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The history of the Small Senior 5 division for Cheer Extreme dates back to May 2006, which is also the month I graduated from North Carolina State University. I had cheered there for 4 years under Harold Trammel on the varsity squad and experienced some amazing events with my team such as winning the Gator Bowl, cheering on our basketball team in the sweet sixteen and placing second at NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach. Like every cheer-obsessed senior in college, I was trying to decide which path to go down with my business degree which can be a very overwhelming decision. Cheer Extreme is a family-owned business and we had decided that the Raleigh market needed a business model similar to what CEA could offer. I promised Courtney that I would take a break from looking for employment or furthering my education to help her open the Raleigh branch of CEA. My career in cheerleading was only supposed to last a year or two…but nine seasons later, I can't imagine my life without cheerleading in it on an hourly basis.
So, we go back to our first tryout. Cheerleading in 2006 was not close to what is has become. Back then, almost every girl trying out for the team had a layout—if we were lucky a full—and jumps to tuck. The difference between who made the team and who did not wasn't the size of their calf muscle or even flexibility at the time, it was their ability to perform—a value that we still hold incredibly highly to this day. There was one girl in particular who had it all and stood out with her whip whip double that she had learned from a neighborhood gymnastics instructor. Miss Kimsley Crews would remain with us for years and become the team's first ever well-known athlete. She made me realize the direction that cheerleading was headed and gave all of the other girls a goal to achieve. Her power and grace mixed with her ability to perform and be a good friend was the basis for what the team is today.
People who know this team from back in the day remember Kimsley being last pass for years, "I'm the bomb like tic tic", the flexibility of our flyers, the "I'm Every Woman" Dance and the "boom dynamite" era. It has been such a pleasure creating moments like those for the girls to enjoy and remember for years to come.
It was in the years that followed those moments that these girls adopted the Shark Mascot. We had always had our heart with wings logo but I had been searching for something with more meaning that the girls could relate to. At our first regional competition in 2009, I placed a teal shark gummy in each of their goody bags and explained how it was the most dangerous animal in the ocean. There may be other teams with ocean-themed mascots that would fight for their title as we continued on our journey through the season (one in particular that currently holds 8 world championships), but I wanted them to know they were special and strong. I expected them to work to be their best so that one day a world's title could belong to them as well.
As a fun fact--The name, SSX (Small Senior X) was actually adopted in our world's mix of 2010. It was our music producer's idea to differentiate Raleigh from the well-known "Elite" endings of the Kernersville team names. The name change ironically took place after our music producer and I called off an 8 month relationship. In order to poke at least a little bit of fun at the situation, he later told me he added an X at the end of all of Raleigh's Level 5 team names to signify that I was indeed the "ex". ☺
The years go by…many last passes and center flyers later, and we are yet again blessed with 20 hard-working and motivated individuals. They want to make the alumni girls proud and continue to put routines on the mat that carry their personality. Our theme has always been girl power so we fill our routines with sassy movements and memorable music with atleast one section with powerful undertones to remind others that we mean business. Their goal this season is not to be known as the blonde bombshells that spin high in the air with teased ponytails…they want to be noted for their skill. They work hard, just as all cheerleaders of this day and age do, and love what they do.
We have been in this division for 8 years straight and plan on being in it for many more to come. My coaching staff is amazing at what they do and I am forever grateful for all of the time and effort they have put into making this team of 20 girls be the best they can be. We have placed 2nd at the World Championship 3 times and medaled a total of 5, we were crowned Champion of the Majors and Champion's League last season, and have won countless national championships. What is most important to me are the friendships I have been responsible in creating. At the end of the day, I want these girls to feel like sisters when they take the floor and end up being by each other's side at graduations, weddings and when they start their own families. Allstar cheerleading gives my girls the gift of a lifetime--true friendship. We are happy to be along for the ride with them and guide them on their journey. But for now, we are yet again-Back to Bite.
- Kelly Smith
Read More


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Designing for sporting success
Thursday, 21 March, 2013 - 09:00 to 12:00
How much are the improvements in sporting achievements due to developments in the design of sporting equipment? What makes a good tennis racket or pair of running shoes? Sporting equipment will be examined to evaluate how well the design has met the functional needs of the athlete. A tour of the facilities in the Sports Technology Institute will follow the workshop giving an insight into some of the projects the Institute has carried out and the cutting edge technology it uses to support its research.
Sport Science and Technology
Age group:
14–16 year olds
Join the debate...

subset: commoncrawl


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Showing All "John Mulaney" Posts
Dec 3rd, 2013 3 Comments
Remember when we talked about how the upcoming season of the Real World was going to feature ex-girlfriends and -boyfriends of the roommates? You remember. It seemed like it was going to be very bad?…   Read Story »
Oct 2nd, 2013 17 Comments
Do you forget what the cast of Game of Thrones looks like? Well, remember what they look like with these set pictures from the upcoming season! -ONTD
Norm Macdonald does not think that the end of…   Read Story »
Apr 10th, 2013 8 Comments
The Wolverine direct James Mangold has been tweeting some behind-the-scenes photos from the film's shoot. Would you like to look at them? Some of them are pretty, and some of them just look like…   Read Story »
Jan 16th, 2013 23 Comments
Tonight, at 10:30PM EST, on the Comedy Central network, Nick Kroll's new show, Kroll Show, premieres, and I really think that we should all watch it. Not just in general, either. I don't mean, like,…   Read Story »
Aug 31st, 2012 10 Comments
In 1990, Matt Groening doodled on a bunch of napkins and gave them to a waitress at Bennigans. Now, because the Internet exists, you can see them too! Look! -HyperVocal
John Mulaney was on HuffPost…   Read Story »
Feb 21st, 2012 22 Comments
Here is a picture of Jon Hamm and Adam Scott. Jon Hamm has a mustache, Adam Scott has curly hair. It is I guess from the set of Comedy Bang Bang. Everybody loves these guys!…   Read Story »
Jan 27th, 2012 11 Comments
Here's an EXCLUSIVE CLIP from the DVD release of John Mulaney's new Comedy Central standup special, New in Town. The special premieres tomorrow, January 28th, at 10PM and will be available on DVD…   Read Story »
Jan 26th, 2012 4 Comments
And today he is on Conan on the Internet.   Read Story »
Jan 24th, 2012 20 Comments
The Wet Hot American Summer cast reunited for a stagereading of the movie at San Francisco's Sketchfest and I'm not sure if any of us were there or not, but here are some pictures from it! Just…   Read Story »
Jan 13th, 2012 50 Comments
First I'd like to announce last week's winner of a signed copy of Chris Gethard's A Bad Idea I'm About To Do and personalized call-out:
Just Dessérts!
Congratulations, Just Dessérts! HOW…   Read Story »


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Article brought to you by: Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)Female participation vital to success of sustainable development projects
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
February 7th, 2012 Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) According to the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, women are responsible for half of all of the world's food production. Women also continue to bear most of the responsibilities at home, from caring for children to providing meals. Participation from women therefore, is vital to the success of sustainable development projects - however, many remain marginalized throughout the world. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - As United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro once said, "Women hold the keys to unlocking the barriers to sustainable development."Women continue to play essential roles in the global economy, agriculture and development. Despite this, genuine gender-inclusion in investment projects often fails to walk the talk. Issues facing future sustainable development remain gender inequality, climate change, natural resource degradation and the global recession, Melanne Verveer, U.S. Department of State ambassador-at-large for global women's issues says. "No effort to advance sustainable development will succeed that does not take into account half of the world's population," she says. "Women have long been promoting solutions to sustainable development challenges. They've been promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, protecting biodiversity and vital ecosystems, securing water access, and combating indoor air pollution." In spite of this, the World Bank and other international financial institutions continue to make gender-insensitive decisions, Elaine Zuckerman, the head of Gender Action says. "A lot of people propose gender equality, women's rights, women's empowerment, but then when you look at what is [budgeted], where the funds go, there is a huge disconnect. I think it's critical to translate the rhetoric into investments... A lot of IFI staff don't still, but those who do often speak in a vacuum," Zuckerman says. International financial institutions still view gender as a "soft issue", Elizabeth Arend, program coordinator for Gender Action says. In 2011, while the World Bank's World Development Report (WDR) highlighted gender issues, the Bank's budget for "social development, gender and inclusion" investments decreased to 908 million dollars from 952 million in 2010. The Bank's spending in this thematic category represents less than two percent of its 2011 budget, Arend noted. "It is not enough to have a handful of 'gender experts' in an institution like the World Bank, nor is it permissible to address gender in a single paragraph within a 160-page project appraisal document. IFIs must understand that every component of every project in every sector has gender implications, and that marginalizing gender issues fundamentally undermines the effectiveness and sustainability of IFI investments," Arend says. Many IFI projects fail to address gender inequalities that prevent women and girls from participating and benefiting from project activities, experts say. And women tend to disproportionately suffer when gender inequalities are not included in development project designs, as exemplified by the World Bank-financed West African and Chad-Cameroon pipelines project. . Article brought to you by: Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) |


