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By Marilynn McLachlan on 5th March 2013, in Celebrity, Royals
The Queen has left the King Edward VII hospital earlier than expected, after being treated for gastroenteritis 24 hours ago.
The 86-year-old monarch, who apparently insisted that "no fuss" be made of her in the hospital, smiled cheerfully as she thanked the nurses who had treated her for dehydration following her debilitating stomach bug.
A palace spokesperson said that the Queen has cleared her schedule this week so she can rest up. "Engagements cancelled or postponed this week remain so. Next week we'll have to see, as she has only just been released from hospital," a spokesman said.
Yesterday it was revealed that instead of being taken to the hospital in an ambulance, the Queen asked for a more low key private car. Before travelling to the hospital, she decided that even in her condition she would squeeze in one last commitment and awarded a favourite female member of staff a medal for long service in her private apartments at Windsor Castle.
"It would have to be something extremely serious for her to let a loyal member of her household down," says a palace source.
Adele gives mini Oscar to son
Adele has a miniature version of the award for her four-month-old son, reportedly named Angelo.
Anna Jullienne: Breaking the mould
The Blue Rose actress is embracing life at 30 by going against the grain – and even her own instincts.
Charlie Sheen wants to mentor Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay is currently facing criminal charges.
The Queen in "good spirits" despite hospitalisation
The Queen has been hospitalised for the first time in 10 years.
Annabel Langbein and daughter Rose: Eat, pray, learn
The duo bonded on an adventure through India.
About Marilynn McLachlan
Online editor for the New Zealand Woman's Weeklymore of this author


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Toni Polson Ashton, Esquire
IP Council Profile
What do you hope to accomplish in your role as a member of the IP Council?
Based on the assumption that the school is looking for name recognition in the IP area for, inter alia, how it attracts international scholars, I assumed that by participating on the Council, I could help in a small way to meet that objective. Certainly having members on the Council from outside the U.S.A., leads credibility to the school saying it has "international" aspects. Being on the Council is also a way for the University to potentially make connections to student candidates from Canada – assuming the students have access to the Council member. Post-graduation, the Council member can be a bridge to the legal market at the entry point for a graduate to start marketing him/herself outside the U.S.A.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in IP Law?
I have two daughters who were neither encouraged nor discouraged from pursuing the practice of law. Both are now practicing lawyers in Canada. Very early on at law school, I saw that they had become engaged and challenged by the course material. Enthusiasm for the law, I believe, is absolutely essential if one wishes to pursue a long working career in it. The work will be at times difficult and completely time consuming. There is no room for the "half miler" in an area that is developing as quickly around the world as IP is. If one truly has a love for the law, the lawyer should be able to look back and conclude that he/she had a good run of it, had been more "helpful then harmful"; kept his/her reputation intact and thoroughly enjoyed a life of continual learning.
What do you enjoy most about practicing IP Law?
The best part about practicing law is applying the law in a practical context to guide people. Many people come in with a problem and have no idea where to go and what to do. I enjoy giving alternatives and commenting on the pros and cons. I also really enjoy working with fellow IP specialists around the world, who, like myself, are happy and enthusiastic about their work.
Why did you become involved with the IP Council? I was invited to join and was intrigued by the prospect of being involved with a non-Canadian law school.

subset: commoncrawl


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breaking the news before it happens
By Diogenes (bio - articles ) | Sep 15, 2010
London's Daily Mail has outdone itself, with a September 15 report on Pope Benedict's address to British political leaders in Westminster Hall.
His remarks amount to a criticism of politicians who have allowed equality laws to trump religious beliefs, in some cases preventing Christians displaying their faith at work.
Interesting. Just one problem. The Pope will speak at Westminster Hall on September 17. This report appeared, again, on September 15. The Vatican has not released a text of the Pope's prepared remarks.
Maybe the Daily Mail reporter had a peek at the papal text—although such leaks have been exceedingly rare during this pontificate. More likely, the reporter extrapolated from a briefing on the purpose of the Pope's appearance at Westminster Hall. It's a safe bet that the Pope will indeed urge politicians to respect Christian beliefs. But unless he has read the definitive final text of the Pope's address—and he does not claim that he has—the reporter has no business talking about the speech in the present tense.
A basic rule of journalism, which I learned from a crusty old editor of CWN: "It ain't news 'til it happens."
An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:
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Published Thursday, November 29, 2012
From Staff Reports
The Popcorn Board has lots of great holiday snack ideas from coconut snowballs to popcorn snowmen.
Find recipes at www.popcorn.org .
It's fun to make popcorn on the stove top whether you are making garland or an edible treat. If you haven't used that method in a while, follow some basic tips.
To pop popcorn on a range-top, assemble the following:
A 3 to 4 quart pan with a loose lid that allows steam to escape
At least enough popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan, one kernel deep
1/3 cup of oil for every cup of kernels (Don't use butter!)
Heat the oil to 400 - 460°F (if the oil smokes, it is too hot). Test the oil on a couple of kernels. When they pop, add the rest of the popcorn, cover the pan and shake to evenly spread the oil. When the popping begins to slow, remove the pan from the stove-top. The heated oil will still pop the remaining kernels.
Pre-salting kernels toughens popcorn. So, salt the popcorn after it has been popped – or skip salt altogether and add salt-free spices.
The general measure rule is "One (1) ounce of un-popped popcorn equals a quart popped."
Try these recipes for cranberry popcorn balls, a ginger-flavored mix, or a white chocolate/peppermint bark courtesy of The Popcorn Board:
Cranberry Popcorn Balls
Yield: 18 balls
2 cups sugar
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, slightly mashed
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 quarts unsalted popped popcorn
Combine all ingredients, except popcorn, in a heavy saucepan.
Bring to a boil; lower heat and cook to 250°F on a candy thermometer. Mixture will bubble up in pan, so watch to keep from boiling over.
Pour slowly onto hot popcorn and mix until well-coated.
Let stand 5 minutes or until mixture can easily be formed into balls. Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.
Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix
Yield: 2 quarts
2 quarts popped popcorn
Butter flavored cooking spray
1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute
2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper
Preheat oven to 325° F.
Spread popcorn on baking sheet and spray lightly with the cooking spray.
Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over popcorn.
Spray again with cooking spray and toss to coat evenly.
Bake 7 minutes and serve warm.
White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark
Yield: 1 pound
5 cups popped popcorn
12 ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating
1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints
Cover a baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.
Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.
Melt chocolate in a double boiler over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth OR melt according to package directions.
Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted.
Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat.
Spread onto prepared pan; allow to cool completely.
When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.
A variation is White Chocolate Popcorn Crunch, made by omitting the candy peppermints.
Mix 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries and 1/2 cup sliced almonds with the popcorn instead.
Pour chocolate over the mixture after it is melted.


