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The developers of Aiken County's master plan for recreation have suggested the implementation of a 2 percent hospitality tax to help funding levels after an examination of countywide rec programs.
By introducing the tax, which would be placed on the sales of prepared meals and beverages, it could help develop recreation projects, according to Clemson University's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, the group contracted to develop the master plan.
Dr. Bob Brookover, director of Clemson's Institute for Tourism Research and Development, said the tax could significantly impact revenues while having a minimal impact on taxpayers. Currently, the master plan is only a draft and has not been formally approved by County Council, he added.
The draft plan states that currently, Greenville County's TRAC Plan, a $75-million project which has provided new parks, greenways and a state-of-the-art aquatic center, actually has been funded by hospitality taxes.
Brookover provided an example of the local impact of the tax, explaining that an individual or family who spends $100 a month on prepared food and beverage would only see an increase of $2 per month in taxes.
Emory Langston, Aiken County's Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department assistant director, said that currently, the County's athletic programs operate solely on service fees.
She noted that the County currently is offering three sports programs during the spring season. For the County's youth soccer program, 70 participants are taking part, with a registration fee at $55 per child.
The County's church league adult softball program currently has 11 teams with $300 charged per team.
With the County's Dixie Youth baseball and softball program, 90 participants are taking part this spring with two registration fees, $65 for those signing up early and $70 for later registrations.
The County also offers an instructional soccer league in Wagener, which had 28 participants signed up in the fall of 2012 with a charge of $25 per child.
Funding from the County's general fund, she said, goes toward budgetary items like staff salaries and office operations.
Aiken County Administrator Clay Killian said that participation rates are one of the drivers of the funding levels for rec programs.
"If we have a program that nobody signs up for, we're obviously not going to be able to do it," he said. "If they're not using a service, we need to figure out a different service that people are wanting or drop one altogether."
He said some activities that have generally been popular over the years, like softball, have actually experienced a decrease in participation, while other County programs, like youth soccer, appear to be on the upswing.
He said the completion of the County's master plan will help shape the future of recreation programs, particularly the parks and programs which are currently well-used.
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Carry a symbol of this concept with you wherever you go with this Couples Infinity Ring. The band, made of lustrous sterling silver, symbolizes the everlasting love in a relationship, carrying one another through thick and thin. The couple is united in the center with two custom birthstones of your choosing, adding color and sparkle to the ring. This is a perfect item to give as an anniversary present, or just to say "I love you!"
Eve's Addiction.com wants you to be a happy customer. We want you to be completely satisfied with the sterling silver jewelry that you receive from us, as we only sell high quality silver and cubic zirconia cz jewelry. We do understand that you may not like your purchase for some reason.
You may return or exchange your jewelry within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with it. The jewelry must be returned in its original condition for a refund or exchange. Engraved, personalized, photo, monogram, name and initial, chocolate and clearance items are not returnable or exchangeable.

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November 20, 2012
Here's a shot of a black fox that was found dead along the side of the road in Gabriels a few years ago. I guess the advantages of melanism didn't help the critters on the highways at night.
Stories this photo appears in:
Forest oddities
Notes from the North Woods
Anyone who has spent much time in the woods understands that nature is very fickle. In fact, it is quite often downright contrary.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.


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Thanks to our website development partner, 10up , we're proud to announce the addition of desktop OS X Push Notifications to 9to5Mac.com. (More on Safari Push at Apple). We were live last week and we've 'pushed' the new feature to 9to5Google and 9to5Toys this week. We'll only send Push Notifications of full stories, not asides.
We're a WordPress VIP hosted network, so setting up Safari Push isn't as easy as it is for standalone sites; the plugins and backend had to pass Automattic's stringent code reviews. That said, we are the first VIP site with Safari Push, although there will likely be many more now that an easy plug-in solution is available. From 10up:
10up has created the first WordPress plugin that works seamlessly with platforms like WordPress.com VIP to deliver desktop push notifications, a new feature in OS X 10.9 Mavericks. Readers can receive notifications even when their browser is closed simply by accepting a prompt when opening our website in Safari. Readers can customize notification preferences in System Preferences, or disable notifications from within Safari preferences.
For our publishers, delivering a notification is as simple as checking "Push desktop notification" within a post before we press "publish".
10up is looking to selectively partner with WordPress-powered publications interested in becoming early adopters of their their plugin / service. Interested parties can reach 10up using their contact form – be sure to mention you're interested in OS X notifications and that 9to5Mac sent you!
Leave a Reply
17 Responses to "Safari Push Notifications are live on all 9to5 sites"
Why is there a square around the clock when the notification comes up? It will look so much better if it was round like the clock.
I have received 2 notifications for the same topic for several times now. A fix is appreciated. (;
if I declined by mistake at first can I somehow go back and accept?
found it doh!