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Reviewed Spinach and Bacon Quiche
Nov 4, 2011 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"This has become one of my favorite things to make with the following adjustments : I use fat free half & half instead of creamer, I use goat cheese instead of swiss, I use 4 eggs and 2 egg whites, and I use turkey bacon. It all sets well (better than the first time I made it as written) and always tastes delicious - plus I save on calories."""
Reviewed Apple-Cheddar-Squash Soup
Nov 4, 2011 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"I wanted to like this. I used all fresh ingredients, apple cider from a local orchard, and followed the recipe with very, very few exceptions. I put in a *little* bit less chicken broth (I'm talking less than a 1/2 cup under) and I also added a bit of seasoning salt. I cooked the onions slow, adding the squash next, then potato, then apple. At th..."


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[1573] Analysis of IGVH Gene Rearrangements in a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cohort from a Large US Reference Laboratory
Christopher N Thompson, Philippe Szankasi, David W Bahler, Todd W Kelley. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT
Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia of adults in the United States. Somatic mutation status of the immunoglobulin variable region heavy chain (IgVH) gene is an important predictor of clinical behavior. In this study, IgVH gene usage and mutation status was analyzed in a cohort of 454 CLL patients from the United States in a reference laboratory setting.
Design: Peripheral blood samples were analyzed from 454 patients with the clinical history of CLL. After preparing RNA from whole blood, random-primed cDNA was generated and then amplified using VH family-specific leader region primers and JH-region reverse primers. VH3-21 was specifically amplified using a matched leader primer. Sequencing was performed and the data was compared to a database of human immunoglobulin sequences. Cases with <98% homology to the closest matching gene segment were classified as mutated. Additionally, mean and median sequence homology was determined for each VH gene segment.
Results: A total of 461 clonal rearrangements using 43 unique IgVH gene segments were detected in 454 patients including 7 patients with 2 clones. 4 of 7 cases (57%) with 2 clones demonstrated usage of VH1-69 in one of the clones and 2 of 7 cases with 2 clones had the same pattern (VH1-69 with VH4-34, both with different mutational status). Overall, 55.5% of cases were classified as mutated. Biased usage of IgVH gene segments was observed with overrepresentation of VH1-69 (n=50 cases; 10.9%), VH4-34 (n=47 cases; 10.3%), VH3-30 (n=37; 8.1%), VH3-23 (n=31; 6.8%), VH3-7 (n=29; 6.3%), VH1-2 (n=23; 5.0%), VH3-33 (n=22; 4.8%) and VH3-21 (n=22; 4.8%). Many of the frequently used IgVH segments also demonstrated a clear bias with respect to mutation status. VH1-69 was almost always unmutated (median 100% homology), while VH-4-34 (median 94.7% homology), VH3-23 (median 96.2% homology) and VH3-7 (median 94.4% homology) were most commonly mutated.
Conclusions: Our data from a large, unique reference laboratory testing population supports previous studies showing biased IgVH usage in CLL. Our finding of 4.8% VH3-21 positive cases is significantly higher than that reported in other large series from the US and supports our method of using a specific VH3-21 matched leader primer which likely enhances the sensitivity of our testing method. Analysis of cases with two clonal rearrangements has not previously been reported. Finding two clonal rearrangements with differing mutational status may present problems in assigning prognosis.
Category: Hematopathology
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 1:00 PM
Platform Session: Section G, Tuesday Afternoon


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Alternative Fuel Manhattan Project Petition
We call for the United States Government, The Office of the President, The United States Congress and Various Government Agencies to act on the precedent of the Manhattan Project and act immediately to rapidly develop and fund a U.S. Alternative Energy Task Force, made up of top experts in the area of alternative energy from the public and private sectors. The purpose of this
This website and associated petition neither endorses nor opposes any particular form of alternative energy, but rather is focused on one sole purpose;
We call for the creation of a team of alternative energy experts, from the academic, public and private sectors, selected, funded and managed by the government to create a viable alternative energy source that can quickly and effectively be brought to market.
America is a crisis oriented society. We never seem to solve a problem or take an action until our backs are against the wall. Once we are in that position, we have an amazing ability to develop solutions. History shows us again and again that this is a fundamental part of the American psyche.
We have arrived at such a time in our history. Gasoline is over $3.00 a gallon, crude oil flirts with the $70 a barrel mark, international demand for fuel increases daily, natural disasters interrupt supplies, speculators disrupt normal market forces, political unrest and terrorism threaten oil producing regions and yet we have made no concerted effort to solve the problem.
To help promote this petition or to see more information please visit http://www.energypetition.com
Recent signatures
Jabari Lee, United States
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text: So I did my first 5K on Saturday. The race was split so that the runners started first followed by walkers 5 minutes later. I only planned on walking, so being the brilliant person I am, did not stretch very much. Well, about half way in, I decided I wanted to jog a little. So I started a regiment of jogging, walking, jogging, walking, jogging, etc. and finished the race jogging the last half mile. After completing my first mile in 17 minutes walking, I decided I wanted to aim for a finishing time of 45 minutes, which meant I really had to pick up the pace. I didn't quite reach my goal but ended with the time of 46 min. 20 seconds. I came in so close to the last runner that they thought I was in the running group!!! My shins still hurt a little today as the whole race was done on asphalt. My goal for my June 5K is 40 min. flat, with LOTS of stretching before the race and plenty of jogging during the race. I've been flying on cloud 9 since Friday!!!


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Daily deal: San Diego sojourn
Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort and Spa, San Diego, California.
Satisfy your craving for a luxury getaway with this week's escape to Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort and Spa in San Diego, California.
Pamper your palate with a one-night stay at the AAA four diamond award-winning property — the perfect source of sustenance.
Order your escape with a bottle of wine and a three-course dinner for two at El Bizcocho ($299), or opt for a simple one-night stay ($209). Spread out in a spacious guest room for two, garnished with deep soaking tubs, Aveda bath products, flat-screen TVs and a private patio or balcony. Complimentary valet parking and wi-fi will also be served during your sojourn.
When you arrive, take a relaxing swim in the saline pool at The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn — named the Best Outdoor Spa by San Diego Magazine — using your two pool passes. Let a masseuse cater to every kink with a deep-tissue massage for an additional fee.
In the evening, table your hunger with a three-course dinner for two at El Bizcocho, the crème de la crème when it comes to culinary experiences. The restaurant has topped the Zagat list for seven consecutive years and received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 18 years. Savour contemporary garden-fresh cuisine — courtesy of Executive Chef Nicolas Bour — with an included bottle of wine. Afterward, sip a cocktail around the fire and relish the serene setting.
Your taste buds are in for another treat in the morning with your complimentary American breakfast — including two eggs, home-fried potatoes, toast and your choice of smoked bacon, pork sausage or Black Forest ham — at Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant.
Then, treat yourself to the inn's legendary 18-hole golf course or get a real feel for the flavour of the city with some sightseeing. Typical fare includes the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and Legoland, but a stroll through Balboa Park is just as delicious. And with 70 miles of coastline and near-perfect weather year-round, you'll want to spread out on the beach for a bit.
It is okay if your eyes are bigger than your wallet—dig in with this week's escape and you won't have to stomach a big bill.
Escape kit
- A one-night stay for two in a premium room with a three-course dinner for two at El Bizcocho and a bottle of wine ($299)
- Or, a one-night stay in a premium room for two ($209)
- American breakfast for two at Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant
- Access to spa pool for two
- Valet parking and wi-fi
- Book by 11 October
For details and to reserve your stay, visit LivingSocial Escapes.


