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One of the most wonderful sounds of summer filled the air Monday as football equipment collided on practice fields across the area.
Although they were able to don helmets and shoulder pads for three days last week, the day marked the first time TSSAA teams could put on the entire set of pads, allowing full contact drills.
"It was our first chance to hit and see who has the fight in them it takes to play this game," declared Cleveland High head coach Ron Crawford. "We know what our skill players can do, but we need to see what our line is going to do.
"We're going to have some guys pretty sore tomorrow, but the fact of the matter is we've got to be tougher and more physical up front," commented Crawford, who is starting his second season at the Blue Raider helm.
Despite having missed the playoffs the last two years, Cleveland had the largest turnout of the four local high schools with 103 players, including 33 freshmen, suited up.
"Even with so many players, our coaches did a great job of being able to give individual instruction to everyone," Crawford added. "We have to take that individual instruction and translate it into a group mentality. We are definitely a work in progress at this point."
While Crawford stated he was pleased with the first-day effort but that his team has a long way to go, on the other side of town, Bradley Central head coach Damon Floyd didn't mince his words to express his disappointment with what he saw from his Bears.
"I'm not very happy with this practice," proclaimed Floyd, who has led the Bears to three straight playoff appearances. "Being the first day to hit, you'd think they'd come out excited and pumped up. Instead, it took them a while to get going, and even then they weren't aggressive."
"We have got to get more physical fast," Floyd said as he begins his eighth season directing the Black-and-Gold with 86 players out for practice. "We are going to find out who wants to play and who doesn't. If we don't look any better than this, we won't win many games."
While the other local teams are sticking with the lone evening practice this week, for the second year Walker Valley coach Glen Ryan is once again "going old school," with an intense, three-day mini-camp.
"We go from 9 to 11:30 in the morning working on defense, then do special teams from 1 to 2:30 in the afternoon and come back out around 8 in the evening and work until we're done on offense," he related after getting off the field after 11 last night. "We started a little rough, but we got better as the day went along."
Several of the 90 Mustangs are even spending the night at the team's fieldhouse.
"We have sleeping bags, air mattresses and even some hammocks everywhere," Ryan remarked. "Some guys go home at night and come back, but a lot of them are staying right here. Me and one of my assistant coaches overnight here with them.
"The camp helps us find out what we're made of and how we respond when we're tired," the veteran coach commented. "It also helps us to bond together. We have got to be tougher mentally and physically. Last year we faded some against the good teams. We can't afford to do that and get to where we want to be."
Making the playoffs for the first time since 2008, Walker Valley went 5-5 during the regular season last year before falling to Lenoir City in the opening round of the TSSAA postseason.
The camp will run through Wednesday, when teacher in-service training will keep the coaches busy during the day.
Over to the east, Polk County coach Derrick Davis got his 14th season as the "Top Cat" underway with 63 players for an evening practice.
"We had nice weather, a good day of practice and nobody got hurt. That's the most important thing," Davis declared.
"We didn't go real hard on the first day. You've got to be patient. This (the season) is a marathon, not a sprint," added the engineer who has directed the "Big Red Train" to nine straight postseason berths. "We stayed very basic. We were able to install most of our offense while we were in shorts, so now we'll work more on defense."
All four local teams will get their first test against an opponent this weekend as Polk County and Cleveland travel for scrimmages Friday evening, while Bradley will host its annual five-way scrimmage Saturday evening and Walker Valley will entertain a three-way practice Saturday morning.
While the three Bradley County squads will give their fans a chance to see their teams in action for the first time, Polk County fans will have to wait a week.
"The scrimmage at East Hamilton Friday will be a closed practice session, per (East Hamilton) school policy," explained Davis. "I've told our fans there's no need to make the trip down because they won't be allowed to come in."
Cleveland will make a trip to face state powerhouse Alcoa on Friday.
Walker Valley will welcome Hixson and Karns to "The Corral" at 9 Saturday morning, while Baylor, Red Bank, South Pittsburg and McMinn Central will join Bradley at Bear Stadium Saturday evening at 6 for practice-game action.
The regular season will get underway Aug. 22 as Cleveland plays host to McCallie for a Thursday night game, while Bradley will travel to Polk County and Walker Valley to East Ridge the following night.


text:
Contains the keyword Science--Study and teaching (Higher)
A teaching guide to revitalizing STEM education : phoenix in the classroom. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education; 2013. Abstract
Beyond stock stories and folktales : African Americans' paths to STEM fields. Vol 1st. Bingley, UK: Emerald; 2011.
Teaching arts and science with the new social media. Vol 1st. United Kingdom ; North America: Emerald; 2011.
Ancient wisdom, modern science : the integration of Native knowledge in math and science at tribally controlled colleges and universities. Pablo, Mont.; Lincoln, Neb.: Salish Kootenai College Press; Distributed by University of Nebraska Press; 2010. Abstract
Accessible elements : teaching science online and at a distance. Edmonton, AB: AU Press; 2010.
Lecture-free teaching : a learning partnership of science educators and their students. Arlington, Va.: NSTA Press; 2009.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Jun 17:
- Bacich teacher could represent Giants at All-Star game
- Jun 11:
- Kentfield parents speak out on disputed space at Kent Middle School
- Jun 10:
- Marin officials cheer sales tax plan benefiting children
- Jun 8:
- Marin Voice: Improving the physical environment of classrooms
- Jun 4:
- San Anselmo's Hidden Valley Elementary students take day to innovate
- May 24:
- Marin Voice: 'Graduates' but not 'Invincibles'
- Family fun raises funds for schools at Mill Valley's Kiddo Carnival
- May 23:
- San Rafael's Saint Mark's School changes its name
- May 18:
- Marin Montessori celebrates 50 years
- May 17:
- San Rafael school for children with autism looking to build new facility
- May 6:
- Novato, Reed Union voters approve school parcel tax measures
- Apr 30:
- Five Marin schools win California Distinguished Schools award
- Apr 27:
- New SAT earns mixed marks from Marin standardized-test experts
- Apr 22:
- Dropping Waldorf leaves Lagunitas families scrambling
- Apr 15:
- Editorial: Marin grand jury finds disconnect in school discipline
- Apr 13:
- Marin Voice: Myths that sabotage effective education
- Apr 7:
- Editorial: Reed schools tax is needed to deal with growth
- Apr 4:
- Reed schools seeking parcel tax increase
- Mar 29:
- Marin Voice: The American classroom vs. the world'
- Mar 19:
- Kentfield School District loses key rulings in lawsuit over school for disabled
- Mar 11:
- Corte Madera's Cove School enrollment target reached, lottery avoided
- Mar 1:
- $1.5 million grant aims to boost STEM in San Rafael schools
- Jan 14:
- San Rafael parents, teachers call for ouster of Bahia Vista principal
- Jan 12:
- Marin educators question state proposal for universal preschool
- Jan 10:
- Online learning grows, putting pressure on schools' Internet connections
- Jan 7:
- Statewide report raises issues of preschool access, afterschool supervision in Marin
- Jan 2:
- Marin schools chief: There's reason for optimism heading into 2014
Marin County's school districts are looking for ways to work together.
Many of the county's school superintendents and trustees joined politicians for a presentation this week on shared services. Speakers included Central Marin police Chief Todd Cusimano, Mill Valley Mayor Stephanie Moulton-Peters, Marin Transit District's Robert Betts, Dixie School District Trustee Bruce Abbott and Larkspur-Corte Madera School District Superintendent Valerie Pitts.
"There are limited resources, and we need to be as efficient as possible," county Superintendent of Schools Mary Jane Burke told the group Wednesday night at Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon. "Sometimes that's best done by working together."
To demonstrate to school officials how a shared-service approach can work, Cusimano recounted the process Larkspur, Corte Madera and San Anselmo went through to consolidate police departments to address a variety of issues that were hampering each city's police force.
"When you become reactive, it creates more and more problems," Cusimano said. "So we had to change our model."
By combining forces, the twin cities are saving money, including $1.7 million in 2013, and police officers respond to calls nearly two minutes faster than they did before the departments merged, Cusimano said.
Shared efforts between schools includes Safe Routes to School, the nationally promoted campaign for local communities to create safe passage for children heading to and from school.
"Maintaining Safe Routes to Schools is like raising children," Moulton-Peters said. "It takes tending."
Moulton-Peters laid out several considerations for developing a viable Safe Routes plan, saying that city councils should include a Safe Routes component in their general plans, while school boards should make it part of its districts' codes.
Volunteer staffing is currently an issue in Mill Valley, Moulton-Peters said, where the Walk-to-School Wednesday program is currently in need of adults to supervise the weekly effort.
As for public transportation's role in a collaborative effort, Betts said Marin Transit will soon launch a study to explore how it can better serve schools by figuring out how public transit can best serve children getting to and from schools.
Abbott and Pitts shared the podium to speak about the Efficiency and Effectiveness Task Force, a countywide collaboration between school districts devised to study and promote shared services.
Abbott spoke about the various shared efforts already existing between school districts. In many cases, districts partner together to run special education, provide bus services or student counseling. Two districts, Lagunitas and Bolinas-Stinson Union, share a superintendent.
Pitts said that the enrollment boom affecting many schools — especially in Southern Marin — in the last few years isn't deterring the districts from working together.
"Many of us are growing," Pitts said. "While we could lean back and not do more to share services, we are leaning in and seeing how we can share more."
Contact Laith Agha via email at firstname.lastname@example.com


