing citations for littering, loud music and public indecency. The Chief says there will be no roadblocks or safety checkpoints coming on to the Island, but safety checkpoints could be set up at the exits from the beach parking lots. He advises both those attending Orange Crush and the Tybee Wine Festival this weekend to appoint a designated driver.
The events planned for this weekend include a 10 pm party Friday
night at Island Breeze near the intersection of Victory Drive and Montgomery - Saturday
night's event will be held at Club Karma just across the Talmadge in South
Carolina. It also starts at 10 and both will feature entertainment.
1430 East Victory DriveSavannah, GA 31404
Telephone: 912.651.0300
Fax: 912.651.0320
Email: email@example.com


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This stuffed pork loin can also be chilled and sliced cold for a buffet. The dried plum stuffing is aromatic with orange and contains a bit of crunch from pecans and celery. Almost any dried fruit can be used in stuffing the roast, try apricots or dried apples in addition to or instead of the plums.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 - 6
- ***Stuffing***
- 1 T. oil
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1/2 c. chopped celery
- 1 garlic clove
- 10 - 14 dried plums (prunes), chopped
- 2 - 4 T. chopped pecans
- 1 tsp. grated orange zest
- 1/4 c. orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
- 2 tsp. dried parsley (2 T. fresh)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ***Roast***
- 2 lb. boneless pork loin roast
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Pepper
- 1 T. oil
- ***Sauce***
- 1 T. flour (all purpose or brown rice)
- 1 c. broth
- 1/4 c. port wine (or red wine plus 2 tsp. sweetener)
- 1 - 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Preheat oven to 425°.
Heat oil in skillet. Sauté onions and celery until translucent. Add chopped garlic and cook for about two minutes to soften but not brown. Remove from heat.
Stir in the next 6 ingredients (plums through parsley) and set aside for about 15 minutes to let the plums soften a little. Add salt and pepper as needed.
Starting on the wide, cut end of the pork roast, cut a pocket with a sharp knife along the slight layer of fat lying between the two layers of lean meat. Cut this pocket almost through to the far end and about a third of the roast's circumference around.
Stuff the pocket with as much of the plum stuffing as you can. Pull the edges of the opening together and secure with kitchen string (tie it like a package), toothpicks or skewers, so the filling cannot escape.
Lightly salt and pepper the roast and brown it in a pan on all sides (about two minutes per side).
Place the roast in an oiled baking dish (or use the same pan if it is oven-proof) and place in the oven for about 40 minutes, turning once halfway through. The roast should have an internal temperature of about 150°F, although some people think that it can be removed at 145°F and others wait until it registers over 160°F.
Remove from oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil for 10 minutes.
While the roast is resting, make the sauce. Use about a tablespoon of drippings from the pan mixed with a tablespoon of flour to form a roux in a pan on the stove.
Slowly add the broth to the pan, stirring to avoid lumps.
Add mustard and port wine and bring to a simmer for about two minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Slice pork thinly, and serve with sauce. You may garnish with chopped parsley.
Note: You can also make the sauce by adding the broth to the roasting pan directly and stirring to loosen the browned bits. Mix the flour with the port or a little cold water and add to the broth. Stir in mustard, salt and pepper and simmer for about two minutes, until thickened.
Out of port wine? Use dry red wine and add a little sugar or other sweetener to the mixture. You could also try grape juice or perhaps orange juice for a fruity flavor.
See a similar recipe here.


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Today, I want to share some words of encouragement with those people that are finding it difficult to make it. My words of encouragement to you are "DON'T QUIT" and "NEVER BELIEVE YOUR ABILITIES ARE LIMITED".
Please DON'T QUIT irrespective of what you're going and passing through. Are you failing online and even offline with all the tactics you've learnt and adopted? Or you're even tired of going to seminars or even purchasing eBooks and manuals because you have been scammed many times? My word for you is don't quit. I don't say you should keep on doing the same thing that led to failure, but the message am trying to pass across to you is that you should try and do that thing you're doing in the right way the successful people did it. This is the second month in 2012 and very soon, this year will come to an end and I will like you as a reader of this blog to be successful in whatever you're doing. So in order to be successful my friend DON'T QUIT, consult successful people and learn from them so that you can also reach the peak of success.