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Creative Arts Classes
Creative Arts classes at the Dallas Arboretum give you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a number of fun and inspired classes.
Using the garden for inspiration, these classes let you expand your creative skills and bring out your imaginative side. For more general information about adult classes, visit the Adult Programs main page. Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com with additional questions.
Registration for Fall programs is now open. We look forward to seeing you in the garden soon.
Pastel Painting
October 17
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
$80 ($72 for Members)
Karen Vanderpool-Haerle, Vanderpool Studios
Pastel painting is a great medium for beginning artists to explore and achieve wonderful results. Karen will introduce you to the basics of pastels and takes you from beginning sketch to final pastel painting while as you learn about materials, form and color blending. All skill levels welcome. Supplies provided.
Plein Air Painting at the Arboretum with SMU CAPE
Three Full Day Workshops: November 7-9
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$375 ($338 for Members & SMU Alumni)
Suzanne Kelley Clark, SMU CAPE Instructor
This three-day intensive workshop welcomes beginners as well as more advanced students for a focused painting experience working on site at the Dallas Arboretum. You'll develop strong fundamental painting skills and will be able to experiment with a variety of approaches and solutions to the challenges of painting outdoors. Each day will begin in the classroom for lecture, group discussion or demonstrations; students then will work at various locations throughout the Arboretum and will receive guidance and individual critique from the instructor throughout the day. Multiple opportunities for individual and group learning will contribute to your experience and growth throughout the workshop. Supply list provided upon registration.
Carolina Snowflake - Woven Reed Ornament
November 12
6-8 p.m.
$50 ($45 for Members)
Anna Barry, White Rock Weaving Center
This lovely handmade treasure is one that you will want to display all year long. Anna will show you how to construct your own beautiful Carolina Snowflake using carefully selected reeds. This fun and easy to learn project will get you into the holiday spirit. Please bring an old bath towel. All other supplies provided. After class, stay and enjoy The 12 Days of Christmas at Night exhibit.
Beginning Watercolor En Plein Air
November 14
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
$80 ($72 for Members)
Emily Riggert, Oil & Cotton
Get inspired by the natural light in the gardens as we journey into plein-air painting, a favorite style of the Impressionists. Students will receive all materials necessary to get started — a brush, paints, and practice paper — as we learn the basics of watercolor painting. Join us for a relaxing day outdoors, and head home with a lovely array of paintings to display.
Painting Brilliant Florals
December 5
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$110 ($99 for Members)
Nancy Medina, Nancy Medina Art
In this fun workshop, you will learn to loosen your approach to the floral still life and work from a transparent background to make your flower paintings look authentic and beautiful. Nancy begins with a demonstration and continues with a step-by-step paint-along session. Students may work in oils or acrylics. A supply list will be emailed upon registration.
Eco-Printing on Silk
December 12
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
$75 ($68 for Members)
Suzanne Morgan, Creative Arts Center Instructor
Transform a piece of nature into a stunning silk scarf using leaves from the garden. Suzanne will walk you through the process of eco-printing as you experiment with various bark, leaves and flowers. You will also make sample prints on paper to begin your eco-color library.
Colors of Christmas Glass on Glass
December 12
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$80 ($72 for Members)
Katrina Doran, Doran Studio Mosaics and Creative Arts Center Instructor
Let the beauty of the holidays inspire you as you create a glass-on-glass mosaic piece. Katrina will help you create a pattern, learn how to work with the various types of glass as well as how to adhere and grout your piece.
Larry Pile, The Kessler Craftsman & Fused Glass/Kiln Glass instructor
This fall we have two glass classes that will whet your appetite for this versatile and magical medium. All fused glass pieces will be fired offsite and then returned to the Arboretum for pick-up. Classes fill fast, so register quickly.
Glass Coasters & Wine Stopper
November 12
6-8 p.m.
$99 ($89 for Members)
Larry will help you make a set of four fused art glass coasters and a metal and glass wine stopper using various pre-cut blanks. You will add your creative touch to create 4"x4" works of art. After class, stay and enjoy The 12 Days of Christmas at Night exhibit.
Holiday Ornament & Plate
December 3
6-8 p.m.
$99 ($89 for Members)
You will be everyone's favorite gift giver this season when you show up with a beautiful fused glass holiday themed plate (or not!) and ornament. Using a variety of colorful glass pieces, you will an 8"x8" plate and a unique ornament to go along with it. After class, stay and enjoy The 12 Days of Christmas at Night exhibit.


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- Home
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- Obituaries
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- Local Guide
PAWTUCKET - Eugene F. LaCroix, 85, of Pawtucket, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Dolores LaCroix.
Born in Attleboro, MA, he was the son of the late Henri LaCroix and Yvonne (Tremblay) LaCroix. Eugene was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was an avid traveler and gifted at solving puzzles. He was a proud veteran of World War II.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Michele Daniels and her husband Raymond, Eugene LaCroix Jr. and his wife Elise, Elizabeth Boehmke and her husband David, and Diana Paradis and her husband Douglas, three sisters, Claire Beland, Juliette Wardyga, and Teresa Rebele, three brothers, Richard, Norman, and Robert LaCroix, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Henry and Everett LaCroix.
Visitation will be held Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 AM from the COSTIGAN-O'NEILL Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in Saint Cecilia Church of Blessed Pope John Paul II Parish. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02904, would be appreciated. www.rifuneral.com
|lacroix, eugene times wednesday obit pic.JPG
|FLAG for Obit.JPG


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Paris the cat has won the top prize in the competition, sponsored by Broadleys Veterinary Hospital.
Jose Barbosa (44) admitted arranging and facilitating the movement of women for prostitution between August 2013 and May 2015.
The Stirling East by-election count ended in controversy last week as angry Labour activists failed in their bid to force a recount.
Allanwater Developments Ltd have submitted an application to Stirling Council planners for 21 houses, 24 flats and retail units.
A storm on Tuesday afternoon led to very wet conditions around the area.
Stirling Council insiders have called for a probe into a two-year gap between the MP purchasing a property in St Ninians and registering herself as a landlord for it.
Mark Adair has been jailed for eight years for robbing the Menstrie Filling Station last year.
Start-Up Stirling held its charity firewalk at Stirling Rugby Club last Friday (September 25).
The Stirling teacher was nominated for introducing the pioneering health and fitness idea.
Mr McLaughlan 1388 votes, 116 more than the 1272 polled by his Labour rival Chris Kane.
A new fuel poverty scheme, backed by up to £224 million from the Scottish government, will help as many as 28,000 Scots heat their homes, as announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Alan, 67, who formed one of the world's first boybands with hits like Shang A Lang, said he can't wait to perform with the band again.
First Midland Bluebird has spent £1.1mi on the new fleet of luxury buses.
Gordon Stanforth (66) was jailed for seven years at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday.
Several bed & breakfasts and hotels were targeted by the brazen thief.
The castle, which stands in for the fictitious Castle Leochi in the sci-fi epic, was closed for around a month in November 2013 for filming of the show
The Local Government Boundary Commission is proposing to split the town in new council wards.
Anthony Marshall, of St Ninians, died in Santander on September 13.
Several hotels and B&Bs around Callander were targeted at the end of last week.
Wee County council bosses only found out that Stirling were pulling plug on shared education and social work services when contacted by the Observer.
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text: 15 Days of Amazing Holiday Giveaways Win a Jimmy Choo Sky patent leather and elaphe handbag! It's holiday season, and we're getting in the spirit with our 15 days of amazing holiday giveaways! FabSugar's making sure you have the perfect bag for this holiday season and is giving away this beautiful Jimmy Choo handbag.


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- Infowars - http://www.infowars.com -
Hospitals, doctors take 'palm prints' to ID patients
Posted By aaron On July 19, 2011 @ 10:49 am In Big Brother,Old Infowars Posts Style | Comments Disabled
ABC News
July 19, 2011
Palms have taken on a new meaning at some doctors' offices and hospitals. More unique than fingerprints, palm readings are helping keep patients straight and safe.
It's palm reading, indeed, but not the fortune teller kind. More than 8,000 patients at the NYU Langone Medical Center have already had their palms read as part of their medical visits. The goal is to have every single patient at the hospital and in their doctor's waiting room be "palmed." It's one of the way technology is coming into the medical environment.
When patient Michael Baldwin visits his doctor at the medical center, check in is a breeze. All he needs is his palm, as he's one of the first patients to take part in the new program. It is called.
Article printed from Infowars: http://www.infowars.com
URL to article: http://www.infowars.com/hospitals-doctors-take-palm-prints-to-id-patients/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Infowars. All rights reserved.


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Have fun in the sun while looking fabulous. These travel-sized beauty products are summer s
It has been said that malls are the piazzas of America.
Massart is having a moment.
The folks over at Persona on Charles Street are best known for their eclectic collection of baubl
Thank goodness for sunshine. Thank goodness for sunshine.
Israeli-born jewelry designer Alexandra Mor hosted a small luncheon yesterday at Dorfman to celeb
Jessika Goranson is the owner of Holiday in Beacon Hill. For the past 10 years her shop has embraced a classic New England style with a feminine twist. She loves oooohing and aaaaahing on her daily blog "I Feel Pretty", dreaming of to-die-for interior design, and her 12-years-young Pomeranian, Ruby. She splits her time between Manhattan's UES, Boston and wherever inspiration takes her.


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High-profile donors have stated that aligning themselves with GOP Presidential candidates is not a top priority at this stage of the game.
According to The New York Times, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is the only potential candidate who has assembled a strong lineup of top financiers. Many fundraising groups are wary of committing to a candidate in a wide-open race. Polls have revealed no consensus about who may emerge as the frontrunner in 2012.
Thus, donors have decided to sit back and let the political process unfold before they back a candidate.
Endorsing a GOP contender is "not at the top of the agenda for most folks right now," said Brian Ballard, the Florida finance chairman for Senator John McCain's (R-Ariz.) 2008 presidential bid, quoted by the news provider.
Although most of the rumored GOP Presidential candidates are soliciting help from prospective donors, some campaign contributors are doing some recruiting of their own. According to The Associated Press, top donors in Iowa have scheduled a meeting with first-term New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to discuss a possible Presidential bid.
Although Christie has stated that he has no interest in running for the nation's highest office, some pundits have speculated that his status as a non-candidate has actually increased his appeal among donors.