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KosherEye Giveaway
Paderno Spiralizer Giveaway
Featured Kitchen Tool
Does anyone really need a tool for making vegetable spirals and ribbons? How would we use it? We quickly discovered that a spiralizer is a gadget that can nudge our family into eating more veggies. Equipped with four blades, the Paderno Spiralizer transforms vegetables... Read more...
The KosherEye Exchange is all about YOU! We want to exchange ideas. Features are based solely on opinion! KosherEye does NOT accept financial remuneration for product articles from featured vendors, nor share contact information with others! We want the BUZZ on your newest kosher finds- anywhere-anytime. If you spot a new certified product, contact us and we will post it. If you wish to see a product become certified, let us know! Kosher Recipe Conversions – Send us a non-kosher recipe that you "covet", classic or contemporary, famous or family - and we will have one of our expert chefs or fabulous food magicians convert it to kosher! Visit us often and enjoy all of our kosher recipe and ingredient translations. If you have a special recipe that you have converted to kosher, please share it with KosherEye. |
The World of Hip Hop
& Bartenura Moscato
The most popular kosher wine after Manischewitz is now the toast of the hip-hop world. Bartenura Moscato, the light, sweet white wine that is low alcohol and comes in a striking blue bottle, is now one of the biggest sellers among African American and Hispanic consumers. (In the 80s and 90s, 85-95% percent... Read more...
The National Aquarium in Baltimore:
What's Kosher?
If you need a family friendly destination, one that is both educational and fun for all ages –and you are visiting the Washington area, we suggest The National... Read more...
Antibiotic Resistant Kosher ChickenA Troubling ReportWe are always searching for the cleanest, safest, highest quality kosher poultry brands. That is why we were concerned with the report we received last week in a study funded and published by food scientists from the University of Arizona, The study outlines the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria in retail chicken, comparing conventional, organic, kosher, and raised without antibiotics. KosherEye spoke with Jack Millman, author of the study and a student at The University of Arizona. Millman, along with a team of scientists from the university, will be delving further into the issue. They declined to disclose the brand names involved in the research. We will be following up. This week we also read about a salmonella outbreak sourced to a non-kosher California poultry plant. Do practice safe handling, storage and cooking to avoid contamination from poultry and meat bacteria. Please see the following for poultry safe handling and preparation tips: http://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/important-food-safety-tips-for-poultry |


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The 2nd and final round of KJHK's own Farmer's Ball. Watch the final 4 bands battle it out for the proverbial crown!
Overnight Rotation with Mason
The 2nd and final round of KJHK's own Farmer's Ball. Watch the final 4 bands battle it out for the proverbial crown!
Round 1 of KJHK"s Farmer's Ball, watch the first 8 bands compete for the 2nd round and the all hallowed title!
Pink Royal
Haunt Ananta
Brain Food
Real Sugar
Y(our) Fri(end)
Spirit is the Spirit
Fourth of July's record release party'
Peter Sagal, playwright/screenwriter/actor and the host of NPR's "Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me!" will be giving a speech titled "Current Events: Why Satire is the Only Reasonable Response to the Times We Live In" on level 5 of the Kansas Union in the Ballroom. KJHK will be moderating the event.
What better way to spend your Valentine's day than watching the Prince classic Purple Rain?!
KJHK will end 2012 with a bang, hosting Kansas City based band Hearts of Darkness on Dec. 7. Hearts of Darkness is a big band/funk/soul/hip hop group with 15+ members who will keep you dancing all night. Join KJHK in welcoming this high-energy band to Lawrence. Kim Barely Legal and Dean Monkey will also perform.
Check out Hearts of Darkness here.
The 7 Degrees of Stephen Egerton http://www.facebook.com/
Drag the River http://www.facebook.com/
Stiff Middle Fingers http://www.facebook.com/
plus special guests
KJHK is proud to present an eclectic lineup of local music at the Jackpot Music Hall! The Mouthbreathers will be bringing their dirty garage rock to the Jackpot stage. They will be supported by the awesome experimental, danceable Cloud Dog and one of the best emcees in the Middle of the Map, Stik Figa. Holding down the ones and twos will be KJHK's own DJ Modrey Hepburn of Vintage Vinyl (which airs Wednesday 10-Midnight).
This show is going to be majestic and one gem of a show!
Doors are at 9pm but come early and hang out at The Jackpot Music Hall!
Check out these artists:
Mouthbreathers: http://
Cloud Dog: http://www.facebook.com/
Stik Figa: http://
DJ Modrey Hepburn: http://
Sponsored by Your Sound Alternative, KJHK!
POSTER DESIGN by Sean Minor (Minor Makes Work)
KJHK, Up To Eleven, and The Granada bring to you, William Elliott Whitmore with Drakkar Sauna, Horse Weapons, and Me For Radness on Friday February 10th, 2012.
A portion of the proceeds will go to KJHK to help improve programming and the station!
The facebook event page is here! RSVP today
Purchase Tickets HERE
Follow @KJHK, @UpToElevenLive, and @TheGranada
KJHK and Team Bear Club bring you a stop day eve party like none other!


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Our Featured Delaware, OH Partner:
The Canine Collective
Dog adoption saves lives. Adopt a dog and you'll have a friend for life! Contact us, or contact another local humane society, animal shelter or SPCA.
Delaware, OH 43015 (614) 530-5092 |
Email: Website: http://www.caninecollective.org |
Pets at Our Rescue Group:
Cities, Towns, and/or Counties We Serve:
We serve all counties in Ohio.About Our Rescue Group:
The Canine Collective is 501c3 non-profit organization run by volunteers. Our mission is to provide sanctuary and re-home various breeds of dogs rescued from kill shelters. Our goal is not only to provide a second chance for our furry friends who have 'run out-of-time' at their local shelter, but to allow rescuers full involvement and resources to follow their passion. We believe in educating people on the life saving results of adopting, spay and neuter, and the malicious truth behind puppy mills and pet stores.Donate to Our Rescue Group...
Come Meet our Pets:
We are at the Sawmill Road Petsmart location every Saturday. Please check out our website to see our upcoming adoption events.Our Adoption Process:
Our adoption process takes several steps and cannot be completed in one day. All of our volunteers work full time and assist rescue in their spare time. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response to you inquiry.* Applicants must be 21 years of age and willing to make a 10-20 year commitment to their new family member.
* Applicants must commit to daily exercise, walks, trips to the dog park or play in the back yard. A well exercised dog, is a happy well behaved dog!
* Applicants living in a rental property must provide proof of pet policy from landlord.
* Applicants must provide a veterinarian reference and if there are existing pets in the household. All pets must be spayed/neutered and current on all shots.
* Applicants with no other pets in the home must provide a personal reference.
*We do not adopt outside the State of Ohio.
*Please allow at least a 7-14 day adjustment period for your new dog. Rescue dogs go thru a lot of changes and need a few days to get used to their new surroundings and adjust to them. Adopting a dog should be a serious commitment, so please be willing to work out the kinks. Our dogs aren't perfect but with proper training and guidance they make awesome, loving pets.
*Our adoption fees vary based on the age and medical needs of the dogs. The range is $175-$300


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That toy looks fairly new.
Type: Posts; User: philco_3
That toy looks fairly new.
In no particular order
Rokkon & Stonedar
Horde Troopers
Ram Man
King He-Man
I'm sure he'll always remember it! I remember when Santa hide my Castle Grayskull behind the couch Christmas morning. One of the best Christmas' ever.
What about Gwildor.:cteconf:
Time traveler and he's a scientist. Possibly he was trapped there for a time and the Horde coming after him and the only way to protect himself he created the snake...
Snake Mountain or bust.
Got mine in today. I have yet to open the box to begin having fun with it. I was expecting more of the special shipping box, was sad to see it was a just a larger box.
Disco Skeletor
Got my shipping notice yesterday morning. Hopefully it will be here by early next week.
Just got my package tonight. This is the latest I had ever had an UPS delivery.
Got an email saying to check and make sure everything was ok with the precharge, and then I get an email saying that it could not be processed cause of the expiration of the card. Called DR got a it...
I am a completest. I have one of all the figures in the box, and whatever figures I played with as a child I an extra one opened up. I honestly dont care for the NA or the POP, but hey I am a...
Exactly, because everything is a simple repaint.
Dont they do Cyber Monday sales instead of Black Friday?
In and out. Picked up an extra set of Troopers and Mantenna. Picked up the weapons pack yesterday.
Every since Child's Play and those Toy Story movies I actually have feared this for some time, that is why I lock my bedroom up.
Can't wait! This is coming out of the box and being used, that is for sure.
My stuff walks away all the time. When I went back through my vintage MOTU I could not find Stonedar or Rokon and a couple of weeks later, boom there they are.
I swear my toys are actually alive....
I play with mine like I did when I was younger...in the bathtub. LOL
Love the display case with the vintage style Heroic Warriors/Evil Warriors/Horde card backings.
I would agree of parting out both and making one better looking She Ra.
Another shot of Moss Man
Me and Man-E are ready for Tuesday!
How I felt after reading the good news this morning
We don't get the subscriptions for 2014, I will be done with the line. I dont care if they do day of sales, I will NOT support them any longer.
got mine this morning.
I had the same problem, but I went into my subscription and changed it.
Against my will I just got my second sub. I dont want to take a chance of there not being another other No Sale of Day on a figure I want. Damn you Mattel.
I still want to finish out the rest of the classics. Extendar, Dragstor, Gwildor, Rio Blast, Sssqueeze, Tung Lashor. I would also like to see the Meteorbs in some sort of package deal. Honestly I...
didnt see any at my local big lots in st louis. did see a few 2 pack ghostbusters though.
I've had mine for several weeks...