text:
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Honda Accord (2008-2012) Maintenance and Repair
thegraduate Posts: 9,731
robr2 BostonPosts: 8,100Okay, since when can we put ethanol in our accords?
Since forever I guess. As noted, ethanol that is being used as an additive (up to 10%) in gasoline as a replacement for MTBE. Look on the pump you use - it'll tell you the mix. Most modern vehicles should not be damaged by the 10%.
E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Vehicles have to be designed to run on that blend. -
thegraduate Posts: 9,731
blane Posts: 2,017
blane Posts: 2,017Pages 83 through 85 of the 2008 Accord Owner's Manual discuss Auto Door Unlocking. The feature has five possible settings. I've tried multiple times (unsuccessfully) to program the system so that "All doors unlock when you move the shift lever to the Park (P) position (A/T vehicles)".
Only the driver's door unlocks for me. I'm frustrated, but trying to save a trip to the Honda shop. Has anyone else been successful doing so following the four-step instructions on page 84? -
royalty Posts: 27I had the same problem. I did exactly what the manual said to no avail so I finally took it in to the dealer. The Tech did what exactly I did and it didn't work for him either. Then he tried something else. It is about 2 months ago so I am trying to remember but I think he programmed everything to turn off (no lock or unlock) and then he programmed it to unlock both doors and it finally worked. If you struggle with this stop by the dealer. Mine reprogrammed it at no-charge, they didn't even write up a work order.
genego1 Posts: 4I have an 08 EXL V6 Accord with about 200 miles on it and I also have a noise coming from around the front of drivers side door or front pillar or that vicinity but I can't pinpoint exactly where it is coming from. It sounds like it maybe a plastic piece that is under stress and at the beginning of an acceleration or braking action you get this creaking like noise - not loud but very subtle. The sound system must be turned down. I tried pushing on the dash, door, and headliner pieces try to stop it but it does not stop it.
I also will take it in to the dealer to get it looked at. I hope it can be located and corrected since the exact location is vague. Just for information this Accord was made in Alabama in 9/07. If any else has something like this please respond.
I really, really like this car and previously owned 2 Accords 12 yrs each and had an 04 Toyota Camry XLE for 4 yrs and traded it in for the 08 Accord. XLE was a little too mushy for me and wanted a tighter handling car. The engine power and drive is great in the Accord. -
thegraduate Posts: 9,731
bug4 Posts: 370You might check one other spot for the source of the noise. The sound you describe is similar to a squeak I have in my 08 I4 EX-L Accord --- except mine is coming directly from the automatic gear shifter. It is very slight and mirrors itself all around the cabin (which made it hard to tell exactly where it was coming from). It sounds like someone is very lightly rubbing two pieces of styrofoam together. It is noticeable only when the cabin is very quite at low speeds and only until the cabin warms up -- but its there! Just a thought . . .
You know, I've actually relaxed considerably about squeaks over the years. I still expect a car to be tight and relatively squeak-free. But, I've noticed that Hondas and Toyotas are among the best of ANY vehicle. . . .and they still have some squeaks. I've had the chance to drive and ride in lots of expensive cars. Frankly, they have generally disappointed me when it comes to "squeakiness." I've been in many BMWs that are worse than the 3 Accords I've owned and I've noticed significant squeaks in Audis, Porches and Jaguars. I dont' have a lot of experience in Mercedes --perhaps they are quiet? Strangely, the quitest car I ever rode in was a 2001 Volvo Cross Country . . I'm not sure if the interior tolerances were so tight it didn't squeak, or perhaps they were so loose none of the pieces actually touched eachother
[p.s. - the loudest car I ever drove was an early-2000s model Mustang. It had been raced before --so maybe that was the problem. In that car, the tachometer was not necessary. . . the frequency of the buzzing plastic pieces clearly announced the engine RPM :P ] -
thegraduate Posts: 9,731
carlsondds Posts: 24Very sad day...my first problem with the new 08 EXL V6
Finally got cold enough to use the heater at full blast to warm up the car as we drove. At the three highest fan speeds there is a whistle or hiss that is audible. Not terrible, but definately there.
We took it in and they replaced the fan motor. Didn't solve the problem. They called Honda and they had not heard of this problem. The shop wanted to take the dash all apart and "look for the problem", but I have waited on that so far, as I don't want any new rattles from dismantling the dash.
Here is the info I have on the problem:
Whistle or hiss to me sounds like a leak in a duct or something??
But, it doesn't occur with AC is on, even if it is at full blast fan
It only occurs when heat is on and above 70 degrees
The whislte gets louder and louder from mid speed to max fan speed
The whislte gets louder and louder from 70 degree all the way to HIGH.
Any help/advice is appreciated! -
buttdonkey Posts: 252008 ACCORD WITH 1,100 mi has been in the shop for nine days .....problem electrial drain on the battery will not start without charging each morning....dealer can not find the problem........information sent to honda tech no word on fix for the problem yet......opened and have a case # from honda but no call or fix yet...........also noticed a vibration from vcm at 40 to 45 mph........feels like you are riding on a ride around lawn mower..........offered to sell the car back to the dealer at a loss..do not want or need the aggravation............
skywalker4 Posts: 10I first noticed a squeak/rattle on my 08 Accord EX when driving on the highway and over bumps. I've had the vehicle less than one week. I have since discovered a squeak when I move the shifter slightly or press on the center console in certain places, mostly near the shifter. It sounds exactly like you described: pieces of styrofoam rubbing together. I don't know if this is what I hear on the highway.
skywalker4 Posts: 10
bug4 Posts: 370That is a real downer about your new Accord. Sounds to me as if there is a short in your electrical system some place that is draining the battery quickly. . . if that is the problem, some Honda tech at a remote location isn't going to be able to diagnose a fix.
In any event, if it comes to it, it may be best to sell the car back to the dealer at a small loss -- better than wasting time and money on other legal remedies. But, don't forget that you may eventually qualify for relief under your state's lemon law . . :lemon: . Just keep close track of the number of days your car is in the shop and out of service. Also, document the number of times the dealership attempts to fix the problems you are having. DO NOT rely on the dealership to do this for you!!! Each state's lemon law varies, but you might have a look at the one in your state so that you are familiar with exactly what circumstances will allow you to demand relief. You can obtain summaries of each state's lemon law on various consumer protection web sites or, often, on your state's attorney general's web site (they usually have a consumer protection division). Good Luck!
[p.s. in my experience, I have never seen a dealership actually buy back a car at anything close to a fair price. Plus, they really don't have to. It is generally not the dealership which is on the hook for a defective vehicle . . its the manufacturer (or in some cases, their licensed distributors). If you are dealing with a dealership that will, kudos to the dealership.. . . you must be buying Ferrari's from their sister company. . . they want your business! ]


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Douay-Rheims (RHE) | New International Version (NIV) |
44 And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. | 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. |
The Douay-Rheims Bible is in the public domain. (Douay Rheims Catholic Bible Translation 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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This place is such a wonderful hidden treasure of Bali. I wish I had more time to explore the area. So peaceful and relaxing. The food is so fresh and delicious. I will definitely come back to spend more time here.
Jennifer Wyers
Thanks to all the staff
Thanks for such a wonderful opportunity to come up here with my family - my final Bali adventure for a while and one I will remember. Your hard slog and vision is providing a special piece of paradise to be shared and appreciated in harmony with nature and the local families.
Linda Buchanan
Thank you to Everyone
This is a very beautiful place for a lovely rest after travelling. The weather is so different to NZ which is to be expected
Annetta Buchana Oct 15, 2011
"NZ Nanna" 75 years old
Bali Eco Stay is so friendly and comfortable and really amazingly eco-friendly. I really like the way they give back to the community and are into local development. I'm so glad John & Cath decided to create this place. It is truly amazing.
Theresa Oct 12, 2011
San Francisco USA
Bali Eco Stay was beyond my expectations. The Harvest Bungalow was such a delight. We sat and watched the family working int the rice paddy in front of the bungalow. The guided walks were beautiful and informative. The organic food was excellent as was the cooking lesson with Mini. I will definitely recommend this place and come back myself.
Shannon Oct 13, 2011
Thank you for such a magical and peaceful stay in Bali. We will be back again!
Jean, Rob & Jamie
Two nights not long enough
Words cannot describe what a special place Bali Eco Stay is. From the moment I stepped into my cabin and gazed upon the rice paddy terraces I was overcome with bliss. An epic two days. Food and service were outstanding. Super lovely people.
looking forward to my next visit
Thank you.....thank you...
Exquisitly beautiful place to stay. The warm family atmosphere, beautiful surroundings - eco environment, beautiful food so graciously prepared & served. So lovely to come & stay ....So hard to leave.....
Blessings & prayers for much and success to you all
Kaliana, Byron Bay, Australia
So hard to leave
Thank you so much for capturing the essence of Bali: the beauty and magic in you exquisite home. This is such a place of high, resting energy. Congratulations on creating your vision in harmony with this land......success simply has to follow.
Jon Rama, Byron Bay, Australia
Bali the beauty & magic
We didn't know what to expect by coming here and we arrived to one of the most wonderful places: a true little paradise on Earth!
Planting rice with the people of Kanciana and sharing their meal will be one of those precious memories I will keep forever in my mind....
Keep up your excellent work. We have felt very privileged to get to know you all. We just think of staying or coming back as soon as possible.
Marie, Switzerland
Little Paradise on Earth


