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Select Local Merchants
Create It Kids ClubRead MoreWhat services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? We increase confidence in the youth through teaching life skills like teamwork, cooperation and resilience that will set them up for success in school and life. Do you provide any materials? What should your students expect to bring? We provide a handbook for youth who would like to continue with our program and each month we focus on a different skill to build on. What was the inspiration to start or run this business? We were inspired to increase confidence and build successful students that would excel in life after our programs. What do you love most about your job? We love working with the youth and seeing them blossom from an unsure student to a top performer.5030 Georgia Belle CtNorcross, GA US
Connect AirRead MoreDabble in a little DIY fun! Norcross' Connect Air supplies the hardware necessary for any project. If you are traveling by car, make sure you make use of the nearby parking options during your visit. From paint and tools to plumbing and electrical, Connect Air in Norcross has just about every hardware item on the market.4220 Steve Reynolds BlvdNorcross, GA US
Ladie's Workout ExpressRead MoreWhether you want to bulk up or slim down, Ladie's Workout Express in Lilburn is the place to do it. If you're looking for an exciting, fast-paced workout, try your hand at kickboxing. Parking is plentiful, so patrons can feel free to bring their vehicles.950 Indian Way NWLilburn, GA US
ACTION FitnessRead MoreThe facilities offered at Action Fitness in Lilburn are designed to help you work out in the best way possible. Impress your friends and family with your kickboxing skills. Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.5514 Lawrenceville Hwy NWLilburn, GA US
Fitness ResourceRead MoreYou're on your way to a better workout when you join Norcross' Fitness Resource. Engage and tone every muscle in your body and kick your way to fitness victory. Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.1425 Oakbrook DrNorcross, GA US
Southern Athletic ClubRead MoreBreak in your gym shoes at Southern Athletic Club in Lilburn. From front kicks to roundhouses, these kickboxing classes will teach you the fundamentals. Parking is plentiful, so guests can feel free to bring their vehicles.754 Beaver Ruin Rd NWLilburn, GA US


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Pro WEB
Russia - Last active: 5 months ago
JavaScript (ExtJS, jQuery, AtomJS, AJAX, nodejs) Ruby, .NET, PHP SQL, T-SQL HTML, HTML5, XML, JSON BEM I am WEB-developer
Associated with: Bivouac fly
Certified ASP.NET / MVC / .NET / C# / SQL / AJAX / Telerik developer
Bulgaria - Last active: 1 day ago - Tests: 22 - Portfolio: 7
Software Development
Software Engineer
Russia - Last active: 1 day ago - Tests: 10 - Portfolio: 3
Over the last 5 years, I was involved in development of a wide range of software using Adobe Flex/AIR, Microsoft .Net, С++. My core competency lies in front-end web development via Adobe Flex and desktop application development via Adobe AIR, Microsoft .Net and C++. I have Master of Science in Applied Mathematics degree. I am am seeking opportunities to use my knowledge in real-world applications.
Software Architect
Greece - Last active: 2 days ago - Tests: 1
Software architect and solutions architect experienced in Enterprise Architecture, SOA, Telecoms, Machine Learning, Information Retrieval, Data Mining with focus to solutions based on open standards and open source software. Software Development experience since 1994. Last 10+ years working mainly with Java based technologies. Quick learner, self motivated, passionate about learning new technologies, have worked in a couple of start-ups from the ground up and in various areas of an enterprise such as architecture, software development, R&D, business development and project management.
Part timer
Japan - Last active: 1 month ago - Tests: 3
May. 2001- Oct. 2001 - Web programming and development (Java Servlet, Oracle) for an auction site - Curiocity Co., Ltd. (株式会社キュリオシティ http://web.archive.org/web/20041126051718/http://www.curio-city.com/help/ind_company.html ) 2002-2004, 2006-2007 - Teaching Assistant in Kogakuin University (工学院大学 http://www.kogakuin.ac.jp/) 2004-2006 - Web programming and development (Java Servlet, PHP, Perl, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL) - Web Solutions Co., Ltd. (ウェブソリューションズ株式会社 http://web.archive.org/web/20070127031027/http://www.websolutions.co.jp/ ) 2007-2012 - some heavy physical work for construction of event site such festa and concert venue (Shinseikonpou Co., Ltd. (新成梱包株式会社 http://www.shinsei-group.co.jp/ ), Mash Co., Ltd. (株式会社マッシュ http://www.eventarbeit.com/company/profile/), Lineup Co., Ltd. (株式会社ラインナップ http://www.lineup-grp.jp/about/ ) ) 2013- The warehouse labor in SB Frameworks Co., Ltd. (SBフレームワークス http://www.sbfw.co.jp/info/profile/index.html) See also (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/hiroshi.sugawara.505/about
Ezekiel Baniaga - Software Developer
Philippines - Last active: 6 days ago - Tests: 4 - Portfolio: 3
With 5 years experience in various areas of Software Development. Concentrated on different open source technologies to provide clients with a low cost but high quality end results. Below are my mastered technologies and platforms: Enterprise: Java, NetBeans Platform, EJB, JPA, JAX-RS, Hibernate, JBoss Application Server, Apache HTTP Server, Tomcat, Jetty Reporting: JasperReports using iReport. Database: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Sybase, JavaDB, HSQL Software bug-tracking and management tools: Subversion, CVS, Trac, Kenai
Senior .NET Developer and Project Manager
Portugal - Last active: 8 days ago - Tests: 1 - Portfolio: 13
I'm a seasoned Senior .NET Developer and Project Manager. I've been Developing Web Based Applications and Websites for the last 15 years, in both small and large companies. I'm proficient not only in several Development tools, but also in Database Design, Administration and Functional & Technical Analysis. In order to complement my technical skills I've also acquired Project Management skills, that help me plan, organize and control small and Large Development Projects. My Technical skills can deliver a job well done, I work on a daily basis in .NET, Jquery, BootStrap, Jquery, VB.NET, C#, Colfusion, SQL 2005/2008, Javascript, HTML, XML, XSL, XSLT, VB6, ASP and VB.NET. However I've also worked with PHP, MySql, Metatrader, VBScript, Access and several other technologies. The broad range of skills and technologies I've gathered in the past years, is the key to provide a very good work.
Web developer
Serbia - Last active: 1 month ago - Tests: 9 - Portfolio: 2
Over last 5 years I have developed a lot of interesting projects mainly using PHP in combination with MySQL or PostgreSQL database on backend and JavaScript (jQuery or Vue.js) in combination with Twitter Bootstrap for frontend. I prefer using Laravel PHP framework for writing testable and maintainable PHP applications that often include some interesting features like live notifications, background queue jobs, payment gateways etc. I always write PSR2 compliant code and usually use PHPUnit for unit testing and Behat for functional testing.
Senior Backend Programmer / Tech Lead
Sri Lanka - Last active: 1 day ago - Tests: 2 - Portfolio: 15
From almost 12 years I have been working with php based web applications. MVC, and Zend Framework 1/2 development environments. I have the same experience with java scripts /jQuery/extjs frameworks. I have more than 7 yrs experience on load balancing . Clustering , and replication over debian, centos and redhat systems. I use Oracle and mysql databases on most of my projects. As a code collaboration tool I am using Gforge with svn/git for my projects. also I have strong experience with iptv application such as tvguides, epg, music applications etc etc. I have been working on high loaded websites, application databases for my work. I have strong knowledge of optimizing web applications smooth run on a very high load. Also I have experience with hardware Visualization on VMware boxes. I have additional experience in ETL Jobs / Mysql clustering / Piranha / php heavy load balancing / caching nodes. Android / FB apps/ REDIS/VMware ESX configuration
Technical Lead (Java)
Russia - Last active: 1 month ago - Tests: 8 - Portfolio: 2
I'm an experienced Java programmer with solid principles in programming, architecture and code quality. I have a wide experience in Java-related technologies, so I can provide you high-level end product. I love to learn new technologies, frameworks etc, so research projects will be also interested for me. NOTE: If you are looking for bad quality, cheap, fast written code - do not distirb me, please. I'm not interested in working in a team which don't follow clean code, DRY and SOLID principles.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Lake Superior Freethinkers
We are a gathering of Minnesota and Wisconsin atheists, freethinkers, Humanists and skeptics who meet in Duluth MN on the first Sunday of the Month.
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© 2015 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Richard Haynes.


text:
Polka Dots skins for iPhones
Details about Polka Dots skins for iPhones
Give a unique and trendy look to your iPhone with our decorative and protective polka dots skins
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Easy to apply and so effective.