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Latest additionsAbstractThe Demise of EC Regulation 17/62Brief commentary on the introduction of new EC Regulation on the enforcement of the EC competition rules by Rosa Greaves (Allen & Overy and Professor of European Law, Durham European Law Institute). Published in Amicus Curiae – Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by SALS at the IALS (Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London). Greaves, Rosa (2003) The Demise of EC Regulation 17/62. Amicus Curiae, 2003 (46). p. 1. ISSN 1461-2097
Files available for downloadg
Official URL: http://ials.sas.ac.uk/publish/amicus/amicus.htm |


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By Lucy
from Toronto
This ring is not bold, it is bulky, out of proportion, the stone is large and beautiful color but the setting is too high but it is my opinion, perhaps good for other customersI have sent it back
( 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
By NANCY
from ANCASTER
Love this ring! Bold..just the way I like. Dazzling deal price...and they are real gemstones! I love Sima's designs and the large genuine gemstones she uses. Gorgeous saturation of colour. Keep them coming. Please try to bring back the humongous, London blue topaz ring, from Sima's collection. Also, more sz 5 & 6's.


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Other than that, they really don't have much of a point. Also Chiqita is sponsoring Living with the Land, however the pavilion itself is sponsorless
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Other than that, they really don't have much of a point. Also Chiqita is sponsoring Living with the Land, however the pavilion itself is sponsorless
Don't forget The Seas w/Nemo and friends.
That was the first pavilion to lose its sponsorship.
I'm pretty sure the only pavilions left with a sponsor are Spaceship Earth, Mission: Space, and Test Track.
My question wasn't really answered:
I understand that sponsors help with operating costs, etc., but are they a requirement or merely a luxury?
Mainly a luxury, a way for WDW to save a bit of money on running an attraction
Right. If they were a requirement there wouldn't be four of the seven FW pavilions running without one.
Horizons didn't have one the last few years it was in operation, IIRC.
...so greed is the reason empty pavilions are allowed to deteriorate in plain sight. That's what I figured all along.
WOL was not very popular even when it was only running seasonally, WDW decided it was not financially wise to keep it up and running. And now it will cost them more to update it or rebuild it.
Also, last year in September WDW filed a notice of Commencement with the OC Comptroller for a selected demolition. So they are doing SOMETHING with it....
Heard a Rumor that they want to turn the WOL area into either offices or parking space......that would be awful.
Wow. I'd truly be shocked if they went either of those routes.
That whole area backstage is really a bottleneck and needs to be fixed. The parking behind TT is nuts. As much as they need the parking back in that area it would be shortsighted to flatten a pavilion for parking. Years ago I heard a similar rumor for CoP that has yet to happen. The fan heat they'd take for either.
The CM parking at EPCOT isnt all that bad. The only issue is that you sometimes have to park far off from the Cast entrance. Which is an issue at all the parks, specifically Westclock at MK, where you park and then have to get into a bus to get to the utilidor.
When I worked at EPCOT i never had a problem finding a decent spot to park.
Yeah....management and Imagineering parking. To fix that problem, they need to limit the use of the parking there to Area Managers and executives, and the Guest Service managers need to park at the CM parking.....maybe give them the first couple of rows that they actually earned. Before the management restructure at WDW, there were only a few managers per area, now theres like 8-10 of them in each pavilion, or land, or country, or whatever each park calls them, and they sit in the office and accomplish basicness....but not really much more than that.


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Chapter Nine
"Bring me something back!" Jasper called out to Steven, who was walking down the hall towards the front doors of the school. "I'd be happy with even a coffee! Or a donut, even a muffin! Anything!"
"Come with me then!" Steven shouted back, already knowing that his friend would say 'no'.
"I can't! I have a meeting with Mr. Feinstra at lunch! Still get me something!"
"Maybe!" Steven shook his head, leaving the school and strolling towards his car, which sat out on the parking lot. He took out his keys, and jogged the rest of the way there, eager to get to Tim Horton's and back.
Although he didn't want to leave his friends on the first day of school, he could ignore his rumbling stomach no more. He would've brought some of them, but reconsidered when he noticed how much time remained in their lunch hour. It would be easier to go there alone, pick up his lunch and be on his way.
Steven got into his car, started it up and drove out of the parking lot.
Then, as he was nearing Tim Horton's, he felt the phone in his pocket vibrate. Glancing down the long, vacant road, he decided it was safe enough to check his phone. Pulling it out, he stared at the screen and saw that Cerise had texted him.
His beating heart slowed, disappointed that it wasn't Julia.
"Can you please pick me up? Desmond left me at Olive Garden, and I need to get back to school." Her text read.
Raising an eyebrow, Steven asked why and said he would be on his way.
Why, Steven wondered, had Cerise asked him to pick her up? Surely she had other friends at school who could pick her up, so why did she ask him?
"Thanks so much, Steven." Cerise responded in a text, which Steven read before putting his phone away. He noticed that she hadn't answered his first question: why had Desmond left her at Olive Garden?
For the briefest of seconds, he wondered if Desmond had broken up with her and a small smile came to life on his face. He smiled, not because of the pain she was sure to endure, but oddly enough, because that meant she was single. Also, Desmond sounded like a huge jerk and he knew Cerise deserved much better.
Someone like him, perhaps?
Laughing mirthlessly, he pushed those kinds of thoughts out of his head. Why he was thinking them, was beyond him. He loved Julia, promising her that they would always be together. Now that they shared these odd, yet amazing dreams together, how could he even flirt with the idea of liking someone else?
It was absurd, awfully so.
However, he couldn't help think of those days that he had been in love with Cerise. No matter how young they both were, a connection had been built between them. They'd been one another's first kisses, first dates and the first time either of them had fallen in love. Back then, with what he knew about love, he'd promised to love her forever.
But promises, like rules, it seemed were made to be broken.
They had fallen out, gotten into fights, drifted apart. Silence had built in-between them, joined in by animosity, which turned into hatred, as neither of them were willing to mend the bond that had been broken. Years passed, new memories made, old ones forgotten.
Feelings had slowly ebbed away.
Not that anything was really changing now, he was just going to pick her up from Olive Garden.
And so he did.
Turning into the restaurant's parking lot, he pulled up to the front doors and was about to step out. However, Cerise was already waiting outside.
Her legs crossed, face blank, she gave Steven a brief nod. Standing up, purse in tow, she approached his vehicle and got into the passengers side. "Thanks so much, Steven." She put her purse on her lap, but didn't put on her seatbelt.
"It's no problem." He backed out, considered asking what happened, then thought better of it. "Are you in a hurry?"
She shook her head, exhaling noisily.
Tear-stains, with make-up in them, trailed down her face.
Her voice hoarse and breaking, she said, "Desmond left me."
"I'm sorry." Steven glanced over at her, unsure of what more to say or do. So, with his hands on the wheel, he kept driving. Staring straight ahead, he let the radio quietly play.
Cerise turned her head, so that she faced the window.
"Thanks again, Steven." Was all Cerise said to him that entire ride, as she stepped out of the car.
"You're welcome. Are you going to be okay?" But she'd already turned around, shutting the door behind her. Watching her go, he let out a sigh, shrugged and rushed over to Tim Horton's before class started.
Steven's eyes opened.
For the third time, when he awoke, he was not laying in his bed. No blankets surrounded him, nor was he in a dark room, with a fan lazily circling overhead. He could not hear his father coughing, the sounds of his agony echoing in the silent house.
He was dreaming, yet awake, just as he had in the brightly lit valley, and in the hot air balloon floating in space. Only, this time, Julia was not standing over him, watching him with expectant eyes.
Instead, laying on a cracked, worn out road, rain falling from dark, ominous clouds, Steven found himself drenched and confused. His pajama pants were wet as if they'd been dropped in a lake, pulled out and put on; along with his shirt and hair.
This was a dream, right? Steven slowly got up, glancing around for cars, but saw that there were none. There were no sounds either. Not even the pitter-patter of rain on the concrete road could be heard.
The wind, which was evidently there by the trees swaying back and forth, could not be heard rustling in the breeze.
"Hello!" He called out, but heard nothing come from his mouth. There was no low hum, ambient noises, or whistle that came with silence.
There was nothing to be heard, nothing, at all.
On the rain-covered street, hundreds of houses lined up on either side. Endlessly in one direction they stretched, while endlessly they stretched in the other.
So it was a dream, but was it a dream he could share with Julia? It certainly felt realistic like the two prior ones, but unlike those dreams, he could hear everything. In those dreams, it was as if every sense was amplified. As were his emotions, which would sky-rocket as he spent time with Julia.
This brought up another question: Where was she?
"Julia!" He screamed as loud as he could, straining his jaw, but not making a noise.
Frustrated, he stalked off the street, onto the grass and noticed something else-the grass was grey. Underfoot, the water was also grey, not brown and earthy. Everywhere he looked, he now noticed that no color was to be seen.
Yet the rain kept pouring.
The wind blowing.
Steven gave himself a shake, like a dog, trying to dry himself off. He pinched some of his shirt off his skin, then let go as it stuck to him like spandex.
"Steven…" In a world without noise, that small whisper sounded like a gunshot. Steven stopped, listened for the voice again, but couldn't hear anything. Scanning the houses nearby, he saw that one had its front door wide open. Unable to resist his curiosity, he approached the house, keeping an ear open for that voice to sound again.
It didn't.
Walking up the sidewalk, which went directly to the front door, splitting the lawn in half, he realized that something else was wrong.
There were no shadows.
What had caused such confusion and disorientation in him earlier, must've been the lack of shadows. Now that he stared around, he could clearly see that though there was certainly light coming through the dark, rain-filled clouds, no shadows were cast.
It was as if a clumsy artist had crafted the dream, forgetting to put in shadows.
He crossed the threshold, stepping into the house, an uneasiness growing inside. It wasn't familiar, not at all. Inside, the place was falling to pieces. There was nothing in the house, furniture, walls, carpets, ceiling, supports, braces, floor, that wasn't in complete disrepair.
It was such an ugly, dilapidated thing, seemingly ripped out of any cliché, generic haunted house movie.
However, it was not a mansion, but a quaint bungalow.
It was also occupied.
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Blog: Purpose of cable car is Crystal clear
An advert now labels the cable car a legacy item. "Thanks to the Games," it reads, "you can now fly across the Thames and see London in a whole new light." This is part of a series of adverts branded "Gift of the Games."
Now, one could quibble, if one were so minded, over the direct correlation of the Emirates Air Line and the Olympic Games.
Obviously, traffic escalated over those summer weeks, although I suspect this was due to people killing time between events at Excel and The O2 rather than travelling between the two.
Besides, the Emirates Air Line was never touted as a piece of Games infrastructure and, through pricing and ticketing (and very nearly through its late launch) was excluded from routine travel plans.
However, my quibbling is muted. If someone wants to give the cable car an Olympic sheen I'm not going to get too vexed.
But, the truth is, the cable car never really made sense as an adjunct to the Olympics. However, it makes perfect sense as an adjunct to the Crystal.
Shamefully late for a resident of the area, I took my debut flight last week. Mostly because I got free tickets as part of the hoopla that surrounded the opening of the greenest building in the world, dedicated to innovative thinking about urbanisation.
Taking to the air, after a short walk from that squat, pointy building (the East Angular?), the Air Line made sense in a way it never did before.
From around the world, city mayors, digital thinkers and futurologists will convene at Siemens campus. The cable car (although disappointingly analogue) is a perfect mood music for their deliberations - dramatic, innovative, sexy, leftfield and a tiny bit bonkers. (Plus it opens up the lunching options for delegates.)
I should add that the journey over the Thames is London's latest must-do experience.
From a certain vantage point, with perspective foreshortened, when the loop of the river turns the Greenwich peninsula into an island and when the Royal Docks and river make a drowned archipelago of Silvertown, the notion of a Water City is as obvious as it is breathtaking.
PS The Crystal is reminiscent of the Millennium Dome - snazzy exterior but a purpose that is not entirely clear to the average passer-by. Fortunately, we're not picking up the bill for this one.