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PROVIDENCE — The unholy noises of the city surround Burnside Park where the Rev. Edmund Harris delivers his Saturday afternoon service.
He plants himself behind a makeshift altar, light-blue stole draped over his peacoat, and asks the people milling about to "gather 'round."
Some settle into folding chairs; others stand. A regular known as "Mama Kelley" passes out sheets with the service printed on it.
Then, a man with a plastic bag stuffed with belongings interrupts.
"Sir," the man says, "could you spare some change?"
"Not tonight," the Rev. Mr. Harris replies gently, "but afterwards we have coffee and sandwiches … "
The "Church Beyond Walls," now marking its first anniversary, is designed to draw some of the neediest residents who might not otherwise feel welcome at an indoor church. Some come for the service; others for the free coffee, snacks, sandwiches and bins of donated hats and gloves.
But while the free food is, no doubt, a draw, its organizers say, it's not the purpose.
"What I don't want this to be is a charity," the Rev. Mr. Harris said. "I want this to be a community."
Harris, 32, is the assistant to the rector at the Church of the Epiphany, an Episcopal congregation in East Providence. The outdoor church in Burnside Park, he said, was born out of the Occupy Providence movement in 2011, when he and other church members held weekly services for people in the park encampment.
That's when he realized there were "overlapping hungers" among the people in the park and in their own clergy.
"There were people in the park who were physically hungry," Harris says, "and people who were hungry to encounter God who didn't feel welcome or comfortable in a church culture.''
And there were members of their own lay clergy, he said, who were hungry to connect with other people outside their church walls.
Providence's outdoor church is modeled after the Common Cathedral in Boston, founded by the Rev. Debbie Little Wyman, an Episcopal priest who started an outdoor worship mainly for homeless people in 1996. (She left the church in 2003 to work full time helping others start street ministries.)
During the last decade, street churches have multiplied in cities around the country including Washington, D.C., New York City and San Francisco, Wyman said. Today, she said, there are roughly 125 street ministries, including 80 to 90 street churches in the country, mostly in cities, which hold regular worship services.
"These people have a long history of institutions failing them, of things going away," says Jim Bryant, of Pawtucket, one of the organizers of the Church Beyond Walls in Providence. "That's the single most important thing we can do: coming back every week."
As the outdoor church's "hospitality coordinator," Bryant organizes the after-service food, which is donated by a food rescue organization, We Share Hope, in Riverside.
Orville Forbes, 54, a food service delivery driver for Johnson & Wales University, collects hats and gloves to give away.
Maude Cole, 60, pours grape juice into medicine-sized plastic cups for the service. She came to Rhode Island from Liberia seven years ago. Her daughter died, leaving three children behind in Boston.
"I've been through a lot of tough times," she said.
The Rev. Mr. Harris said he hopes that people who normally find themselves cast in passive roles, such as waiting in food lines, will discover through this outdoor church that they have something to offer — whether it's helping to pass out sandwiches or just offering their company.
"A year ago we were talking about it as a ministry,'' Harris said. "Now we're talking about it as a community."
On Twitter: @LynnArditi


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For those keeping count, before today we'd heard three album tracks — "The Death Of You And Me," "If I Had A Gun…," "AKA…What A Life!" — and the b-side "The Good Rebel" from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds project. Now Noel's released two more cuts that won't appear on the LP, the ballad "Alone On A Rope" and "Gun"'s banjo-backed b-side "I'd Pick You Every Time." Take a listen below.
"Alone On A Rope"
"I'd Pick You Every Time"
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is out 10/17 on Sour Mash. Check out the album cover above and the European/North American tour itinerary below…
10/23/11 Dublin @ Olympia Theatre
10/26/11 Manchester @ O2 Apollo
10/27/11 Edinburgh @ Usher Hall
10/29/11 London @ HMV Hammersmith Apollo
10/30/11 London @ HMV Forum
10/31/11 London @ The Roundhouse
11/7/11 Toronto @ Massey Hall
11/8/11 Toronto @ Massey Hall
11/11/11 Philadelphia @ Academy Of Music
11/12/11 Boston @ Wang Theatre
11/14/11 New York @ Beacon Theatre
11/15/11 New York @ Beacon Theatre
11/17/11 Los Angeles @ Royce Hall
11/18/11 Los Angeles @ Royce Hall
11/19/11 San Francisco @ Orpheum Theatre
11/26/11 Madrid @ La Riviera
11/28/11 Milan @ Alcatraz
11/30/11 Amsterdam @ Melkweg
12/1/11 Brussels @ Ancienne Belgique
12/3/11 Copenhagen @ DR Koncertsalen
12/4/11 Cologne @ Palladium
12/6/11 Paris @ Casino De Paris
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A Response to the Arizona Department of Education Regarding the Credibility of Arizona's Version of the TerraNova Exam
Arizona's TerraNova: A Reliable Exam?
On June 11, 2007, the Goldwater Institute published A Test of Credibility: NAEP versus TerraNova Test Score Results in Arizona. Recently, the Arizona Department of Education published a 12-page response. Here, Dr. Matthew Ladner, Goldwater Institute Vice President of Research and coauthor of A Test of Credibility, discusses the ADEs claims.
Click here to read the latest in this policy discussion: November 2007 Response to ADE


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Main Content
Order now, receive no later than Tuesday, February 3rd. Some limitations apply.
This upcoming football season will be the 125th in the history of your Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Commemorate this groundbreaking moment along with the Irish by decorating your fan cave or office with this collectible mini replica of the helmet your team will wear during the season. Meticulously detailed, this mini helmet features Notre Dame's 125th Anniversary logo at the side of the helmet. This Riddell helmet might be mini, but it will prove your commitment and undying passion for Notre Dame football.
- 4-point chinstrap
- Imported
- Measures 4" x 6" x 4.5"
- Officially licensed Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet
- Pre-packaged case
- Realistic interior foam padding
- Steel polyvinyl-coated facemask
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game
or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are
received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items
are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite
number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


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MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; boundary="----=_NextPart_01CBC8F6.18D91120" This document is a Single File Web Page, also known as a Web Archive file. If you are seeing this message, your browser or editor doesn't support Web Archive files. Please download a browser that supports Web Archive, such as Windows® Internet Explorer®. ------=_NextPart_01CBC8F6.18D91120 Content-Location: file:///C:/2E651A45/1-26-10minutes(website)1.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii"
January 26, 2010 meeting notes (for website)
All board members were present and the meeting was cal= led to order at 7:05pm by Ole Olson.
The Secretary's meeting notes were approved.
The Wild about Wheels event was discussed. The local car dealers are being contacted to see if they would like to display some of their retro-looking cars. Confirmations are being received for booth rentals. W= e may have a show car for display. Discussion was also held on the advertising to be done for this event. The State Fair office = will be contacted about a request for a special display from one car group. Security was discussed for this ev= ent and it appears we may have volunteers for this job.
Lindsay was informed that the State Fair board has said there will be no NODAK races until after the State Fair. A letter will be sent to the State= Fair board asking them if board members could attend their meeting to discuss th= is issue.
Lindsay brought in the pedal car that was purchased. The car will now be painted and de=
corated. We can use it for a display until =
it is
auctioned off at Motor Magic for charity.
Lindsay is looking into re-ordering more t-shirts of t= he sizes that are low after sales at the banquet.
Discussion was held about track championships due to t= he shortened season we will have in 2010.&nbs= p; Yearbooks were also discussed.
Ron submitted his financial report. No changes at this time. Only one bill of $11.49 to SRT is = due at this time. Spencer made a mot= ion to pay this bill. The motion was seconded by Mort. All approved. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on what classes we want to run at = Motor Magic and the schedule of events.
Discussion was held on the report submitted by John Gaule dba Hi Power. No re=
have been submitted at this time for the disbursements. The issue will now be submitted to
authorities for further investigation.
Discussion was held on the new grandstands and the use= of Jersey barriers.
Discussion was held on the vehicles owed by NODAK and = Ron has copies of the titles on several of the vehicles.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at = 8pm.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:52pm.