Very pleased with the result.
More Testimonials...


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Keep posting about the "Nobody"
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And you want me to RELAX?!
Again - fuck you. Fuck you very much!
Theo (Sophia) 20090376
Ok, I feel this really directed at me and I see absolutely NO reason for it. What now? You are judging me altogether with a group of people just because I visit the same threads?
I don't believe you have the authority to judge, and I do believe you should focus more on what gives you this authority than focusing on people pushing you away from meaningful things.
I see no reason for you to offend me, specially because I only showed good intentions towards you and the advice to "Relax" should not be seen as a bad thing at all.
Because most likely 'Theo' is Schizophrenic...
I would be surprised to hear that he/she/it has not be diagnosed with such.
Those around me are programmed and walk around in a hypnotic state of trance
- if you remote influence them to jump they will ask how high. I stopped crying over what others did, said or thought long ago. I pierced through the veil, as you already know.
Thanks for the encouragement - i WILL expose it all.
If I knock myself out, I get up again, as you also know.
Why else would you be so fucking impressed that I'm still standing?!
Theo (Sophia) 20090376
Schizophrenia is a really, really sad disorder...
Schizophrenia is the common term for a group of serious psychiatric conditions called the schizophrenic disorders. Although they strike only about one percent of the population,
these disorders are so disabling they are considered among the most important of psychiatric illnesses.
Paranoia is an unfounded or exaggerated distrust of others, sometimes reaching delusional proportions.
Paranoid individuals constantly suspect the motives of those around them, and believe that certain individuals, or people in general, are "
out to get them
A Delusion is a belief that is clearly false and that indicates an abnormality in the affected person's content of thought. The false belief is not accounted for by the person's cultural or religious background or his or her level of intelligence.
The key feature of a delusion is the degree to which the person is convinced that the belief is true. A person with a delusion will hold firmly to the belief
regardless of evidence to the contrary.
Delusions can be difficult to distinguish from overvalued ideas, which are unreasonable ideas that a person holds, but the affected person has at least some level of doubt as to its truthfulness.
A person with a delusion is absolutely convinced that the delusion is real.
schizophrenia, a confused mind;
trust broken after lies, rejection
and betrayal from a loved one:
the shattered mind of a nobody.
wos, we or society;
bullying nobody,
yet they cry,
and die.
we are so wrong, most of us.
it's horrible, makes me want to leave.
ashamed of my participation
in this godless competition.
Please verify you're human:
Reason for reporting:
Google Want To Record Your Entire Life And Make It Searchable
Stone Doll Discovery Could Rewrite Human History
The consequences of the $15 minimum wage: McDonald's to add 2000 self-service kiosks in 2015
FDA Examines Whether MRI Drugs Accumulate in Brain Tissue
Are You A Guy? Do You Love To Grill? CONGRATULATIONS! You're A Sexist!
Have you ever heard of buckyballs? They may have delivered carbon, the basis of life, to Earth.
How Big Pharma gets away with injecting children with neurotoxic heavy metals
There is a Hit List and This is How Doctors End Up On It (8 dead in just 2 months!)
America Under a Psychopolitical Assault: Psychotropic Drugs & Communist Labeling of Mental Illnesses
Illegal Immigrants Outnumber Unemployed Americans
'Science Supports Genesis': Geneticist Says Evidence Confirms Biblical Adam and Eve
Meddling govt. gone wild: BBQ aroma leaving your property is 'PROHIBITED'
Why Do French Children Never Get ADHD?
People Sign a Petition to make Cracker Barrel Change Their Name to Something Hilarious
Salmonella Outbreak In 11 States Linked To Sushi
Video: Jack Nicholson on Heath Ledger's Death – "I Warned Him"
Google is partnering with NASA and 13 other companies, including Amazon and Verizon, to create an air-traffic control system for drones
Pastor Calls Out Church Hypocrisy On Gay People (Video)
Lack Of Foster Homes Forces Some South Carolina Children Into Hotels
CBS News On Jade Helm 15: California Holding Larger Drill In August
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Fluoride & Cancer: The Dark Connections
We Should Think Twice Before Responding To Aliens Warns Scientist
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3DS is Nintendo's most succesful UK launch ever
Nintendo flogged a whopping 113,000 3DS handheld consoles in its opening weekend, making it the Japanese gaming giant's most successfully ever UK console launch.
The Wii sold 105,000 units in the same time period and the DS around 87,000.
With nay sayers doubting that people would be on board for the 3D experience, or stating that folk wouldn't be prepared to fork out around £200 for a handheld device - Nintendo will surely be delighted with the UK figures.
The launch is also bigger than the DS' in North America, and in Europe it shifted 303,000 units. In Nintendo's homeland it sold its entire allotment of 400,000 Nintendo 3DS machines during the February 2011 release month.
Nintendo UK marketing manager James Honeywell had stated that the company expected to sell "comfortably over 150,000, if not more like 200,000″ 3DS consoles in Britain last week, based on confirmed pre-orders of 140,000.
The number is still a little short of the 185,000 units that Sony's PSP managed during its launch window in 2005 though.
Check out our Nintendo 3DS review
And the Nintendo 3DS: specs and details
Microsoft made a full QWERTY chatpad for Xbox One, can pre-order it now
Best Xbox One trailers from Gamescom 2015
Windows 10 coming to Xbox One in November
Microsoft Xbox One to let you record live TV and download to Windows 10 devices
- Microsoft made a full QWERTY chatpad for Xbox One, can pre-order it now
- Windows 10 coming to Xbox One in November
- Best Xbox One trailers from Gamescom 2015
- Microsoft Xbox One to let you record live TV and download to Windows 10 devices
- PlayStation Now game-streaming service officially goes live for PS TV and PS Vita
- What is the toy to life craze and which games will your kids want this Christmas?
- You'll soon be able to stream Windows 10 games to your Xbox One
- Windows 10 Xbox One streaming: What you can and can't do
- Bethesda's Fallout Shelter is coming to Android next month
- This is how Nintendo's sleep monitor might look and work
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 edge Plus leak in impressive photo and specs
- Sony Xperia M5 vs Motorola Moto G (third-gen): What's the difference?
- Windows 10 review: The OS upgrade we've all been waiting for
- Sony Xperia M5 vs Sony Xperia M4 Aqua: What's the difference?
- Microsoft made a full QWERTY chatpad for Xbox One, can pre-order it now
- How to turn your smartphone into a 3D-holographic display, for under £5
- Lexus Slide hoverboard: New videos show how it was made and really works
- Sony Xperia C5 Ultra vs Sony Xperia Z3+: What's the difference?
- Microsoft Lumia 950 XL flagship leak: 2K, USB Type-C, 20MP PureView camera and more
- BlackBerry Passport Silver Edition is official: £429, out today in the US


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The median home value in Merritt Island, FL is $182,700.
This is
higher than
the county median home value of $125,300.
The national median home value is $170,100.
The average price of homes sold in Merritt Island, FL is $182,700.
Approximately 65.13% of Merritt Island homes are owned,
compared to 17.75% rented, while
17.12% are vacant.
Merritt Island real estate listings include condos, townhomes, and single family homes for sale.
Commercial properties are also available.
If you see a property you're interested in, contact a Merritt Island real estate agent to arrange a tour today!
Learn more about Merritt Island Real Estate.
Your opportunity to live in a dream home! 4 Bedroom/3 Bath home over 3,000SF directly on the "open" Indian River! Property features a nearly 14,700+ Lot with a private 400 ft. boat dock & lift. A modern Merritt Island home with high-vaulted ceilings, wood floors, updated Granite kitchen, and split floorplan with one bedroom on the first floor, and three upstairs. Master bedroom offers generous balcony perfect for lovely sunsets or morning coffee. Home is conveniently located near Courtenay Pwy. for lots of shopping, & dinning, and SR 528 expressway for easy access to Orlando or the Beaches. Experiencing this home is like an oasis. Don't miss out on your opportunity, it is truly an unparalleled treasure!
Gorgeous! Custom 4 bed, 2 bath home on the 10th tee of the Savannahs. This well maintained home is loaded with features! Open floor plan with 10' vaulted ceilings. The huge, open kitchen features granite counter tops, kitchen island w/ electricity & prep sink, 42'' cabinets, breakfast bar, large pantry, built in desk, & stainless glass top range. Dual walk in closets in master, garden tub, shower & double vanities. The fourth bedroom has custom oak doors with art glass accents. The exterior is beautifully landscaped! This home also includes a whole home generator, 250 gallon Liquid Propane tank, storm shutters,solar heated pool with removable safety gate & built in spa, three car garage & towering Areca palms for added privacy. This home will sell quick, bring your buyers today!