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November 13th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Great site!
I have a long, cold and wet British winter ahead and plans to really improve my game. Fitness is right up there with mental strength and attitude as well as improving swing technically.
However, what I could really do with is some really good neck strengthening exercises – any suggestions? I need to improve posture and retain neutral spine (and neck) my neck joints are older than I feel :o)


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text: Undefeated this season, he won the Methuen (Mass.) tournament as well as the Rhode Island state championship. In the state tournament, he won all four of his matches with first-minute pins. Michael Kimbrough of Mount Pleasant kept him on the mat the longest, 56 seconds, in the final. "He did well all year," coach Dwayne LaBrie said.


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IssuesKnowledge TopicsLatest Posts
You are hereKathleen SebeliusNew Rules For Texas Obamacare NavigatorsThe Texas Department of Insurance has adopted state-specific rules for Obamacare navigators in Texas. I'm glad to see Texas taking the steps Secretary Sebelius failed to take to safeguard Texans' personal information. Obamacare presents enough problems for Texans without the risk of a convicted felon handling their personal information. These are basic requirements for screening individuals hired with taxpayer money to handle sensitive consumer information, and there is no excuse for the Obama Administration's failure to implement them from day one. Read more » Posted under:
White House Incompetence on Obamacare is Just Embarrassing to WatchUncle Sam is crying "uncle," at least for the fiasco that is HealthCare.gov (aka Obamacare), and running to the private sector for help. The White House incompetence is beyond belief. Where the website runs, the program will soon follow. ObamaCare's "overhaul v2.0″ hasn't solved all the problems. In fact, it hasn't solved any of the problems. And that is why ObamaCare's critical access point is being moved to the private sector. Read more » Posted under:
Lower Level Operatives to BlameIs the administration aware of the actions that are taking place in the administration? A little history: Fast and Furious: Everyone knows the President did not know about this tactic until he heard about it through the news media. A quote from White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. So lower level operatives blamed. No accountability. Read more » Posted under:
(VIDEO) Saturday Night Live Skewers Obamacare Website GlitchesIn a hilarious cold open sketch of last night's Saturday Night Live, Kate McKinnon, playing Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius, provides some friendly tips for troubleshooting all of the technical problems people have been experiencing with the Obamacare website. Tips included restarting your computer, coming back later since the site can only handle six users at a time, Posted under:
Cornyn, McConnell Express Concern Over Administration Pressure On Sports Groups to Promote ObamacareWASHINGTON– U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) sent letters to the heads of the six major professional sports organizations expressing concern that they would agree to help the Obama administration promote new health insurance plans under Obamacare. The letters were prompted by recent news reports that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was in talks with the NFL and other sports organizations in an effort Posted under:
Obama's Abuses of Power"You've grown up hearing voices…warn that tyranny is always lurking just around the corner. You should reject these voices…Because what they suggest is that we can't be trusted." –President Barack Obama, May 6, 2013 Over the last two weeks, an unprecedented abuse of power has illustrated the lawless nature of the Obama Administration. They have ignored the law, the Constitution, and Congress, and have engaged in behavior for which President Nixon faced articles of impeachment. The American people deserve full accountability Posted under:
The Obama-Pelosi 2014 Campaign Kickoff Is Off To A Dreadful StartNRCC - At taxpayer expense, President Obama is traveling to San Francisco today for his first fundraising tour of the 2014 cycle and to make good on his promise to make Nancy Pelosi Speaker once again. Read more » Posted under:
Democrats Aren't Working: They Think More Government Is the AnswerDemocrats began their national convention by watching a video that included the disturbing claim that "government is the only thing we all belong to," yet another reminder that Democrats believe more government is the answer: DNC KICKOFF VIDEO: "GOVERNMENT IS THE ONLY THING WE ALL BELONG TO": "A promotional video played this afternoon at the Democratic convention in Charlotte states, Posted under:
Dems Already Plotting to Bring ObamaCare BackThe National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is a political committee devoted to maintaining and increasing the 239-member Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Supreme Court decision on ObamaCare hasn't even been announced and House Democrats are already plotting how to bring it back if the Supreme Court strikes the law down: Read more » Posted under:
Planned Parenthood "affiliates" and the Texas Women's Health ProgramThursday, the Austin Chronicle, the local "alternative" news source, has yet another article "Perry continues assault on women's healthcare," claiming that Governor Perry and the Commissioner of Health and Human Services Suehs have acted – seemingly on their own – to shut down the Texas Women's Health Program (more info here) in order to spite the poor underdog, Planned Parenthood. Thursday's statement is that "The new regulation signed by Suehs – redefining "affiliate" to mean that Planned Parenthood clinics not providing abortions are deemed affiliated with those clinics that do – conflicts with federal law, as confirmed last week by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Posted under:
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If you are looking for easy lesson ideas or videos to encourage good character in your students or children, the following is a listing of the top articles on character education which InspiredTeacher.net has produced in the year 2011.
Remember, you don't necessarily have to commit to a time-consuming curriculum to teach intentionally and inspirationally. We know you're busy. {You're a teacher, right?} Just take 2 minutes to glance down the list, grab one idea, and try it out this week in your classroom or with your own children.
Because encouraging strong character may just be one of the most important things you teach in 2012.
The Best Character Education Lesson Ideas and Videos, 2011
Think Different. {MS/HS} A lesson plan on the power of individuality and modern historical heroes based on the 30-second Think Different commercial campaign by apple.
Why Every Teacher Should Teach Character. {Teacher} This post continues to be one of the most highly searched of our articles on Character Education. While it doesn't provide a lesson plan, it challenges teachers to carve out some time to intentionally teach life lessons of character to their students.
Help. {All} This powerful video footage of an Olympic runner who falls in a race and then is carried to the finish line by his father is a great introduction to lessons of perseverance and the value of accepting help from others.
Kindness in Words. {Elem} This illustrated movie touches on the value of our words to build up or tear down, literally. You can show the video or just re-enact it for your students.
Classroom Gratitude Journal. {All} Author and teacher Laura Groves gave us this simple idea to instill gratitude and shift attitudes in the classroom.
Fill a Bucket with Kindness. {Elem/MS} This illustration is based off the popular book which talks about the invisible buckets we all carry and the power we have to fill or empty them.
A Lesson in Fair Trade. {MS/HS} Laura vlogs about the importance of fair trade and how it affects rice farmers from her balcony in Thailand. She also gives several other links to videos about the issue.
Gift of a Sincere Compliment. {All} Amy gave us this brilliant idea to have students intentionally compliment each other. It's a simple idea, but she talks about the power this activity had on her own life as a young student.
Bad-Mood Breaker. {All} This easy 5-minute activity could seriously alter your entire teaching day. Seriously.
Begin with the End. {MS/HS} This activity requires no supplies and only 10 minutes of teaching time. It's a simple goal-setting lesson that asks students to evaluate if their current choices are helping or hurting their ability to achieve their personal goals.
One Small Spark. {MS/HS} Elora wrote this post describing a philosophy of service learning which asks students to think critically about their worlds and then to get involved in solving its problems. Thought-provoking.
Marble Jar. {Elem} This simple idea serves as a behavior modification system that we've all used but that deserves to be pulled from the closet every now and again.
Get off that Gossip Train, Girl. {MS/HS} Grab a tube of toothpaste and give a lesson on the damage gossip and rumors cause that your students will have a hard time forgetting– or cleaning up.
The Buck Stops Here. {MS/HS} Using a clip from the film ROCKY, students are asked to think about ways they are either giving up or blaming someone else for their own mistakes. The focus of this lesson is perseverance and responsibility.
7th Graders and a Capacity for Compassion. {All} Using a real-life example from her middle school classroom, Kendal shares an idea that connects students in the Western world to the impoverished in Africa. Her students worked together to provide several thousand dollars for clean water, half a globe away. Read her story here, and then tweak the idea for a project that will, literally, change the world.
We are excited about giving our readers loads more resources for teaching character in the classroom during the upcoming year. We'd like to become a place teachers can easily stop in to for simple, practical ideas to teach inspirationally — with little planning or supplies required.
In fact, as we plan for articles in the near future, would you take a minute to let us know what types of character education lessons you'd like ideas for in your class? Also, what are the biggest areas of character your students need help with? These answers will help us develop ideas that are most helpful to our teaching readers. If you haven't already, consider subscribing to our posts {the best way to have inspirational ideas sent right to your inbox} or connecting with us via facebook. {Both located on the sidebars.}
- Laura is a former middle school teacher and currently blogs at ALifeOverseas.com .