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A Junior ISA is a tax-efficient children's savings account. There's no personal income or capital gains tax to pay on the growth in the account value. Junior ISAs replaced the Child Trust Fund (CTF), but there is no government payment into Junior ISAs.
Any child who is resident in the UK, is under 18 years old and who doesn't have a CTF can have a Junior ISA. This will mean children born on or before 31 August 2002 and children born on or after 3 January 2011.
Anyone with parental responsibility for the child or the child themselves if they are age 16 or over. This person is known as the registered contact.
Parental responsibility means the child's natural or adoptive parent, or who has been granted parental or formal legal responsibility for a child.
The registered contact is the only person who can give investment instructions for the Junior ISA. All communications related to the account will be sent to the registered contact.
There are two types of Junior ISA: a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA and a Cash Junior ISA.
A Stocks and Shares Junior ISA is a long-term investment so it is suitable where the money will be invested for five years or more. These ISAs give you access to a wide range of investment types such as equity funds and investment trusts. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers a range of investments for you to choose from.
Only a person with parental responsibility can open a Junior ISA on behalf of a child. Once an account has been set up, anyone can contribute using the Friends and family Junior ISA contribution form (2015/16) - parents, family members or friends. Any contributions are a gift to the child and can't be accessed by the child until they are 18, unless they die or become terminally ill before that age.
Please note that we cannot accept cheques from family or friends until 15 days after the Junior ISA has opened, and after the registered contact has made an initial contribution. Cheques received before the registered contact has made a contribution, or during the first 14 days will be returned. The registered contact is the only person who can give investment instructions for the Junior ISA and all communications related to the account will be sent to the registered contact.
If you change your mind you can cancel the Junior ISA account within 14 days of the first payment being made. If you cancel within this period we'll refund the value of the account at that time. This may be more or less than the amount invested. After that, the value of the account can only be accessed by the child when he or she reaches age 18.
A child can have one Stocks and Shares Junior ISA and one Cash Junior ISA. Investments can be made into one or both plans but the total paid into all plans can't be more than the Junior ISA allowance for that tax year – currently £4,080 in 2015/16.
The J.P. Morgan Stocks and Shares Junior ISA offers a wide investment choice, including:
You can set up a regular Direct Debit or make one-off payments at any time. What's more, with your J.P. Morgan WealthManager+ account, you can check transactions and manage your account online 24/7.
Yes, you can transfer Junior ISAs between providers. You can also transfer money from one Junior ISA type to another, e.g. from a Cash Junior ISA to a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA. From 6 April 2015, you can transfer a CTF to a Junior ISA. However please note that J.P. Morgan does not offer this transfer option.
Only the child named as the holder of the Junior ISA can access the money when they reach 18, unless they die or become terminally ill before that age.
You can open a J.P. Morgan Junior ISA online.
If you're not sure that a stocks and shares Junior ISA is the right investment for you, speak to a financial adviser.


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Locking and setting tools for V6 EcoTec multi-valve GM engine. Use to maintain crankshaft gear and camshaft sprockets at TDC for belt removal, renewal and installation. Includes timing gauge for checking camshaft sprocket timing mark during installation. Supplied in carry-case with warning tag.
Sealey are one of Europes largest tool and equipment brands with nearly 8000 products available from its extensive catalogue. Sealeys products are backed by an excellent 12 month guarantee and their hand tools benefit from a lifetime warranty, giving purchasers added peace of mind.
This family owned company have huge stocks and can deliver pretty much anywhere in the country the next day on a premium service.
Sealey are big on service and their parts service is second to none. Currently with over 130,000 different parts in stock, Sealey can supply parts for all their products from a circlip to a compressor tank, generally from stock check Sealeys website for their on-line instructions and parts lists.
All the tools you need.


text:
Uñas mitad y mitad
Las enfermedades sistémicas y las carencias nutricionales pueden producir cambios en la apariencia de las uñas.
Last reviewed 5/13/2011 by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
- The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
- A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
- Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
- Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997 - A.D.A.M., Inc.Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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Oxnard High School Marching Band Wins First Place at Local Parade
March 23, 2013– The Oxnard High School Marching Band & Auxiliary won First Place in Marching Band Category at the annual Ventura County Saint Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16th.
Approximately 80 entries traveled down Main Street in Downtown Ventura and the Yellowjackets were cheered on as they performed and entertained for thousands of spectators. The band continues to bring spirit and pride to the "cardinal and gold".
The band has been very busy during the 2012-2013 band performing at OHS football games, band competitions, parades, grand openings for local businesses, private and charity events, restaurant fundraisers, Dallas Cowboy training camp, and many other community events.
The Oxnard Yellow Jacket Marching Band & Auxiliary is led under the direction of Band Director Fundi Legohn who will enter his 22nd season in September as Oxnard High School's music and band director.
Congratulations Fundi and the Oxnard High School Marching Band & Auxiliary!
For more information on the OHS Band and their events, please visit the band's website at
www.ohsmarchingband.com or visit the band's Facebook page at
For Booking Inquiries:
Fundi Legohn
Band & Music Director
For Media Inquiries:
Victoria Borjesson
Public Relations Coordinator
(805) 827.7564
This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with Ventura County Star.
Subscribe to the Ventura County Star
Need Help? Call us at 1-877-710-6182.
Monday-Friday: 6am-3pm / Saturday: 6:30am-10:30am / Sunday: 7am-11am


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Read: John Tortorella Is Really Encouraged By JT Miller/Calls Him A Dummy
With Brad Richards out of the lineup, JT Miller will center the Rangers second line for the second straight game.
- Miller played a career high 18:40 on Tuesday and was 50% on faceoffs.
- Against the Islanders, Miller played 17:56, had three shots, one hit, one blocked shot and was 6-1 on faceoffs.
Joe Micheletti said after the game against the Flyers, "I thought this might have been JT Miller's best game. His poise with the puck, the way he made plays. He showed all kinds of poise."
Joe repeatedly said last night that someone needs to check Miller's birth certificate because he doesn't look like a 19-year old on the ice and plays like a veteran.
John Tortorella said, "I think he is learning. I think he has played well. He has been hard on the puck. He wants to understand away from the puck. He knows that it gets him back on the ice. For a first whack at this and sticking as long as he has, it's really encouraging."
After yesterday's game against the Islanders, Tortorella said of Miller "he is still a dummy sometimes, but he continues to try and make a difference. He has an aggressive mindset that we need to watch, but I would rather have it that way. That is a good sign for a kid."
Tortorella said recently, that Miller still has a lot to learn and that the decision of whether Miller will stay will be up to how he plays. He added that Miller is "an interesting one" and likes how he presents and handles himself.
Miller told the Daily News recently that he doesn't want to be a player who "blends in." He wants to be a player that will make a difference.
He told the NY Post that he doesn't want to skip any levels of "the process" and is only concerned with getting better in every game.


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Most Popular in:
The Pitfalls and Burdens of Claims
By: Marie Alice Dibon, PharmD
Posted: February 2, 2010, from the February 2010 issue of GCI Magazine.
page 8 of 9Consider what section 4 of the page, "Chemicals and Personal Care Products" mentions: "Cosmetics and personal care products often include toxins such as formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, sodium borate, etc. Research has shown that 35% of all cosmetics contain parabens and that 6% of the population has a cosmetic allergy usually related to fragrances or preservatives. The most prevalent contact allergy is formaldehyde where it is estimated that 3.7% of the population suffers from contact allergies with this preservative (Lundov 2009).
In addition to these preservatives there are other synthetic chemicals, which are commonly found in cosmetics and personal care products, some of which are listed [later in the quoted text, but not published here]. Also an important aspect to think about is that while these chemicals are used as preservatives the efficiency of these products isn't widely studied meaning that perhaps we could be using lower doses in our cosmetics that would prevent microbial activity from contaminating them, but also be conscious of the possible adverse health affects of too many preservatives."
And it doesn't stop there, as the "solutions" section goes on to describe what can be done to control the big bad wolf that is the personal care industry, citing the Environmental Working Group's Web site (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com), which rates personal care products. Another feature could be written on how those ratings are done, but, for now, form your own opinion if you care to visit the site.
What is being discussed here is not just the image of the industry, it is its survival and the safety of the consumer. If preservatives are banned one after the other, you will see more and more contaminated products hitting the marketplace or shabby substitutes with no documented history of innocuity.
Moreover, the industry could see more ridiculous regulations, and not the ones that it needs. This alone could put the prosperity of the industry, as a whole, in jeopardy. In conclusion, it seems that a lot of the answers are in the hands of the industry, which definitely has the tools to:
- Exercise restraint when making efficacy claims to avoid harsher enforcement of current regulations.
- Exercise restraint when making innocuity ("free") claims and natural claims (another topic to be discussed in a future feature.)
- Create and use its own voice in the general media and start seriously addressing false rumors before they get out of control. That means having a real crisis communication policy allowing the industry to hit all fronts—scientific and public—through traditional media and social media.
- Lobby authorities to find more productive regulations to control number two above more efficiently.