Lovely move-in ready, first floor 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit w/all tile floors. Remodeled kitchen features, refrigerator, range, dishwasher & stackable washer/dryer. Private storage room w/key. Remodeled bathrooms, & recent interior paint. Pets welcome. Country living in the city. Gated community for peace & quiet. Large pool for summer fun. Only 40 minutes to Orlando Airport & Florida Mall. Short drive to the Beeline & beach. A must see!
Ready to Move in Townhouse with a New Roof, New A/C, New Appliances, New Paint, Updated Light Fixtures, New Tile and New Carpet. The Covered and Screened patio will give you the privacy you need to enjoy. Steps from the Community Pool and within walking distance from Shopping.NOT Bank Owned and NOT a Short Sale. We decide fast and can close even faster.
PERFECT LOCATION!!! CLOSE TO EVERYTHING!!! CENTRAL MERRITT ISLAND, NEAR BJS, MALL, SCHOOLS, RESTAURANTS, EVERYTHING!!! Recently renovated, fenced yard. Lawn maintenance included, irrigations system. quiet neighborhood. Washer/Dryer hookups, two car drive. Corner Lot. Dogs welcome with owner approval, no dangerous breeds.
Direct Intracoastal- spacious 3/2 in a gated community, The floor plan is designed around river views that carry through the kitchen, into the spacious living room & sunroom which provides a perfect gathering area for watching sunsets and living the good life. Just imagine laying in bed and watching the boats go by. They do allow for pets some restrictions apply. Community pool and club house , Call your realtor for a showing today.
Stunning Intracoastal Waterway Vistas! Captivating drive winds through 2.25 ACRES of mature trees & landscaping. Multiple walkways, pergolas, & butterfly gardens adorn entry onto tiled courtyard. Grand Entrance into HIGH END CUSTOM BUILT LAVISH HOME! Dramatic floor to ceiling mortarless stone walls in Living/Great Room & Master. 2 Wood burning fireplaces. Exceptional custom lighting, skylights & built in features. Overgenerous Master Suite boasts dazzling river view, private office/living room, deluxe master bath: sunken tub, shower w/seating, bidet, his/hers closets, dble sinks, sitting area. Custom kitchen, breakfast nook & built in desk! Full wet bar. Satillo tiled covered lanai & custom decks overlook private 250ft dock w/canoe launch. Oversized detached 3 Car Garage w/AC & Full bath.
Gorgeous ground floor unit. Former model home with all the bells & whistles. New kitchen with maple cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances and a pass thru snack bar. Additional upgrades include crown molding, French Doors throughout, updated baths, mirrored wall and art niches, tile and carpet floors, washer/dryer, security system with motion detectors, screen enclosed porch with tile flooring. Just minutes to the beach, shopping, schools, churches & restaurants. Lowest HOA dues in the area. Perfect for year round use or a winter/summer getaway.
Real Living All Florida Realty
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952
Email Us | Visit our Real Estate Website


text:
Picture: Al Green, Blues Legends B.B. King and Al Green Kick Off Tour at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida - 24.07.07,
Soul greats Isaac Hayes, BOOKER T AND THE MGS, Wilson Pickett, SOLOMON BURKE and Al Green will join rapper Chuck D to mark the opening of the STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL tonight (30APR03).
The performers will take to the stage at Memphis, Tennessee's ORPHEUM THEATER for the soul extravaganza.
The new museum, which opens officially tomorrow on the site of the legendary STAX RECORDS, will include more than 2,000 pieces of memorabilia including a replica of the label's famed Studio A with instruments donated by the MGs and a powder blue Cadillac once owned by Hayes.
Most of Stax's 300 albums and 800 singles, by Otis Redding and others, will be on display, as will video features with testimony by Bono, Aerosmith and others.
Stax songwriter DAVID PORTER says, "The place almost brings me to tears. It's full of so many wonderful memories - the outfits, the songs, the film, everything."30/04/2003 21:42
When a 100+ year-old copper & gold mine in Chile suffers considerable damage to the shaft due to a cave-in, the world's news is quick to report the...
The ex-'Top Gear' trio have a new home on Amazon Prime, and the as-yet-untitled show will be launching in 2016.
The 22 year old quit One Direction back in March, and is now making the first steps towards a solo career.
The artwork was unveiled to remember Lennon, who was assassinated in New York in 1980, his struggles to gain citizenship.
The winner will get to spend one AAA night on the set of the famous Aussie soap.
Surprise albums are becoming increasingly common in 2015, to the point where they're failing...
Ben Affleck has denied the sensational report that he is a new relationship with his children's ex-nanny...


text:
The Consumerist
Forget Listening To That Voicemail, Soon Siri Might Transcribe It For You
In an age of instant messaging and e-mail, some people still prefer to pick up a phone and leave a voicemail. But for the growing number of consumers who are voicemail-averse, Apple is testing out a new voice-text hybrid.
Business Insider reports that employees of the tech giant are already experimenting with iCloud Voicemail, which uses Siri to answer, transcribe and send users a text of voice messages.
The new system – which could be released next year if all things go well – aims not only to tap into consumers' love of text messages, but also level the playing field for older consumers who continue to prefer voice messages.
The voicemail-to-text network works when someone using iCloud Voicemail is unable to take a call. At that point Siri will answer instead of letting the call go to a standard digital audio recorder, Business Insider reports.
iCould Voicemail then relays standard information – who you are, where you are, why you can't answer – to the caller. Once the message has been left, Siri will transcribe the content into a text message for you to read.
If a lot of this sounds familiar, it's because Google Voice has been trying to do voice-to-text transcription for years, but with little luck. Between callers' accents, speech patterns and phone connections, it's not always easy for a computer to figure out exactly what's being said.
Apple is preparing to launch a voicemail service that will use Siri to transcribe your messages [Business Insider]
Walmart, Sears, Amazon & Other Retailers Agree Not To Sell Realistic-Looking Toy Guns In NY
The retailers have agreed to stick to New York City laws governing the sale of toy guns — they can't be blue, black, silver or aluminum and must be brightly colored or translucent — as part of settlements with Schneiderman's office to be announced on Monday. Federal law requires toy guns to have an orange stripe near the tip as well.
The A.G.'s office found that more than 6,400 toy guns violated New York laws from 2012 to 2014.
"Police officers can't tell in a split second if it's a real gun or toy gun," Schneiderman told NBC News' Today show (warning, link has video that autoplays) on Monday. "We've had 63 people shot in New York because law enforcement officers thought the toy gun was a real gun — that's not acceptable."
It's also an issue elsewhere in the country: in November, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was playing with a toy gun when he was shot and killed by a police officer in Cleveland.
"There have been instances in states around the country in which police officers have mistaken toy guns for actual guns," Schneiderman told the New York Times. "It's an absolutely unnecessary risk, because toy guns, as New York law requires, can be easily distinguishable."
Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Nebraska and New York all introduced legislation to create or amend toy gun laws, while about a half dozen others already have laws on the books, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Walmart will be on the hook for the bulk of the civil penalties, because it was found to have violated terms of a 2003 agreement to keep the toy guns in question out of the state. None of its physical stores sold illegal toy guns, but Schneiderman's office said consumers bought 149 of them through Walmart.com.
"Once the New York attorney general expressed concern with certain items sold at Walmart.com we blocked the shipment of those items into the state," a Walmart spokesman told the NYT, noting that Walmart beefed up its policies to keep the toys from being sold in the future. "We are pleased we were able to resolve this matter, along with several other retailers."
Sears Holdings said through a spokesman that the company is "pleased" to resolve the AG's concerns, while Amazon did not comment.
320K Dodge Chargers Recalled Because Airbags Shouldn't Deploy When The Door Shuts
For the past year, car makers have been plagued with airbag issues of some kind. Over the weekend Fiat Chrysler announced it was the latest company to encounter problems with the safety devices: unintended deployment when shutting a vehicle's doors.
The latest recall for Fiat Chrysler, which has recently faced increased scrutiny and a $105 million fine from federal regulators regarding its recall practices, involves 322,000 model year 2011 to 2014 Dodge Chargers that may have airbags that can deploy unexpectedly when the door is slammed or kicked with excessive force.
According to a notice [PDF] from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles' side impact sensor calibration may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side airbag inflatable curtains and seat airbags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pretension may activate.
If the airbags deploy without warning, it can increase the risk of crash or injury.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by Fiat Chrysler and a local dealer will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration.