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· Fatalities: 10,881 people
· Missing people: 5,792
· People affected by the disaster: 2.7 million (estimated)
· Households losing their source of livelihood: 645,000 (nearly 80% in fishing)
· Houses destroyed or damaged: 150,000
· Number of villages impacted: 897 villages
· Coastal area affected: 2,260 km.
(Source: Preliminary Damage and Needs Assessment Report for India)
Scale of the recovery and reconstruction process:
Estimated total needs for long-term recovery overall: US$1.2 billion
Figures pertain to mainland India only
World Bank Assistance:
Total Funds:
The World Bank has committed US$528.5 million to help India. This includes:
· US$465 for reconstruction and recovery efforts in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry
· US$61 million directed from ongoing Bank projects for Kerala and Andhra Pradesh
· US$2.5 million grant to Tamil Nadu and pondicherry for fisheries alternative livelihoods
US$465 million Emergency Tsunami Reconstruction Program for Tamil Nadu (US$423 million) and Pondicherry (US$42 million) for housing reconstruction; infrastructure to support livelihood recovery in fisheries sector; and support to agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry sectors. Repair and retrofitting of damaged public buildings including the health centers and educational institutions and public works will also be provided in Tamil Nadu.
In Andhra Pradesh the assistance (US$40 million) is mainly focused on livelihood recovery and reconstruction of rural and municipal infrastructure and is being provided through ongoing credits. In Kerala (US$10.0 million) it is for rural water supply and is also being provided through an ongoing credit. Assistance (US$11.0 million) is also provided to strengthening coastal roads through ongoing IBRD loan in Tamil Nadu.
Disbursements as of end of October, 2005: US$57.5 million.
(note: figures are provisional and do not include October disbursements from two restructured projects in Andhra Pradesh)
Status of World Bank Assistance:
Total approved credit amount: US$ 465 million
Date of Effectiveness: August 2005
Closing Date: April 2008
Location: 13 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and the Pondicherry and Karaikal regions of the Union Territory of Pondicherry
Livelihood Recovery (US$ 36.4 Million):
The program aims to restore - to an upgraded level - the assets of the fisheries sector in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. It does not cover the restoration of private fishing assets like boats and nets.
Infrastructure works worth Rs 1 billion that support fishing livelihoods have been identified. These include the reconstruction of four fishing harbors in Tamil Nadu and one in Pondicherry. Consultants for the design and supervision of these works are being hired and construction is likely to begin mid-2006.
Restoration of Agricultural and Horticultural Lands:
The tsunami floodwaters destroyed standing crops of paddy, coconut, banana, groundnut, sugarcane in some 9,000 hectares of land in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. The salt water rendered these lands too saline to till.
Bank support has helped the governments treat some 6,551 hectares of the affected land in Tamil Nadu. Farmers were helped to form self-help groups and were then supplied the materials (gypsum, green manure etc) for treating the high salinity. These reclaimed fields have now been sown with salt-tolerant crops.
Housing Reconstruction (US$ 383.8 Million):
More than 55,000 (45,892 in Tamil Nadu and 9,676 ha. in Pondicherry) houses were destroyed by the tsunami. Various non government organizations, (NGOs) are constructing close to 40,000 new houses in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry; the remaining 15,000 houses will be funded from IDA funds.
The Bank will help build some 15,000 new houses (12,339 in Chennai and some 3,000 in Pondicherry) for people who lost their houses in the tsunami.
The civic amenities (water, sanitation, roads, electrification) in these relocated settlements, as well as community infrastructure like community halls, local cyclone shelters etc, will all be funded by the Bank.
Public Infrastructure – Roads And Buildings (US$ 19.5 Million):
The Bank is helping Tamil Nadu use tsunami recovery activities as a way of improving the social and environmental infrastructure facilities for the affected communities. Among the public works
The Bank is helping repair/renovate 143 schools and 13 hospitals and primary health centers in Tamil Nadu; these buildings will all be cyclone and quake resistant.
Roads, culverts and small bridges damaged by the tsunami in Tamil Nadu are being repaired from an additional US$ 11 million diverted from the Bank-funded Tamil Nadu Road Sector Project.
About 120 cyclone shelters in Tamil Nadu are being repaired and strengthened with Bank assistance.
The Bank will assist these deltaic districts repair river dykes, drains and levies in these deltaic districts.
Coastal Management:
The Bank is helping fund several studies to help local governments evolve long-term strategies for effective and sustainable coastal management. The studies will cover aspects like (i) vulnerability mapping; (ii) remote sensing, resource assessments, (iii) land capability assessments; and (iv) bathymetry of near shore marine environment of tsunami affected coastal stretches and high-tide level management plans.
The US$ 2.5 million grant from the Bank is being used for extensive policy work in the fisheries sector.


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October 5th, 2012, 04:10 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 40
Slot Machines driving me crazy
Been trying to get the achievement for the vault symbol jackpot. 3781 rolls (calculated by how much total money I've spent divided by the cost of using the slot machine) over the course of 6 or so hours today. My level 9 character now has every black market upgrade, and has since picked up enough eridium from the slots to buy them all twice more. I got all the badass ranks for picking up white, green, blue, and purple weapons.
No vault symbol jackpot. Between this and farming the Warrior and Terramorphous hundreds of times each to no orange loot drops (besides Terra's class mods), I'm starting to think the game is just trolling me for the lulz. Yes, the programming of the game itself became sentient and decided its purpose in this world would be to annoy the hell out of me. This explanation seems more rational to me than an explanation where the devs made it possible that the player go unrewarded for sinking over 6 hours of time into staring at fictional slot machines. I am basically playing an excel spreadsheet right now, and the completionist in me won't let me stop until I get that damn achievement. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances? Somehow I doubt multiplayer affects the slot machines, but I'm getting kind of desperate at this point. I don't want things to come easy, but I've put in way too much time to have received no rewards. I have already spent 57 hours and then some farming the Warrior and Terramorphous without getting a single orange drop. And now it seems attempting this achievement will be an equally futile endeavor. I'm not even having fun with this game any more. I'm sticking with it purely out of stubbornness, and that's not what I want. I want to enjoy the game again. |
October 5th, 2012, 04:16 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 103
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
I have put 15 million (at least) into BOTH machines in Sanctuary and I don't think I have seen an orange gun yet.
October 5th, 2012, 04:16 PM | #4 | |
New Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
There's been research done on the topic on other forums.
October 5th, 2012, 04:20 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Posts: 33
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
I've been gambling very consistently since I started my character (LvL 35 now) and I have yet to get all three Marcus heads or all 3 vault symbols.
I'm keeping at it though, for whatever reason. In Diablo 2 I would blow so much money gambling that my friends would stop playing with my reckless ass. Nothing has changed here on Pandora. If you need me you know where to find me... PS: I also think that only 1 person can tip Moxxi for her gun per server session. My friend gave her 15k for it and immediately after I gave her up to 20k and nothing. So beware if you are trying to reroll her gun. |
October 5th, 2012, 06:32 PM | #6 |
Magic's Medicine Cabinet
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 81
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
We had four people in the game and I dropped around 6mil and got one legendary pistol. I proceeded to throw in over another 10mil and only got one purple shotgun as my best outcome. Looking at the actual odds I must have been pretty lucky and I'm happy with at least getting one legendary to add to my collection.
All I can say is keeping running it as much as you can and try to have four players. If they don't increase the odds it still helps because if you sign in a dummy player you can trade over any money you picked up so you have a little extra to use. |
October 5th, 2012, 06:57 PM | #7 |
New Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
!I actually just got my first jackpot today I got a conference call! Its only level 18 though, lol
October 5th, 2012, 08:37 PM | #8 |
New Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ireland
Posts: 11
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
I got 2 legendary weapons from the slots in around 10 spins altogether at level 20 in a party of 3.
October 5th, 2012, 09:38 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 31
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
I understand your pain! I sometimes throw a 'nade over in the area where the guys are playing darts with knives to release some of my anger, considering I've heard their dialog 2938475638291837474839291 times.......lol
Yesterday, 05:44 PM | #10 |
New Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 27
Re: Slot Machines driving me crazy
I found out that i could go hours rolling the slots and not winning but the moment i start tipping moxxi the's slot's start rolling DRASTICALLY HIGHER. And as long as i don't go too long without tipping her i will never go more then 45 mins without a JackPot. I have found this to be the case both multiple times as well as fairly consistently. This is how i am also able to get the Jackpot challenge for all my characters without too much time at all spent.
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Holman Christian Standard (CSB) | New International Version (NIV) |
18 Timothy, my child, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, | 18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, |
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Holman Christian Standard Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