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Doug Holtz-Eakin
August 11, 2011
How Doug Holtz-Eakin's argument against the stimulus became an argument for it. Michael Lewis goes to Germany, writes an article. A great read ensues. Meeting with the most important economic policymaker in the world is something Obama probably should do. Dan Drezner is gloomy about the world. Mitt Romney loses the Jewish vote.
In-depth With Mccain's Policy Guru
April 21, 2008
Over at Grist, David Roberts has an in-depth interview with Doug Holtz-Eakin, McCain's domestic-policy guru, on the subject of climate policy. This bit nicely delved into a topic we've discussed on this blog before: DR: [You've] distinguished McCain's policy approach from his competitors' by saying he favors putting a cap-and-trade system in place and otherwise refraining from further policies and regulations -- even getting rid of a lot of sector-specific or industry-specific regulations and subsidies. Is that fair? DHE: Right; that's a fair description of the philosophy.


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And the winner is…
The Screen Junkies DVD Rundown for June 21st, 2011
It would have made twice as much if Jon Lovitz had been voicing the lead role.
Has some good ideas if it would only dig a little deeper.
Director: George NolfiCast: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Christoph Waltz, Anthony MackieSynopsis: On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt)—a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. Release Date: September 17, 2010
Yee-haw, lil' doggies! A herd a posters have hit the Inernetz over the past couple-a days so we brought in Whiplash to round 'em all up fer yas. I think you'lls all agrees that Photoshop does not a good one-sheet make, er somethin'.
Welcome to your hangover. The Adjustment Bureau is bringing Philip K. Dick back to the big screen, and in more of a Blade Runner way than a Paycheck way. Matt Damon plays an ambitious politician on the brink of winning a U.S. Senate seat when he meets ballet dancer Emily Blunt. Then sh*t gets unreal. Just as he's realizing he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. The motley crew known as The Adjustment Bureau is led by Roger Sterling of "Mad Men," and it's my asumption that when they're not determining people's fates they're aligning spines in their unstuffy chiropractic practice. It's the place right by the Baskin Robbins. Park on Oak though, there are never any spots on Main. Check out the trailer after the jump. The Adjustment Bureau has orchestrated its release for September 17, 2010.


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Spicy Tomato Sauce from Giada de Laurentiis's Everyday Italian
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons drained capers, rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Generous pinch of dried crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 28-ounce can crushed Italian tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. When almost smoking, add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the olives, capers, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and simmer until reduced slightly, about 20 minutes. Season the sauce with more salt to taste. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)
Source Information
Reprinted with permission from Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2005 by Giada De Laurentiis. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.
Giada De Laurentiis is the star of Food Network's Everyday Italian and Behind the Bash. She attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and then worked in a variety of Los Angeles restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck's Spago, before starting her own catering and private-chef company, GDL Foods. The granddaughter of movie producer Dino De Laurentiis, Giada was born in Rome and grew up in Los Angeles, where she now lives.
Epicurious.com © Condé Nast Digital, Inc. All rights reserved.


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HeartswoodThis quest was marked obsolete by Blizzard and cannot be obtained or completed. Retrieve the Heartswood from Ashenvale and bring it to Gakin the Darkbinder in the Mage Quarter of Stormwind.
DescriptionIn preparation for your coming, I used my sight to look over the world and through the mists of time. I have found what it is you seek.
In the War of the Ancients, two lovers fell together in battle. Where they took their last breaths, a tree known as the heartswood grew, a symbol of their undying love.
That should be enough to tempt a succubus. You will find it in the ruins of Ordil'Aran in the northwestern part of the forest of Ashenvale.


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|Antiques Digest
|Browse Auctions
Birth And Early Life Of Murillo
Bartolome Esteban Murillo was born at Seville, probably on the last day of December, 1617, and was baptized on the first day of January, 1618.
Murillo Period 1645-1660
The same year (1656) Murillo's great friend and patron, the Canon Don Justino Neve y Yevenes, commissioned him to paint four large semicircular pictures for the church of Santa Maria la Blanca, which was being restored.
Murillo Period 1660-1671
In 1668 Murillo was employed to restore some allegorical paintings by Cespedes in the Cathedral chapter-room, and to execute a full-length Virgin of the Conception, together with eight oval half-length pictures of saints.
Murillo Period 1671-1674
Murillo was now at the zenith of his power. In 1671 he commenced a series of paintings for the old-established brotherhood of the Holy Charity in Seville, to which he himself had been allied as lay brother since 1665.
Murillo Period 1674-1680
Murillo's great patrons were the Franciscans, who employed him in his first important works for their small convent in Seville. Now when his reputation was assured, he received an order from another Franciscan convent known as that of the Capuchins.
Paintings Of Murillo
Murillo generally represented the boy Christ and John accompanied by a lamb, and must often have found his models in the streets of Seville, where it was, and still is, a custom to bring to market for the paschal feast lambs, which are led about by children.
Murillo Landscapes, Portraits, And Drawings
Murillo was no exception to the rule that all Spanish artists are good portrait painters. The few which he executed are of the highest merit, and show that he had profited by the time spent under the renowned Velazquez.
Murillo's Last Painting
When Murillo felt that his end was approaching he sent for his notary, Antonio Guerrero, to make his will. But death came so quickly that he was unable to sign it. He died April 3rd, 1682, in the arms of his friend Neve and his pupil Villavicencio.
The Daily Miracle
Genius is never rewarded by even an extra hour a day. And there is no punishment. Waste your infinitely precious commodity as much as you will, and the supply will never be withheld from you.
The Desire To Exceed One's Programme
Until an effort is made to satisfy that wish, the sense of uneasy waiting for something to start which has not started will remain to disturb the peace of the soul.
Precautions Before Beginning
The most important preliminary to the task of arranging one's life so that one may live fully and comfortably within one's daily budget of twenty-four hours is the calm realisation of the extreme difficulty of the task, of the sacrifices and the endless effort which it demands.
The Cause Of The Trouble
Now the great and profound mistake which my typical man makes in regard to his day is a mistake of general attitude, a mistake which vitiates and weakens two-thirds of his energies and interests.
Tennis And The Immortal Soul
I do not suggest that you should employ three hours every night of your life in using up your mental energy. But I do suggest that you might, for a commencement, employ an hour and a half every other evening in some important and consecutive cultivation of the mind.
Remember Human Nature
Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. If you imagine that you will be able to devote seven hours and a half a week to serious, continuous effort, and still live your old life, you are mistaken.
Controlling The Mind
By the regular practice of concentration you can tyrannise over your mind (which is not the highest part of you) every hour of the day, and in no matter what place.
The Reflective Mood
The exercise of concentrating the mind (to which at least half an hour a day should be given) is a mere preliminary, like scales on the piano. Having acquired power over that most unruly member of one's complex organism, one has naturally to put it to the yoke.
Interest In The Arts
Many people pursue a regular and uninterrupted course of idleness in the evenings because they think that there is no alternative to idleness but the study of literature, and they do not happen to have a taste for literature. This is a great mistake.
Nothing In Life Is Humdrum
Art is a great thing. But it is not the greatest. The most important of all perceptions is the continual perception of cause and effect—in other words, the perception of the continuous development of the universe.
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Bask at a beachfront Wyndham resort in the Dominican Republic from May 6 - June 30 with an all-inclusive package for $599 per person. This special trims $240 off the cost of similar packages and includes:
This resort features a beachfront pool, children's pool, kids club and access to eight restaurants. Guests can use complimentary Wi-Fi in the common areas, or head to the sister resort next door for a trapeze lesson.
Depart from:
Please go to your email and confirm your subscription.


