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US 7324968 B2 Abstract Methods and systems for improving auction-based online commerce are provided, including methods and systems for facilitating advance, rapid, accurate estimation of shipping costs between a seller and the winner of an online auction. Methods and systems include an application for facilitating seller estimation of shipping costs, including various components of shipping costs, and for providing to the buyer a shipping estimate based on the circumstances of the buyer and the auction.
Claims(4) 1. A shipping calculator for an online open-bidding auction, comprising:
at least one first storage facility associated with an auction management entity to store a seller's shipping preferences, wherein the seller's shipping preferences comprise a preference to ship auction items from at least one of a plurality of seller shipping locations via at least one of a plurality of shipping methods optionally electronically selected by the seller to be utilized in multiple separate online open-bidding auctions initiated by the seller;
at least one second storage facility associated with an auction host entity to store shipping characteristics of the auction items and auction listing characteristics of the auction items;
an online auction listing having at least one field to allow entry of an indicator of a buyer's shipping location; and
a rate engine to electronically calculate a plurality of shipping rates for a combined shipment of multiple different types of the auction items associated with the multiple separate online open-bidding auctions to be electronically presented to a buyer so as to allow the buyer to electronically select one of the plurality of shipping rates;
wherein the rate engine electronically calculates the plurality of shipping rates based at least in part upon at least one preferred seller shipping location of the plurality of seller shipping locations, the seller's shipping preferences, the buyer's shipping location, the shipping characteristics of the multiple different types of the auction items, and an amount of at least one auction bid;
wherein the at least one preferred seller shipping location is electronically determined based at least in part upon proximity to the buyer's shipping location;
wherein the at least one auction bid comprises multiple different auction bids, each of the multiple different auction bids corresponding to one of the multiple different types of the auction items from one of the multiple separate online open-bidding auctions; and
wherein the plurality of shipping rates may be calculated at any time during the multiple separate online open-bidding auctions for electronic presentation to the buyer.
2. The shipping calculator of
3. The shipping calculator of
4. The shipping calculator of
Description 1. Field of the Invention This disclosure relates to the field of electronic commerce, and more particularly to the field of online auctions. 2. Description of the Related Art Online auctions have become a fixture of electronic commerce. Auctions offer buyers the possibility of finding specialized goods and services, antiques, used items, and other items that can be difficult to find in conventional stores or in other electronic commerce storefronts. Because prices are not fixed, buyers can also obtain some items at significant discounts to retail list prices. Auctions offer sellers the benefit of price competition among buyers, creating markets for goods and services for which it is normally difficult to set prices. However, participants in auctions face certain difficulties. One of these difficulties is the difficulty of determining the actual cost of the item to the buyer, because the actual cost includes not only the winning bid but also any shipping, handling, or other costs that are to be added to the bid. Uncertainty as to shipping prices has led many buyers to complain, which in turn has resulted in pressure on sellers to offer various promotions, such as free shipping, flat rate shipping, and the like. The problem with such promotions is that they can be very costly to the seller, such as in cases where shipping distances are higher than expected, so that the cost of shipping an item greatly exceeds a flat rate estimate. Since most auctions do not communicate the address of the buyer until the end of the auction, unexpected shipping costs are a persistent problem for sellers and buyers alike. Thus, a need exists for the parties to online auctions to have access to better information in advance about the real shipping costs for their items. Provided herein are methods and systems for facilitating auction-based online commerce. Such methods and systems may include a rate engine for determining the cost of shipping an item from a location designated by a seller to a location designated by a buyer, the rate engine comprising an insurance rate calculator, a carrier rate calculator, and a packaging calculator. Such methods and systems may further include a retrieval application for retrieving auction data via a communication network and a calculation module for automatically determining a shipping cost for the item upon conclusion of the auction, based on data from the rate engine and the retrieval application. It should be noted that the term �auction� is used herein to describe a situation where a seller offers goods online via a bidding process; however, it should be understood that where context permits it should be understood to further encompass other methods by which a seller offers goods or services, such as a reverse auction, or a direct online product offering. Thus, a seller could build a shipping calculator into a product offering through an online store, allowing a buyer, for example, to estimate shipping costs for a combined order based on the weights of the various items. Thus the term auction should not be understood to be limiting except where context requires it. A more detailed description of the invention summarized above will be provided by reference to certain specific preferred embodiments described below and illustrated in the following figures. Referring to Referring to Referring to Once the seller has created the auction at the step 312, the auction can be found online at a site hosted by the host 108. At a step 314 the seller 102 can observe the auction until it terminates, either with one or more winning buyers 104 who have at least met the seller's minimum price for the item, or with no winner. Once one or more winners have been determined, at a step 318 the seller 102 interacts with the winning buyer 104 to complete the transaction. This interaction conventionally requires a communication between seller 102 and buyer 104, such as an exchange of emails, a telephone call, or the like. The transaction step 318 may include various sub-steps, such as the seller communicating shipping options to the buyer 104, the buyer 104 sending address information to the seller 102, and the buyer making payment to the seller 102. At a step 319 the buyer pays for the item. To complete the transaction, the seller 320 ships the item to the buyer 104 (or directs shipment to the buyer 104 from a third party) at a step 320. The shipping step 320 may involve an additional charge for the buyer 104 or for the seller 102, or for both. The conventional online auctions described in conjunction with Referring to Referring to Referring still to Referring to In order for a buyer 104 to have access to the shipping calculator 500, a seller 102 may provide the calculator 500 as part of the auction 100. Referring to Referring to The system 1000 may further include various conventional computer system elements, such as an operating system 1008, one or more software applications 1010, and one or more data storage facilities 1020. The operating system 1008 may be a conventional one, such as a Unix- or Linux-based operating system, or a Windows-based operating system such as provided by Microsoft. The applications 1010 may include conventional computer software applications, such as those for data manipulation and retrieval, communications, and the like. The various other modules may be provided in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of the same, but are in one embodiment software modules coded in a language such as PHP, or an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. The data storage facility 1020 may be a conventional database facility, such as Microsoft SQL server, and Oracle database, or an open-source data storage facility. In addition to conventional system components, the shipping calculator system 1000 may include specialized modules or components. In particular the system 1000 may include a rate engine 1024 for calculating shipping rates based on various inputs. The rate engine 1024 may interact with other system components, including a retrieval module 1012, a shipping wizard server 1014, a shipping rate server 1018 and one or more rate databases 1022. The rate engine 1024 interacts with those other modules to obtain inputs it requires in order to make a rate calculation. The retrieval module 1012 acts through the communication facility 1004 to obtain data from an external source, such as from a web page through a spider or similar facility, or from a third party system through an application programming interface or the like. In particular, the retrieval module 1012 can obtain auction data from an auction that is identified by a buyer 104 or seller 102 during their interaction with the shipping calculator 500. For example, the retrieval module 1012 can obtain the amount of the winning bid, the current high bid, the location of the buyer 104, the number of unique visitors, the number of hits to the auction, and the like from the web site that hosts the option. This can be accomplished by extracting values from form elements in the HTML or other markup language that is used by the auction provider 108 to code the presentation of the auction. The shipping wizard server 1014 may be a conventional server, programmed to facilitate the interaction of a user who wishes to be a seller 102 with the system 1000. The shipping wizard server 1014 can serve various pages to the seller 102, allowing the seller 102 to interact with the system through forms and similar mechanisms. The pages for the shipping wizard server 1014 can be stored for retrieval in the data storage facility 1020. The shipping wizard server 1014 thus facilitates the steps identified elsewhere herein for enabling a seller 102 to interact with the system 1000 to create an auction, to insert a shipping calculator in the auction, and to set various preferences for shipping for the seller's various auctions. The shipping wizard server 1014 can interact with the rate engine 1024 to supply it with data for making a rate calculation, in particular data about the location of the seller 102, and data about the seller's various shipping preferences and requirements. The shipping rate server 1018 may also be a conventional server (and in fact may be part of a single integrated server with it). In this case, the shipping rate server 1018 acts to facilitate interaction of a buyer 102 with the system 1000. Thus, the shipping rate server presents pages (code for which is stored in the data storage facility 1020) to the buyer 104 that include forms for data entry, as well as those for presenting the buyer 104 with estimates of shipping costs for the auction in question. The shipping rate server 1018 can interact with the rate engine 1024 to supply it with data needed to make a shipping rate calculation, such as the buyer's location, the auction number in question, and preferences for how the item should be shipped. The rate databases 1022 may contain shipping rate information. In embodiments, these databases may be provided for the system 1000 from third party providers, such as carriers who provide shipping. The rate databases 1022 may reside outside the system 1000 or may be imported into the system 1000, depending on what the third party provider is willing to provide. Examples include databases of shipping rates for the postal service, UPS, Federal Express, Emery, and any other shipping providers, with tables for calculating shipping costs based on weights, shipping locations, and other factors that determine the rate charged for a shipment. Interaction with these rate databases may be accomplished through a variety of APIs or other inputs. Thus, the system 1000 may require coding to allow it access to the rates in the rate databases 1022. In other embodiments the rate databases may be coded directly by the user of the system 1000, using publicly available information about shipping rates. The rate engine 1024 can access the relevant rate database 1022 to obtain a shipping rate for a given auction. The rate engine 1024 may include various modules or engines for calculating factors that contribute to the overall shipping rate for a given auction. By way of example, the rate engine 1024 may include a shipping rate engine 1028, a tax rate engine 1030, an insurance rate engine 1032, a packaging algorithm engine 1033, and a fee-based rate engine 1034. These are by way of example, and in embodiments other factors that contribute to shipping can be handled by additional modules or engines of the rate engine 1024. For the packaging algorithm engine 1033 a seller 102 can specify an item as prepackaged or not, and can specify for items whether they can be packaged together with other items. This data can be stored in the data storage facility 1020. A seller 102 can determine a limit to the total package, e.g., a weight limit. It is also possible for the seller 102 to provide a volume-based algorithm based on the volume of the items and the volume of the boxes or other packaging types to determine whether items can be packaged together. A seller 102 might also indicate the number of items that are to be packed together for a given type. Thus, the packaging algorithm engine 1033 allows the seller 102 to customize packing preferences for the seller's items. In embodiments, the algorithms may also provide for three-dimensional packaging calculations. The algorithms can also apply fees based on the type of box or carton that is used for packaging. For example, a hockey stick might require a box that costs a significant amount, relative to the weight of the item. An oversized item might be one that exceeds a length, a length and width, thereby increasing the cost. Therefore packaging is an important factor in shipping cost. Thus, a two-pound hockey stick is shipped as a thirty-pound item, based on �dimensional weight� calculations used by the post office and common carriers. The packaging algorithm engine 1033 determines the appropriate packaging, based on the seller's preferences and the size, weight or shape of the item, and it applies an appropriate factor to the shipping rate based on the size and weight of the packaging. The fee-based rate engine 1034 calculates rates based on seller inputs, such as rates charged for shipping and handling above the rates from the common carriers. In an embodiment a seller 102 may wish to charge a flat rate for shipping, or a flat rate per item shipped. The fee-based rate