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Soybean Request for Referendum Begins
Release No.: 137-14
Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2014 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the Soybean Request for Referendum began yesterday and runs through May 30, 2014, in USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices.
The Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act requires that a request for referendum be held every five years. Producers participating in the voluntary referendum request must certify and provide supporting documentation that they, or the entity they are authorized to represent, were engaged in soybean production and paid an assessment between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2013. A referendum will be held if at least 10 percent of all eligible soybean producers, no more than one-fifth of which may be soybean producers in any one state, submit a request.
For the purposes of the 2014 Soybean Request for Referendum, the number of eligible soybean producers identified through FSA soybean acreage reports for crop years 2011 and 2012 is 569,998.
The United Soybean Board administers a coordinated soybean promotion and research program designed to expand uses of soybeans and soybean products in domestic and foreign markets.
For more information, contact James Brow, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Research and Promotion Division, Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, STOP 0251, Room 2610-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0251; tel. (202) 720-0633,
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Beautiful flowers need lots of water, right? Some do, but many others don't. Flower species that have lived for thousands of years in extreme weather conditions have developed survival skills for drought. Better yet, they look lovely. Choose the ones that are right for your area, and you could save lots of water in a growing season.
Your soil can be your friend or foe when it comes to dealing with the dry. The ideal soil has the right mix of sand, clay, and organic material for its climate. You want air and water to be able to circulate in your garden soil. Desert soils are different from, say, Midwestern soils, and support a different family of plants. That's why you want to amend your soil with products such as Miracle-Gro� Garden Soil for Flowers & Vegetables or Miracle-Gro� Organic Choice� Garden Soil to make it optimal for the plants that thrive in your region.
Many ornamental grasses are ideal for dry gardens. As beautiful as they are, they come from tough environments. They make great accents in the garden, and often provide birds with a little extra dinner. Switchgrass makes a thick stand that reaches five feet tall. You'll often see tiny purple flowers on the stems. Little bluestem grows about four feet tall, and turns gold in the fall. Prairie dropseed forms a round shape and loves the sunniest part of your garden. There are many other grasses that do well in dry places. Mix in the right ones in your garden plans, and you'll save lots of water throughout the year.
Some flowers have adapted to wide extremes in temperature and moisture. For the best results, plan on using drought-tolerant flowers that are natural to your area. Every region of the country has some. A few examples are purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and bearded irises.
There are lots of ways to use water wisely. It just takes a little observation, planning, and elbow grease. Mulching your garden helps soil retain moisture (and fight weeds, too by blocking growth and sunlight). You can build a dry stream bed leading from your driveway down to your flower garden to catch runoff. Try using a moisture meter to figure out when your garden really does need a drink. Another water-savvy idea is to install rain barrels under your downspouts. That will give you gallons of free water to use when the rain stays away. Find out more about water-saving mulches
Your garden can look fresh and beautiful even when rain is scarce with just a little planning. Your garden can make saving water fun. Native plants from your area can handle local conditions best, and do wonders feeding hummingbirds, butterflies, and more. You can do a little research online for nurseries that specialize in native plants for your area. You'll be surprised how many there are. To get some ideas, explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.