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Jun 9, 2014 9:17 AM by Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is signing an executive order that lets borrowers pay no more than 10 percent of their monthly income in student loan payments.
The measure expands on a 2010 law that covered those who started borrowing after October 2007 and kept borrowing after October 2011. The executive order allows those who borrowed earlier to participate, potentially extending the benefit to millions more borrowers.
Obama will sign the order Monday during an event in the White House Rose Garden. The president will also use the appearance to call for Congress to pass more sweeping legislation that would let college graduates with heavy debts refinance their loans.
The Senate is expected to debate the legislation next week, but it faces significant obstacles.
(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Offensive or inappropriate comments are subject to removal. To report a comment, please e-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com, and include the name of the story and information on the comment.
Thank you! KSBY.com
1 hour ago


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EPA calls for tougher PVC regulations
Posted onThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday proposed stronger standards that would require facilities that produce polyvinyl chloride – used to build some RIBs and other inflatable boats – to reduce emissions of harmful toxins, improving air quality and protecting people's health in communities where the facilities are located.
The standards would reduce emissions of air toxins, such as dioxin and vinyl chloride, while giving facilities the flexibility to choose the most practical and cost-effective control technology or technique to reduce their emissions. Facilities also would need to monitor emissions at certain points in the PVC production process to ensure that the standards are met.
Air toxins from the PVC production process affect nearby communities. There are 17 PVC production facilities in the United States. A majority of them are in Louisiana and Texas. The proposal would cover all existing and any new PVC production facilities.
The EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. The agency also will hold two public hearings in the Houston and Baton Rouge, La., areas. More information about the hearings will be available soon.
Click here for information on the proposal.
In a separate action, the EPA is developing standards for the chemical industry that will address air toxins such as dioxins and vinyl chloride. The agency will issue a proposal for them later this year.
PVC production facilities make PVC resins that are used in a large number of commercial and industrial products, including latex paints, coatings, adhesives, clear plastics, rigid plastics and flooring.
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Article ID: 928763 - View products that this article applies to. NoticeThe services or features discussed in this article may not be available in your region. Please review article 952586
for details on the services and features available in your region.
SYMPTOMSWhen you try to update or add credit card information for a Zune Music Pass subscription, or a "Pay as you go" account, you receive the following error message: Credit card authorization failed CAUSEThis problem may occur when one or more of the following conditions are true:
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2015 Ford Mustang
- By admin
- 16 July, 2013
- No Comments
Mustang is turning 50 in the next few years and as a result we will be getting 2015 Ford Mustang that will be available outside the U.S. market also. According to reports this vehicle will be delivered to Japan, England and Australia also. This vehicle will be designed and developed by design studios that are not located in the U.S. only.
Add that to the fact that the 2015 Mustangs will receive independent rear suspension for the first time ever, with exception of the Cobra version a decade ago, and the Mustang suddenly becomes a hot topic among enthusiasts.
With such dramatic changes in the geographical availability of the Mustang, as well as the move away from the cheaper live axle, not much else has to change in order for this new-generation Mustang to find its new niche in the 2015 model year. That being said, expect the updated muscle car to get a radical redesign while still staying true to its overall look and style.
The 2015 Ford Mustang should debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2014, exactly 50 years to the month of the original Mustang's debut.
On 06.13.2012. leaked images were delivered and spy photographers have managed to catch a mule of the next generation Mustang during testing. As usual, the spy shots reveal more details on the future car. The next Mustang will be built on a heavily revised version of the outgoing car's platform, with the biggest change being made for the suspension system.
The 2015 Mustang will be getting redesigned for its new generation, as most cars do, but Ford would be ridiculous if they changed it up too much. Expect to see the same long hood/short deck combination, as well as the sharp upper and lower quarter panels of the current model to carry on to the next. The major component of the redesign will come in a revised platform that will drop the car's overall weight and length. The new, lighter and smaller Mustang will then be prepared to take on the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro that is also said to have dropped a few pounds.
The interior of the Ford Mustang hasn't had many changes since its restyling in the third generation. Other than the seats getting made out of soybeans for the 2008 model, the Mustang's interior has stayed the same. Will 2015 be the year of the interior? It's highly doubtful, but we do expect more of Ford's bountiful technologies to find their way into the new generation muscle car.
As of right now, the engine lineup for the 2015 Mustang will not differ much from the current V-6 and V-8 configurations. Expect to see the 3.6L V-6 producing 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and the 5.0L V-8 delivering 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, except that the V-8 may get direct injection.
Rumors have also been circulating about a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with upwards of 350 horsepower.
For the first time in 10 years since Ford's then-VP, Phil Marten, decided to switch to a live axle to cut down on costs, the Ford Mustang will be getting an independent rear suspension. This new suspension will be a one-off of sorts from Ford's Control Blade suspension and will be similar to that of the Ford Falcon from Australia, marking the area in which Australia's studios will come into play.
This switch to IRS may be cause for alarm for the drag racers of the world that rather enjoy the live axle, but a limited-edition live axle model may come into play to put out that fire. We can see it now, 2015 Ford Mustang Drag Race Edition.
Handling may also be improved for the new generation Mustang with computer-controlled torque vectoring. This system be able to apply and hold torque where it is needed for more aggressive and controlled handling.


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Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation hopes it continues to live free or die hard. The company, a division of Fox Filmed Entertainment, produces, acquires, and distributes media conglomerate News Corporation's big budget motion pictures. In addition to working on films such as X-Men: First Class (co-produced with Marvel Entertainment) and Avatar, Twentieth Century Fox also distributes movies for Regency (What's Your Number?). The company has had a hand in two of the top five highest grossing US movies of all time: Avatar and Titanic, which it co-produced with Paramount Pictures. The studio also had a hand in another big money-maker, the Star Wars franchise, which it distributed for Lucasfilm.
The company had a couple of breakout hits in the summer of 2011. Its X-Men: First Class and Rise of the Planet of the Apes both performed well at the box office. The fifth movie in the X-Men series was produced for about $160 million, while it took in some $352 million worldwide. Its Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a pleasant surprise for Fox; during its opening weekend the film earned $54.8 million, beating its projected gross by more than $20 million. The studio is betting big on upcoming releases such as Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked, The Three Stooges, and Die Hard 5.
Meanwhile, the company is still reeling from the success of Avatar, the sci-fi thriller from filmmaker James Cameron (his first feature film since Titanic). Twentieth Century Fox had high expectations for the movie, which was 14 years in the making and had a production budget of more than $200 million. Avatar did not fail to deliver big business at the box office, while pushing 3D technology forward and raising the bar for special effects. While the film was released in late 2009, in 2010 Avatar became the top-earning movie of all time (breaking the previous record, set by Titanic), surpassing $2 billion in ticket sales. The movie's success was enough to make Twentieth Century Fox the #3 studio in 2010 in terms of market share (after Warner Bros. and Paramount). Avatar sequels are currently in development and set for release in 2014 and 2015.
In non-Avatar related news for 2010, the studio's Gulliver's Travels was deemed a "holiday bomb". The film got beat by another picture from Fox, the third film in The Chronicles of Narnia series: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader. Released in collaboration with Walden Media, Fox picked up the film after Disney in 2009 decided to cease co-financing the Narnia movies. The title failed to re-capture the magic of the first Narnia movie, 2005's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (which grossed an impressive $745 million worldwide). The second Narnia film, 2008's Prince Caspian, was also a relative disappointment (earning a total of $419 million worldwide).
10201 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064-2651 www.foxstudios.com


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Water Summary Update
Posted: 09/20/2012
DES MOINES—The combination of cooler weather slowing evaporation rates and near normal rainfall in the past two weeks allowed soil moisture levels to slightly improve. However, streamflow conditions are below normal for the majority of the state, and water levels in large natural lakes continue to drop. Shallow groundwater levels continue to be at or near historic lows.
For a more thorough review of Iowa's water resource trends Sept. 6 through Sept. 19, go to
Beginning October 4, Water Summary Update will be published on the first Thursday of each month, unless conditions change significantly. Biweekly publication will resume in spring 2013.
The report is prepared by the technical staff from the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the USGS, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division.