engine 1034 can access the seller's preferences, which are stored in the data storage facility 1020 and apply the appropriate flat rate or other fee-based rate for the shipment. For example, if the packaging algorithm engine 1033 determines that three items will be shipped together, and the seller 102 has indicated that it will charge a flat rate for a first item, and a different flat rate for each additional item, then the fee-based rate engine 1034 can calculate and retrieve the appropriate flat rate for shipping three items from that seller by adding the rate for the first item to two times the rate for each additional item. In other embodiments, rather than charging a flat fee or a fee set in advance by the seller 102, the system 1000 may need to calculate a rate based on other factors, such as rates charged by common carriers, weights, package sizes, distances, and the like. The shipping rate engine 1028 can calculate a rate for a shipment, based on inputs such as the distance between the seller location and the buyer location, the weight of the item, the weight of any packaging, and the method of shipment. These various inputs can be obtained from the retrieval module 1012, the servers, other modules and the rate databases 1022. The shipping rate engine 1028 thus calculates a basic shipping rate for the item, once all of the inputs are placed in it. The tax rate engine 1030 determines what taxes may apply to the auction, based on inputs from the retrieval module and the shipping wizard server. In an embodiment, the shipping calculator 500 may be part of an overall auction management system that stores information for a buyer. In such an embodiment, the system can store a tax exemption certificate for a buyer and determine not to charge the buyer tax on a transaction that would otherwise be taxable. The insurance rate engine 1032 calculates a cost of insurance to be added to the overall shipping rate, based on the preferences of the buyer and seller as expressed in their completion of forms served by the servers, as well as insurance rates stored in the rate databases 1022. The rate engine 1024 can integrate the inputs from the calculations of the other modules and engines (applying whatever discounts or other factors are required if components are not simply added), to obtain a shipping rate based on the various inputs. The rate may be a flat rate from the fee-based engine 1034, a rate calculated from the other engines, or a rate from a combination of the different types of calculation. The system 1000 may be provided by a host for access by various entities, such as sellers 102, buyers 104 and auction hosts 108. Alternatively, it might be licensed to and provided directly by an auction host 108. In other embodiments it might be accessed by one or more entities in an ASP business model. Such embodiments may be accomplished using appropriate facilities for coding such models, including XML, WDDX, Java RMI, or the like. Referring to Next, at a step 1114, the seller 102 can insert the shipping calculator code into the auction. In an embodiment this is accomplished by having the seller insert code for the shipping calculator into the HTML for the auction document. Once inserted into the HTML for the auction, the calculator 500 will automatically contact the system 1000 when initiated by a buyer 104. The seller can then create an auction at a step 1118 and observe the results at a step 1120, just as for a conventional auction. When the auction is complete, the system 1000 can determine the winner (such as via the retrieval module 1012 and make the appropriate calculation to inform the seller 102 and buyer 104 of the cost of shipping, based on the winning bid, the locations of the seller 102 (which may include multiple drop-ship locations of third parties, for example) and buyer 104 (e.g., items going to one or more locations), the weight of the items, packaging factors, taxes, and the like. At a step 1128 the seller 102 and buyer 104 may complete the transaction, and the seller 102 can ship the item in the manner identified by the buyer 104. In an embodiment this may be accomplished without the need for the buyer 104 to enter further information, since all information can be retrieved from the auction itself or from the buyer's previous interactions with the rate calculator 500. Referring to In an embodiment, a buyer can register at the site and receive preferred shipping rates. Based on the buyer's address, it can be verified through a verification process, in interaction with a database of known addresses through an API provided, for example, by the postal service. It is more expensive to ship to a residential address with many carriers. So, the calculator 500 can generally assume a residential rate. With address verification, it is possible to quote commercial rates where appropriate. The seller doesn't know who the buyer is, but the buyer can still receive the best available rate. In an embodiment, if a buyer registers with the host, they do not need to reregister when they win an auction. The information is sent to the seller automatically by the system. Referring to Referring to In embodiments, the system can recognize when a given buyer has purchased multiple items from a given seller 102, and it can prompt the seller 102 to combine the items into a single shipment. The system 1000 can then apply the rate calculation to the combined shipment, rather than making separate calculations for all shipments. Thus, at a step 1404, the system determines whether there are multiple items to be shipped from the seller 102 to this buyer 104. This may be accomplished by retrieving the data that the buyer 104 views when clicking the �all my auctions� tab 712. If there are multiple items at the step 1404, then at a step 1405 the system retrieves data for the first item's auction, either previously stored in the data storage facility 1020 (if a buyer 104 has used the calculator for this auction before) or by accessing the data in the auction directly, such as by a spider or API. At a step 1406 the system determines whether the item for which the data was retrieved at the step 1405 is the last item. If not, then the system returns to the step 1405 repeatedly until data for all items has been retrieved for use by the system. If at the step 1404 it is determined that there is only one item, or if at the step 1406 it is determined that the item is the last item, then processing proceeds to a step 1407. At the step 1407 the system queries the seller's preferences to determine whether the shipping rate is a fee-based rate. If so, then at a step 1409 the system applies the fee-based rate, whether based on a single item shipping charge or a multiple item shipping charge. Next, at a step 1411 the system applies the preferences of the seller to determine whether the rate is solely fee-based, or whether other factors apply. If at the step 1411 no other factors apply, then the system can serve a rate for the rate calculator 500 at a step 1440. If at the step 1411 it is determined that other factors apply, or if at the step 1407 it is determined that the rate is not a fee-based rate, then processing proceeds to a step 1408 where the packaging algorithm is applied by the packaging algorithm engine 1033. The packaging algorithm engine at the step 1408 determines the packaging for the item or items that are to be shipped from the seller 102 to the buyer 104. Packaging may be standard for the seller's items, may be pre-specified, or may be determined by calculations based on the size or weight of the items, or in special cases, the shape (such as a hockey stick that requires a special box). Once packaging has been determined, the system can proceed to calculate a shipping rate based on various factors. At a step 1410 the system can then determine the locations of the seller 102 and the buyer 104 based on data entered in interaction with the servers of the system 1000. At the step 1412 the system 1000 can also calculate and store a rate factor based on the locations of the buyer 104 and seller 102. Next, the system can query at a step 1414 whether weight is a factor in the calculation. If so, then the system can at a step 1418 calculate and store a weight factor for the item (optionally including package weight for packaged items). Next, at a step 1420 the system can query whether taxes apply and at a step 1422 calculate and store a tax factor. Next, at a step 1424 the system can query whether insurance charges apply. If so, then the system 1000 can calculate and store an insurance factor for the item at a step 1428. Next, the system 1000 queries whether there is a handling charge by the seller 102 at a step 1430. The system 1000 can then calculate and store a handling factor at a step 1432. Once all of the factors are determined, then the system can calculate a rate at a step 1434. The calculation may be a simple addition, or it may combine factors according to any algorithm used to determine cost of shipping. (For example, shipping may be �free� if the buyer is within a given distance of the seller, if the order is over $100, or if the order is within a time frame.) The system 1000 can recognize and apply this to the overall rate based on the location factor at the step 1412. Finally, at a step 1440, the system 1000 can serve a rate via the rate calculator 500. In embodiments the system 1000 can track where buyers are coming from to determine where the greatest interest is for a given auction item. Thus, the host can surmise demographic information. Referring to Referring to Referring to In embodiments there are other shipping options. For example, the post office has a media rate for bound printed matter. You may specify that such a rate is required. Some items might require special handling, such as if not in a carton. The rate calculator can account for these factors as well. The items entered into the wizard 1700 depicted in Referring to Referring to Thus, the system 1000 allows a seller 102 to register, set up preferences, and generate HTML code that will be embedded into an auction listing page. The buyer then enters a zip code into a calculator that is created through the HTML, and the system 1000 calculates a shipping rate based on the seller data, buyer data, and auction data. At the time the auction is created the system 1000 does not require storage of any data other than the shipping preferences of the seller 102. Storage of seller preferences has a number of advantages. Conventional systems require a seller to reenter shipping data each time an auction is created, resulting in a great deal of extra labor. With the wizard described herein the system analyzes seller preferences and only requires the seller to enter a limited set of data, unless the seller wishes to vary default preferences. Each time a seller 102 wishes to run an auction, the seller only needs to pull up the wizard and generate HTML for inclusion in the auction listing of the item the seller wishes to sell. When a buyer 104 uses the calculator information is transmitted from the buyer's browser to the system 1000. The system 1000 can take the information and through the retrieval module 1012 return to the site that hosts the auction, inspect the auction, retrieve what information is needed from the HTML of the auction, and construct all of the data needed to make a rate calculation. Use of the retrieval module 1012 allows the system 1000 to be used with any listing tool. Thus, the system 1000 is platform independent, working with any web-based auction provider. The system 1000 only needs to be programmed to recognize the appropriate form fields in the forms for the auction. For example, the system may look for a value in the �shipcalc� field in the HTML form for an eBay auction, or a different value in a different field for another auction. The system retrieves all values in the relevant fields and returns them to server as a basis for a rate calculation. To identify the auction from which the buyer 104 is using the calculator, the system identifies a URL sent by the browser when the buyer 104 hits the calculate button. The referrer URL is sent as a feature of Netscape, Explorer, and other conventional browsers. In some browsers the referrer URL is disabled or not provided, in which case the user is prompted for an auction number and provider, which allows the system 1000 to retrieve the data it needs. When a buyer 104 arrives (via the �calculate� button) at the host system 1000, the system gets the item or auction number from the page at which the buyer 104 was before arriving. The system then inspects the data storage facility 1020 to see whether it has inspected that auction before. If so, it uses the stored data. If not, then it gathers the information from the page and stores it. Once the system 1000 has the information for the auction, it can place a persistent cookie on the buyer's machine, allowing the system 1000 to recognize the buyer 104 upon return to the system 1000. The cookie can allow the system to track values (such as the current high bid or winning bid) that occur in the auction and update the buyer's calculator to reflect the changes. Thus the system can automatically update a buyer's view of an auction (and the shipping calculation) to reflect the current status of the auction. The system also allows a seller to edit mistakes. The seller can go to the system and edit an auction to correct errors, such as item weights and the like. As the buyer enters the auction the buyer can get a message saying the seller needs to review the auction before shipping quotes are finalized. In an embodiment the system can access a database of addresses to determine whether a given address is a commercial or residential address. Thus, the system can apply commercial or non-commercial rates as appropriate for the type of shipment, based on the address of the recipient. This can be accomplished using an API provided by the postal service. In embodiments the seller can allow drop shipment from multiple locations, with the calculator determining the best location for a shipment, given the location of the buyer. In embodiments, the shipping calculator 500 may be part of a larger system that offers auction management capabilities, such as tracking status, email notification of auction results, automated fulfillment of shipping, and automated notification to the parties of tracking information for shipments. For example, after an auction 100 is completed, a buyer 104 can check out and can be integrated with any payment provider (e.g., Paypal). Thus, the shipping calculator 500 can be part of an integrated commerce system. After winning the buyer can come to the system 1000 and through a checkout process that uses the shipping calculator 500 to determine the shipping charges that will apply for the transaction. All patents, patent applications, and other documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference. While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments would be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and are intended to be encompassed herein. Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
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Posted on February 14, 2012