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Monday, October 21, 2013
The Charleston Concert Association opens its 2013-14 season with the renowned
Shanghai Ballet, in a production that weaves the grace and splendor of Chinese culture into classical ballet. "The Butterfly Lovers," a tale of a young couple's ill-fated romance expressed through impressive choreography, spectacular costumes and fanciful sets, is often called the Romeo and Juliet of Chinese folklore. This internationally acclaimed ensemble brings with them over three decades of skill and flair and a repertoire that spans western classical ballet, Chinese national ballet and modern ballet. The Shanghai Ballet last performed in Charleston to a near sold-out Gaillard Auditorium exactly 11 years ago on the CCA's 2002-2003 season.
Performances start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 and will be held at the Sottile Theatre. Season tickets range from $190 – $390 and can be purchased by calling 843-727-1216. Purchase individual tickets through TicketMaster (800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com) or at the CCA office at 131 King Street, Charleston 29401, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit www.charlestonconcerts.org for more information.
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We have put together a collection of several artists that have a more abstract jigsaw puzzle style to their work. Some of these include classics like the artist Picasso and those with a more modern flare like Frank Lloyd Wright and even newer abstract artists like Alex Beard.
Use the filters to the left or simply scroll down to begin viewing all pages.
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Puzzle Warehouse recycles everything it can to save the environment and to keep costs and prices low.


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Mark Hunt: 'If it wasn't for fighting, I'd probably be in jail' - Bloody Elbow
What's the best part of fighting?
"Just...the fighting. I hate training. Training I hate. Fighting I like.Where would he be without combat sports?
"If I wasn't a fighter, I'd probably be in jail. I say like I said before, fighting saved my life. As a kid I was always doing stupid things, but combat sports, martial arts...saved me. When everyone else didn't believe in me, it was just me that believed in myself. But fighting, it saved me from that chip on the shoulder. It took that chip away. I didn't have to prove anything."On his gameplan:
"Gameplan? I have a gameplan, I have a great gameplan. My gameplan is just to knock his head off. (laughs) That's the gameplan. (laughs). No, I don't have a gameplan, I don't have any strategies. I just try to make myself better. So, the better I am at fighting, the more he's gonna get hurt."


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A quality baby bedding set is essential in making your nursery warm and inviting. All Cotton Tale patterns are made using the finest quality materials and are uniquely designed to create an elegant and sophisticated nursery. Cupcake is a delightful combination of pima cotton, Curly Q fleece , and roushed taffeta. All fabrics in soft pink and chocolate. The 4 sectioned bumper is trimmed and tied in pink and chocolate animal skin. The 17 inch dust ruffle is in chocolate taffeta with soft pink floral roushing. The coverlet is in soft Curly Q fleece with minky back. Fitted crib sheet is 100% cotton in pink and brown stripe. Wash gentle cycle, separate, cold water. Tumble dry low or hang dry. This collection is perfect for your little girl.
4 Piece Set includes a coverlet, fitted sheet, dust ruffle, & bumperShipping Note: This item ships directly from the manufacturer within contiguous United States only. Cannot be shipped to AK/HI, PO boxes, US territories, or APO/FPO addresses.


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Inno Racks Tire Hold Bike MountView Larger Image
Locks your bikes down by the tires and fends off no-good, thieving pirates.
Secure your two-wheeled mortgage payment to the roof without having to remove the front wheel, all thanks to the Inno Racks Tire Hold Bike Mount. A front and rear bar and ratcheting rear tire hold keep your bike in place without touching your frame or putting detrimental pressure on brake or hydraulic cables. The locking bike cables and key-and-lock system provides security against sticky-fingered assailants with an appetite for nicking delicious-looking toys.
- Supports most bike frame styles from cruisers to all mountain and freeride bikes
- Supports tire sizes from 20-inches to 29-inches and tires as wide as 2.7-inches
- Includes keys, locks and a locking bike cable
- Universal mounting system fits most roof bars and doesn't require additional tools for setup
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Please select a rent timeAdd To Cart +
Sony Prime 85mm T2.0 PL Lens
7 Days
Retail: $3,999.00From $116.00
- Product Details
The Sony Prime 85mm T2.0 PL Mount Lens is designed for use with the Sony F3. The lens attaches easily to the camera via the PL mount. This lens provides a narrower field of view option for the Sony F3.
Focal Length: 85mm


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WAUWATOSA, Wis. – The 17th annual Briggs & Stratton 2013 calendar is now officially in print and published online at www.BriggsRacing.com. "We would like to thank everyone that follows us on Facebook for submitting over 320 photos for this year's calendar. The quality of images made for an incredibly difficult decision process. We simply had enough great photos to fill a dozen calendars" stated David Klaus, Director – Briggs and Stratton Racing.
The Briggs & Stratton annual racing calendar began as a way for us to highlight racing within our company and the racing community. Today, this calendar is given away at tradeshows and events around the world. "This calendar allows us to share what Briggs Racing is all about. It gives us another way to thank the families and racers who race our engines and the opportunity to expose others to the exciting, cost-effective world of Briggs & Stratton racing."
To find out more information about the Briggs & Stratton Racing please visit www.BriggsRacing.com or join the conversation on Facebook.