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What do your possessions say about you? I don't mean the things you bought last week — they generally fill a practical need or express your current idea of fashion. I'm talking about the things you've been carting around for decades, from place to place and chapter to chapter.
The reason I'm asking is that I was recently lying in bed looking at my earring collection, which now spans about 30 years of my life. Many pairs have come and gone, of course, but the ones in my possession today are the ones that have (at least for now) stood the test of time. It suddenly occurred to me that there were commonalities to what I'd chosen to keep: all of them are sterling silver, there's an abundance of turquoise (a stone I fell in love with as a 6-year-old on a trip to Yellowstone National Park and have been in love with since), and none of them are terribly big or ornate. All in all, I surmised, it was a fairly earthy, non-showy collection of jewelry. Did this match my vision of myself?
I decided to take a look at the other things I've been carrying around with me the longest: a couple of paintings I found on the street when I lived in Manhattan; an empty, ocean blue sewing machine console from the turn of the century; photographs, paintings, and drawings from friends throughout the years; treasures from Goodwill that my mother, with her eagle eye, has found and sent me; squat ceramics from that class I took; a turn-of-the-century quilt from my aunt's famous vintage clothing store….
In other words, a hodgepodge of colorful, memory-filled, probably-not-valuable treasures that seem to perfectly express my colorful, hodgepodge of a life.
Take a tour around your place and a walk down memory lane. What do your possessions say about you and your life? Do they reflect the vision that you have of yourself?


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IBM's New IT Standards Policy: ISO Is Not Exclusive
IBM declared in a new corporate policy that it was establishing new IT standards and redefining its ties with the International Standards Organization (ISO). If developing countries want to develop their own standards, IBM is willing to support them. Ramifications are clear regarding the turbulent debate around acceptance of Microsoft's Open Office XML (OOXML) data format.
The new IBM standards are effective immediately, according to a recent press release. Big Blue states that its membership in the standards bodies is essentially on trial and that it will take "necessary actions." The company emphasizes the importance of open standards and characterizes them as vital for open development and worldwide trade. The press release contains five tenets for the new policy. Attentive observers of the controversy around ISO certification of Microsoft's OOXML data format should not have a hard time making the necessary inferences: the first tenet basically declares that their participation in standards bodies is questionable "based on the quality and openness of their processes, membership rules, and intellectual property policies." ISO certification of OOXML ended up in a heated battle among international delegates, with many voting against. Among the sharpest critics was IBM delegate Rob Weir, who railed against the process in his blog.
IBM's second policy tenet encourages developing countries "to both adopt open global standards and to participate" in their creation. The ISO delegates from Brazil, India, South Africa and Venezuela had petitioned against ISO's decision and in favor of the OOXML standard. After rejection by the ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), delegates voiced concern that the appeal would have been different coming from the industrialized nations. Ideas also circulated about forming independent standards bodies outside ISO or IEC. A thinly veiled broadside came from another of IBM's tenets on how standards should be set: to "advance governance rules within standards bodies that ensure technology decisions, votes, and dispute resolutions are made fairly by independent participants, protected from undue influence."
IBM further addressed intellectual property rights and promised to set a good example: "IBM's new standards policy promotes simplified and consistent intellectual property practices, and emphasizes that all stakeholders, including the open source community and those in growth markets, should have equal footing as they participate in the standards process."
The company states that their principles were inspired by six weeks of open discussion in the spring of 2008. In May and June, IBM invited 70 "independent, forward-thinking experts" from academia, government, industry, public policy, and standard-setting bodies to engage in a wiki forum discussion about whether the standard setting bodies have "kept pace" with today's realities.
In November, IBM plans an invitation-only summit under the auspices of Yale University to "flesh out" recommendations from the debate.
Nobody needs ISO, or the german DIN
The same is valid w.r.t the german DIN (german industry norms). They had the same problem with not enough chairs for adversaries at meetings, and the final decision in favor of M$-OOOOXS was made in a manner 'not to allow any recourse in order to acertain favorable results and not to permit prolongation of that'.
I make an own distro - SYS - and I'm systematically throw out everything what have to do with the DIN or too much with ISO. We are open source, not privat corruption/interests. -
Maybe we can go back to EBCDIC
That might be a good plan, let the disgruntled members force through a batch of silly standards (like the joke RFCs) mocking the whole process. -
Maybe we can go back to EBCDIC!!!!!!
<twitch> -
Some one had to do it
There is no need to destroy the whole ISO, only the area of IT standards needs to be broken away.
All that is needed is for the EU to support this initiative from IBM and ignore all ISO IT branch totally.
Why the EU? because the US lost its credibility and the EU has many more members and lately seems to work much better as an entity than the United States.
The new initiative should adopt all good IT standards that are already in place and beneficial and throw away anything else that is just there for nothing.
The whole IT industry is turning away from from MS and it will eventually be left alone to twiddle their thumbs. MS should be careful. Better behave yourself or reap the consequences.
good to hear!
Now we need the international community to join in.. i also suspect once enough pressure is put on the ISO.. ( thru making them irrelevant ) they will atleast on the surface try to change... im sort of glad that this happened though... it brought the the surface or atleast to more of the public what goes on in these so called "standard" setting proceedings.. -
We don't need no stinkin' ISO
Outstanding! This is just what it's going to take. Now if only someone else can have the courage to join in.
Once you make ISO look vulnerable and unnecessary, I'll bet we'll see a whole different behavior.
Good luck to IBM. I know I'll get criticized for supporting someone that's proprietary to determine IT industry standards, but how is ISO and different? We know they're owned.
ISO. The best standards that m$... er, I mean, MONEY can buy.
Issue 172/2015
Buy this issue as a PDF
Cisco Releases Annual Security Report
Spammers go low-volume, and 90% of IE browsers are unpatched.
Zero Day Exploits Target Flash
Adobe scrambles to release patches for vulnerable Flash Player.
Intel Unveils Compute Stick
Four-inch-long computer on a stick lets you boot a full Linux system from any HDMI display device.
Obama Proposes Personal Data Notification Law
New statute would require companies to report break-ins to consumers.
TGXf Project Warns of File Transfer through Screen Pixels
Weird data transfer technique avoids all standard security measures.
Industry Giants Announce a Fix for the Password Mess
FIDO alliance declares the beginning of the end for old-style login authentication.
Poll: Vote for the Best Open Source Software for Photographers
The Linux New Media Awards have honored the most significant products, projects, people, and organizations for open source/Linux every year since 2000.
Debian Gets Forked
Legendary Uber-distro splits over the systemd controversy.
Linux Mint Project Releases Mint 17.1
New LTS version offers many refinements for the Cinnamon and Mate desktops and significant improvement under the hood.
CeBIT Open Source Forum Call for Papers
One of CeBIT's most successful forums returns in 2015.


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The banana oats smoothie, as you might have figured out already, is an intelligent choice for breakfast! the use of bananas, oats, flax seeds, curds and honey (instead of sugar) marks up the nutrition quotient of this recipe remarkably.
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Stereo Tincan Folklore / A Visual Sound DVD Boxset
#001015117£21.99For the first time ever, you can now watch 2 of Stereo's classic vids on DVD. "A Visual Sound" and "Tincan Folkore" come in a 2 disc box set and include director's commentary by co-captains Jason Le ...more -
Stereo x Route One 89rpm Exclusive Deck - 8"
#78734£52.99 £39.99This Deck was designed in-house at Route One and crafted lovingly by Stereo. Strictly limited in numbers, it is completely exclusive to Route One, you won't find it anywhere else in the world, s ...more
Founded in '92 by renowned professional skateboarders and longtime friends Jason Lee and Chris Pastras, Stereo came as a breath of fresh air and with a unique and highly innovative approach to skating, an emphasis on style, originality and plain old fashion fun, it was quickly embraced by the skateboard community.