subset: commoncrawl


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Keep Reading
Cold Brew Iced Tea and Ways to Improve It
(Credit: Craig Cutler)
I'm only half-joking when I say that until I was ten, I thought water was brown and sweet and came with ice and a lemon wedge. In the South, iced tea isn't just the official drink, it's what you offer visiting friends and strangers and what you serve at weddings and funerals. It's how you wash down fried chicken, barbecue, and $32 plates of shrimp and heirloom grits. In short, it is our water. Scroll down for the ultimate brew, and four ways to mix it up this summer. –Andrew Knowlton
Supermarket Standoff: Iced Tea
The Best Bottles of Cold-Brew Coffee on the Market
Cold-Brew Iced Coffee Concentrate


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An article I read (sorry if this was said up above) said there'd be no walk around characters.
There were a bunch of IMs and e-mails flying around about this at work today and it made me giggle - it was posted here on MC awhile ago and I thought it WAS confirmed then, so I didn't even realize that this was such a huge deal! i'm happy - I hope they do it justice!!


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Book your room at Best Western Premier CPlaza Hotel
Standard Room
Max Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 2 infants)Junior Suite
Max Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 2 infants)Suite
Max Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 2 infants)Royal Suite, 1 King Bed
Max Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 2 infants)3.5-star Quito hotel in La Carolina, walk to Atahualpa Olympic Stadium
Located in La Carolina, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Quicentro Mall and Atahualpa Olympic Stadium. Inaquito Mall and Botanical Garden of Quito are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Hotel Features
Along with a restaurant, this hotel has a health club and a bar/lounge. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a coffee shop/café, a sauna, and a conference center are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 100 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and Select Comfort beds. Upscale amenities include private spa tubs and jetted tubs, and guests can also appreciate conveniences like sofa beds and living rooms.
Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Best Western Premier CPlaza Hotel features a health club and a sauna. The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. A computer station is located on site and high-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary.
This 3.5-star property offers access to a business center and meeting rooms. Event facilities measuring 32280 square feet (3000 square meters) include a conference center and conference space. This business-friendly hotel also offers a library, tour/ticket assistance, and multilingual staff. Complimentary self parking is available on site.
Best Western Premier CPlaza Hotel has designated areas for smoking.
- Meeting rooms
- Computer station
- Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Supervised childcare/activities (surcharge)
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Library
- Conference space
- Sauna
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Health club
- Bar/lounge
- Coffee shop or café
- Restaurant
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Porter/bellhop
- Express check-out
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- 24-hour front desk
- Multilingual staff
- Express check-in
- Total number of rooms - 100
- Number of floors - 13
- ATM/banking
- Laundry facilities
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Wedding services
- Designated smoking areas
- Luggage storage
- Free self parking
- Conference center
- Year Built 1994
- Conference space size (feet) - 32280
- Conference space size (meters) - 3000
- Number of meeting rooms - 13
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Free WiFi
Family Friendly Amenities
- Separate living room
- Free Wi-Fi
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Soundproofed rooms
- Laundry facilities
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Separate dining area
- Sofa bed
- Refrigerator
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Separate bedroom
- Ceiling fan
- Bathrobes
- Pay movies
- Soundproofed rooms
- Turndown service
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Separate dining area
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
- Down comforter
- Individually furnished
- Pillow menu
- Sleep Number by Select Comfort mattress
- MP3 docking station
- Rainfall showerhead
- Separate living room
- Private spa tub
- Sofa bed size
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Hydromassage showerhead
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Premium TV channels
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Room service (24 hours)
- Free newspaper
- Air conditioning
- Climate control
- Access via exterior corridors
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free bottled water
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Jetted bathtub
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- In-room massage available
- Shower/tub combination
- Cable TV service
- Iron/ironing board
- Free local calls
- Desk
- Sofa bed
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Free WiFi
Where to Eat
Breakfast is available for a surcharge and served each morning between 6 AM and 10:30 AM.
BISTRO DU JARDIN - This fine-dining restaurant specializes in Latin American cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Happy hour is offered.
Late night fare is available from 24-hour room service.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club and a sauna.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Ecotours nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
Spa Services
- Number of treatment rooms 2
- Massages
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at noon
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-out time is 2 PM
Payment types
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No pets or service animals allowed
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: USD 9.20 per person (approximately)
- Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 20 per night
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 20 per night
We should mention
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Children 11 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.


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Apple\'s market share at 3.7 percent
updated 01:45 pm EDT, Fri July 16, 2004
Apple No. 5 PC vendor
Apple was the No. 5 PC vendor in the US market in the second quarter with a 3.7% market share behind Dell (32.9%), HP (19.3%), Gateway (5.6%), and IBM (5.6%). IDC research said that Apple sold 495,00 Macs, representing a growth of 9.3% from the same quarter in 2003. Shipments include those to distribution channels or end users. Gateway showed the strongest growth of nearly 60% in the US market, shipping more than 750,000 units. Overall, the US market grew 10.9%; however Apple was not among the 5 vendors in worldwide shipments. As noted earlier, that market grew by 15.5% with strong demand in Europe as well as better than expected results in Canada and Latin America.