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Hang tight!
Recipe by Sue
"This is a really simple, yet very tasty cake. You can use rice flour or something other than wheat. You can also add chocolate chips and, or nuts."
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1 1/2 cups
all-purpose flour
1 cup
white sugar
1/4 cup
cocoa powder
1 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
1/3 cup
vegetable oil
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
distilled white vinegar
1 cup
Fantastic cake! I didn't tell anyone that it was vegan so they wouldn't prejudge the cake. They loved it and were shocked to know it was vegan! Simple recipe to make, relatively cheap ingredients...this one is a keeper.
I used a 1/2 cup of cocoa instead of the listed 1/4 cup and baked it in a 9" circle cake pan that I lined with parchment paper and dusted with flour. It took about 35 minutes to fully cook.
For a vegan 'buttercream' frosting I mixed together 1/4 cup softened margerine, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and about half a tablespoon soymilk or enough to make the consistensy spreadable. Hope this helps someone! Happy Baking!
Try using Balsamic Vinegar instead when you are doing something with chocolate. I would even use a tablespoon instead of a teaspoon. Not many people know that Chocolate and Balsamic were meant to go to gather.
If you really want to ramp it up put in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Chocolate, Balsamic, and Cayenne are one of the best dessert trios that you have never heard of; or even thought about using together.
662 Ratings
I made this cake last night and it was wonderful. I replaced the white sugar for 3/4 cup of honey, used WW flour and used applesause for the oil.
This cake was deeee-licious. I've found that if you make it the day before you want to eat it, it is even better. (it actually seems a little more moist when it is not REALLY fresh). I have also taken the advice of another reviewer and made this cake without the cocoa, adding 2 mashed bananas and replacing the vanilla with banana extract. It turned out like banana bread and was fantastic frosted with banana frosting(1 cup powdered beet sugar, 1 tsp banana extract, 1/4 cup margerine and 1 tbsp. soy milk beaten until smooth and fluffy)
This cake is wonderfull! Moist and delicious! I doubled this recipe and made two 9" square layers for a two layer cake. I followed the recipe exactly otherwise. I noticed the batter seemed kind of thin, but the cakes baked up fluffy and moist. I might add a little more cocoa powder next time but this was delicious! I put seedless raspberry preserves in between the layers, then frosted with Vegan Vanilla frosting, then bordered the top and bottom edges with fresh raspberries. Made a great birthday cake!
This cake turns out very well--not too dry, not too dense, and with enough chocolate taste. I make it often for my coworkers and they keep requesting it again and again. They are always surprised to hear that it is vegan. I just tried making it as a cupcake, as well, and I love it even more. It has a great texture and plenty of flavor. I got 15 cupcakes out of the recipe and baked them for 20-30 minutes. I topped them with a veganized buttercream recipe.
I make a recipe similar to this very often. It makes a very moist and delicious cake or cupcakes, and is easily doubled for a 13X9 pan. In my recipe, I use 3/8 C oil and substitute 1 1/2 TBS lemon juice for the vinegar, (it does the same thing) There is no flavor of vinegar or lemon. I've used both.
It's also great served with mint frosting.
Mint Frosting:
3 TBS margerine
1 1/2 - 2 C powdered sugar
1 TBS soy milk or water
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
green food coloring optional
My daughter is allergic to milk, so I made this for her birthday. I made it into cupcakes and threw in some dairy free chocolate chips and they were awesome.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Vegan Chocolate Cake
Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 275
Calories from Fat: 87
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This cake is so dense, moist, and chocolatey, no one will guess it's vegan.
Make rich and impressive single-serving chocolate cakes.
See how to make a tasty flourless chocolate cake that's high protein.