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Meticulously-manicured properties are a common sight in many Florida communities. It takes skill and experience to design, build and maintain such landscapes. For Jerome Gardner, owner of E.J. Gardner Enterprises in Bonita Springs, Fla., it also takes passion.
What Gardner enjoys most is transforming a parcel of green into an awe-inspiring landscape and maintaining and improving it from year to year.
E.J. Gardner Enterprises provides services to residential, commercial and homeowners associations in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties in Southwest Florida. The company provides design/build and maintenance services, with a focus on the latter. Maintenance services include mowing, fertilization and pest control.
Gardner holds licenses and certifications in commercial and residential landscaping, installation, design, hardscaping, pavers, irrigation and horticulture. The company carries $1 million in liability coverage as well as complete workers' compensation insurance.
Owner: E. J. Gardner
Founded: 1983
Headquarters: Bonita Springs, Fla.
Markets: Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties
Services: Full-service maintenance and design
Employees: 52
Website: http://www.ejgardner.com
"We got into all of these things to become a sole provider of services for our customers," notes Gardner. "We do everything from a high-end manicure to a keeping an area look natural, but we've done a lot of work to make it look that way."
Gardner is engaged in ongoing education efforts. In the 1990s, he took at course at Walt Disney World's EPCOT, where he learned to carve a dolphin shape from a shrub.
During the summers, when many of his clients travel north, Gardner spends a lot of time working and training his crews, as well as building camaraderie.
Each employee has taken a state-mandated best management practices course where they learned not to apply fertilizers in the rainy season and to keep fertilizer runoff from going into nearby water bodies.
Gardner describes himself as a "big believer" in integrated pest management.
"The longer I've lived in Florida, the more I realize how important it is," he adds. His brother, Phillip Snead, handles the IPM for Gardner as a subcontractor.
Gardner's father, Eldon, started the company in 1983. At the time, Gardner was doing landscaping and irrigation for another company. After three years, he joined his father's company. He took it over in 1987 and bought out another company, Case. Gardner-Case is now the name on the company's trucks.
E.J. Gardner Enterprises has 52 employees. Gardner looks for people with one to three years of experience, but also for dedication, attitude, a sense of responsibility, punctuality and cleanliness.
"I'm real big about them keeping a clean truck and having an eye for detail," Gardner adds. He prefers employees to focus on specific skills, but will pull them to help out employees on other tasks as needed.
Gardner notes that he is proud of his diversified crew: many of the field leaders are females and more than half of the employees have been with the company for more than 10 years, with some reaching 20 years of service.
"My speech to them is generally there's the right way, the wrong way and my way," Gardner says, adding that on the other hand, he likes to empower his employees. "I always hear them out. I like my employees to be able to make decisions. To me, the only wrong decision is the one not made."
Gardner has different management approaches for the various onsite crews he has at some of the communities his company services. For example, he maintains a crew of five at The Dunes of Naples residential community. It's situated on nearly 100 acres and features a pro tennis facility, a restaurant, guest cottages and a view of the Gulf of Mexico, among other amenities.
"It's really a beautiful place," says Gardner. His company has maintained the property ever since it was constructed 16 years ago.
He says that maintaining that site requires "a totally different mentality" than the typical crew running a route where you're dealing with a single property owner. The Dunes of Naples, by contrast, has about 500 residents - and as many different opinions on the property's care. The biggest challenge is educating property owners about what's possible given their budgets. Because his company has been proactive in upgrading the property from year to year, it has maintained a very strong relationship with the community.
His crew, under E.J. Gardner Enterprises Supervisor Guadalupe Cruz, works in concert with the residents and the association management. "She's the boss there. She works for me, and she hires and fires who she wants working for her. She has made that her baby," says Gardner.
Gardner is most proud of adding color to what was an all-green environment and creating walkways and paths laden with unexpected focal points as people walk or drive through the community. He has created a number of flowerbeds to showcase color. Each year, more than $100,000 is spent on annuals.
"They love us there. I've been able to shape and grow everything the way it should be," he says. "I didn't have to go in behind somebody and fix something that was done wrong or improperly. We have a two-year strategy with a 10-year goal for changing plant material out because Florida plant or shrub life is eight to 10 years."
Clients affiliated with HOA's necessitate Gardner attending board meetings, conferring with the president and association members and dealing with a greater amount of paperwork. The associations have their own set of rules that may be stricter than the codes of the communities where they are located. Turn-around time can be slower in getting approval for a project.
Nonetheless, Gardner enjoys the work and especially enjoys educating his clients on landscape best practices.
"You may have a beautiful plant that will stay beautiful, but if you put it in the wrong place, it's not going to perform well, which makes it hard to maintain," he adds.
Gardner is working toward creating a property that will win a maintenance award despite the setbacks over the years. Eight years ago, Hurricane Wilma punched the area, creating a huge setback in adding more color.
More than 100 trees were lost and replaced. Privacy shrubs 8 to 10 feet tall were laying all over the ground and were staked back up and recovered. Last summer's setback was ongoing rain that washed out fertilizers and created a problem with fungus.
Hurricane season, June 1 through Nov. 30, presents special challenges in the landscape maintenance industry. Gardner has learned lessons from the hurricanes and has improved maintenance service accordingly.
"It is certainly an income fluctuation because of the cleanup, but at the same time, it's disappointing to see everything you worked for over the summer get knocked down and you have to start all over again," he notes.
In an effort to instill order in the ensuing "chaos" following hurricane damage, Gardner has written a list of procedures for each community his company services, such as irrigation systems being shut off to prevent water lines from breaking and flooding and picking off coconuts that may fly off of trees.
"We do everything we can to give the landscaping the best opportunity to survive the storm," Gardner says.
Wind damage can blow trees and leaves around, so after a hurricane, E.J. Gardner Enterprises first cleans up the driveways, roadways and doorways.
His company prefers to re-stake trees rather than cut them down.
"At the Dunes of Naples during Hurricane Wilma, we lost almost 100 trees because they broke in half," Gardner says. "Of the ones that blew over, we were able to get more than 90 percent to stand up, renourish them and get them back on track."
Recovery measures are to a landscape what they are when a human being is stricken by an illness: there is a critical need for nutrition and water.
When the Dunes of Naples nearly lost 99 royal palm trees, each worth about $7,500 in today's prices, E.J. Gardner's crews went to work on applying nutrients and fungicides to help recovery. Not a tree was lost.
Gardner will only take on clients that utilize all of the company's services. "Our approach is we do all or nothing," he says. "We do the landscape, the irrigation, the maintenance, the pest control. Everything is in our hands. It's difficult to start a separate entity like a tree company and you have people you're paying on one scale and put them on a job that pays less to its laborers. It's hard to bid in that area.
"Also, when people see our truck in an area, we are going to get full credit whether a property is good or bad. If you're only mowing, it's hard to go out there and tell people we only mow and that we're not responsible for the trees or fertilizing. That's one of the reasons why we shy away from that."
To ensure quality, Gardner trains all of the crew leaders. "We also have supervisors who go out and review the routes on a weekly basis and I try to personally get to each place on a monthly basis," he says. "I do all of the troubleshooting for the company. The guys have me as a resource, so when we run into an issue, they contact the supervisor and if the supervisor can't handle it, they contact me."
As important as employees are to his business, Gardner also carefully selects what equipment will enable them to best to their job. He is switching to STIHL hand-helds and particularly favors the company's backpack blowers.
"Noise is one of our biggest complaints," he says. "I'm trying to get the equipment with the greatest noise reduction. I'm doing it for the customer, which is in turn doing it for the environment."
Even with all of the latest equipment, Gardner says there's room for doing landscaping the "old school" way with hand pruners. "I love that look," he says.
The company's umbrella services help differentiate it from competitors, Gardner says. "We have all of these abilities to do these different things," he says. "I'm the one person they can rely on to do their complete exterior. It eliminates a lot of finger pointing. I do the landscape design. Having that experience and the education to do these things sets us apart."
Gardner is also able to help clients set long-term budgets. "Because I have 30 years of experience, I can take a customer through their project and tell them what they need to expect a year from now or five years from now; what needs to be changed, what needs to be replaced," he says.
It also helps accommodate unanticipated problems, such as the recent challenge of the spiraling whitefly that has put a dent in landscaping budgets as contractors work to control its effects. "With an association, we can create an annual budget to help them prepare for these things. It's a forecast of what's going to happen in the next five to 10 years so they don't get hit with it all at once," Gardner says.
While the company has enjoyed success for three decades, it also has returned the favor to the community: E.J. Gardner Enterprises is involved in community and civic affairs and supports the efforts of community and church organizations.
Carol Brzozowski, Coral Springs, Fla., is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and a frequent contributor to Turf magazine. Contact her at email@example.com.


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Admittedly, when I first picked up the Core Set I was a bit skeptical, like others were, about some conflicts just not making sense thematically. (Rancor destroying X-Wings out in space, etc.). It took a bit to get over, but my attitude was that if it makes it a better game, I could live with it. However, with just the Core Set, I didn't really feel immersed in the game as far as theme was involved, but I really liked the game mechanics. However, as the Force Packs have come out, I feel that adding a sense of location and some nice flavor texts of certain cards has brought the game along nicely. I know a lot of players could care less about theme and story, but this is something I really enjoy. In fact, I'd play a (slightly) worse deck if it was more fun in a cool Star Wars-y way for me. I know this was a concern of others, just wondering how everyone else feels now that we are starting to get into Hoth.
I do have a few minor issues with pods that I really don't understand and would like to ask the developers what it is they were thinking or maybe I'm missing something from EU?:
1. Heavy Blaster Emplacements in the Mon Mothma pod
-Don't understand this at all, what does Mon Mothma have to do with Hoth? Why not put Bothan Spies in her pod or anything really that has to do with the rebel attack on Endor?
2. Turbolaser Battery in General Veers pod
-Turbolaser Battery from the Death Star with Veers? Why not make it something to do with Maximum Firepower Laser Cannons that blow up the Shield Generator when that's obviously what the card does. (Gets rid of enhancements.)
3. I'm totally disappointed in Tarkin!
-I think he should be a stronger character. He's a Grand Moff and an Admiral is better than him (Motti)? In my meta no one uses his pod, but Motti is pretty much in everything.
Very minor stuff:
4. Wookie Navigator in Decoy at Dantooine
-I don't get it. Is this EU anyone?
5. Card art for Detained has nothing to do with the Death Star pod or the quote.
6. While we're at it, some of the card art is awesome, but most of it is kinda lackluster IMO, and some is awful.
Wonder how "embarking on a smuggling run" will work form EoD, anyone know? Overall, I like how a lot of new themes are being added especially with future S&V and S&S play styles. Can't wait for more cards!


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Battle of Pilckem Ridge. British soldier reading a book while stretched out on a rustic bench in bright sunshine before the battle. Elverdinghe, 31 July 1917.
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Back To Basics: Xpro.
Entered into the Competition. Lomowalk in chinatown :) Love this film :D
This photo was shot on film. Taken by asharnanae with a Lomography Diana Mini (available in our Online Shop) loaded with Lomography colour x tungstan 64 film in London, United Kingdom. These tags describe this photo: doubles, xpro, x-pro, tungstan, red, grainy, london, and chinatown. Date: 2012-01-28. Time: Afternoon. This photo can also be found in the album Half Frame Tungstan Afternoon..Please login to get more out of this site
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