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Crews had to free a trapped driver after a Thursday morning crash.
The crash happened near the intersection of West McMillan and West McMicken just after 7 a.m.
A witness told police that one car ran the red light and hit the other one. The driver of the first car fled on foot, but was soon returned to the scene.
Three people in all were injured in the crash, which closed the intersection for nearly an hour.
No names or conditions have been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but police said it appeared alcohol may have been involved.


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Outlier robust small area estimation
Chambers, Ray, Chandra, Hukum, Salvati, Nicola and Tzavidis, Nikos (2011) Outlier robust small area estimation. Southampton, GB, Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, 34pp. (Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute Working Paper, M11/07).
Download (396Kb) |
Recently proposed outlier robust small area estimators can be substantially biased when outliers are drawn from a distribution that has a different mean from that of the rest of the survey data. This naturally leads down to the idea of an outlier robust bias correction for these estimators. In this paper we develop this idea and also propose two different analytical mean squared error estimators for the ensuring bias corrected outlier robust estimators. Simulations based on realistic outlier contaminated data show that the proposed bias correction often leads to more efficient estimators. Furthermore the proposed mean squared error estimators appear to perform well with a variety of outlier robust smal area estimators.
Item Type: | Monograph (Working Paper) |
Keywords: | bias-variance trade-off, linear mixed model, m-estimation, m-quantile model, robust prediction, robust bias correction |
Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HA Statistics |
Divisions: | University Structure - Pre August 2011 > Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute |
ePrint ID: | 182393 |
Date Deposited: | 27 Apr 2011 13:06 |
Last Modified: | 27 Mar 2014 19:35 |
URI: | http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/182393 |
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Released: Nov 14th, 2007
Running Time: 121 Min.
Company: Pink Visual Productions
Flower Tucci, Carmen Kinsley, Veronica Rayne, Monica Breeze, Sandra Romain
Critical Rating: AAAA
Genre: Gonzo
This release delivers. The angles shot capture all that the viewer would desire regarding a big-butt fetish - succeeding despite the lack of much anal penetration. Plus, the performers consistently attack the camera with confidence in their sexual presentation.
Romain dishes out a deed befitting her status, as she takes pairs of flashy panties on and off, shoving one pair inside her pussy at one point - all the while showing off her bountiful butt. Kinsley gets a good spankin' while she licks her nipples dutifully. Breeze gets cum spurted right onto her asshole. Tucci ping-pong paddles herself, narrating naughtily and desiring to know if her cheeks are "apple bottom" red.
Pre-nom: Best Videography
Retailing: Meaty, tasty asses aplenty.


text: ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED DEPECHE MODE 2LP VINYL TEST PRESSINGOne of the pioneering bands of the electronic sound are back, and poised to take the world by storm with DELTA MACHINE their latest studio album. In stores now on CD, Deluxe CD and vinyl, we've got a 2 LP double vinyl test pressing, autographed by the band, and it's going to someone who fills in that form below. |


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Released: Jan 05th, 2010
Running Time: 142 Min.
Director: Various
Company: Hustler Video
Distribution Companies: LFP, Inc.
DVD Extras: Still Gallery(ies), Trailer(s)
Annika (I), Gracie Glam, Angel Cummings (II), Tanner Mayes, Fallon Sommers, Michelle B., Nautica Thorn, Nina Mercedez, Savannah Stern, Valerie Vasquez, Lisa Daniels, Sophia (I), Leslie Foxx
Genre: All-Girl, Compilation
Larry Flynt would like to share his collection of the hottest girl on girl scenes from his library. There is nothing like gorgeous women fucking each other senseless. With tongues blazing and pussies purring for more, these girls are hungry, horny and in HEAT!


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Publisher's Description
+The object of Fire Escape is to position Steady Eddy and Captain Quick under the babies and bounce them over to their awaiting mom. Use the hardware buttons to move them left and right. There are only three positions in which to stand, and after the third bounce the baby will be saved!
What's new in this version:
- Color!
- Code cleanup


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Captain America and the Time Warp! (Hostess Ads #19)
On a site dedicated to making a wiki history of all things comics, comics ads should not be forgotten. Especially the ads for Hostess Fruit Pies, Twinkies, and other snacks. Starting in 1975, Marvel and DC heroes (and the Harvey characters!) spent seven years throwing Hostess snacks at a bizarre line of villains to stop their crimes. Although many of the villains were completely silly, they were created specifically for these ads, and in many cases, not even the names have been used again, since the ads stopped in mid-1982. |
So I thought I'd show an ad here, and make a list of the comics I find it in, as I run across them. This list features: Captain America and the Time Warp! As noted on the Hostess Superhero Advertisements page:
Due to a time flux, Julius Caesar and his Roman legion appear in modern times, where they snack on Hostess Twinkies left by a picnicking family. Captain America, under orders from Nick Fury, gets Caesar to agree to be sent back to his rightful place by SHIELD.
You Get A Big Delight In Every Bite <18 (Hostess Treats) 20> Enjoy. |


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Median pay for Customer Relationship Management Managers in the United States is around $67K per year. Overall cash earnings for Customer Relationship Management Managers stretch from $35K on the lower end to $115K near the top, and the heftiest packages can encompass around $16K from bonuses and $10K from profit sharing. Career duration and the particular city each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Most Customer Relationship Management Managers like their work and job satisfaction is high. Women Customer Relationship Management Managers who took the survey just slightly outnumber men. A large number report receiving medical coverage from their employers and most collect dental insurance. The figures in this overview were provided by individuals who took PayScale's salary questionnaire.
Customer relationship management (CRM) managers work in many types of industries to ensure organizations' success in profitability, reputation, and customer satisfaction. These professionals manage the relationship between the business and the consumer. A CRM manager is concerned with customer experience: How can the business improve the customer's satisfaction and the likelihood that they return for future business? CRM managers also often work closely with the marketing department, providing employees with tools and technology to better serve customer needs.
Read More...Survey results show that Customer Relationship Management Managers use a fair number of skills. Most notably, facility with Salesforce, Email Marketing, and Project Management are correlated to pay that is significantly above average, leading to increases of 38 percent, 24 percent, and 13 percent, respectively. Skills that seem to negatively impact pay include Customer Service and Operations Management. The majority of those who know Customer Relationship Management also know Customer Service.
Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.
Relatively untried employees who have less than five years' experience make $53K, but folks with five to 10 years under their belts enjoy an appreciably larger median of $77K. Customer Relationship Management Managers see a median salary of $85K after reaching one to two decades on the job. Respondents who boast more than 20 years of experience can't seem to boast paychecks reflecting that extensive experience, though; veteran Customer Relationship Management Managers report making only $76K on average.
For Customer Relationship Management Managers, Pittsburgh provides a pay rate that is 32 percent greater than the national average. Customer Relationship Management Managers will also find cushy salaries in New York (+27 percent), Atlanta (+22 percent), Chicago (+20 percent), and San Francisco (+18 percent). The lowest-paying market is Denver, which sits 14 percent below the national average.
Extremely satisfied |
Rated 5 out of 5 based on 104 votes. |
59 % |
41 % |
Medical: 88% | Dental: 82% | ||
Vision: 70% | None: 9% |


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Faced with some of the toughest retail conditions for a decade and with the rapid influx of new competitors into the marketplace, Argos believed that the most effective way to differentiate was through superior customer service.
The business implemented a Mystery Shopper programme which immediately highlighted a short fall in customer service across stores. In response a number of customer service improvement measures were put in place which included pioneering technology, re-branding the business and refitting the stores. With numerous initiatives to deliver, teams to lead and a tough market to compete in, there was increased expectation and responsibility for Argos' Store Managers.
Building on the success of our leadership and coaching programme for senior leaders in 2009 (Board, Regional General Manager and Area Manager level), we went on to design and deliver a company-wide management training programme for the entire UK and Ireland Store Manager population in 2010.
'Raising the Bar' has been delivered through 144 workshops to 750 Store Managers and, through them, has impacted 23,000 colleagues.
The programme focused on developing managers' leadership and coaching skills so they could empower their teams to perform at the highest level. Ultimately it aimed to achieve the vision of 'Making Argos an even better place to shop by delivering exceptional customer service'.
The programme has had a significant impact on the leadership and coaching ability of the Store Manager population. This, in turn, has enabled Argos to deliver superior customer service.
The cumulative 'mystery shopper' average for 2010 was 89%, the best performance in its history and up 6 points on the previous year's average. Staff engagement and direct customer feedback via 'Tell Argos' were also up on a like for like, quarter by quarter basis 2010 v 2009. These scores were achieved in some of the toughest retail conditions for a decade.
Argos, in partnership with Lane4, was shortlisted for a 2011 Oracle Retail Week Award in the 'Customer Service Initiative of the Year' category.
"Before the training programme, our Area Managers and Store Managers were purely focused on process – the customer was the last thing on their mind. The training really engaged, enabled and empowered them. Now they are leading from the front, creating a level of belief, ownership, accountability and pride in Argos that will leave a lasting legacy and become part of the DNA of Argos." John Douglass, Former Retail Operations Director
John Douglass, Former Retail Operations Director