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- Ingredients A-Z
- In Season
Ingredients by
Turkey Saltimbocca
This is a variation on the famous Italian recipe made with thin escalopes of veal – but turkey is usually easier to find. However, you can ring the changes by using veal, or even slices of pork fillet.
Serves 2
Ingredients |
1 x 11 oz (300 g) turkey breast, prime fillet |
1 x 70 g pack Parma ham |
8 fresh sage leaves |
1 level tablespoon well-seasoned flour |
8 fl oz (225 ml) Marsala wine |
1½ tablespoons olive or groundnut oil |
Oven temperatures and Conversions |
Click here for information |
Equipment |
You will also need a medium-sized frying pan and eight cocktail sticks. |
This recipe is taken from How to Cook Book Three. It has also appeared in Sainsbury's Magazine (Guide to Poultry and Game Cookery).
First of all, prepare the turkey steaks, which need to be flattened out. So, place one of them between two large pieces of clingfilm and gently pound it using a large rolling pin, being careful not to break the meat. It needs to be flattened out to a shape measuring about 6 x 7 inches (15 x 18 cm), 1/8-¼ inch (3-5 mm) thick.
Repeat this with the second turkey steak, between two fresh pieces of clingfilm. Then cut each flattened steak into four pieces measuring about 3 x 3½ inches (7.5 x 9 cm).
Next, you need to separate the slices of Parma ham, trim away the fat and cut a 1½ inch (4 cm) strip off the end of each slice. (You'll need these smaller pieces of ham to finish off two of the turkey pieces.)
Now place a piece of ham on each slice of turkey, folding and creasing it up to fit, if necessary, then divide the six smaller pieces of ham between the last two turkey slices. Finally, top each one with a sage leaf and secure the whole thing together with a cocktail stick. Then season each piece on both sides with salt and freshly milled black pepper.
Next, measure the Marsala into a small saucepan and heat it gently until it begins to bubble.
While that's happening, cook the turkey: heat the oil in the frying pan over a fairly high heat and when it's really hot, put in half the pieces of turkey, sage-side down, reduce the heat to medium and fry for 2-3 minutes, until crisp and golden.
Then turn them over and give the other side about a minute before removing them to a warmed serving dish. Do the same with the remaining pieces and when they're done, keep them warm with the others. Now pour the warmed Marsala into the frying pan, turn the heat right up again and let it bubble and reduce to a syrupy sauce, which should take 4-5 minutes. Return the turkey pieces to the pan and turn in the sauce. Serve on warmed plates (not forgetting to remove the cocktail sticks!) with the syrupy sauce poured over.
Return to Homepage
Visit the Delia Online Cookery School with Waitrose
Click here to go to Waitrose.com
Copyright © 2009 Delia Smith/New Crane Internet Limited, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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That's some serious mustache.
Scott Stajcer, a former 5th round pick of the New York Rangers in the 2009 draft, inked an entry level deal with the Blue Shirts on the first day of the Memorial Cup. Stajcer missed a significant portion of the season with the Owen Sound attack, but returned late to help his team reach the Memorial Cup.
If this mock interview between Stajcer and his Attack teammate Jordon Binnington is any indication, then the junior ranks are pumping out kids with a decent sense of humour these days.
Stick tap SNYRangersBlog


text:
Revenues fall with the snow at Northwest Indiana casinos
By KAREN CAFFARINI Post-Tribune correspondent February 10, 2014 4:40PM
Cards are splayed on a table at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. | Archive~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 10, 2014 7:10PM
Revenues at Northwest Indiana's five casinos fell along with the snow and temperatures last month.
Total revenues from the five casinos fell 17 percent from the previous January, plunging from $79 million to $65.5 million, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission monthly revenue report released Monday.
While casino insiders didn't know if this set a record locally, Indiana gaming analyst Ed Feigenbaum said Monday this was the worst month for revenues state-wide since January 2002.
"And we had fewer casinos and no racinos back then," Feigenbaum said.
Dan Nita, senior vice president and general manager of Horseshoe Hammond, said January's results were not surprising, given the region had more than 60 inches of snow this year compared to just 8 inches last year, and that eight of the last 11 weekends had some sort of snow.
"That obviously hurt. Plus, when it stopped snowing, we had subzero weather," Nita said, adding the weather affected gaming in both Indiana and Illinois.
He said the Hammond casino closed briefly last month for only the third time since it opened, this time for the safety of its employees and guests. Nita said the casino also closed during the blizzard of 2011 and after 9/11.
February already is off to a shaky start, with snow falling the first weekend.
Ameristar in East Chicago pulled in $14.9 million last month compared to $18.3 million the previous January, Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City took in $9.3 million compared $11.9 million, Horseshoe Hammond raked in $30 million compared to $35.5 million and the two Majestic Star Casinos in Gary took in $11.3 million compared to $14.3 million.
Nita said he's trying to reach out to a Chicago weather person to do a report at the Hammond casino.
"When they say there'll be one inch of snow in Chicago and 5 inches in Indiana, they could be talking about LaPorte or Michigan City. Our snowfall is much more consistent with the western or southern Loop," Nita said.
Nita also said he is in discussion with Northern Indiana Public Service Co. and other utilities about the possibility of giving away gas gift cards as rewards to guests.
He said worries about utility bills could be keeping people away from the casinos.


text:
Louis Segond 1910 (French) (LSG) | New International Version (NIV) |
3 Tu n'auras pas d'autres dieux devant ma face. | 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. |
The Louis Segond 1910 is in the public domain. (Louis Segond 1910 - French Holy Bible) | 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) |


text:
- Ileostomy: A Guide
- What is an Ileostomy?
- The normal digestive system
- Types of ileostomies
- Ileostomy management
- Choosing a pouching system
- Changing the pouching system
- Ordering and storing supplies
- Helpful hints
- Ileostomy problems
- Hospitalization
- Living with an ileostomy
- Telling others
- Clothing and appearance
- Eating and digestion
- Returning to work
- Intimacy and sexuality
- Exercise, play, and sports
- Travel
- For parents of children with ileostomies
- Getting help, information, and support
- To learn more
What is an Ileostomy?
An ileostomy is an opening in the belly (abdominal wall) that is made during surgery. The end of the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine) is brought through this opening to form a stoma, usually on the lower right side of the abdomen.
When you look at your stoma, you are actually looking at the lining (the mucosa) of your small intestine, which looks a lot like the lining of your cheek. The stoma will look pink to red. It is warm and moist and secretes small amounts of mucus. It will shrink over a short period of time after surgery. The shape will be round to oval. Some stomas may stick out a little, while others are flush with the skin.
Unlike the anus, the stoma has no valve or shut-off muscle. This means you will not be able to control of the passage of stool from the stoma. There are no nerve endings in the stoma, so the stoma itself is not a source of pain or discomfort.
As part of this surgery, the colon (large intestine) and rectum (the lowest portion of colon where formed stool is held until it is passed out of the body through the anus) are often removed (this is called a colectomy). This means that the normal colon and rectum functions are no longer present. Sometimes, only part of the colon and rectum are removed.
What does an ileostomy do?
After the colon and rectum are removed or bypassed, waste no longer comes out of the body through the rectum and anus. Digestive contents now leave the body through the stoma. The drainage is collected in a pouch that sticks to the skin around the stoma. The pouch is fitted to you personally. It is worn at all times and can be emptied as needed. The ileostomy output will be liquid to pasty, depending on what you eat, your medicines, and other factors. Because the output is constant, you will need to empty the pouch 5 to 8 times a day.
The major job of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients and water from what you eat and drink. Enzymes (chemicals made by the body to break down food) are released into the small intestine to break food into small particles so that proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals can be taken into the body. These enzymes are also in the ileostomy output and can irritate the skin. This is why the skin around your stoma must always be protected. (See "Protecting the skin around the stoma" in the "Helpful Hints" section.)
Why have an ileostomy?
Ileostomy surgery is done for many different diseases and conditions. Ileostomy surgery is usually done when the bowel has disease or damage that cannot be treated by other methods. The most frequent reason for having surgery is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ileostomies are also done because of birth defects, familial polyposis, injury, or cancer.
Certain bowel problems may be treated by giving part of the bowel a rest or with surgery to remove the damaged part. The bowel must be kept empty so it can heal. To keep stool from getting to the bowel, a short-term (temporary) ileostomy is created. Healing may take a few weeks, months, or even years. In time, the ileostomy will be surgically reversed (removed) and the bowel will work much like it did before. A temporary ileostomy can also be done as the first stage in forming an ileo-anal reservoir (or J-pouch), which we discuss in the section, "Types of ileostomies."
When part of the bowel becomes diseased, a long-term (permanent) ileostomy must be made. The diseased part of the bowel is removed or permanently rested. In this case, the ileostomy is not expected to be closed in the future.
Last Medical Review: 03/17/2011
Last Revised: 03/17/2011