Comcast Still Screwing Up Discount For Elderly Customers In St. Paul
A quick refresher for those not up-to-date on Minnesota cable news, for 15 years Comcast's franchise agreement [PDF] with St. Paul has required that the cable company, which dominates the pay-TV and broadband market in the city, offer a discount of 10%/month on service for "Senior citizens, Persons with disabilities and Persons who are Economically disadvantaged."
Approximately 24% of the St. Paul population lives in poverty and 9% of the population are senior citizens. Taking into account the overlap of these two groups, around 1-in-4 residents could be eligible for the discount.
But even though the savings were available for more than a decade, many St. Paul residents weren't aware — and neither were a lot of Comcast reps. After the local media mentioned the discount, numerous consumers complained that Comcast told them they were misinformed or mistaken and that the program didn't exist.
After the public humiliation of being called out for failing to know about its own agreement with the city, Comcast apologized and said it was "communicating with all customer care representatives to make certain they are aware of the discount and the qualification process for St. Paul customers."
Alas, the latest report from the Pioneer Press indicates that Comcast continues to turn away customers or provide them with confusing or incorrect information.
One 66-year-old customer says she tried to get the discount but was told it only applied low-income seniors. Since she's not considered low-income, she was told she was not eligible.
Paperwork mailed to the customer only backed up Comcast's lack of understanding about its own discount program.
Instead of paperwork asking the customer to confirm her age, she instead received a form titled, "Low Income Discount Affidavit: Seniors or Disability," which required her to prove her adjusted gross annual income totaled less than $17,500.
Additionally, the form compels the signer to agree that "I will not be eligible for the discount if I am receiving any promotional offer or my services are incorporated into a digital value package."
And a rep for Comcast confirms that "Yes, customers who have bundled packages are ineligible for the discount because the bundled package already is offered at a discounted rate."
However, there is nothing in the St. Paul franchise agreement that seems to give Comcast the ability to invalidate the discount if a customer bundles her cable/Internet/phone services. The Pioneer Press reports that the city is looking into this clause of the Comcast document.
This seems to be a problem hitting several elderly St. Paul residents.
One woman says she was told she couldn't get the discount because she was already receiving one and "you have to have certain equipment in your home."
A 69-year-old man likewise had no luck at the Comcast store. "I was told I wasn't eligible because I already receive a discount for bundling cable, phone and Internet," he told the Pioneer Press.
The most ridiculously Comcastic experience comes from a woman who was told she could only get the discount through her local Comcast — sorry, Xfinity — store. When she explained that she had no car and asked for the number of that store so she could call, "The rep told me 'because of security reasons' he could not give that number out. I politely thanked him and hung up."
Package Of Spinach From Sam's Club Comes With Free Frog
A woman in California was not pleased when she prepared a salad for dinner and saw a small, speckled frog nestled between the spinach leaves. Sure, people sometimes pay good money to have frog legs for dinner, but those frogs are usually, you know, purpose-raised. And cooked.
The factories that process salad greens put a lot of effort into ensuring that a minimum number of frogs end up in our salad bowls. The woman who found this frog (warning: giant dead frog picture at top of article) purchased the affected bag of salad at Sam's Club, and the spinach came from Taylor Farms. (If that name sounds familiar, it was bags of Taylor Farms lettuce that PBS and NPR found piled up in a landfill in a recent story on food waste.)
"I'm just really disgusted. I don't think I can ever eat a salad again," the woman told a local newspaper. "How could they miss a dead frog?"
Someone at Taylor Farms explained in some detail how a frog could have ended up in the container of spinach: the company uses vibration tables and laser sorters to remove insects, animals, and any other debris that might have been harvested along with the greens.
It's possible, they explained, that the little frog had been concealed behind a leaf when this batch was sorted, or and the laser was not working properly when this batch was processed. The company didn't respond when a reporter from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune asked whether there have been other reports of frogs in other containers of spinach.
While the Food and Drug Administration doesn't get involved unless there's a widespread frogs-in-food trend, you should still consider giving the agency a call: it's through reports from consumers that they're able to spot trends.
Dead frog found in packaged spinach, Covina woman says [San Gabriel Valley Tribune]
Newly Married AT&T/DirecTV Unveil Underwhelming Combined Wireless/TV Plans
Starting on Aug. 10, new DirecTV (and, where available, AT&T U-Verse) customers can bundle together pay-TV and AT&T wireless service for a promotional price of as little as $200/month. That's for the entry-level DirecTV Select service and a 10GB/month AT&T wireless plan that can be shared across four different lines. It's effectively a $10/month discount off of getting the two services separately.
For TV service with more channels, you'll obviously be expected to pay more, with the DirecTV Premiere tier bringing the total promotional cost up to $275/month.
And, to repeat, all these prices are promotional. After a year, they will go up by around $35-40/month.
Current DirecTV or U-Verse customers who are thinking about changing their phone service to AT&T can get up to $300 in bill credit, but only if they buy a new phone through the AT&T Next installment plan and trade in their old phone.
Customers in areas served by U-Verse can get AT&T Internet service with promotional pricing starting at $30/month for up to 6Mbps, or $40/month for up to 24Mbps. But again, remember that these are promotional prices that will go up after a year. At this point, AT&T isn't even saying what that price will be, other than saying that the "prevailing standard rate" will apply after the 12 months are up.
Today's announcement is a bit underwhelming, as the deals boil down to little more than slight discounts for bundled services. But the combined companies pledge that more is to come.
"Today is the first of many planned moves to enable our customers to enjoy a premium entertainment experience almost anywhere," said Brad Bentley, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, AT&T Entertainment and Internet Services. "We're going to deliver more TV and entertainment choices to more screens – when and where our customers want it."
As part of the merger process, AT&T promised that it could bring affordable wireless broadband service to rural Americans. A review of FTC documents in March turned up some details on that plan, like the fact that it's not going to be satellite broadband, but instead what's known as Wireless Local Loop (WLL) technology, which basically uses dedicated wireless spectrum to carry broadband back and forth between a box on the user's home and one on a nearby cell tower.
No word yet on when AT&T will be prepared to provide more details on that service, but let's hope it's more inventive than just a $10/month discount.
YotaPhone 2 Cancels U.S. Version, Offers Limited Refunds Instead
It's easy to understand why gadget fans were interested in the Yotaphone 2: it's an Android smartphone with a regular touchscreen on the front and an e-ink display that can display widgets or function as a power-saving regular screen on the back. When the company behind the phone announced in May that a U.S. version compatible with our LTE networks here in the US would become available, lots of people stepped up to place orders, including reader Steve.
The company used Indiegogo for the pre-order process, and took in almost $300,000. The first 100 backers could reserve a phone for $500 each, and they cost $525 each after that. They would be unlocked GSM phones which would work with T-Mobile or AT&T or compatible MVNOs on their networks, such as Ting or StraightTalk. Most importantly, unlike the phone's international versions, it would be compatible with LTE networks in the United States. The phones were supposed to ship next month…and then the company dropped the bad news.
It's important to note here that even though this was a crowdfunded pre-order process, the campaign was no sketchy crowdscam. Yota Devices is a fully-grown company that sells actual devices in other countries, and the YotaPhone 2 has been on the market elsewhere since May of this year. There were rumors that the company would be selling their phone through T-Mobile.
They sent this update to backers:
The reason for our cancelled launch is due to unforeseen delays including both production and delivery of the North American variant of YotaPhone 2 from our manufacturer. This despite spending months finalizing and securing the deal to bring to life the North American variant of YotaPhone 2, and when we launched this campaign we were confident our supplier would be able to follow through with their commitment. This was a shock to everyone at Yota Devices, and our leadership team, including our CEO, met with the manufacturer last week in a last-ditch effort to find a solution but the logistics were insurmountable and the device would simply arrive too late. In turn, we believe that the likelihood of a severe delay in these shipments would have created a conflict with our international road map for 2016, leaving Indiegogo supporters behind when customers in other regions will be offered a newer, cheaper and better YotaPhone.
A later update to the IndieGoGo page gave users two options: to have the international phone shipped to them instead: it's the same device, but not compatible with the LTE that we use in this country. While this is the most professionally-handled crowdfunding failure that we've ever seen, reader Steve, who let us know about this, pointed out one problem: they're issuing refunds for customers who want them through Square Cash, a service that needs to be tied to a debit card to work. What if, like Steve, you don't have a debit card?
Steve made his pre-order pledge more than two months ago, so disputing the charge on his credit card is out of the question. He's asked the company whether customers who don't want to use Square have an alternative option, and we've contacted them too. We'll update this post if we hear anything.