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Photo by Jeff Lipsky
Leave a Review
Really enjoyed this recipe, used crumbled very hot italian sausage instead of the pork jowl and good Italian tomatoes. Lots of flavour and quick and easy to make .
Agree with jimbill that the sauce is very tomato-ey, especially compared to versions of this dish I've had in restaurants. I came a cross a few other recipes, as well, in my search, and will try a different one the next time I want to make this dish.
Very tomatoey. Couldn't taste the pancetta. Added a little red wine and basil. Still not impressed. It was easy to make.
Used pancetta cut sort of thick - about 1 mm. Absolutely fantastic
I havent had an Amatriciana before, so I can't comment on the tomatoey-ness of this, but it was delicious! Made a half-recipe with pancetta, and half a can of tomatoes (which was actually mostly juice and only 3 tomatoes), and it turned out great.
This is quite good and easy enough for a weeknight. Great flavor from the guanciale, and I added a little wine and then garnished with fresh basil. Next time I might use less tomatoes-- there was too much sauce for a pound of pasta, and I liked it better a little "dry" after the pasta had absorbed the sauce. Will make again.
Loved this. I also used prosciutto -- all my grocery store had -- but next time I think I'll do it without, or do tofu for my vegetarian friends. (The ham didn't seem to add much flavor.) I also used a shallot instead of an onion and added diced zucchini at the same time. I made a balsamic vinegar glaze and drizzled just a little on top. It didn't take long and didn't make too much of a mess in the kitchen. I'll be making this again.
This is a great version of Amatriciana and more tomato-y than any I've had before. You cannot go wrong with this as a quick and delicious weeknight meal made -- mostly -- with things you probably always have on hand. Full review on my blog KateCookstheBooks.com.
Not only was this good for dinner the night we made it, but it reheated really well for lunch leftovers two days later. It was fast and easy to prepare, but it tasted like a more complex dish. (My husband was able to toss it together with very little help.) We used prosciutto since I had some that needed to be used, but I'm sure any of the meats suggested would be great as well.


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Vikings, Ramsey County Set Terms Of Stadium Deal
ST. PAUL (AP) – A written agreement between the Minnesota Vikings and Ramsey County that lays out terms of their football stadium deal in Arden Hills says the facility would be publicly owned and leased by the Vikings, and would have a retractable roof unless the team decides it's too expensive.
If the team decides the retractable roof costs too much, the team could decide to build a fixed roof instead. It says the team would be responsible for some but not all cost overruns.
The agreement says the team and county agree that transportation improvements needed at the former Army ammunitions plant site are the responsibility of the state of Minnesota. State lawmakers pushing the stadium at the Capitol say that's a problem if the state share goes higher than $300 million.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Black Spring (novel)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
First edition cover, Paris, 1936
Author | Henry Miller |
Country | France |
Language | English |
Genre | Autobiographical novel |
Publisher | Obelisk Press |
Publication date
1936 |
Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
Preceded by | Tropic of Cancer |
Followed by | Tropic of Capricorn |
Black Spring is a novel by the American writer Henry Miller, published in 1936 by the Obelisk Press in Paris, France. Black Spring was Miller's second published novel, following Tropic of Cancer and preceding Tropic of Capricorn. It is divided in ten almost independent sections.
External links[edit]
This article about a 1930s novel is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |


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Use code "stylehive" upon checkout to get 10% off your entire order! The bright blue rings in this bracelet are stretchy! They are made of EPDM, a fade resistant, safe kind of rubber that comes in lots of fun colors. The silver rings are bright aluminum, which does not rust or tarnish and is very lightweight. Stretchy rings means there is no need for a clasp! Just slide it over your hand, and youre good to go.
Use coupon code "stylehive' upon checkout to get 10% off your entire order!Tres chic and elegant! 14 karat gold fill rings and .925 sterling silver rings dangle gently on a piece of sterling silver chain. A gold loop attaches all the parts of the chain together. The sterling silver spring clasp is secured with another gold ring, and the necklace is slightly adjustable by hooking the clasp on to one of the three sterling or 14 karat rings on the end of the chain. All sterling or 14k gold components.
Use code "stylehive" at checkout to get 10% off your entire order!Handformed and tumble polished oversize sterling silver ear hooks are the beginning of this amazing pair of earrings. They contrast well with the solid black rolo chain that begins the descent. As you go down the earrings, you are coming up from the bottom of the darkest sea. The pitch black depths eventually give way to a deep blue. The blues turn a lighter shade until the last moment when you break the waters surface into the bright blue sky. Material: Chain, Sterling silver wire, enameled copper colored rings Color: Silver, black, and 4 shades of blue/green Length: About 2 inches from top of chain to bottom ring; about 3 total
Set of 4 beaded napkinholders make of glass beads. Bring life to any dinner table. Napkin holders make a great gift for anybody starting out in a new home or just needs some color added to dinner. Customized holders are a great idea for wedding receptions or any party.
Visit our Circleback Studio Wiki - Perk-u-late for more Scrapbooking and Craft Ideas happy shopping from deb and wendy at www.circlebackstudio.com/blog
Find what's hot, right now. Join Stylehive for free or login.


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The surname TUNSTELL is not included in the US Census Bureau's ranking of surnames with 100 or more people. Since fewer than 100 people with this surname were included in the 2000 Census, it is relatively uncommon.
Source: "Genealogy Data: Frequently Occurring Surnames from Census 2000", US Census Bureau.
Histopolis currently has 1 grave(s) with the surname Tunstell.
Search the Histopols Grave Index for the surname Tunstell.
The surname Tunstell has a Soundex code of T523. The following 74 surname(s) may sound similar to Tunstell since they share the same Soundex code.


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Selita Ebanks Braided Bun
Selita Ebanks looked ladylike at the screening of 'The Hangover Part 2.' The supermodel pulled her hair back in a sleek bun and braided her bangs for a fun and flirty twist.
Show Selita Ebanks Looks With:
Braided Bun also worn by:
more Braided Bun looks »


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27th June 2011
With just 100 days to go before the 73rd Senior World Fencing Championships, the under-secretary for the Italian Ministry of Sport, Rocco Crimi, the Italian Foreign Affairs Minister, Franco Frattini and President of the FIE, Alisher Usmanov, led the delegation that officially presented the championships in Rome, this weekend.
The event will take place on the beautiful island of Sicily in Catania, 8-16th October just five years after the event was held in Turin. "Fencing is not only fascinating but makes Italians really proud," Hon. Franco Frattini said. "My sincere congratulations go to the President of the Italian Fencing Federation (F.I.S.), Mr Giorgio Scarso, both for the extraordinary sporting results in the past years as well as for the assignment of the World Championships. Sicily will match the expectations and the Championships will be an opportunity to build the Italian image. Sport is one of the most important instruments for promoting worldwide peace, dialogue and solidarity. Fencing is, more than others, a sport capable of communicating important values."
FIE President Mr Alisher Usmanov added, "I am convinced that Italy, Sicily and Catania in particular, will be capable of organising a great show. Every year, World Championships are a big event, but with London 2012 approaching, the 2011 edition is even more important. Italy is one of the strongest actors in the world of fencing, not only due to its victories but also because of the know-how in organizing events."
An important landmark for the British Team in the run up to the World Championships will be the European Championships being held in a little over two weeks in Sheffield. Tickets are still available for the event (13-19 July) at http://www.arenaticketshop.co.uk/whats-on/european-fencing-championships/? and you can find out all other event information at www.eurofencing2011.com.
Inside the Games Fri, 2014-09-19 16:59
FT Masterclass: Fencing with James DavisFT.com Fri, 2014-08-22 12:17
James Davis on weight loss and US moveBBC Sport Mon, 2014-07-14 17:15
Duel IdentitySport magazine Fri, 2014-07-11 19:43
James Davis wins historic European fencing goldBBC Sport Mon, 2014-06-09 12:14
See moreAnthony Crutchett
The life of a Paralympic hopeful
Craig McCann
Anthony Crutchett
Claire Bennett


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Gemini Edible & Fats India Pvt. Ltd, which has edible oil refineries at Kakinada and Krishnapatnam, is expecting to record a turnover of Rs. 1,500 crore during current fiscal.
Announcing that their most popular brand – Freedom refined sunflower oil – had attained the No. 1 position in the refined sunflower oil category in Visakhapatnam by volume market share, company's vice-president (Sale & Marketing) P. Chandra Shekhar Reddy told reporters that their last year's turnover was Rs. 1,358 crore.
He said as per the Nielsen Retail Audit Data Q-3 2012 (July–September), Freedom refined sunflower oil had surged ahead with a 6.9 per cent increase in market share (from 17 per cent in Q-3 2011 to 23.9 per cent in Q-3 2012), making it the largest selling sunflower oil brand in Visakhapatnam.
The Kakinada unit has a production capacity of 200 tonnes a day and the Krishnapatnam unit's capacity is 900 tonnes a day.
Within three years of operation, the company with wide range of oils and fats was involved in bulk trading, branded sales, and value added fats, Mr. Reddy said.