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Junior Member
i would actually play talon if he had that skin....MAKE IT HAPPEN RIOT
Senior Member
i would buy the fizz and riven skins asap very nice work +200 internets for you
Captain Bird
I'm bumping this because of the AWESOME. Also, I don't have any real suggestions, but how about some Fiddlesticks? Dude is already pretty creepy and pretty awesome.
Dude, these are pretty pro. I have to say though, faceless one kassadin reminds me of eldrazi (by no means a bad thing) from magic, and Ice cassieopa's face/chest seems to not fit in with the rest. is that on purpose? otherwise, awesome.
Spec Ops Fizz Ult. DOWANTBAD. Also, the Kassadin one with the mask... Makes me think of Boogeyman from Silent Hill. THAT would be a cool concept.
These are pretty sick. I approve of them all. I did find this the other day and thought it would make a great riven skin...and maybe fiora if modified right. check it out. the link is here: [URL="http://dantewontdie.deviantart.com/art/The-Flaming-Berserker-308300100?q=boost%3Apopular%20meta%3Aall%20max_age %3A8h&qo=4"] Attachment 459596
The air drop shark is hilarious
Awesome work, I like the new additions with the Hextech Jax and new Swain work. Your work is appreciated and I like to think Riot is looking at it with every intention of ripping it off. Because it's awesome.
Wow someone must love cass because that ice skin is beautiful. and kass with a face is slightly original even though we have pre void kass.


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Mon, Oct 3, 11 at 11:09
Any benefit or harm to using distilled water in my aquarium?Opinions would be appreciated. |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by terrestrial_man 9 (email@example.com) on Tue, Oct 4, 11 at 21:14
Using distilled water as the basic medium is just fine. BUT I would also add to the distilled water an appropriate water conditioner that is related to the type of use that I have in mind for the aquarium. The link below is to one of several online retailers who sell water conditioners. Use the link to see the variety and the types of use that each is for so that you can find the one that is best for your plans on stocking the aquarium. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Water conditioners
- Posted by albert_135 Sunset 2 or 3 (My Page) on Wed, Oct 5, 11 at 13:52
There have been times and places when bottled water sold as "Distilled Water" was just tap water. I found this out when working in a laboratory where I had water testing equipment and called them on it and they 'fessed up. |
Not a good idea IMHO. Animals and plants needs the nutrients that regular water contains. Also distilled water has no buffering capacity. When your fish expel waste the distilled water will have no ability to buffer the buildup of toxins. Your ph will likely spike into being very acidic and everything will die off. |
Yes definitely a bad idea. There are also minerals that if not in solution will be drawn out of fish/animals particularly if this is a saltwater aquarium. Best to purchase an RO/DI filter for your water changes. Scott |
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Learn more about in-text links on this page here