My second word says NEVER BELIEVE YOUR ABILITIES ARE LIMITED. Your abilities are unlimited because your creator is unlimited, and he has pass the trait of unlimited into you in the course of creation, so you have no limitation except those ones you placed on yourself.
I want to share a story with you about how your belief can ruin of make you.
In India, elephants are used for manual labor. But what really amazes me about these elephants is that they are restrained with a simple peg and chain. What makes them to be easily restrained by a peg and chain is that when those elephants were small; their handlers came up with an idea to program their mind by setting a self-imposed limit thinking into them when they were still young.
They make this by tying the elephant when it was still young with a heavy rope all day long. The elephant will try all it best to break free, but it won't. So after much try, the elephant will give up. From this moment, the elephant will have a strong believe that there is no chance to get the rope away and they accept the fact.
Since they have this belief in them, their handlers will even use smaller ropes to tie them; still they will not make any attempt to break free even an adult elephant that weighs 8,000 pounds or more will never make a break free attempt just because of the belief it had.
From this story, you can deduce that the elephant's limits are not real, but they only exist in their mind.
Likewise most people, their mind have been programmed to believe that they are unable:
*to make it in life
*to live their life to the fullest
*to be what they dreamed of becoming
*to achieve their aim
*to become a successful person. etc.
So no matter what have been programmed to your mind, I want you to lose them because you are not an elephant. Elephant live by instinct but you are human with a brain and a thinking faculty.
Finally, do not be enslaved by your own belief because this can make you lose focus and never reach your potential. Never belief that you're not smart enough, strong enough, old enough, talented enough or wealthy enough to reach your dreams. Napoleon Hill said, "Whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve." So think about this for a second, tell me what/who is going to stop you from becoming that thing you've always thought of? This is your life, refuse to quit and refuse to create a limit for yourself.
See you all on top in 2012.


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Rise of Empires
In Rise of Empires two to five players are building their own civilization from the dawn of history to present times. All players start "small" and fairly powerless, however, through clever play they try to gain wealth and progress in several areas.
Rise of Empires is divided into three eras. Each era consists of two game turns.
The core of the game is the Action Display where players conduct various actions during a turn. The first turn in an era is called the "A" turn, the second one the "B" turn. In a way, the "B" turn is a mirror image of the "A" turn. This guarantees a lot of decision-making and nail-biting suspense.
Victory points are scored for building cities, having an empire, for progressing in science, and for trading goods.
In contrast to some other civilization type games, Rise of Empires plays fairly quickly. A full game can be completed in less than three hours.
Rise of Empires breathes new life into the civilization type games genre!
Each copy of Rise of Empires contains: 1 large game board, 1 tiles display, 40 resource discs, 150 player cubes in 5 colors, 45 action discs in 5 colors, 8 empire tiles, 40 territory tiles, 48 progress tiles, 36 city tiles, 104 gold markers, 5 alliance pieces, 5 player aid cards, 1 rules booklet with illustrated example of play.
- Players: 2 - 5
- Time: 180 minutes
- Ages: 12 and up
read the rules (pdf)


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Carnevale Di Venezia reservations
Three entrepreneurial startup companies from California founded by students joined forces this year to offer students help with homework, college planning and saving money on textbooks.
Valencia-based company Nexus held its fifth annual food drive to benefit local food banks across Southern California and the response was generous. Seven regional offices across the United States participated in the three-week drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, Alameda County Food Bank, Murrieta Fire Department Station No. 1, San Diego Food Bank, Northwest Harvest Food Bank and Valley Food Bank.
This rainy New Year's holiday presents a gift, an opportunity and a question.
Santa Claus came early to make the holidays bright for the Santa Clarita Valley's children in need.
Community leaders and parents interested in knowing what it's like to run a school can now sign up for the annual Principal for a Day fundraiser slated for Feb. 11.
The city of Santa Clarita has an offering for those wanting a winter-like experience New Year's Day: a "polar bear" swim.
SBDC MasterMinds
For the first time, Bowman High School students were able to experience the "Every 15 Minutes" program, which shows teenagers the effects of drunken and reckless driving.