YotaPhone 2 won't be coming to the US [The Verge]
Mozilla Displeased That Windows 10 Changes Users' Default Browser
Over at Mozilla HQ, they make web browsers that run on various platforms, including Windows. Over at Microsoft, they have their own new browser that is part of Windows, and they'd really like everyone to use it. According to Mozilla, the new version of Windows steamrolls over a user's preferred app settings and makes Microsoft's Edge browser the default. Mozilla is not fond of this change.
In an open CEO-to-CEO letter, Mozilla CEO Chris Beard tells Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella that the Mozilla team was disappointed to learn that the the new version of Windows overrides current preferred apps by default, unless the user knows how to change this while installing Windows.
"We appreciate that it's still technically possible to preserve people's previous settings and defaults, but the design of the whole upgrade experience and the default settings APIs have been changed to make this less obvious and more difficult," Beard explains. Most people might be able to figure this out, but they don't know that they'll need to do it. That's the reason for Mozilla's campaign.
The open letter is because Microsoft hasn't responded to Mozilla's queries about the situation or why Windows installation overrides the user's current preferences.
Windows 10 is a free upgrade for current home users of Windows 7 or 8, which means that it's sure to be a popular upgrade. Mozilla has put together its own education campaign for users to show them how to get Mozilla's Firefox back as their default browser if they've already upgraded: it's less than a minute long, but not everyone would be able to figure this out intuitively.
Safeguarding Choice and Control Online [Mozilla]
An Open Letter to Microsoft's CEO: Don't Roll Back the Clock on Choice and Control [Mozilla]
Sling TV Says Comcast-Owned NBC Stations Are Blocking Its Ads
Sling threw down the gauntlet in a blog post on Thursday by CEO Roger Lynch.
"We recently learned that NBC blocked Sling TV's new advertisements from airing on its owned and operated (O&O) stations. For anyone who needs a reminder, Comcast – the standard bearer for 'Old TV' in the U.S. – owns the NBC broadcast network, and by extension, its O&O stations across the country," Lynch writes. "At this time, NBC's O&O stations in San Diego, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. have rejected the ads."
In contrast, Lynch notes that Sling's ads are currently running on ABC, CBS and Fox O&O stations and affiliates, "as well as independently-owned NBC affiliates (emphasis on 'independently-owned,' or in other words, not owned by Comcast)."
The ad in question features pre-teen bullies employed by "Old TV" beating up on average customers: the meanies administer wedgies and wet willies, treat customers to scathing admonitions when they try to get out of contracts and literally beat down on folks who resist.
Though Comcast is not named in the ad, Sling thinks it's no coincidence that the company has responded this way, as it reinforces the campaign's truth that traditional pay-TV players "just don't get it," Lynch says.
"And what is it that they don't get?" Lynch asks. "Innovation benefits customers."
He goes on to point out that many customers are sick of long-term contracts, expensive programming bundles, high prices and poor customer service.
"Instead, we want TV on our terms. To come and go as we like. To watch great content, including sports, on the devices we own and use. And perhaps most importantly, we want rational pricing," the post reads. "This is what our new commercials call out. This is what Comcast doesn't want you to see."
It's worth noting that Comcast recently announced its intention to test its own version of live TV that streams through the Internet, aptly enough called "Stream."
This would differ from Sling TV: Comcast says Stream would include stations like ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, PBS, Telemundo and Univision, that are freely available over the air for anyone with a decent antenna, as well as HBO.
Sling, meanwhile, peddles a "Best of Live TV" lineup for $20/month with a slew of channels like A&E, Adult Swim, AMC, Bloomberg, Cartoon Network, CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, Food Network, Lifetime, TBS, TNT and others in its base package, as well as various add-ons like HBO, available for $15 per month.
In any case, Lynch sees Comcast's move to ban Sling ads as a compliment.
"Hey, if they're going to go through the trouble of banning our ads, we must be doing something right," Lynch says. "I hope you take our commercials and share them with your friends."
(H/T Wired.com)
Regulators Settle Charges That Reynolds, Lorillard Merger Would Be Anticompetitive
A year after the No. 2 and No. 3 cigarette brands in the country first announced they were planning to go all-in on a $27.4 billion merger, regulators have approved an order settling charges that the deal would be anticompetitive for the U.S. cigarette market, paving the way for the merger to move forward.
The Federal Trade Commission announced today it had approved an order stipulating that betrothed tobacco companies R.J. Reynolds American Inc. – the maker of Camel and Pall Mall – and Lorillard – the maker of Newport cigarettes – divest four cigarette brands to a UK-based company.
The proposed combination of the two companies would create a formidable rival for current top cigarette company Altria Group, the maker of Marlboro. Altria currently accounts for 46% of the U.S. cigarette market, while Reynolds has about 25% and Lorillard about 12% of the market.
Back in May, the regulator proposed [PDF] that Imperial Tobacco Group will buy three brands (Salem, Kool and Winston) from Reynolds and Lorillard's Maverick brand in order to preserve competition.
Imperial Tobacco Group currently has a competitive presence in about 70 countries, but a relatively small presence in the U.S. By taking over the four brands, the company will be a more substantial competitor for the merged companies and Altria, and become the third-largest cigarette maker in the U.S.
According to the FTC's complaint [PDF], the merger raised significant competitive concerns as it had the potential to eliminate current and emergent competition for Reynolds and Lorillard in the U.S. market.
Additionally, the FTC determined that without divestiture there was a likelihood that the merger would unilaterally raise prices, and that coordinated interaction would occur between Reynolds and Altria.
In addition to divesting the four cigarette brands, Reynolds must divest to Imperial the Lorillard manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and provide Imperial the opportunity to hire most of the existing management, staff and salesforce.
The newly-merged companies must also provide Imperial with retail shelf space for a short period of time and provide other operational support during the transition.
FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in U.S. Market for Cigarettes [The Federal Trade Commission]
Investors Sue American Express After Loss Of Costco Agreement
Five months after American Express and Costco announced they would go their separate ways and end their exclusive relationship – essentially allowing members of the warehouse club to use other cards – shareholders for the credit card company have filed a lawsuit claiming it blindsided investors with the loss of the contract.
The lawsuit [PDF], filed by Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 137 Pension Fund, accuses American Express of failing to reveal how significant the 16-year long contract with Costco had become to the business.
According to the lawsuit, which seeks class-action status on behalf of all shareholders who bought stock between Oct. 16, 2014 and Feb. 11, 2015, American Express had accelerated its talks with Costco regarding renewal of its exclusive deal that was set to expire in March 2016 without the knowledge of investors.
"Defendants never disclosed the financial impact of the U.S. Costco co-branding agreement on AmEx's reported financial results," the suit states.
The investors contend that the U.S. Costco co-branding contract was "highly material to AmEx's business," representing 8% of the company's revenues in 2014; 20% of its outstanding loans and 10% of its cards issued worldwide.
"Because AmEx concealed throughout the class period just how material the U.S. Costco co-branding relationship was to AmEx's business and financial prospects and thereby overstated the continuing revenue growth prospects of its all-important U.S. Card Services segment," the lawsuit states.
In December 2014, the shareholders claim AmEx's stock traded at artificially inflated prices – reaching a high of $95 per share. Then without notice in February 2015, the company announced it had lost the Costco contract and stocks plummeted to $77.53 per share.
The lawsuit, which asks for a jury trial, seeks unspecified damages.
[via Reuters]
Just Because You Find $150K Sitting Around Doesn't Mean You Get To Keep It, Buy A New Car
Authorities say a man picked up the bag, which was left outside a New Jersey business by ATM workers on Monday, and took the money home, reports the Associated Press.
Not content to simply rest on a pile of cash, police say he took some of that money and bought an SUV with it a few hours after the find. His time with the new Chevrolet Tahoe was short-lived, as police arrested him on Wednesday as one of two suspects they believe made off with the bag of moolah.
Police said a white van caught on surveillance video pulling up to the loot had a passenger who hopped out to grab the cash. That same van was seen in another video where the suspects allegedly stole tires from an auto repair business.
The suspect was arrested after police found the van. He said he was driving it and admitted that an SUV — valued at about $46,000 and found nearby — had been bought soon after the grab. He was charged with theft of mislaid property, or what we will call violating the "anti-finders keepers law."
Police issued a warrant for the arrest of the van's passenger, who is also wanted for a probation violation.