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Spring has sprung?????????????
My friend Phil, didn't see his shadow so that means that there will be an early Spring. I'm not so sure about that, especially since we are getting snow here in Western Pennsylvanina today.
Do you think that Phil's prediction of an early Spring will be correct?
All I know it that if we have a warm-up before March Madness, we will have another cold spell during it, then it will start to warm up again : ) At least here in IN that has happened more yrs than not. And if Indy is hosting it, look out, it will be nasty out!


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Organizations should work to improve data quality to increase customer satisfaction, especially in the call center environment. [ READ MORE ]
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Marketing to mobile – why is it so different?
Marketers need to better understand why mobile marketing is different in order to better utilize this growing channel. [ READ MORE ]


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Lexercise provides you with evidence-based, structured tools for dyslexia therapy.
Lexercise is a suite of blended learning tools for clinicians who use an Orton-Gillingham (O-G) Approach for treating language-literacy disorders. Lexercise tools help clinicians screen, evaluate, plan and carry out face-to-face O-G therapy sessions. Its subscription-based, online games revolutionize the way clinicians can support clients with customized, daily practice.
Lexercise allows clinicians to use explicit and systematic treatment methods; creates structured word banks instantly; records, measures and monitors each client's practice and provides one-click reports for easy communication with parents and teachers.
In order to become a Lexercise Clinician you will need to have thorough training in a structured literacy approach, like Orton-Gillingham. You can become a Lexercise Clinician in one of two ways:
1. You can take a qualification test to demonstrate your knowledge and skills of O-G.
2. You can take our online professional education courses.


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Prop Joe
Final (Debate) Countdown
As a self-described degenerate gambler (I'm just kidding Dear Future Background Checker), here are my prop bets on tonight's debate (and the payoff odds).
1. Obama wears blue tie. (even money).
2. Both candidates "work the ref." (-1200 [which means very likely to happen]).
3. Substantive discussion on the legality (or lack thereof) of continued and expanded drone strikes (or some other foreign policy issue not amenable to 3 second talking point). (+10,000).
California Propositions
As a default, my rule is to vote no on any proposition. For long time followers of California history and politics, it's a simple fact that the propositions are choking this state, in particular by removing the Legislature's discretion to cut / add spending.
Prop 30 -- Yes. Increase in sales tax and income tax for high earners to pay for the budget gap. I benefited from much lower fees at both UCLA and Boalt. More than happy to pay my higher share in taxes to help prevent further increases on students and others. Also, I dislike Prop 38 because it suffers from the fatal flaw of other propositions that mandate how the money is to be spent. That's a flaw, not a virtue.
Prop 31 -- No. Something about amending the constitution to change budget cycle and something about local governments blah blah blah. I read the title and realized I'm not persuaded to vote yes. So, gets a no by default. This is again one of those instances where it sounds fine on paper to allow local governments to have spending discretion, but let's say the state allocates $50 million on contraceptives, and some crazy right wing director of health in say Barstow thinks this is the Devil's plan. Why should the Legislature have to veto her actions just to make sure someone is spending the money as intended? This is ridiculous and another one of those propositions that wrecks the system more than solving anything.
Prop 32 -- No. Basically your average "red state" anti-union political contributions bill. Very strange that in certain states union political activism is evil, but corporate political activism is free speech / personhood.
Prop 33 -- No. This changes the law to allow auto insurers to base pricing decisions in part on history of insurance coverage. For example, currently your rate is based on your age, driving history, type of vehicle, etc. So if you've had insurance with any insurer, you get a discount, but the uninsured guy trying to buy insurance has to pay more. And that is why I'm voting no. I want MORE people to carry insurance. I don't want to give them added incentive not to carry insurance. Sure, I might be giving up a buck or two in some illusory discount, but I think that's a small price to pay.
Prop 34 -- Yes. Overturn the death penalty. Amazing what we as Californians are willing to pay in bad economic times but this category of wasteful spending seems to survive.
Prop 35 -- No. Increase penalty for human traffickers, etc. I'm not pro human trafficking or anything, but this state has a terrible history of passing "tough on crime" propositions that result in absurdities. Why is this necessary? Is the pro-human trafficking lobby strongly opposed to increasing punishments through the Legislature?
Prop 36 -- YES. A resounding yes for this proposition that modifies California's ridiculous three strikes law after nearly two decades of failure. For those too young to remember, in the early to mid 90s, a Petaluma girl named Polly Klaas was kidnapped from her home by a felon with multiple convictions. This naturally led to all sorts of hysteria in the suburbs about felons walking among us, so California passed a law mandating a sentence of 20 years to life for anyone convicted of a third felony. What could possibly go wrong? A lot actually. This finally modifies the law to require that the third felony be serious or violent, with certain exceptions. Net savings? $70 to $90 million annually. Yes and yes.
Prop 37 -- Undecided. This is the proposition that would require labeling of genetically engineered ("GE") foods for the undecided. I honestly still don't know which way I lean on this one. Here is my thinking. Con: The proponents seem to be putting a lot of stock in junk science. Even if the article is a bit of a hit job, we can all certainly agreed that there is certainly no consensus in the scientific community on the effects of genetically modified foods in the way that there is for tobacco. Also, if someone is currently interested in buying non-GE food, they can shop at Whole Foods or whatever. Why create an unnecessary panic? Pro: We're all capable of deciding how much sugar we should eat, but that's required to be on a food label. Why not GE information? Why can't we trust people to make their own decisions with information and as far as I can see this does not restrict the sale of GE foods.
Prop 38 -- See above.
Prop 39 and 40 -- declining to comment. This means you shouldn't ask, "Why can't you comment?"
Opine away.


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By Sharon Stevens, Education Reporter
St. Louis, MO (KSDK) - The Parkway School System becomes the latest district to call on the dogs - the drug-sniffing dogs, that is.
Starting next semester, the dogs will be sniffing for illegal drugs at all five Parkway high schools. The dogs and an officer from the St. Louis County Police Department will visit twice a month.
Olla, the drug-sniffing dog, will be one of the dogs used at the Parkway School District starting in January. A number of students say it's about time for the dogs, but they have some other concerns.
"If we bring drug-sniffing dogs to school they're going to get in trouble, but on the weekends, since they're not being sniffed on the weekends, they can still do it (drugs)," said Michael Wang, a junior at Parkway Central High School.
Parkway will join 13 other high schools and school districts in the program. Police say they're pleased with the way the program has worked so far.
"I think it provides a tool to the school districts, a partnership between the schools and the police department to show that they won't keep drug abuse and drugs out of the schools," said Sgt. Walter Davis, the supervisor of the St. Louis County Canine Unit.
The schools will be on modified lockdown while the dogs are checking the cars, lockers or hallways or some searches may be done before or after school.
Other school districts in the program include Rockwood, Bayless and Mehlville.