text:
Hi, this is Nazmus, and I recently decided to download and try out a new app by Microsoft called "Bing Wikipedia". At first, I was hesitant to download it because I wondered "why would I need a Wikipedia app when the website works well enough?" Well, I was pleasantly surprised when I did download the app. Continue reading
Pro Tip: Use Custom Colors for Windows Phone Start Screen Tiles
With Windows Phone 8.1, you can now choose any background images for your Start screen tiles. A nice side effect of this is that you can now also put custom colors for your live tiles too! No, Windows Phone 8.1 did not add new accent colors for you to customize device with. Instead, you can use a solid color of your choice as the background picture for your tiles! Continue reading
Did you know: Windows Phone 8.1 Built-in Apps Update through the app Store
With Windows Phone (WP) 8.1, many of the built-in apps are now updatable from within the Windows Phone Store. Unlike on previous WP versions, the built-in apps do not need to wait for the next OS update to be updated. These apps now can and do update regularly just like other apps you install from the Store. I have already seen many of them being updated recently, and WPCentral documented today that the Games app has been updated. To compliment this, these apps now have their dedicated Windows Phone Store landing page just like any other apps you find in the store. Continue reading
Skewed Review System in the Store
Click on this pic to see "Helpful" Yes/No figures.
A picture they say is worth more than a thousand words. I think the picture above is a good testification of that age old adage. The picture shows what is wrong with the Windows Store review system. Here is an app that obviously is resonating with end users, but because some unhappy souls got to review the app early, they got the high "helpful" figures and pops to the top for Microsoft to feature them as most helpful reviews even when the are negative and has no bearing with the app popularity in the Store. I mean 4335 people couldn't be wrong with 5-Stars compared to 134 with 1 Star.
So, there you have it, an app can be insanely popular with end users but still be deemed not suitable by review logic of the Store. Microsoft need to fix this ASAP. It is known fact that only frustrated and unhappy users take the time to vent their venom about a product. You don't see happy users at a support desk. Happy users are too lazy and don't take the time to review, they are just content to give the app 5-Stars and move on. This is end-user psych 101. A good Store logic should catch this and bubble up positive reviews above negative ones for very popular apps. Period.
Note that I have no bearing with this app nor it's dev., I don't know them, neither have I been contacted by them. I am just using the app as an example amongst other apps that fall into this negative review trap while being very popular with users.
Please fix this MS.
OpenShot – A Free, Professional Grade, Video Editing Software is Coming to Windows!
We have exciting news for all of our readers! Whether you are a professional video editor or just want to make an elegant home movie as simply as possible, and you are on Windows, you will finally have a free tool to do just that. OpenShot video editor is coming to Windows!
For those of you who do not know what OpenShot is, it is a popular video editing program for Linux. The biggest appeal of this program is that it makes complex editing scenarios easy. The user interface is familiar, with drag-and-drop and point-and-click interface. You can do some pretty neat things using OpenShot, such as adding fancy titles, mixing music and sound effects to your videos, and, one of my favorites, layer videos on top of each other.
But the big caveat is that in order to use OpenShot you need to run Linux. That is about to change, as OpenShot has successfully completed a Kickstarter project to port the software to Windows and on the Mac. The campaign will help offset the costs of building the technical framework that makes allows the software to be cross platform. In fact, even if you are a Linux user, you will benefit from this, as the updates made to the software will be applicable to the Linux version as well. That is, because of a unified cross-platform framework, the developers will easily be able to add features to the application on all the supported platforms.
The Kickstarter campaign not only succeeded, but it raised more money than originally set. Therefore, the developer has added what they are calling "stretch goals", which are additional features that will be implemented (God willing) to OpenShot.
There is still time left to back this project. At the time of this writing, there is less than 10 hours to go, so if you want to be a part of this wonderful project, this is your chance. The rewards for doing so are also…well rewarding. :P But seriously, folks, let us finish this with a bang!
Official Best Buy App in the Store!
Well, we have a another, familiar, member from the shopping family joining the Windows Store clup. Everyone, let's welcome Best Buy. Yes, this is the real deal.
The Best Buy app provides a fresh new way to shop for the latest and greatest technology. Browse the full Best Buy product catalog and read ratings & reviews.ShoppingAge rating: 12+Publisher: Best Buy Co., Inc.© 2003-2013 BBY Solutions, Inc.
- Browse the full Best Buy product catalog
- Read ratings & reviews
- Purchase Best Buy products for Shipment, Delivery, or Store Pickup
- Get product details and make comparisons
Download now: Best Buy
News from the Windows Store – 50,000 Apps (Total App Count 3/23/2013)
Today, we have reached another milestone with the total number of apps on the Windows Store. We are half way through reaching 100,000 apps. At the time of this writing, there are 50304 total apps in the Windows Store worldwide. This data comes courtesy of the AppCounter Windows 8 app that keeps track of the app count. Of the 50,304 plus apps, there are 46,784 free apps and 3,520 paid apps. This gives a whopping 99.9% apps being free! At this ratio, Windows Store should be renamed to Windows Buffet, with all you can eat apps, for free! The number of apps being added per day clocks in an average of 279.67 apps.
The country with the highest number of apps is China, weighing at a total of 34,830 apps. That's a far cry from 50,000 apps. This indicates that no user will be able to browse all 50,000 plus apps by visiting the Windows Store. Coming in second is the US version of the Windows Store, topping at 34,401 apps. According to AppCounter, the country with the least amount of apps is Chile, with a net total of 29,316 apps. The discrepancy, then, between the countries with the highest number of apps to the reported lowest number is only 5514. This is a good sign, as it shows that no one is left with a barren store.
The Education category is the king, with 7828 worldwide apps, followed by Entertainment, with a total app count of 7025 apps. Books and References come in third with 6,440, and Games takes fourth place with 6058 apps. The categories with the lowest number of apps are Security and Government, with an embarrassing net count of only 220 and 213, respectively.
Source: AppCounter
Twitter for Windows 8 and RT App Demo
Published on Mar 13, 2013
A quick demo of the version 1.0 of the official twitter app for Windows! Enjoy. Download the app from here: http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/app/…
Music by DNA Groove, titled Doomsday Cake, licensed under creative commons. Visit DNA Groove's website: http://mindjob.org/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Skulls of the Shogun – Xbox Game
Today, we have a release of the newest of the Xbox Games collection. This game, Skulls of the Shotgun, is an action strategy game and it integrates fully with Xbox services. This game is rated T (for teens), as it contains blood, suggestive themes, and violence. Here's the game description.
"Washing up on the shores of the afterlife, players meet and join forces with vibrant ghost-samurai warriors, magical animal-monks, and mustachioed samurai generals on the way to capture Skulls of the Shogun. With its roots in classic turn-based strategy gaming, Skulls of the Shogun retains that depth while adding a smooth, streamlined interface, realtime physics, and over the top samurai action.
Players immerse themselves in battle with fun and unique game play features amidst lush, eerie environments. Also featuring up to 4-player local and networked multi-player and an original score inspired by old samurai films and dub, Skulls of the Shogun offers simple-yet-deep, refined and offbeat game-play."
- Fast-paced arcade-inspired blend of arcade action and turn-based strategy!
- Meet & recruit magical animal monks, power up your army to imposing war demons, and conquer the samurai afterlife!
- Play 20 levels of hand-painted, story-driven single player campaign mode.
- Play anywhere! Eat your friends' skulls in online asynchronous multiplayer across Xbox 360, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 7
- Battle up to 4 players at once on custom multiplayer maps, both locally and online (asynchronously)
- Play, save and resume your game across resume across all three platforms.
Download Now: Skulls of the Shogun
Tech Crunch by AOL
We have the official tech crunch app by AOL. I personally enjoy reading websites either via RSS reader or through the web browser. However, it's always good to have an option. If you are interested, check it out!
The TechCrunch app is the best way to get the hottest technology news on your desktop, laptop, or tablet. Browse the latest headlines with a flick of your finger then tap to dive into an unparalleled source of stories about startups and Silicon Valley, gadgets and go-getters.
- Free access to all content from the TechCrunch website
- See what's currently hot in tech with the Trending list
- TechTweets shows the latest tech news and gossip hitting social media
- Comprehensive integration with CrunchBase Custom designed interface
Download it: TechCrunch – The Inside Story On Innovation
ESPN Crickinfo – Keep in Touch with Latest Cricket Scores and News
Before the official debut of the ESPN's main app on Windows 8, we had another app by ESPN dedicated to the Cricket sport. I, for one, love cricket; so this app is a blessing. ESPN Crickinfo lets you stay in touch with the latest Cricket scores and news. You can even view game schedule and watch highlights from previous games. The only thing that's missing is actual live games that you are able to watch on the ESPN3 website. I am still holding out for an ESPN3 app that also allows me to play to my HD TV using DLNA. But for now, we have this!
November 26, 2012: we're aware of the slow-loading issues affecting some (not all) of you, and we're actively working on it. We should have a fix in place very soon – we'll update this page when we have more news.
The ESPN Cricinfo Windows 8 app provides comprehensive coverage of cricket from around the world from espncricinfo.com. With live ball-by-ball scoring, comprehensive news, features and editorial content, it's the most beautiful way yet to follow cricket.
Coming soon: push notifications for wickets and results.
Ball-by-ball live scoring of cricket matches from around the world.
Breaking news, previews and match reports keep you up-to-date with the latest in the sport.
Feature articles providing opinion, in-depth analysis, tributes, profiles and much more from ESPN Cricinfo's global team of writers.
Download now from the Windows Store: ESPN Cricinfo. You can follow @McAkins and me, @NazmusLabs, on Twitter.
Format Converter X – Convert Multimedia File Formats
We are back with another app feature! Sorry for the lack of posts recently. I, myself, have been busy for the last several days; so I had to put off publishing for the time being. However, if you are following @Mcakins on twitter, we still frequently update you with new apps for you to check out. So do follow us on twitter to stay posted. Now, without further ado, let's get to business.
Format Converter X is a very neat little utility that might come in very handy if you work with any sort of multimedia files, like audio, music, and video. Of course, if you are working on a media project, like a home movie, you might need to convert audio or video from one format to another. However, this app can come in handy for even simply and daily tasks. For example, if you have an audio file in WMA format, and your friend's Mac computer can only read MP3 files, you can use this app to easily convert the file and email it to her.
Here's the app description and some screenshots. Enjoy!
This App can Convert Video or Audio files in other formats.
You can convert a file in few simple steps maintaining or decreasing its quality, or for example you can extract the audio of a video..
In addition, when each operation will be completed, you'll be noticed with a toast notification!Advertising can be removed through the settings menu.
Saving formats:
MP4, MP3, WMV, WMA, AACSource formats:
MP4, MP3, WMV, WMA, AAC, AVI, MPG, MPEG, MOV, WAV, M4V, M4A, AC3, PCMNB. At the moment the App can't support other formats because Windows 8 supports H264, MPEG2, WMV3, WVC1, AAC, AC3, MP3, MPEG, PCM, WMA8 and WMA9 codecs.
What's included
Make conversions in background!
Really Easy!
Manages snapped mode
Toast notifications when a conversion ends
Star Chart – Solar System Explorer Update and a 75% Discount!
Star Chart, a massively popular astronomy app on Windows 8 has another major update, which adds the ability to explore the solar system in a very cool way! It also ads real time planetary positions of Earth and all other planets in our solar system. So, the position of the planets you see when using the app will correspond to their theoretical position at the date and time set on your PC. Of course, you can fast forward or rewind time and observe the orbit and rotation of the planets react It's very cool! Check out the screenshots below for a visual representation of the new features.
Also, this week, the week of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, Star Chart is 75% off of its original price. The app is six dollars, but at the time of this writing, you can get it for one and a half dollars. If you want to get it, now is a great time! Anyway, here's some screenshots that I took. Below that, I included the developer's description and a download link for your convenience. Enjoy!
With this new update, we can now have a closer look at each of the planets. This is Earth, but you can see more planets to choose from on your left.
Here, we are looking at the moon. You can pinch to zoom or rotate with your finger. Yes, it works with the mouse as well.
You can zoom out and see the solar system as a whole. Try fast forwarding time and watch the orbit around the sun at super speed.
Here's another neat little feature. You can play "movies", which basically adds horizontal film strips on your screen and automatically pans around the solar system for a lean-back experience. Turn off your lights and enjoy! :)
*** Special Discount this week only. Over 75% off! ***
Explore the wonders of the Solar System with Star Chart, the definitive star gazing and astronomy app. From our own star – the Sun, to the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn, Star Chart gives you a virtual window into the visible universe.
Make the most of your powerful Windows 8 Augmented Reality enabled device and hold it up to the sky. Star Chart will tell you exactly what you are looking at! Augmented Reality (AR) mode is available on tablets, laptops & devices with accelerometer and digital magnetometer sensors.
Alternatively, explore the universe from the comfort of your desktop to learn about the wonders of our solar system and beyond. Visit the planets, explore their rings and moons, learn about the constellations, discover majestic Messier objects, and travel both forwards and backwards in time.
Using state of the art GPS technology, an accurate 3D universe and the latest high-tech sensor functionality, Star Chart calculates – in real time – the current location of every star, planet and moon visible from Earth and shows you precisely where they are; even in broad daylight!
Want to know what that bright star is called? Point your AR device at it – you might just find out it's a planet!
Want to know how the night sky appears to people on the other side of the earth? Well just point your AR device down!
Want to know where your star sign is in the sky? Star Chart will tell you all this and much more.
So point your Windows 8 AR device at the sky and see what's out there!
Escape Velocity and Escapist Games will update Star Chart regularly, so please send us your feedback and feature requests to email@example.com
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarChart
Visit the Star Chart website: http://www.starchart.info
View Star Chart tours: http://www.starchart.tv
Follow Star Chart on Twitter: StarChartApp – twitter.com/StarChartApp
Also follow our latest developments: twitter.com/EscapistGames
- Explore our beautifully rendered Planets, Moons, Rings, Stars, Constellations, Messier objects and much much more.
- Just point and view. Hold your Windows 8 AR enabled device up to the night sky and peer directly into the universe.
- Sit back and enjoy tours of all the planets, as Star Chart shows you views of our Solar System that you have never seen before.
- Shift forwards and backwards in time by up to 10,000 years.
- Share your beautiful screen captures, astronomical discoveries and night sky viewing with your friends, with the help of Windows 8 Share.
- A powerful and dynamic search function lets you search the entire night sky, utilising the new Windows 8 Search.
- Supports dynamic device orientation viewing. Allows you to view the night sky with your Windows 8 screen at any angle.
- Accurately depicts all the stars of the northern and southern hemispheres up to magnitude +10 – a total of over 120,000 stars!
- Explore all the planets of the Solar System, their moons, our Sun and our Moon.
- Features all 88 constellations, with intricate constellation imagery based on the beautiful artwork by 15th century astronomer Johannes Hevelius.
- Includes a complete re-mastered and high quality Messier catalogue of exotic deep sky objects.
- Select anything in the sky and get facts on what you are looking at, including distance, brightness and exact position in the sky.
- Very powerful zoom function lets you view the sky in extra detail.
Download Now: Star Chart
The Windows 8 Store is Ready for RTM – [Updated]
Microsoft is overhauling the Store in preparation for the RTM of Windows 8. Last week, the Store peaked at 322 total applications, as of yesterday, the number has dropped to 269 total apps visible to users. My analysis is showing that the Apps that debuted, but are now invisible are possibly the apps that will become paid apps with Go-Live of Windows 8. I am still analyzing the changes and the trends, but clearly the Store is going through some changes.
Microsoft explained some of this in their blog post at BuildWindows8 on their preparatory efforts of the Store for RTM. You may want to read it for more information. I will be updating this blog with more info as it becomes available.
[Update: 2012-07-07]
I promised to continue analysis and report back my findings. Indeed I have found out the real cause of reduction in the number of Apps I am seeing in the store. It doesn't have anything to do with the updates Microsoft is making to the Store in preparation for the RTM, but actually to do with the activation of the Regional Feature of the Store. The Regional feature can be found in the Store Settings shown here below:
This setting has been there all the time, but it has never had any effect. So with my analysis this week I realized I was seeing only English Apps, before you will see Apps for different countries and different languages, French, Chinese etc apps, all of a sudden these were all gone. Then I realized in the past I have set the "Preferred Languages" option ON for my Store Settings.
So the drop in number of Apps was easily explained, Microsoft just activated this week the regional feature of the Store Servers to obey the User's Preferred Languages option. To confirm this I set the setting back to NO as shown above, and refreshed the store, and the total Apps count jumped to 332, and when I set it back to YES, it was reduced to 278 as of today.
So, there you have it. Indeed MS is preparing for the RTM. They've activated Regional settings for the Store, so your store will always show Apps developed for your region. So those of you complaining not seeing all the Apps I have been mentioning, please see if your Preferred Language setting is YES, if so set to NO and see if you can now access all Apps in the Store.
WOT #001: Use Format Factory to Convert Multimedia in Any Format
Welcome to my "What's on My Taskbar" (WOT) series. In this series, I will pick on of my favorite Windows desktop apps and tell you why I think you might find it awesome! I will have another version of this series called "What's on My Start Screen" (WOSC). That series will be about Windows 8 Metro Style apps.
Today, I want to talk about an app I really rely on when working with multimedia (audio, video, and images). This app is a must have app if you are dealing with any kind of multimedia on your PC or mobile devices. The app, ladies and gentlemen, is called Format Factory.