Cops: Man buys car after taking $150,000 left by ATM workers [Associated Press]
United Airlines CEO: Checked Bag Fees Are Here To Stay, Just Part Of Doing Business
Despite Southwest Airlines' recent admission that charging for bags would be a financially irresponsible policy change, it doesn't appear that other airlines feel the same way.
Reuters reports that United Airlines, for one, has no plans to stop charging check bag fees, no matter what other airlines do.
The airline's CEO Jeff Smisek defended the fees, noting that some passengers have "difficulty recognizing that we're now a business."
"They criticize us if we charge for more legroom. Let me tell you though: that's what businesses do," he said during an industry lunch on Thursday.
Smisek said that customers should expect checked bag fees to be based on a sliding scale, like extras offered by other businesses.
"If you want more data on your data plan so you can watch faster, better cat videos, you call AT&T, and they're happy to increase your data plan," he said. "And they charge you for it. That's what businesses do."
Airline checked bag fees, which range from $15 to more than $25, have become an important source of revenue for many carriers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the first three months of 2015 saw airlines collecting more than $864 million in revenue from the fees.
Despite those proceeds, Southwest said earlier this week that it isn't doing so bad without the added fees. The company's net income increased nearly $143 million over the past year.
Of course, hefty fees for checked bags could soon be a thing of the past, as legislators recently introduced the Baggage Fee Fairness Act of 2015 that would limit checked-baggage charges to just $4.50/bag.
United Airlines CEO: Checked bag fees are here to stay [Reuters]
Converse Blows Up New Chuck Taylor Shoes To Show What's Different
Maybe you saw a photo of Converse's new version of their classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars and wondered what the big deal is. "So they changed the eyelet color," you say. "What's the difference?" To appease people like you, Converse virtually exploded one of their new shoes so you can see what's inside.
Since we routinely call out bad ads, here we're calling out a good one for once. It would be interesting to see this YouTube spot aired as a TV commercial: for once, a shoe ad that isn't about branding or lifestyle or the athlete it's named after, but just what's inside the shoe.
N.J. Police Officer Smashes Window To Save Child Trapped Inside Hot Minivan
If we're going to hear stories of children being left in hot cars, we're at least glad to report on those that end well. That includes the report of a New Jersey sheriff's officer who bashed open a minivan window to free a child who was locked inside it as it sat parked at a Costco supermarket.
Witnesses said the crying two-year-old was drenched in sweat when a Bergen County police officer broke open one of the van's windows, reports NBC News (warning: link has video that autoplays).
Passersby worried about the girl in the van parked in Costco's parking lot had gathered on the scene, with at least two people attempting to push down a window that had been cracked open a few inches. In a video taped during the rescue, you can hear the child crying inside the car.
"I'm telling the girl, 'Don't cry, we're gonna get you out,'" one of the men who tried to get into the van told NBC News. "She was drenched in sweat and crying constantly."
Bystanders wondered if the parents were shopping, expressing disbelief that they would've left the toddler behind.
Moments after an officer carries the small girl in her arms away from the van, with her hair matted to her forehead with sweat, the toddler's mother shows up with a shopping cart and another child.
"You left her in the car!" the officer holding the crying girl says. The mother apologizes, but the officer replies, "No 'Sorry!' She could have died!"
The child's mother was arrested for child endangerment and released with a desk ticket. The little girl was taken to a local hospital and then turned over to her father, according to the sheriff's office.
Though it's unclear how long the girl was inside the van, temperatures can rise dangerously high in a matter of minutes. Remember: Leaving a child in a hot car for any length of time is unsafe, so please, please do not do it.
WATCH: Sweat-Soaked, Wailing Toddler Rescued from Hot Minivan in Costco Parking Lot [NBC News]
Two For-Profit Schools Must Pay Students $2.3M Over Unfair Practices
Hundreds of former students at Kaplan Career Institute and Lincoln Technical Institute in Massachusetts will receive redress from the for-profit colleges after the schools settled charges they engaged in unfair practices with the state's Attorney General's office.
The Boston Globe reports that Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Lincoln Educational Services Inc. have agreed to pay millions of dollars to students in order to resolve claims the companies used unfair recruiting tactics and inflated job placement numbers to lure students into enrolling at the colleges.
"We allege these for-profit schools lured hopeful students into enrolling in their vocational programs by promising certain careers, but only left them with substantial debt," Attorney General Maura Healey said. "Students trying to better their lives through education are instead being left financially ruined. These settlements will provide the relief these students deserve and prevent deceptive practices that put taxpayer dollars at risk."
The settlements are the result of an Attorney General's Office investigation that looked at dozens of schools operated by the companies and found, among other things, that the schools falsely reported a 70% job placement rates for graduates.
According to the AG's office, Kaplan Higher Education, which owned the now-shuttered Kaplan Career Institute schools in Massachusetts, used job listings that were publicly available resources and did not offer any independent services or programs for its students' job searches.
The company will pay eligible graduates of its medical vocational programs a total of $1.375 million. The Globe reports that the office first opened its investigation into the Kenmore Square school four years ago.
A spokesperson for Kaplan tells the Globe that the school "emphatically maintains that its actions were compliant and in the best interests of students, who were well-served by the institution."
The company says they agreed to the settlement because of litigation costs, and was not found to have engaged in any wrongdoing.
As for Lincoln Technical Institute, the school's parent company will pay eligible graduates of its criminal justice program at its Somerville and Lowell campuses $850,000 and will forgive $165,00 worth of private student loans the students took out.
The AG's office reports that its investigation into the program found that students were unable to find work in law enforcement or private security after graduation.
The school was also found to include unrelated jobs, such as general retail positions, in its placement data, the Globe reports.
According to the AG's investigation, the school allegedly told recruiters to pressure prospective students to attend the school by establishing unhappiness, creating urgency and to "bring out the pain." They were also allegedly told to contact students at least seven times within the first three days to convince them to enroll.
In a statement to the Globe, Lincoln Educational Services says the investigation into the school started in 2008, at a time when employment opportunities were limited for all students.
The company contends that for-profit schools are held to higher standards than other traditional universities, despite their differing student bodies.
"Full disclosure and transparency require a level playing field," the statement said. "We look forward to the day that all post-secondary institutions … are held to the same standards."
Two for-profit colleges settle lawsuit with attorney general for $2.3 million [The Boston Globe]
Why Gasoline With More Than 10% Ethanol Will Make Your Mower Sad
Modern cars are designed to get around just fine with gasoline containing ethanol in their tanks, but not all gasoline that you buy at the corner gas station is healthy for other items that you own that use gas. Think outdoor power equipment like push mowers, string trimmers, and chainsaws. Cars made in 2006 and afterwards can take fuel that's up to 15% ethanol, but that mixture can be disastrous for small gas-powered appliances.
There's a trade group for these items, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, and they are not happy that higher-ethanol blends are becoming more common in gas stations, but lack consumer warnings at the pump that explain this clearly. Something like "Hey dude/dudette, don't put this stuff in your chainsaw," it might say, but most consumers say that they don't notice the puny warnings that the EPA requires.
Why shouldn't you use these cheaper blends in your outdoor power equipment? Since you probably don't use your lawn mower as often as your car, all of that time sitting around idle means that the ethanol has time to draw water from the gasoline, making the fuel goopy and crusty, which hurts any plastic and rubber parts that it reaches as well as affecting carburetors. Worse, ethanol makes small engines run hotter, reducing their lifespan.
You can prevent this by checking what kind of fuel your small gas-powered equipment prefers: that information should be in the manual. Don't automatically fill your gas can with the same stuff you put in your tank, especially if your car is much newer than average.
The cheapest gas can be trouble for outdoor gear [Consumer Reports]
The Last Full-Service Dunkin' Donuts Prepares To Shut Its Doors
That means no more wait staff serving fried fish and grits, something many customers will miss: while the Lake Park, FL restaurant serves doughnuts and coffee like other Dunkin' Donuts locations, it also has a grill, serving up hot food and sandwiches. The Palm Beach Post spoke with a few of the diner's customers who will miss the old days once the place is remodeled.
"I'm so sad," one said, adding, "We can go anywhere to get the doughnuts but you can't go everywhere and find food like this."
It was the first Dunkin' location to open in Florida, in 1962, and the last full-service spot left standing. For now — the restaurant's last day of dining room service is Saturday, with the fast-food side closing Aug. 16. The place is expected to reopen with its new look on Aug. 31.
The owner says he made the decision to renovate because he can't offer the menu items that other Dunkin' locations have, including the 10 he owns across the county, because they don't have the right equipment. The remodel will mean guests are served faster and more efficiently, he says.