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Dr. Roy B. Blumenstrauch's Ratings
Dr. Blumenstrauch is amazing! He has wonderful bedside manner. He knows his stuff. I had a nice mole cut out of my head, and he was so gentle. My family has been going to Dr. Blumenstrauch for you years.
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I've been seeing Dr. B for many years (maybe 20). He's excellent and very knowledgable; excellent people skills. I think he's a little over-booked much of the time (there's usually delays when I get to the office). I also think he's on the pricey side - but he does know his stuff! I do recommend him.
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I went in to check for cancer spots on my skin. I was amazed at the swanky office and attributes - like Beverly Hills but in Torrance, CA. Free herbal teas and skin care samples in the waiting room. Staff very nice and good attitudes. The doctor popped his head in my exam room a few times to apologize for running late- how refreshing! And he even asked "could I get you tea or a beverage while you wait.. or a magazine?" So I had high hopes and appreciated this personal kindness from the doctor himself. But once my exam started- yes it was about 2 minutes long BUT I was prepared with MY LIST of things to go over. He was literally standing in an open doorway while I was still inquiring about my medical needs. So I guess the secret is NOT to let them leave you or you follow them- with HEY I AM PAYING FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME.. and say it loud enough for his other paying customers in the waiting room here you. Overall- I am not sure if I trusted his immed
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Very skillful and has the best people skills in a doctor I have ever experienced.
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Dr. B is wonderful, very caring and is an excellent dermatologist. I do dog & cat rescue and he treated me for mange/mites. He made me feel okay about it and gave me a few refills on my lotion (for the future), he also freezed this huge brown spot off my face, and cleared up a life long rash on my elbow. He's awesome!
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Although I've only been to three or four dermatologists in my life, I do know when a doctor knows his stuff and when he's skilled at the minor surgeries I've had him do, and in these respects I hold Dr. Blumenstruach in the highest regard. The fact that he's also a very nice and caring person is a terrific bonus. I wish all the doctors I've had in my life were this good. The minor surgeries were a mole removal from my back during a routine exam, a pyogenic granuloma on the palm of my hand; a couple of things--a minor facial lesion and a small wart on my hand--required freezing; some doctors either under-do the freezing, or over-do it (which can cause scarring)--Dr. Blumenstrauch seems to always get it right on.
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Dr. B performed Mohs surgery on my nose to remove basal cell carcinoma. He is knowledgeable, a great surgeon and a very caring doctor.
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Dione® Easy-On Chain, sterling silver and cubic zirconia, clear, 2.76mm snake with 6mm round, 7-1/2 inches with removable twist end and lobster claw clasp. Sold individually.
Item Number: H20-1717JC
Sterling silver snake chain bracelet is 2.76mm thick and 7-1/2 inches long with two end caps. One end features a lobster claw clasp. The opposite end cap twists off, allowing large-hole beads and charms to easily slide on. The 6mm round floating bead can be positioned around the chain by pressing down on the cubic zirconia knob.


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We can't thank you enough for putting this package together for us - we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. If we make a return trip to Ecuador, we will certainly contact you again.
We are a small and highly experienced tour operator, owned and operated by Canadian Heather Blenkiron - when you contact CNH Tours, it's Heather who will take your call or email. Heather gained an intimate knowledge of the islands while working for the Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station, from 1998 to 2002. Heather also served as the Canadian embassy representative for Galapagos during her stay. She maintains very close contacts with key people in the islands and on the mainland.
Galapagos is our only destination - we know it like few others. After having lived and worked in the islands for 4 years, CNH tours has retained its hand on the pulse of Galapagos through its long-term connections with our friends and colleagues who remain in the islands. Today, several of them are senior naturalist guides, or occupy senior positions in local and national governments, at the Park and at the Darwin Station. One of our old friends is currently the Galapagos governor.
We are not distracted by other destinations. We constantly seek to update and improve our knowledge on the latest developments in the islands so that it is put to use in ensuring your visit is the best it can be. See our very own "news" section for the latest developments, and how these may relate to your visit.
In 2007, and unbeknownst to us, CNH Tours was listed on the website of Top Adventure Tours as one of the top three travel agents for Galapagos. They base their ranking on a survey of Galapagos trip reports, on-line reviews, magazine articles and a general consensus in the travel business.
After having posted hundreds of helpful recommendations on TripAdvisor Galapagos forum, this very popular travel information website invited Heather to become its first Galapagos "Galapagos Destination Expert" in 2009. Heather continues to provide advice to people considering a Galapagos trip.
In 2012, CNH Tours made it on Mastercard World Elite Concierge's radar screen - recommending us to their clients as a highly reputable, quality and service oriented Galapagos expert.
Our unofficial company saying is: "We may not be big, but we're small." We're very proud of the fact that when you contact CNH Tours, it's Heather you'll be hearing from. An important part of our reward in this business is our own personal satisfaction in doing all we can to help you see and feel Galapagos like we did - and that motivates us to go the extra mile.
Why not get in touch with us right now by email? You may also want to consider asking us to schedule a phone call to help you start exploring cruise options
Since 2000, CNH Tours has been organizing non-profit fund-raising cruises in support of worthy initiatives. Past cruises have raised funds for United World Colleges (3 cruises), and Dustin's Greenhouse for underprivileged urban youth (2 cruises). Our latest non-profit, organized with the Canadian Library Association, helped raise funds for the Galapagos Public Library (see our small plaque at the entrance!). If you'd like to use a Galapagos cruise as a fundraiser for a special cause, please get in touch with us to explore possibilities.
CNH Tour is a Full Member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) a non-profit association of travel companies, conservation organizations and other groups that seek a lasting protection of the islands. For more information on why you should travel with an IGTOA member, click here.
There is a tendency to think that buying directly from the ship owners will result in cost savings. In fact, whether one buys directly from the owner, or from us, the price is the same. CNH Tours earns its living from the commissions the owners offer us by selling spaces on their ships. When owners sell cruises directly, they simply keep the commissions themselves. The advantage of using an agent lies in the agent's capacity to consider your needs first, before suggesting a particular ship. Ship owners are understandably focused on selling only their ships.


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- Delivered electronically either daily, weekly, or monthly
- Returns notifications only on those accounts which have been inquired on by competitors within a specific industry
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Triggers Retention 360° provides timely alerts on your business accounts when these accounts get inquired upon by your competitors within a specific industry. These alerts can be actioned to reduce the potential risk of losing these customers as a result of this potential competitive takeover. Triggers Retention 360 provides credit monitoring service on both the business and the business principle credit files, delivering frequent alert files letting you who the competitor inquired on. In addition, other business or principle credit information can be appended to the alert to help you understand customer value and prioritize auctioning these alerts.


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Kurt is 5'8" tall.
No one has discussed Kurt David Anderson yet.
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A new place for Thomas Hardy's madding crowds
Posted: December 08, 2012|
Thomas Hardy's fictional "Woodlanders" would find a wood near his birthplace cottage had failed to escape the madding crowds, if they were to come to life in the 21st century.
For plans to transform the area around the Dorset author's simple cottage home have won £495,000 backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The money will be used to develop a visitor centre and education trails in Thorncombe Wood, which surrounds the writer's birthplace at Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester.
The project, which was recently granted planning permission, is a joint partnership between Dorset County Council and the National Trust to bring together the cottage and surrounding landscape for the first time.
As well as support from the fund, the project has also received donations from the Garfield Weston Trust, the Fine Family Foundation, the Kinsurdy Trust, and the Hardy Society.
Built on the edge of Thorncombe Wood, where the Dorset countryside rangers' building is currently, the new visitor centre will also have improved access to the cottage.
The timber-built visitor centre will give people information about Thomas Hardy and the nearby landscape which influenced his work.
Sensitively designed to have minimal impact on its setting, the new centre will have space for school and community groups to use, as well as a small catering area with toilets and some retail space.
The project will also involve setting up more interactive activities and events to help visitors learn about Thomas Hardy's life and work, as well as the conservation operations needed to look after the area.
Councillor Robert Gould, cabinet member for the environment at Dorset County Council, said: "It's great that we now have secured funding for this exciting project. Our aim has been to share the place that Thomas Hardy loved and drew inspiration from.
"We would like to use the project to help people learn more about Thomas Hardy and his writing, and relate it to the surrounding landscape."
Helen Sharp, the National Trust fund raising manager, said: "Thomas Hardy is a well-respected literary figure around the world and through this we can improve the way visitors to Hardy's birthplace understand him, his works and especially how his beloved Dorset influenced him throughout his life."
Richard Bellamy, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: "Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d'Urbervilles are among the most famous works by literary great, Thomas Hardy, and have been inspiring aspiring authors and book-lovers across the world for many years. This project to improve visitor facilities will help to bring together his birthplace and the surrounding picturesque landscape for the first time, helping people to better understand how his Dorset roots influenced his achievements. The fund is sure that the new facilities will help Hardy's legacy live on well into the future."
Work is planned to start in September 2013 and for the new visitor centre to open by Easter 2014.
The late Norrie Woodhall, who knew Thomas Hardy, is read some of his work by Alistair Chisholme, acting the role of the author in the garden of the famous cottage at Higher Bockhampton, Dorset. Norrie was the last-living member of the original Hardy Players, before she passed away last year. In 1924, she played Liza-Lu (Tess's sister), and in the 1990s, she handed the baton over by helping to found the New Hardy