Using a series of creative outreach projects, a group of 26 students from Hart High School's honors anatomy and physiology class were able to raise more than $3,700 to help cancer patients.
More than 300 Golden Oak Community School students were recognized in November for meeting their reading goals as part of the school's Accelerated Reading program.
Members of the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, a student leadership program, went to Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon's office on Dec. 9 to present student-gathered and signed petitions urging his leadership in the protection of child farm workers in the United States.
It was the anti-illegal immigration potshot heard 'round the world.
One patient was wheeled down the hallway, stable after an open-heart surgery.
It is my honor to serve as your councilwoman. I am available full-time and every-day – responding to your concerns – bringing fresh, new ideas to ensure that our city continues to provide the high quality of life we demand.
Scott and Vanessa Wilk have made Santa Clarita Valley their home for nearly 25 years, and last year, he was honored to be elected to the 38th Assembly District.
Moazzem Chowdhury has lived in the United States for over 25 years and the city of Santa Clarita has been his home for over 20 years. Moazzem, Jeenat, his wife of 30 years, and his son and daughter all consider themselves blessed to live here.
Dear Santa Clarita friends and neighbors,
My wife Pamela and I moved to Santa Clarita in 1965. We raised two children and have five gorgeous grandchildren. Four generations of our family live in Santa Clarita.
This summer, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the third annual Patriot Luncheon on July 11 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.
Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will address the Santa Clarita Valley business and community leaders on May 1 at the fifth annual State of the County Luncheon.
We all know that perception often influences our decisions, yet we catch ourselves and become reminded that what we perceive isn't always what's really going on. With the constant barrage of information available in today's 24/7 world, it's important to not get caught up in the day-to-day market volatility and news headlines. That daily hype doesn't always dovetail with what Wells Fargo Advisors top strategists are observing in the financial marketplace.
Bayless is…
With everything from nationally ranked academic programs to effective career education opportunities and college placement services, Hart district students are afforded every opportunity to excel in an increasingly competitive academic environment.
Whether priorities are schools, recreation or convenience and friendly neighborhoods, home buyers are finding that Fair Oaks Ranch by Pardee Homes fills the bill.


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Around the Country
Read Coming of Age Around the Country, a blog about what people 50+ are doing, dreaming, and making happen in their communities.
Explore Your Future Workshops
This fun, thought-provoking, four-session workshop series helps you envision your next phase of life. Whether you are downsizing from full time employment or just thinking about it, whether you want to explore a new interest, start a second career, or give back to your community through volunteering, the Explore Your Future program includes a range of proven techniques and activities for self-discovery.
This is a hands-on learning experience, led by trained Coming of Age: North Texas representatives, which focuses on helping you create a vision for making your future satisfying and rewarding. Sessions help you explore:
- What has influenced you?
- Who are you now?
- How can you realize your dreams?
- How do you create an engaged life?
You will develop an individual action plan based on:
- Realistic goals
- Real and perceived challenges
- Resources to help you reach your goals.
Workshops are offered throughout the year in convenient locations in Coming of Age: North Texas' service area including Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.
Sign up today to participate in this exciting Coming of Age program!
Senior Source Seminar Series
Tuesdays and Thursdays, for two consecutive weeks
August 5, 7, 12, and 14
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM each session
The Senior Source
3910 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75219
Comprehensive workbook included at no extra charge. To complete the program, you must be present for all four sessions.
Click to register
Please note, a new window will open and you will be directed to UNT's Educational Consortium for Volunteerism commerce manager system to complete the payment process. The registration page contains payment options and cancelation policy.
Each person must complete his or her own application. Payment is due by the deadline noted on the registration page.


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"I see young men, my townsmen, whose misfortune it is to have inherited farms, houses, barns, cattle and farming tools: for these things are more easily acquired than gotten rid of."
—Henry David Thoreau, Walden
American materialism is nothing new, as the Thoreau quote attests. But I wonder what the transcendentalist would say if he "traveled far and wide" in the sprawl surrounding the west Knoxville village named after his home town of Concord, Mass.? The farms, barns and cattle are long gone, but when it comes to possessions, we drag around far more than Thoreau ever dreamed of.