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It is no secret that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is more deadlocked than at any time since President Obama took office. But as if an intractable Israeli prime minister, a divided Palestinian leadership, and an overburdened American administration were not enough, there remains an additional obstacle whose influence on the conflict has not previously been fully acknowledged or understood: Al Jazeera.
Founded in 1996, the Qatar-based channel has become the most widely watched station in the Middle East and a subject of fascination to many Western analysts. The news network has made its mark in the Arab world through hard-hitting journalism, heated debate programs, and a willingness to examine both sides of an issue—all with a touch of sensationalism. For a region long blanketed in overt state censorship, Al Jazeera's more freewheeling coverage has been welcomed by many viewers.
The channel's tremendous popularity has also, for better or worse, made it a shaper of public opinion. Its coverage often determines what becomes a story and what does not, as well as how Arab viewers think about issues. Whether in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, or Syria, the stories highlighted and the criticisms aired by guests on Al Jazeera's news programs have often significantly affected the course of events in the region.
In Palestine, the station's influence is particularly strong. Recent polling indicates that in the West Bank and Gaza, Al Jazeera is the primary news source for an astounding 53.4 percent of Palestinian viewers. The second and third most watched channels, Palestine TV and Al Arabiya, poll a distant 12.8 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The result of Al Jazeera's market dominance is that it has itself become a mover and shaker in Palestinian politics, helping to craft public perceptions and influence the debate. This has obvious implications for the peace process: how Al Jazeera covers the deliberations and the outcome of any negotiated agreement with Israel will fundamentally shape how it is viewed—and, more importantly, whether it is accepted—by the Palestinian public.
No recent event has better highlighted the influence Al Jazeera wields in the Palestinian territories, and the resulting challenge it poses for American diplomacy, than the fiasco surrounding the Palestinian Authority's handling of the Goldstone Report. Led by South African judge Richard Goldstone, a UN panel charged with investigating potential war crimes in the 2009 Gaza conflict found Israel responsible for a range of violations. The controversial findings raised hopes across the Arab world that Israeli leaders would finally be held accountable under international law. But Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, feeling the heat of American pressure, agreed to defer discussion of the report at the UN Human Rights Council. It was a decision that he would come to regret.
In pressuring the Palestinian Authority (PA) to delay discussion of the report, the Obama administration assumed that it could avoid a potentially damaging distraction from its efforts to reopen talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Abbas, siding with this view, seemed to believe that whatever domestic political price he paid for submitting to American pressure would be worth the goodwill it earned him in Washington. But these assumptions were wrong. Discussion of Abbas's "capitulation" to Washington came to dominate Arab satellite news coverage, and the popular outrage that ensued gave rise to calls for Abbas's resignation and forced even his own Fatah party to condemn the decision. Abbas ultimately reversed his position, having witnessed his credibility with the Palestinian (and broader Arab) public fall to a new low.
In underestimating the consequences of ignoring the report, both Washington and the PA failed to take Al Jazeera's influence into proper account. The channel made the issue a primary focus of its news coverage for several days, quickly turning the decision into the biggest story in the Arab world since Barack Obama's election. The report was the topic of discussion on Ma Wara Al-Khabr—the channel's primetime show—on five of the six nights that followed the announcement of the decision; it also served as the topic of discussion for popular talk shows such as Akthar Min Ra'i, Min Washington, and Al-Itijah Al-Muakis.


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Bible Verses About Why God Created Man
Bible verses related to Why God Created Man from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance
Genesis 1:26 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Ephesians 3:9-10 - And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Read More...)
1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (Read More...)
Isaiah 43:7 - [Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
1 Samuel 12:24 - Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.
Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1 Corinthians 1:9 - God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Read More...)
Genesis 2:7 - And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Titus 2:14 - Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:6 - That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Song of Solomon 1:1-17 - The song of songs, which [is] Solomon's. (Read More...)
Exodus 20:1-26 - And God spake all these words, saying, (Read More...)
John 4:24 - God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Genesis 1:28 - And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Some scripture references/categories courtesy of Open Bible .info under CC BY 3.0
Search the King James Version (KJV) for more references about Why God Created Man...


text:
by Mark Jones
If you are on the board of a church, Christian school or other para church ministry, you have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the financial affairs are conducted in a prudent manner. And if you manage one of these nonprofits, you have direct responsibility for this as well. Through a well functioning independent audit committee, you can ensure your organization's financial affairs are being properly conducted and your organization's reputation protected. [read more]