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Health Policy Institute Draws PhD Cohort
Posted: March 21, 2013 at 6:49 pm, Last Updated: March 25, 2013 at 10:42 pm
When nursing educator Veronica Feeg returned to Mason for a visit, it wasn't just to say hi to former colleagues. She brought a cohort of her doctoral students to attend the 20th Washington Health Policy Institute (WHPI) sponsored by George Mason University's Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics.
"As part of their curriculum, my students study health care organizations, policy, and ethics in several didactic and research practica courses," says Feeg, who now directs the Center for Nursing Research and Scholarly Practice and the PhD program at Molloy College in Long Island, N.Y. "The institute provided an outstanding foundation of policy content, augmented by the opportunities on Capitol Hill. The Mason faculty and staff were exceptionally supportive."
The doctoral students attending the institute with Feeg included directors and administrators from such New York area hospitals as New York Presbyterian Morgan, Stanley Children's Hospital, and St. John's Episcopal Hospital, and nursing educators from Nassau Community College and Molloy.
The collaboration was so successful that the institute is seeking more opportunities to partner with colleges and universities. "They were our first formal cohort," says Jan Boyd, assistant dean of Academic Outreach at Mason's College of Health and Human Services. "It is a model we are trying to replicate this year with other institutions."
The institute also offers credit for the work in a number of ways. In addition to earning CEUs for attending, participants can also earn 3 graduate credits in HAP 605 Health Policy or HAP 748 Health Policy Leadership.
"The programs [at other universities] are adjusting their policy requirements so students can take the courses," says Boyd.
Word-of-mouth advertising has always worked for the institute. Many former participants recommend the institute to fellow students or colleagues.
Feeg taught at Mason for 25 years before leaving to expand her career. "I had a terrific opportunity as the Institute of Medicine Nurse Scholar in Residence to spend a year up close to national policy analysts, researchers and leaders," she says of her time before Molloy and after Mason. Now, she is looking to provide such transformative opportunities for her own students.
"Their personal growth from the experience was evident, as was their profound understanding of the dynamics of our democracy," says Feeg of her students. "Their days on Capitol Hill were surpassed only by their face-to-face experiences in conversations with legislators."
"My experience was phenomenal and gave me a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes reality of the American health care system and its challenges," says psychiatric nurse practitioner Marcia D. Williams, a member of the Molloy PhD cohort. "This has served to solidify the lessons learned in the classroom — I truly enjoyed the lobbying experience."
Feeg says, "The WHPI will be part of our PhD program plans each summer in the future."
This year's institute takes place June 2-7, 2013. Visit hpi.gmu.edu for more information.
Write to Robin Herron at email@example.com
- News by topic


text: Got a pair of Webers for Ural. I have been wanting to get a set of downdrafts for it. The float bowls sit under the gas tank and the manifolds are curved in so theres no leg interference . Now I just need to make some really neat stacks & figure out cable mounts.


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|Boone Celebrates Doc Watson with Friday Concert
|Written by Jones House Press Release
|Tuesday, 12 June 2012 05:48
The Town of Boone will host a Celebration of Doc Watson with Stephen Gallagher and Friends, Charles Welch, and The Kruger Brothers on Friday, June 15, at the Jones House Community Center in downtown Boone, starting at 5:00 p.m. The concert, which has been planned
for months, makes a second annual celebration of Doc. Last year's concert dedicated the statue, and this year's concert will provide the town and community an opportunity to collectively celebrate Doc with free music in downtown Boone. The Kruger Brothers came to western North Carolina from Switzerland in large part because of Doc Watson. The banjo-guitar-bass trio came to Wilkes County to perform at Merlefest, and within a few years, they here permanently. The trio has become a fixture in the traditional and acoustic music community frequently played on stage beside Doc. The same can be said for Charles Welch while Stephen Gallagher, the grandson of J.W. Gallagher who built one of Doc's most-played guitars, will bring a trio of musicians to start the concert at 5:00 p.m. The FREE concert is part of the Concerts at the Jones House series, which takes place every Friday at 5:00 p.m. at the Jones House, at 604 W. King St.
Photo courtesy Kruger Brothers website
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Version 2.4 of the ArduCopter code is now available in the AP Mission Planner and in the downloads area. Although not as big a change as the 2.3 release, it still includes a respectable number of enhancements and bug fixes.
Bug fixes:
The default PIDs are optimized for a 3DR/Jdrones quad with 850 motors and 10" props. If you're using more powerful motors/props, start by turning down Rate Roll P in 25% steps.
Thanks go to the numerous contributors including users and their detailed bug reports, developers and testers. Hopefully all together this will add up to a nice smooth release!
As per usual, please post your comments, issues in this discussion. For enhancement requests for future versions, feel free to add them to the issues list. Note: you can "star" an issue to receive emails when someone comments on the item. On the dev side it helps us because we can get an idea as to which feature requests are the most popular by sorting by the number of people how have starred each issue.
Views: 63242
Any chance you have your logs and could put them here? I don't know of any reason why it would do that.
Sorry, no logs. I was running default PIDs on a wildly different setup, it wobbled a lot. When I tried landing it in alt_mode, it hit ground with one landing gear first and then just came wildly forward - I tried flipping to switch for stabilize but it was too late to do anything. Maybe it just overcompensated for the ground hit and tilt...
I was just wondering if anybody is landing in ALT HOLD - if it's supposed to work I can try it again (on soft grass this time :)) and find out what went wrong...
The manual is very clear about this. You can't manualy land in auto modes. This is what it says six times in the manual, including in Alt Hold
"Note: You cannot land and turn off the motors in this mode, since the throttle stick now controls the altitude, not the motors directly. Switch to Stabilize Mode to land and disable the motors."
Yeah, I knew I won't be able to disarm, but it should still be possible to land. It was really a violent reaction, so instead of Note there should be a nice bold WARNING :)
You'd like me to go through the manual and change all the "Note:"s to "Warning:"s?
Ignoring the manual (you know what I'm like, I'll try anything once ;)), I've landed a dozen times in alt-hold. No probs but i have been gentle and flicked straight back to stab.
If you check out my last vid in the 2.3 thread you will see when i did a fast decent in stab its fine, but a fast decent using alt-hold does cause some oscillations. I've just put this down to tuning, just not had time, or even the inclination to tune it out cause of this rain :(
But other than fine adjustments in altitude why would we want to climb, decent or land in alt-hold mode anyway... it's there to hold altitude.
Well, I think the issue is touching the ground in auto mode, not landing necessarily. It's certainly possible to touch the ground in auto mode.
That being said, I might guess that the real problem here is that Jan's tuning values are too high. The quad saw the attitude change when the gear touched the ground and it over-reacted. So it's not really a bug as much as it is a "corner condition" that would be pretty difficult to fix.
Yeah, that's entirely possible. I'm just trying to hint a workaround so nobody gets hurt. How about making it impossible to land then? = never go under certain attitude (like 30cm - configurable)
2.4 is working really well. Flight from yesterday below:
This is a nice video! considered entering the dealer challenge?


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Posted December 27, 2012 on AP on Fox
While missing Carmelo Anthony and Raymond Felton did not hurt the New York Knicks their last time out, not having DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans certainly had a negative effect on the Sacramento Kings. It's unclear who will be on the court for either team heading into Friday night's matchup in Sacramento. New York (21-8) won 99-97 at Phoenix on Wednesday as Anthony and Felton sat out. Anthony, who leads the Eastern Conference with 28.5 points per game, hyperextended his knee in Tuesday's 100-94 defeat to the Lakers and Felton fractured a finger. While Anthony's status for Friday is uncertain though his injury is not believed to be serious, Felton could be out for an extended period of time. Replacing them in the lineup Wednesday were Ronnie Brewer - he came off the bench Tuesday after starting the previous 27 games - and James White, who got his first start of the season. "Key guys get banged up here and there and we have enough guys on our team that guys just got to step up ...
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Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals
Welcome to the Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals
Are you interested in a challenging but rewarding career in the legal field? Do you enjoy a fast paced work environment that employs organization skills, critical thinking and problem solving? These are some of the qualities that our members bring to their job in law firms, corporate offices, court houses, law enforcement, and at all levels of government. We are proud of our profession and the contribution we bring to the legal community as well as our contribution to access to justice.
The Association was originally formed in 1981 to provide recognition for Legal Assistants who wanted to
be accredited for the independent work they performed. In the modern law office, Legal Assistants provide an administrative support role while paralegals (senior legal assistants who have advanced through education and experience) assist the lawyer in performing legal services.
Our modern Association consists of both Legal Assistants and Paralegals.
Our Mission
The objectives and goals of AAPP are to provide and maintain an organization for Legal Assistants and Paralegals to promote professional unity, mutual assistance and ongoing educational opportunities. Our mission is to become recognized for the work that Legal Assistants and Paralegals do and the knowledge that they have.
Providing assistance and support for Alberta's Paralegals