Since 1950, the average American home has more than doubled to 2,434 square feet. And that figure no doubt sounds a bit cramped out in cul-de-sac country, where basement rec rooms and bonus rooms over the garage have become the norm; homes with four or more bedrooms have accounted for more than a third of the new homes built since 2000.
What do we do with all this extra space? Fill it, apparently. Not with people, exactly. A third of Americans may be obese, a 100 percent increase since the 1970s, but household size has steadily decreased, even as our houses grew.
No, we fill those spare rooms with stuff. The average American household now carries around $8,000 in credit card debt. No wonder, since 1980, the share of disposable income each household spends servicing its mortgage and consumer debt has increased by 35 percent.
Now, with credit tighter in the midst of a recession, more and more Americans find themselves living lives of what Thoreau called "quiet desperation." And they've discovered that, contrary to what he wrote in Walden, many of the things we've acquired can easily be gotten rid of (or at least repossessed and foreclosed upon).
Perhaps it's time we followed Thoreau's advice to "simplify, simplify?" I'm not suggesting we all build shacks out by the pond (it was, even in Thoreau's case, more an experiment than a permanent change of address). In fact, living within our means can be accomplished with little, if any, sacrifice.
The price of this house on Orlando Street in North Knoxville, for instance, barely breaks into six figures. For that, you not only get three bedrooms and two baths, but also features like beautifully refinished hardwood floors, the original fireplace in the living room, plus vintage tile and fixtures in one of the baths. And, should you want to spend the money you save thanks to a tiny mortgage, downtown's just minutes away and I-640's ever closer. m
3206 Orlando St.
1,625 sq. ft.
3 bdrm, 2 bath
Contact: Trisha Lyons
Coldwell Banker: 584-4000
© 2010 MetroPulse. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Catch the livestream, parts 1-7:
Are you in the 74%?
A new national study has been released regarding cannabis, medical cannabis specifically, and President Obama's amplified war on the plant. Mason-Dixon conducted an interview of 1,000 likely 2012 general election voters, informing them that "currently, 16 states plus the District of Columbia have made the use of marijuana legal. In some of these states, individuals have been authorized to cultivate and sell medical marijuana under tightly regulated conditions. However, medical marijuana use remains illegal under federal law, even in states that have passed laws or ballot measures that allow it for medical treatment." Mason-Dixon's poll then asked the 1,000 participants if they felt President Obama should "respect the medical marijuana laws in these states, or use federal resources to arrest and prosecute individuals who are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws?"
With the participants broken into near thirds of political parties, 37% identifying as democrat, 32% republican, and 30% independent or unaffiliated, this slice of our nation found 74% want the Obama administration to respect the states with medical cannabis laws and end federal funding for raids. Independents rang in the heaviest support with 79%, while republicans showed two thirds support, and only 19% responded with opposition to those complying with state laws. The 18-34 demographic was overwhelmingly supportive, 81% answering that they felt Obama should respect medical cannabis laws, and 64% of the oldest group agreed.
The final results across races, ages, political affiliation and sex showed the United States clearly disagrees with Federal cannabis policy. Huffington Post reported via Americans for Safe Access that more than 170 aggressive SWAT-style raids have been conducted in nine states that allow medical cannabis, resulting in at least 61 federal indictments since October 2009. Steve Fox, director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy Project, told Huffington Post that "what the results of this survey show is there is absolutely no political justification for what President Obama is doing with respect to medical marijuana laws. Across the board… there is extremely strong support for respecting state medical marijuana laws."
If you identify as one of the 74% of American voters like myself who wish the Obama Administration would discontinue funding the war on cannabis, let them know! Call the White House directly at 202-456-1111 between 11am and 5pm and leave a comment for President Barack Obama, or cruise ContactingTheCongress.org and let your Congress men and women know that they have the majority of their parties support in passing and protecting medical cannabis laws. We are the voices that need to be heard, as our President seems to ignore the growing population seeking safe access.
45 Day Warnings Echoed in Colorado
Read more here.
45 Day Warnings Echoed In Colorado
Back in October the California medical marijuana industry was issued a stern warning by the 4 U.S. attorneys in the state. Landlords were threatened with property seizures and long prison sentences for harboring those dealing with federally controlled substances, regardless of the city or state laws and ordinances that have protected medical marijuana for 16 years in California. The results have been cloudy at best, with clubs in many cities closing down rather than face federal opposition, and the public outrage high.