There's a bright spot, however, as customers will still be able to drink coffee from a ceramic mug at the counter, just as they do now.
"This particular Dunkin' Donuts has a rich history and the new, remodeled location will include several elements that are a nod to its past," the owner says. "Despite the changes, it'll still be a unique neighborhood gathering place for the community to catch up with old friends, make new ones and enjoy great food."
World's last Dunkin' Donuts diner to close [The Palm Beach Post]
Woman Sues Starbucks For $2 Million Over Drink Allegedly Tainted With Chemicals
A Utah woman has filed a $2 million lawsuit against Starbucks and several employees claiming she was given a drink that contained a cleaning solution.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the woman filed the suit after she suffered severe damage to her esophagus at a Utah Starbucks in July 2012.
According to the lawsuit, the woman experienced severe nerve damage and chronic burning mouth pain after ingesting Urnex, a speciality cleaning product for coffee and espresso equipment.
The suit, which names Starbucks and John Does one through five as defendants, alleges the company was negligent in more than one way and failed to adequately train workers.
As for the employees, the suit claims they created a dangerous situation and failed to remedy it, and knew or should have known of the dangerous condition but failed to take adequate steps to prevent injury to customers.
The woman, who is seeking $2 million in damages, contends that the incident has already cost her $186,000 in medical expenses, wage loss and household expenses.
A spokesperson for Starbucks tells the Tribune that the company takes the lawsuit very seriously.
"The safety of our customers is our highest priority," Laurel Harper, a Starbucks spokeswoman, said Tuesday. "We take this obligation seriously and are investigating [the customer's] claims."
Utahn claims her Starbucks coffee was tainted with cleaning solution [The Salt Lake Tribune]
Police: Man Pretended He Was His Brother To Avoid $7,500 In Unpaid Tolls
Port Authority police in New Jersey say officers stopped a 44-year-old man after he drove through an EZ-Pass lane on the George Washington Bridge toll without paying, reports NJ.com.
A police spokesman said the man couldn't provide any documentation for the motorcycle he was riding and the license plates didn't match the bike. After a search, police said they found baggies of cocaine in his pocket, which he at first said was just candy.
While he was being taken into custody, officers say he gave them a government ID card that had his brother's name and photo on it. Unaware that it wasn't him, police issued the man a summons under his brother's name and let him go.
When Port Authority police figured things out, they issued a warrant for his arrest. He was later arrested by State Police on unrelated traffic warrants and was turned over to Port Authority police Officer to face wrongful impersonation, theft, hindering apprehension and cocaine possession charges.
Man used brother's name to dodge unpaid tolls, drug charge, police say [NJ.com]


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Just a short walk to the beach, this wonderful Hilton Head Island home is a fabulous setting for your next beach getaway. At this great Palmetto Dunes home you will have views of the Robert Trent Jones golf course from most of the rooms as well as your own private pool and deck area. The entry opens into a spacious living room with two sofas, two chairs, TV/VCR/DVD, stereo and view of the golf course and lagoon. A spiral staircase from the living room lead to a loft with two daybeds. A large renovated kitchen with Corian counters and stainless steel appliances leads to another living area with a sleeper sofa, TV/VCR/DVD, and stereo with CD player. ...Read more
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Pathfinder Society Scenario #7–02: Six Seconds to Midnight (PFRPG) PDF
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Warlord 4th Edition: Expansion 1—Shattered Empires: War on the Plains
Phoenix Interactive
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More G-bangers than rubber thongs
After cleaning up the Harbour it seems there was more G-bangers than rubber thongs. Promising reports from Manton Dam, Leaders, Darwin Harbour, Shady Camp and a boof head breakdown story.
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'2014 MAC Radio Live Showcase of Talent' Jan. 17-18 in Monroe, Wis.
Online Staff Report
MONROE, Wis. — For a 16th consecutive year, the Monroe Arts Center (MAC) will present "MAC Radio Live Showcase of Talent." This annual event gives area performers a chance to showcase their talents in an evening of lively, family-oriented entertainment. Performances will take place Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., in Monroe, Wis. The show will be broadcast Saturday night on WEKZ, Big Radio 93.7.
Directed by music and theater professionals Jean Adler Woolworth and Rich Woolworth, "MAC Radio Live Showcase of Talent" will be presented in the same style as a radio show. Emceed by Ron Spielman, this live variety show will include music, comedy, commercial jingles, as well as the on-stage house band Betty and the Bee Stings, conducted by Peggy Miller Sheffer.
For the past 16 years, the Monroe Arts Center has been auditioning talented people from Monroe, Green County, and beyond to participate in this event. A significant portion of MAC's mission is to provide a venue for individuals of all ages to share their talents.
"This show is organized because it tells a story about the people of this area and highlights the considerable talent that we are fortunate to have in our little corner of the world," Director Jean Woolworth said.
Scheduled performers are Judy Bennett, Vicki Bickel, Dan Blum, Hailey Bradshaw, Jackie Ceithamer, Marcia Davis, Hugo Espinoza, Haylee Espinoza, Natalie Faith, Matt Finkenbinder, Cammi Ganshert, Anna Garry, Lori Grinnell, Ethan Horton, Riley Horton, Jeff Ingebritsen, Klara Johansson, Deb Krattiger, Deborah Krauss Smith, Breanna Lambert, Allison Leutenegger, Peggy Miller Sheffer, Brenda Payne, Tom Salamone, Lara Salyer Smith, Jenna Smith, Tim Soddy, Ron Spielman, Joe Steil, Alexa Thomann, Craig Tuttle, Ashley Wegmueller, Olivia Wiegel, Jean Woolworth, Rich Woolworth, Pamela Wyss, and Andy Yaun. These performers are proud to represent Monroe, Monticello, New Glarus, Brodhead, South Wayne and Oregon, Wisconsin, as well as Freeport, Milledgeville, and Lena, Illinois.
MAC Radio Live Showcase of Talent promises to provide an evening jam-packed with entertainment for the entire family. General admission tickets are available and are $10 for adults, and $5 for students 18 and younger. Tickets are available through the Monroe Arts Center box office at 1315 11th St., by phone at (608) 325-5700, or online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
Posted Jan. 15, 2014


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VGA Extension Cable 100Ft 15 Pin SVGA Monitor Male to Male Projector Cord Wire For PC TV - SHDD-100F
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Going Yard column archives.
July 13, 2015
by Ryan Parker
The mechanics of the bats on the World roster are broken down.
July 1, 2015
The mechanics of the bats on the USA roster are broken down.
June 10, 2015
When people hear that a player has a hitch, it usually holds a negative connotation. But that's not always the case.
May 23, 2015
The results are plain to see, but Joc Pederson's mechanics are also a thing of beauty.
April 17, 2015
A quick scouting look at Forrest Wall's mechanics at the plate.
With the highly anticipated arrival of Kris Bryant finally here, we get a bonus Going Yard to break down this prospect's swing.
April 3, 2015
After previewing who he was most looking forward to in Arizona, our resident hitting coach evaluates what he actually saw while out in the desert.
March 19, 2015
A preview of the prospects who concern and intrigue our resident hitting coach as he looks forward to getting eyes on them this spring.
March 17, 2015
A preview of the power bats and hit-tool prospects who our resident hitting coach is most looking forward to getting eyes on this spring.
February 13, 2015
The swing of one of the greatest hitters to ever grace the field is broken down.
February 5, 2015
Chris Davis' 2014 was obviously worse than his 2013, but were there mechanical changes that led to the poor results?
November 14, 2014
Josh Harrison suprised many with a great 2014 and finished ninth in MVP voting. Was it just a fluke or did something tangibly change?
October 10, 2014
Our resident hitting coach gives us the details on what type of work hitters should do in the cage, both physically and mentally.
September 26, 2014
A relatively minor fix can make a big difference.
September 11, 2014
What makes Giancarlo Stanton so special isn't just his athleticism.
August 19, 2014
The Perfect Game All-American Classic was fertile ground for watching the next generation of batsmen.
August 5, 2014
Javier Baez's swing is striking, but how does it actually work?
July 24, 2014
How did J.D. Martinez go from Astros waiver bait to Tigers slugger?
July 8, 2014
What makes Raimel Tapia's hit tool special, and what do we look for before we put a 7 on it?
June 10, 2014
The myth of Joey Gallo has grown while the swing of Joey Gallo has been refined.


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|ESPN: SportsNation
Happy summer everyone. Let's talk about the latest in the AFC North.
With the first game in baltimore they sohuld win the division because over the past couple years they cryed about coming to the burgh what do u think about that?