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I have been asked when the next meeting/subrun will be. I suspect the place to run is Devils Den. This will allow the Georgia parks dept to finish the Gilligan's Island work and reopen the park and also keep in with our practice of alternating the parks for the runs.
So, Dave S. Can/Would you give a report to the group on the Den and it's condition. Please also let us know if there will be another party because we can bring stuff to throw on the grill, haha! BTW say hello to your lovely wife and pass along my compliments to her on her always excellent cooking and graciousness.
ALSO, please everyone post or select a date. My preference is later in the month of Jan (last weekend but not the ML King holiday due to travel) or possibly February. Just not the 8th of Feb the program director has her B-day celebration on that weekend. Perhaps mid Feb?
I will have the Uncle Sam up and running with her sub bumpers along the lower hull to provide assistance and I also have the Marlin up and running as a surface runner. Still working on the ballast system.


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Mailbox limits and Archiving
What is my email limit?
What happens if I go over my limit?
How to determine if the notification email is legitimate
How will I know if I am over my limit?
How to check the size of your mailbox
How do I archive?
How to Manually Archive
Turning on Auto Archiving
How will I know if my archive has been set up?
How to Turn off Auto Archive
Tips on how to keep your mailbox clean


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70s -Simplicity Pattern No. 7382- Sewing pattern for womens dress, dated 1976. Two lengths, sleeveless dress with flared skirt stitched to bodice at normal waistline has back zip, flared cape collar, bias bound low round neck and self tie belt. Short or full length
Sorry, this item has SOLD. View other Womens 1970's Sewing Patterns - Dresses
32.5Bust 25Waist 34.5Hip
Good Condition
Approx Shipping Weight 0.25 lbs.
Item No. 59343-D3476


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Mr. Lacy Flatties White Shoe Laces
Item # 165784
Buy 1 Get 1 50% off
Stash Points: 199
What is this?
This is the number of points you get in The Zumiez Stash for purchasing this item. Stash points are redeemable for exclusive rewards only available to Zumiez Stash members. To redeem your points check out the rewards catalog on thestash.zumiez.com.Description
Classic flat shoelaces, go ahead, upgrade your shoes.
More Details |


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The Community of Disc Golfers and About All Things Disc Golf
Got a sweet Flx dyed Drone and PDGA renewal for 2009! Both from my awesome wife! Also a bunch of hand and toe warmers and a nice pair of thin gold gloves - nice!
Nice new lightweight waterproof breathable REI jacket for the crappy Michigan weather.
Welcome to
Posted by Alan Barker on October 30, 2014 at 12:40pm — 1 Comment
Posted by Alan Barker on January 29, 2014 at 2:26pm
Posted by Alan Barker on November 4, 2013 at 1:38pm
Posted by Frederick Cranford on September 11, 2013 at 5:42am
Posted by CoolDaddySlickBreeze on August 13, 2013 at 4:40pm
© 2015 Created by Terry "the Pirate" Calhoun.


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CREVE COEUR — Jay Haas will garner plenty of attention and be a popular man during this week's U.S. Senior Open at Bellerive Country Club in suburban St. Louis for good reason.
Haas, who in December turned 50, the minimum age to compete on the Champions Tour, is not only No. 22 in the World Golf Ranking and on the cusp of earning a berth on the United States' Ryder Cup team this fall, but he also is a hometown favorite.
Having grown up across the Mississippi River from St. Louis in Belleville, Ill., Haas was greeted with plenty of fan support during his practice round Tuesday.
"On the course I heard 'Belleville, come on, St. Louis, come on' and all these towns around this area that I've grown up in and played golf in," Haas said. "I signed a ton of autographs and it was fun to be here and be a fan favorite."
After several years of mediocrity on the PGA Tour, Haas, a top player during the 1980s and early 1990s, affirmed his return to golf's upper echelon with a ninth-place finish at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, N.Y., last month.
Haas finished 15th on the PGA Tour's money list in 2003, earning $2.5 million. This year, Haas has five top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour to go along with a second-place finish at the Senior PGA Championship in May and is 27th on the money list.
Haas couldn't pinpoint one aspect of his game that helped spark his re-emergence, but he said extra time practicing has helped. During a slump several years ago, Haas said he became complacent with his game, but as he began playing better he began spending more time at the driving range and on the putting green, which in turn began his comeback.
"I wish there was one secret but it is nothing more than really hard work," Haas said. "When I play poorly, I kind of lose my zest or passion for the game, and now that I've started to play better I have a real passion to play and that as much as anything keeps me going."
Haas said despite being the center of attention and having an onslaught of old friends, some of whom he hasn't seen in decades, approaching him this week, shouldn't disrupt his game.
"It is a positive to be here and know the course a little bit," Haas said. "Being home and being comfortable with this area certainly outweighs any negatives playing here could pose."
Although Haas is a favorite to be near the top of the leaderboard Sunday, he will have plenty of competition in his quest to win his first major golf tournament. A world-class field of 156 players, including Bruce Lietzke, the defending Senior Open champion, will vie for the national championship on a course that the players agree will be a fair but taxing challenge.
At 7,117 yards, Bellerive is the longest course in Senior Open history, but despite the length several players mentioned the tournament's winner will likely be someone who is able to come up with the best strategy to maneuver the par-71 course's tricky layout.
"It looks like it's going to benefit the long hitter and the big hitter, but there is a lot of strategy out there," Arnold Palmer said. "The condition of the golf course is so good that if you just keep it in the fairways off the tee and hit the greens you're going to have a chance to win this golf tournament.
The golfers will complete one final practice round today before the tournament begins Thursday morning.


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Terms and conditions
1. No purchase necessary. 2. One entry per person, no bulk or third party entries. 3. Postal entries for competitions should be sent with your name, ...
1. No purchase necessary.
2. One entry per person, no bulk or third party entries.
3. Postal entries for competitions should be sent with your name, address, daytime telephone number, competition you are entering and answer to: Time Out Offers, Universal House, 251 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AB.
4. Email entries for competitions should be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com clearly stating in the subject header the competition you are entering.
5. Competitions are open to all UK residents (over the age of 18 in alcohol, tobacco or travel-related competitions, or in other cases as stated) except employees of Time Out, the companies or organisations with whom the competition or offer is being run, their agents or anyone directly connected with the promotion.
6. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed, mislaid or damaged in the post or offered for delivery insufficiently stamped.
7. Proof of delivery will not be accepted as proof of receipt. Prizes are as stated only and no cash alternatives will be given. However the promoter has the full and free right to alter arrangements or prizes should circumstances change.
8. The winning answers and the names of prizewinners will be made available to those who send an SAE to the competition entry address. The decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
9. All entries and copyright in them automatically become the property of Time Out.
10. All entrants to competitions and offers are deemed to have accepted these rules and agreed to be bound by them and agree to co-operate in any publicity that may arise.
11. The closing date for receipt of entries is as stated for each individual competition in the magazine or online. The winner(s) will be drawn at random from all valid entries, and will be notified by telephone, email or post within two weeks of the closing date.
12. By providing your email address and entering this competition you agree to receive relevant email communications from Time Out including news, events, offers and competitions
13. Promoter: Time Out Magazine, Universal House, 251 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AB.
1. The prize is subject to availability and another hotel may be offered if the hotel is full.
2. The prize is valid for two people sharing a twin/double deluxe room at the Radisson Edwardian Hampshire hotel for one night including breakfast,
3. The prize is valid for February 17 2013 only.
4. Any extras eg telephone, room service to be paid in full by the winner at check out
5. Prize voucher/letter must be presented to a member of staff at check-in on arrival at the hotel
6. The prize is non-transferrable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
7. No cash alternative accepted
8. Competition closes on 31 January and winners will be notified no later than Wednesday 6 February.
9. The prize does not include transport, is non-transferrable and cannot be combined with any other promotion.
10. Winners must be aged 18 years or older.