On Thursday, January 12, following a December filled with rumors that the federal crackdown would spread, Colorado's U.S. attorney John Walsh sent out 23 letters to dispensaries located within 1,000 feet of schools, mirroring California's warnings of 45 days to shut down or face severe legal prosecution. Colorado approved a constitutional amendment in November 2000, removing "state-level penalties for the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and advising that they might benefit from the medical use of marijuana." The state has since implemented some of the most rigorous regulations of any industry in Colorado, overseeing cannabis from seed to sale.
Representative Jared Polis (D-Colorado) had hoped his state's commitment to seeing medical cannabis well regulated would provide a safeguard amongst a series of closures and threats in Washington, Montana and California. Colorado has live video feeds monitoring the medical marijuana dispensaries, employees must wear visible badges when working the plant, and background checks are routine for anyone hired to work in the dispensaries. The state has regulations for the disposal of unsold pot, and guidelines for the safe production of hash. Colorado's U.S. attorney John Walsh insists his state's voters "could not have anticipated that their vote would be used to justify large marijuana stores within blocks of our schools," yet medical cannabis was approved and existed without the 1,000 foot regulation for a decade before Colorado passed the rule and grandfathered in existing dispensaries.
One problem with the federal government stepping into Colorado to measure clubs' distances from schools is that they've brought their own ruler, and it's not quite the same as the state's. While Colorado approved regulations measuring the distance of the dispensary's front door to the edge of school properties, the federal government uses the measurement of property line to property line, "as the crow flies." This will mean that some dispensaries that had otherwise been told they are clear of the 1,000 foot zone now face moving or closing down completely.
Rob Corry, a lawyer representing some of the dispensaries in Colorado has called the crackdown "a colossal bluff on the part of our U.S. attorney," saying "I don't think he has the stomach or the resources for this kind of battle." Corry encourages his clients to ignore the threats, and while I agree that the dispensaries should have no intentions of moving or closing, ignoring the threats won't be enough. States need to join together to provide a strong front to our federal government that where medical cannabis has been approved and allowed, it will remain. California, Washington, Montana, and perhaps most clearly in Colorado voters have agreed upon regulations to keep their communities safe, and the federal government should be reconsidering any commitment to this crackdown.
Our battle for legalization is far from over while the medical marijuana communities we have established are threatened.
Websites I referred to while writing this:
Extensive Colo. pot rules don't prevent crackdown – The Denver Post
16 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC – Medical Marijuana – ProCon.org
Colorado favors gay marriage, marijuana use, loves Tebow – Public Policy Polling
Medical Marijuana: Federal Crackdown, Similar To That In California, Begins In Colorado
Attorney General Affirms Medical Marijuana States are "Low Priority"
This full story can be found at The Huffington Post.
Wisconsin, Florida, Missouri and the 2012 Elections
Four Former Vancouver Mayors Urge Officials to End Cannabis Prohibition
Original story at The Vancouver Sun.
Is There a Religious Right to Cannabis?
Original story by Cannabis Culture.


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After heading Oakley Inc. for about five months last year, William D. Schmidt departed with more than $1 million--and that might have been a bargain for the sunglass maker.
Schmidt, a former Gatorade executive, took the top job May 1 at the Foothill Ranch company, and quickly began expanding its marketing efforts. He abruptly resigned Oct. 6, after what a source said was a clash of management styles with founder and Chairman Jim Jannard.


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Fan Fare
Entertainment behind the scenes
Wanted: SNHB (single new hot boyfriend) for Paris Hilton
It was love. It was forever. … Well, nine months at least.
Paris Hilton and her rocker boyfriend Benji Madden of the band Good Charlotte have called it quits after dating since February, sources near the socialite-turned-reality TV star told Usmagazine.com and People.com.
"Even though they are still in love, they felt it would be better to just be friends," one source told Us.
And the reason for the split? "Benji was overprotective and controlling. He doesn't get along with any of her friends," the source told Us.
Separately, a source told Peolpe that the two split up only a few days ago, and that Paris was saddened by the break. "They're just too different and they wanted different things in life," this source told People.