The first game will set the tone. But it's too early in the season to predict the winner will take the AFC North. It's a big division game. But it's still just one out of 16 games. A lot can happen after that.
How much longer do you think the lock out will be in place ?
I think we are reaching the final days of the lockout. Both sides are getting close to reaching a deal. It won't happen overnight. But I think early or mid July is a realistic goal for both sides.
Dr. Walker here is a differential diagnosis for you... 3yrs, 53% comp percentage, 4tds 7Ints (2 in chiefs game), 1000yds, 0-2 vs Steelers. Patients name: playoff J. Flacco. Was L. Woodley wrong?
No one argued Woodley's point that Joe Flacco has struggled against the Steelers. I think Flacco and most Ravens fans had a problem with Woodley saying he will never get past the Steelers in his lifetime. That's a pretty strong statement. It also says Flacco will not get any better against his biggest rival, and I'm not sure that's a fair statement at this stage of his career.
Another RB question--do you think McGahee is really done in Baltimore?
At his current salary of $6 million, yes. The Ravens would like to have Willis McGahee back. But they want to pay him backup money, which fits the role he's playing in Baltimore. It will be up to McGahee to decide if he wants to return to the Ravens at a lower rate or explore his options in free agency.
James, is Flacco the best QB in the AFC North in your opinion? Also, where will Palmer be playing next year? Thanks.
Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback in the AFC North, and right now it's by a pretty fair margin. Joe Flacco would be second. I am taking Mike Brown at his word that Carson Palmer plays for the Bengals or he plays for no one next season. Brown's history with players doesn't give me any reason to doubt him.
I for one don't care if there is a season or not. College is more interesting and all around better than the NFL anyway. It's not that there's no team in L.A but I am just tired of the whiners and I actually hope the league never gets started. What's your opinion?
L.A. I understand that your city hasn't had football for a long time and it sounds like you don't root for any team. If there is no attachment, there is no urgency. I do enjoy NFL football very much. It is my favorite sport and a huge reason why I cover it for a living. I want football to return like most sports fans in this country.
The Browns happy with their group of running backs, or are there going to be changes there?
The Browns are optimistic in Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty. They will need some luck with avoiding injuries this year, but both backs are talented. Cleveland still wants to add a third-down tailback through free agency. So look for Cleveland to add another running back this summer when a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Which FB would fit better in Baltimore, Vickers or Leach?
Both are very good fullbacks and good fits. I know exactly what Lawrence Vickers brings, because I covered his entire career in Cleveland. I think his skills and mentality would be perfect in Baltimore.
Which team has the most glaring needs that must be addressed during FA? Whats the need?
All four teams still have needs heading into free agency. But I think the Steelers, more than any division team, needs to figure out their cornerback situation. Is Ike Taylor returning? If not, are the young corners ready to step up or will Pittsburgh have to sign another veteran like Carlos Rogers or Richard Marshall?
Since the Steelers already "franchised" LaMarr Woodley, is resigning Ike Taylor their new number 1 offseason priority? If not, who do they get to replace him?
Yes, Taylor and the cornerback situation is the top priority. Woodley is scheduled to make $10 million under the tag this year and he told me at the Super Bowl he is fine with that. (Who wouldn't be?) It doesn't mean Pittsburgh won't discuss an extension with Woodley. It just means that fixing the corner spot is at the top of its list, especially with a short offseason.
James do you think the browns will be able to sign Phil Dawson to a long term contact? I've always been a fan of his and he's been IMO the most underrated kicker in the NFL. I'd like to see him finish his career as a Brown. Your thoughts?
Dawson hasn't made any public comments since the season ended. But at that time, Dawson sounded like a player who had enough with the losing and regime changes. He's one of the few players who didn't sign his franchise tender. That says a lot about what he's currently thinking.
The list of top assistant coaches came out and I'm wondering why Dick Lebeau was not on it. As a ravens fan, i wonder why whenever we have a good assistant coach, he is soon going to another team to head coach while Lebeau continues to stay in pittsburgh. Why is there no interest in him as a head coach?
The list was for "up-and-coming assistant coaches." Those are the people who will likely get head-coaching jobs in the next few seasons. Dick LeBeau has been there and done that in Cincinnati. He is coaching on a year-to-year basis and is close to retirement.
I would not be opposed to the Browns taking Pryor in the supplemental draft, not much risk with a 4th round pick on the line. Do you see him going to a team as QB or as a tremendous athlete they can try out at WR or other positions.
We agree completely, Mitch. A team will draft Pryor as a quarterback and give him a year or two to see if he can progress. If not, Pryor will be moved to another position, like receiver, to see if he can succeed there. Keep in mind, Pryor is probably going to sign a 3-4 year contract with a team. So there will be some time to figure out what he brings at the next level.
What can we expect Ngata's deal to look like once its all settled?
Look at the framework of Albert Haynesworth's contract and Ndamukong Suh's contract, and Haloti Ngata's will probably land somewhere in between.
Is there ANY hope the Bengals will be more than a 4-12 team with what looks like a ton of rookies on Opening Day?
There are some reasons for optimism, Bengals fan. They have some young talent on the team people should be excited about. Whether they win four games or more will depend largely on if Andy Dalton can play in the NFL. He fits what the Bengals want to run. I don't see the Bengals contending for the division, but a lot has to go wrong again for them to finish 4-12.
How do you think the browns will fair this season??
It's too early to make any predictions, Nicolas. Get back to me after free agency, training camp and the preseason.
Limas Sweed has had a horrible start as a Steeler caused by injury and mental breakdowns. Do you think he will be able to rebound and step up this season?
Limas Sweed needs a lot of breaks to contribute this year. There are several players in front of him (Young Money) who proved they can step up in big spots. At this point, Sweed's focus should be on getting his head right and simply making the team.
Mr. Walker I highly value your opinion. Should I take the money or the hometown discount?
Ike, you do what's best for you and your family. This is probably the last big contract you will receive in your career.
With Palmer retiring what are the chances the Bengals bring in Donivan Mcnabb if he is released?
If Palmer retires, the Bengals will go with rookie QB Andy Dalton. Cincy may try to sign a veteran backup for insurance but not another starter.
Who has the Best Group Of young Receivers in the AFC North James?
The Browns.
Just kidding. The Steelers.
Any chance Carson reverses his stance and comes back for 1 more try with the Bengals?
It's always possible. I've seen several players think about retirement and get the itch closer to football season. Last year, Ed Reed seemed very sincere about retirement and realized he was just emotional after a tough playoff loss. But Palmer's situation is different. He doesn't want to retire. He just doesn't want to play for the Bengals. I expect him to hold his ground.
Who will make more money this year in free agency, Jonathan Joseph or Ike Taylor?
Johnathan Joseph is younger. So he should get more years, and thus more money, on his contract.
If I teamed up with Jimmy Smith, and Ed Reed, would it be virtually impossible to pass on the Ravens D?
This is the second week in a row Nnamdi can't spell his name right. Interesting.
Do you like the AFC North's chances of getting 3 in the playoffs this year? If so, who you left out?
This question gets asked every year, and mathematically it's just tough to do. Right now, I only see two playoff contenders in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. I don't expect the Browns or Bengals to make the playoffs this year. Both teams are rebuilding.
I saw you put Chud and Mel Tucker in your up and coming coaches: interesting considering neither was much in his time with the Browns. I did like some of the schemes Chud threw out there though.
Sometimes coaches are at the mercy of the talent they have to work with. Rob Chudzinski's best year was when the Browns finally had lightning in a bottle at quarterback in 2007 with Derek Anderson. Suddenly, Chud was great. Tucker never had much in Cleveland on defense but he can coach.
Rob Ryan is another example. I expect him to do very well this year with DeMarcus Ware and Co. in Dallas.
Just read your article on Big Ben's HOF debate. Do you think with one more ring he'll be a lock for Canton?
Every quarterback that has won three Super Bowls has gone to the Hall of Fame. There's no reason why Ben Roethlisberger would be the exception.
Can the Steelers O Line pull it together fo a championship run?
Pittsburgh's offensive line woes have never held the team back before. The Steelers want to improve in this area, and I think it will make them even stronger if that's the case.
Pittsburgh's offensive line woes have never held the team back before. The Steelers want to improve in this area, and I think it will make them even stronger if that's the case.
Most overated and underated players in AFC North.
Underrated? I would say Bengals LT Andrew Whitworth. Overrated? I have to think about that one.
Everyone, thanks again for your time this week. Make sure to check out the AFC North blog and AFC North Twitter for constant updates on the division.