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Book your room at La Monnaie Art & Spa Hotel
Comfort Double Room, Courtyard View
Max Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 infant)Triple Room
Max Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 1 infant)Exclusive Double Room, Garden View
Max Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 infant)Standard Double Street View
Max Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)4-star hotel, walk to Tour de la Lanterne
Collect 200 points
Simply enter your Nectar card number when prompted. Your points will be credited 30 days after you return from your trip.*Offers may apply
Located in the heart of La Rochelle, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Tour de la Lanterne, Tour de la Chaine, and La Rochelle Hotel de Ville. Tour St. Nicolas and Musee du Nouveau Monde are also within 15 minutes.
Hotel Features
Along with a full-service spa, this hotel has a 24-hour health club and a bar/lounge. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a sauna, a 24-hour business center, and self parking.
Room Amenities
All 36 soundproofed rooms provide free WiFi, free wired Internet, and minibars. For a bit of entertainment, guests will find LCD TVs with digital channels, and other amenities include room service and premium bedding. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.
Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to a full-service spa, La Monnaie Art & Spa Hotel features a 24-hour health club and a sauna. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. This 4-star property offers access to a 24-hour business center and a meeting room.
Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. This La Rochelle hotel also offers a library, multilingual staff, and a garden. Parking is available onsite for a surcharge.
La Monnaie Art & Spa Hotel has designated areas for smoking.
- 24-hour front desk
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Multilingual staff
- Total number of rooms - 36
- Number of floors - 2
- Garden
- Elevator/lift
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Concierge services
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Fireplace in lobby
- 24-hour health club
- Full-service spa
- Designated smoking areas
- Free WiFi
- Computer station
- One meeting room
- Luggage storage
- Offsite parking reservations required
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Year Built 1988
- Sauna
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge), Offsite parking reservations required
Room Amenities
- Premium bedding
- Soundproofed rooms
- Climate control
- Phone
- Free bottled water
- Minibar
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Shower only
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- In-room safe
- Desk
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
Where to Eat
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour health club and a sauna.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Sailing nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Boat tours nearby
Spa Services
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, (jacuzzi unavalable). Services include massages and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including hydrotherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna.
The spa is open daily.
- Hydrotherapy treatments
- Sauna in spa
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is Noon
Payment types
Pets allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
- A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 1.65 per person, per night
- Fee for buffet breakfast: EUR 18 per person (approximately)
- Self parking fee: EUR 20 per night
- Pet deposit: EUR 12 per night
We should mention
Reservations are required for spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Children 10 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
National Rating
This hotel has received its official star rating from the French Tourism Development Agency, ATOUT France.


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UCL Museums & Collections news
New screening technique could pick up twice as many ovarian cancer cases
Publication date: 5 May 2015
A new screening method can detect twice as many women with ovarian cancer as conventional strategies, according to the latest results from the largest trial of its kind led by UCL.
Watching you watching Bentham: The PanoptiCam
Publication date: 17 March 2015
This month sees the launch of PanoptiCam, an online camera that streams the live view from Jeremy Bentham's auto-icon in the South Cloisters.
Strange Creatures put on display at UCL
Publication date: 3 March 2015
'Strange Creatures: The art of unknown animals' is a new exhibition at the Grant Museum of Zoology at UCL. By examining the world of animal representations, the exhibition explores how imagery has been used to bring newly discovered animals into the public eye.
International Women's Day 2015 events
Publication date: 19 February 2015
To mark International Women's Day (IWD) on 8 March 2015 UCL will be hosting a programme of events across campus.
Grant Museum starts major project to preserve rarest skeleton in the world
Publication date: 24 November 2014
The Grant Museum of Zoology at UCL is undertaking a major project to protect 39 of its rarest and most significant skeletons, some which have been on display in the Museum for 180 years. To help achieve this, the Museum is launching its first ever public fundraising campaign – aiming to raise £15,000 to support the costs of this crucial work.
Simon Cane appointed Director of Public and Cultural Engagement at UCL
Publication date: 2 October 2014
UCL is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Cane as the new Director of Public and Cultural Engagement. Simon joins UCL from his role as Deputy Director at Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT).
New AHRC grant will fund 'Museums on Prescription' research
Publication date: 2 July 2014
A team of researchers led by Dr Helen Chatterjee (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment and UCL Public & Cultural Engagement) will begin a new three year project this month, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), to explore the value and role of museums in social prescribing.
UCL wins national public engagement award
Publication date: 12 June 2014
UCL Public and Cultural Engagement are celebrating success at the national Engage Competition Awards which took place on 11 June 2014 at the Natural History Museum.
UCL research showcased as part of Universities Week
Publication date: 6 June 2014
UCL is featuring in a UK-wide campaign from 9–15 June to highlight the value and importance of university research to our everyday lives.
Digital art transforms fish bones into cosmic bodies and marine slugs in new 'Subnature' exhibition
Publication date: 21 May 2014
A new art exhibition exploring the relationship between nature and its representations opens today at the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology.
UCL Petrie Museum launches 3D online object library
Publication date: 30 April 2014
UCL's Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, which holds one of the top specialist collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world, has launched an interactive online 3D object library, allowing visitors to view the artefacts in the same way as curators.
Royal Tudor foundation stone rediscovered at UCL
Publication date: 21 February 2014
A stone marking Henry VIII's foundation of the Royal Naval Dockyard at Deptford 500 years ago has been rediscovered behind a false wall in the Geography department of UCL.
UCL Art Museum awarded grant from DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund
Publication date: 31 January 2014
UCL Art Museum is one of 40 museums across England who will benefit from grants designed to fund improvements that increase access and enhance the display of exhibits, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced today.
Researchers pinpoint when the first kings ruled Egypt
Publication date: 4 September 2013
A team of scientists and archaeologists, including UCL's Professor David Wengrow and Dr Alice Stevenson, have been able to set a robust timeline for the first eight dynastic rulers of ancient Egypt.
Michelin star restaurant add Bentham recipe to their menu
Publication date: 30 August 2013
An 18th Century recipe recommended by Jeremy Bentham for inmates of his proposed Panopticon prison has been added to the menu at St. John restaurant in London.
Earliest known iron artefacts come from outer space
Publication date: 20 August 2013
Researchers have shown that ancient Egyptian iron beads held at the UCL Petrie Museum were hammered from pieces of meteorites, rather than iron ore. The objects, which trace their origins to outer space, also predate the emergence of iron smelting by two millennia.
Portrait of a Young Woman to be included in Art Everywhere
Publication date: 9 August 2013
UCL Art museum is proud to announce that Portrait of a Young Woman, a painting from our collection by artist Winifred Knights, will be included in Art Everywhere, a vast exhibition of the nation's favourite British art that will go on display on thousands of poster and billboard sites across the UK, from 12-25 August 2013.
Jeremy Bentham makes surprise visit to UCL Council
Publication date: 10 July 2013
Jeremy Bentham was recorded as 'present but not voting' in acknowledgement of one of the most popular Bentham legends yesterday as he made a surprise appearance at Professor Sir Malcolm Grant's last ever UCL Council meeting.
Grant Museum taken over by artists for Sculpture Season
Publication date: 6 June 2013
Sculpture Season at the Grant Museum of Zoology at UCL opens this week. 13 emerging artists from the UCL Slade School of Fine Art have been invited to re-curate the Museum's spaces with their own sculptures, interpretations and installations.
Flaxman Exchange offers new perspectives on UCL collections
Publication date: 4 March 2013
A unique collaboration between UCL Art Museum and performance artist Marcia Farqhuar will explore the UCL Flaxman Gallery and the stories connected with renowned neoclassicist John Flaxman.
Inaugural 3D exhibition at UCL Qatar: Where Science Meets Heritage
Publication date: 20 February 2013
UCL Qatar has unveiled an exhibition entitled 3D Encounters: Where Science Meets Heritage, allowing the local public access to cutting edge 3D scanning technology of ancient artefacts for the first time.
Vote for the Petrie in Museums at Night competition
Publication date: 19 February 2013
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology has been nominated in the Museums at Night Connect10 competition, an initiative designed to find the inspiring after hours cultural events in museums, galleries and heritage sites around the UK.
Help UCL Art museum in national BBC campaign
Publication date: 14 February 2013
UCL Art Museum has been chosen by the BBC to help spearhead their project to highlight the UK's collection of oil paintings and the stories behind them.
Grant Museum of Zoology opens The Micrarium – a place for tiny things
Publication date: 7 February 2013
A new space that celebrates microscopic members of the animal kingdom opens this week at the Grant Museum of Zoology, UCL.
UCL News podcast: Getting Plastered at the Slade & Walking with Gosse
Publication date: 1 February 2013
The UCL News podcast gives you the opportunity to listen to the latest news and research from around UCL every fortnight. Split up into three parts, you can either listen to the podcast all in one go, or save features for later listening.


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For me, one of the most exciting times in our magazine cycle is the photo shoot. With great lighting, props, and models, the projects really come alive! Join me on a behind the scenes tour of the photo shoot for our Fall 2010 issue.
Kathy fixes an errant hair.
Pam, arranging props for the perfect shot.
Tricia and I wrap gifts for use as props. The antler headband was passed around to keep us in a holiday spirit while shooting in the middle of the summer.
The photo shoot for each issue of Stitch takes places over three long days in a fabulous car-repair-shop-turned-photo-studio in downtown Denver. We usually arrive each day around 8 a.m., bleary eyed and glad that there's a pot of coffee already brewing. With about forty projects to photograph in only three days, there's a lot to do-but we proceed with what we hope is some degree of organized chaos.
We have an art meeting before each photo shoot to decide on the overall tone we're aiming for, and to hash out broad details like background wall colors for each project story, what needs to be photographed on a model and what doesn't, etc. Since each project section has its own look and feel, we try to shoot each story together to minimize time between shots. There's a lot more construction and heavy lifting than you might expect at a photo shoot-painting walls, laying down a different bit of flooring, assembling a faux kitchen or bedroom, etc-so it's nice when we can use the same background for several shots in a row.
Each shot requires propping, lighting adjustments, and a bit of trial and error until we find a shot that's just right. Model days are even more complicated with hair and makeup, capturing just the right pose, and trying to decide what clothing, jewelry, and shoes go with each garment. This shoot was particularly busy with five models-two women, a guy, a little boy, and a dog!
Although we all pitch in wherever needed and work together as a team, people also have specific jobs and responsibilities at each shoot:
Joe, our photographer, is the man behind the lens. He takes the photos, directs the models, and figures out how to get just the right lighting for each shot. His two assistants, John and Scott, help with painting walls, setting up lights, and creating makeshift armatures so we can do things like suspend giant snowflakes behind our model or hang a huge tree branch across a scene.
Pam, our photo stylist, arrives at the photo shoot with a gigantic van overflowing with props, furniture, and other amazing treasures. She goes shopping after our art meeting and is responsible for creating each scene at the shoot. Her creativity and attention to detail bring our artistic vision to life.
Tricia, as editor-in-chief, is the final decision maker. She is keeper of the overall artistic vision and is the one who can say "Okay, I think we've got this one, let's move on."
Katrina is our project editor and technical sewing whiz. She's responsible for making sure we have enough detail shots of things like zippers, pockets, and any other unique design features than may need further explanation in the project instructions.
Kathy, our hair and makeup artist, works her magic to make our models look their best-a sweep of her hands can take a model from formal holiday party to casual lounging at home. She also keeps a sharp eye out while we're shooting, looking for stray hairs and makeup smudges.
For my part, I could be steaming a skirt, trying to slice an apple in an artful way for use as a prop, or crossing off projects on our shot list so we don't forget anything.
Sometimes Joe has to get up high to shoot large projects like quilts.
Katrina and her dog, Chloe, who was kind enough to be our canine model for the day.
At the end of the shoot we are tired and usually getting a bit nutty, but satisfied and excited about the group of projects we've selected for the issue. We hope that we've captured each project in a way that is accurate, imaginative, and inspires you to sew!
I'm so excited for the Fall 2010 issue of Stitch to hit the newsstands any day now. Tricia and Team
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Herb gardening can be simple and rewarding (have cactus large water watering)
The Plant Man column
for publication the week of 03/07/04 - 03/13/04 (799 words) The Plant Man by Steve Jones http://www.landsteward.org Herb gardening can be simple and rewarding Where would we be without herbs? It's not a very appetizing thought. Our food would taste blander, our world would smell less pleasant and we would all be a lot less healthy. For my wife Cheryl and me, herbs play an important part in our lives. We enjoy the subtle fragrance they add to our landscape. We love to snip fresh herbs just outside our kitchen door and experiment with new recipes. And we're beginning to learn more about how many herbs can make a positive difference to our health and well being. In this and in one or two future columns, we'll take a look at herbs and come up with some ideas to help you plant, grow and use your own herbs. Perhaps you are like many people I've met who like the IDEA of growing their own herbs, but for one reason or another they DON'T actually do it. Here are the three main reasons or perhaps excuses that I've heard for not getting started: * "I don't have enough space." * "I don't want to disrupt my existing landscaping to add a herb garden." * "Herbs look so delicate. I'm sure I'd kill them off." Let's take a look at those one by one. Firstly you don't need a lot of space in order to enjoy a fairly abundant supply of fresh herbs. In fact, you can enjoy your own herbs even if you live in a high rise apartment with no more than a balcony! Secondly, there's no need to dedicate ANY of your precious soil specifically to herbs unless you want to, because herbs can mingle well with your existing plants. And finally, most herbs are a lot hardier than you might think. In fact, some herbs (mint, for example) are like edible kudzu and are almost impossible to kill off! Okay; let's get specific. Suppose, for whatever reason, a dedicated "herb garden" isn't an option for you. I believe that I have the ideal solution: containers. In fact containers actually have some advantages over traditional' herb gardens. The biggest benefit is that containers are mobile. You can move them around to take advantage of the sun or shade, or move them safely out of harm's way when you're expecting company on your deck or patio. Go to one of those large "box" stores or a garden center and take a look at the various containers on display there. You'll see terra cotta pots as well as light-weight plastic "look-alikes" and containers made of wood or clay. Your container-based mini herb garden can be very attractive and aesthetically pleasing as well as practical, so bear in mind where your containers will be located as you make your choice. Small pots or containers can be grouped together to make an infinitely variable display, or you might want to place the pots in a wooden tray so you can easily lift up and move the entire bunch in one go. If a large container looks as if it might be too heavy for easy movement, look for "container dollies" that have small wheels or casters that allow you to push it around without too much effort. Regardless of the container size or type you choose, planting your herbs is relatively simple. You should consider buying some pre-mixed soil specifically blended for container gardens. However, I know some folks prefer to use a cactus soil mix. Carefully transfer your new herbs to the container and moisten the soil. I recommend that you don't over-water your herbs and you should let the soil become fairly (but not totally) dry before watering again. And that's pretty much all you have to do, other than monitor their exposure to sun and move them out of the direct path of a heavy rainstorm. Every other month or so, you can add a little dose of a balanced fertilizer mixture if your herbs look like they need a pick-me-up. Most herbs can cohabit with each other successfully, so feel free to mix different varieties, particularly if you're using larger containers. Oregano, mint, sage, parsley and lavender will all grow happily side by side, as will many other varieties. If you have specific questions about herbs, I'll be happy to respond personally if you send me an e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com In future columns, I'll discuss kitchen herbs that will add pizzazz to your culinary efforts, as well as other ideas about making herbs a beneficial element of your landscape and your life. The Plant Man is here to help. Send you questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to firstname.lastname@example.com and for resources and additional information, including archived Plant Man columns, visit http://www.landsteward.org where you can also subscribe to Steve's free e-mailed newsletter. |


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Decatur Picks Chief Outside Ranks; Crowd Vocal
With a frustrated and vocal crowd of about 40 looking on, the Decatur City Council on Monday voted 4-1 to hire Knoxville Fire Department Battalion Chief Tony Grande as fire chief.
Most of the crowd supported the sole internal candidate who applied for the position, Division Chief Lorenzo Jackson. Jackson was the only black candidate interviewed for the position.
Councilman Billy Jackson, Lorenzo Jackson's brother, was prohibited by state ethics laws from participating in the process when his brother was a candidate. On Monday, he scolded his colleagues for placing more weight on a 50-minute interview with Grande than on the 33-year career of Lorenzo Jackson.
"We are obligated to protect the city's well-being and safety by selecting candidates with strong credentials and backgrounds," Billy Jackson said. "It appears to me the only tangible this city council ever considered was Chief Jackson's race."
The audience applauded Billy Jackson's statement.
Council President Gary Hammon protested the allegation of racism.
"To paraphrase a famous statement, the cry of racism is the last bastion of a scoundrel," Hammon said.
Grande will start on the job June 23 at a council-approved salary of $76,800.
Councilmen Roger Anders and Chuck Ard said Grande was the best candidate, to which members of the audience called out, "Shame." Councilman Charles Kirby denied racism was a factor, to which several members of the crowd called out, "It had to be."
Billy Jackson said Grande was inferior both in education and experience to Lorenzo Jackson.
Grande supervises 30 firefighters in Knoxville. He has an online bachelor's degree from the University of Memphis.
Lorenzo Jackson has two bachelor's degrees, one from Alabama A&M and one from Athens State University. He also has an online master's degree from Grand Canyon University. As division chief, he has supervised 125 firefighters since October.
"I hope you are effective. I hope you are very successful in this position," Jackson said. "We have a guy here with 33 years of experience. He doesn't need to be trained. That's what I think our community is upset about. As best I can, I welcome you here.
"This council has often used no logic to arrive at decisions, at least logic they are not willing to share," Billy Jackson said. "Chief Jackson has for all practical purposes run this department for the past eight months. He was born in this community. He knows this community backwards and forwards."
Mayor Don Kyle said Grande was the best candidate.
"Tony Grande, in my opinion, lapped the field in the interview process, and made himself stand out as the top candidate by a long shot over the others," Kyle said.
When a member of the audience asked to speak, Hammon said, "No."
At various times Hammon threatened to eject members of the audience.
After the vote, as members of the audience grumbled, Hammon looked to Chief Ed Taylor.
"Chief, if this continues, I'm going to have to ask you to get a couple of deputies," Hammon said.
Taylor nodded, but did not move from his seat.
After the meeting, Alma Birdsong said she was frustrated by the vote.
"It's not about racism, it's about the qualifications," Birdsong said. "They should have looked at Chief Jackson's qualifications. I just don't understand it."
Freddie Abernathy said the only explanation for the vote that made sense to him was racism.
"They took a man with 33 years of experience, who's lived here all his life, and knocked him down," Abernathy said. "They're saying he's not qualified, but they put in a man with less experience who doesn't even know the town. I've lived here 50 years, and I'm ready to move."
Eric Fleischauer can be reached at 256-340-2435 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter@DD_Fleischauer.
©2014 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)
Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com
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