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Know before you go! Check out our Wait Times and Webcams.
Dealer Duplicate Titles
Dealers may request duplicate titles on behalf of customers by providing the following documentation (Fee applies):
- Certificate of Title / Temporary Tag Application [PDF]
- Copy of customer's driver license or non-driver identification card
- Vehicle Power of Attorney Form [PDF]
Contact TTY:


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Win The Squad Poster And DVD
Win a cool poster and a copy of the film on DVD.
To celebrate 18th June UK DVD release of The Squad (Momentum Pictures) we are offering one winner the chance to win a limited edition, exclusively designed quad poster and a copy of The Squad on DVD. One runner-up will also win a copy of the DVD.
Bloody horror and nail-biting tension combine in this chillingly atmospheric story of a group of elite soldiers sent to a remote bunker to investigate the circumstances surrounding a mysterious communications breakdown with a fellow unit. With excellent direction from first-time director Jaime Osorio Marquez, The Squad's part psychological thriller and part full-blown horror genre will send faint-hearted viewers running screaming to the hills.
The Squad (Momentum Pictures) is available to download and on DVD from 18th June 2012.
Entries must be received by Saturday the 23rd June, and winners will be selected at random. Good Luck!
The Squad on Amazon


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Hi guys and gals I'm new :)
I've started slimming world with a target of 3 stone to lose maybe 3 1/2 (see how it goes)
Looking for friends in the same boat as me for support :)
Happy new year xxxxx
Printable View
Hi guys and gals I'm new :)
I've started slimming world with a target of 3 stone to lose maybe 3 1/2 (see how it goes)
Looking for friends in the same boat as me for support :)
Happy new year xxxxx
Hi im new to site too Im doing sw at home was meant to start group lastnight but chickened out :( First week not been great as went off track at weekend but found this site lastnight so hopefully it will help keep me on track lol Im looking to lose 5 stone.lost 3 and half stone in 2012 with rosemary conley got pregnant & put on nearly 5!! Whoops
Good luck hunny xxxxx
Thought I'd pop in, I'm new also this is my second week and I have 7st to lose, it's my weigh day on Monday (very nervous!!!) I have problems though because
I am a vegetarian and on slimming world..so I have to follow the green plan and I keep running out of ideas, so on we go !!
Good luck in your journey x
Hi all! I'm new too...looking forward to getting to know you all. Best of luck with this week's weigh in!
Kash xxx
I'm so nervous about weigh in this week. I'm on a lot of meds so I'm never going to have outstanding results but I hope I've lost something lol xxx
Good luck with your weightloss journey xxx
new too...used to be really fit & healthy...new job, no exercise, eating out and general laziness means i've now got 3.5st to lose!
Great site, love to hear from anybody else in same boat..
Good luck babes xx
I'm so scared about my weigh I tomorrow , I went to my daughters and had a cheese flan, hopefully I'm ok but I will be putting it on here tomorrow :-)
I'm sure the scales will be nice to you xx
Last time I was on sw. Id been good all week.. then went to a friends one evening had a shed load of larger and ordered a kebab.. think it worked out at 75 syns I was so guilty untill weigh in but I still lost 4lb ;)
Please let us know xxx
Thanx ever so much for the support only time will tell !!!
Do you do a lot of exercise on your plan ?? Xx
Personally I don't do any. I have physical health issues :( so apart from a few physio approved stretches I can't do anything x (which sucks) xxx
I'm so sorry I didn't realise, but every little bit helps ... Hope you feel better soon, so well done once again you are an inspiration to us all.
awww, hun thats a lovely thing to say x
did you weigh in tonight? how did it go? xx


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The Embassy of Lebanon's Summer 2015 Office hours
Jul 01 2015
It gives me great honor to serve as Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States. Having occupied previous diplomatic posts in this great country, this prestigious assignment is very meaningful to me personally.
Based on a great degree of shared values and on a long history of cooperation and friendship, the relationship between Lebanon and the United States has been very close. The Americans of Lebanese descent have contributed immensely in strengthening these ties by actively participating in all aspects of American life, thus promoting the mutual interests of our two great nations.
Lebanon and its brave army who acted heroically in the face of terrorism share the same human and civic values as the United States that are based on fighting extremism, rejecting fanaticism and sectarianism and protecting democracy, human rights, the freedom of expression, and public liberties.
My country has faced many years of turmoil and suffering, which I don't believe to be justified. The Lebanese people have again demonstrated their undying commitment to independence and sovereignty. They have also shown their adherence to the principles of democracy by demonstrating their consensus, moderation, and diversity. After a long awaited election, the Lebanese elected their new President-General Michel Sleiman-whom I am honored to represent.
As a democratically elected president whose mandate is anchored in strong consensus, President Sleiman has demonstrated his commitment to defend the interests of Lebanon, to maintain its sovereignty, and to achieve political, economic, and administrative reforms.
The government of Lebanon realizes that the support of the international community is paramount to achieving these goals and it has shown that it will exert all efforts to implement the Paris III provisions. The United States has been instrumental and generous towards this end, and its support comes in full harmony with our willingness and efforts to rebuild Lebanon. This support, along with American financial and economic assistance, is important in helping us achieve our goal of a prosperous and stable Lebanon. However, Lebanon believes that sustainable prosperity and stability can only be attained if and when Israel withdraws from the occupied Shebaa Farms, ceases its violation of Lebanese waters and air space, cooperates fully with the United Nations to help clear the mines and cluster bombs it dropped on our land, and fully implements United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Lebanon looks forward to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East as expressed in the Beirut-Arab Peace initiative of 2002 which addressed the needs of all parties involved. In this regard, Lebanon remains committed to the charter of the United Nations and our observance to all its resolutions are due to our firm commitment to the International Law based on the principles of justice and right.
While serving as Ambassador I intend to make our Embassy in Washington and consulates in New York, Detroit, and Los Angeles a home away from home. All channels of communication will be open to the Lebanese living in the United States, to the Americans, and to all our friends.
President Michel Sleiman, the Lebanese Government and people aspire to strengthen the existing ties between our two countries and look forward to developing the historical relationship between the United States and Lebanon. During my tenure as Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States, I shall spare no effort to achieve these goals.
—Antoine Chedid
Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States of America


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Winds of expansion could blow in locally
Expansions in local wind energy operations could blow in more jobs to the Abilene area.
Anywhere from eight to 12 skilled workers will be needed soon, as executives of Run Energy have just finalized a long-term, multiyear contract with an undisclosed energy company to maintain 315 turbines on three wind farms. As operations progress, even more positions will need to be filled, said Brad Gryder, vice president of business development for Run Energy.
Run Energy, which moved its headquarters from Houston to Abilene almost two years ago, provides operations and maintenance services, including post and in-warranty inspections of wind turbines. The company also has operations in Australia and the United Kingdom.
"The addition of 460 MW now brings Run Energy to a total of 930 MW in long-term service contracts in the U.S.," Gryder wrote in a recent news release.
Run Energy isn't the only wind-related business with an eye for local expansion.
Broadwind Energy Inc. is still gearing up with its plans of expanding operations in the area with a wind turbine gear box refurbishment facility.
The Illinois-based wind energy company released its first-quarter earnings on Friday and reported a $14.1 million net loss for the first part of this year on revenue totaling $22.2 million. The report cited the negative earnings and then blamed the loss on poor economic conditions as funds weren't readily available for wind-related projects from the last of 2008 through the first part of 2009. However, the company did predict a rebound as projects funded by the Recovery Act were now coming into play.
To prove darker days were behind them, the company also reported that 25 percent of its workforce had either been called back or rehired.
John Segvich spokesman for Broadwind refused to speculate on how many of those layoffs occurred in Abilene or whether any of the rehires were reinstated at the company's local facilities.
The company also revealed its plans to expand its operations in Abilene with a turbine gear box refurbishing operation. Broadwind already has a wind tower manufacturing operation, as well as a technical engineering service.
When asked how many employees would be hired for the facility, Segvich said it was still too early to call and would only say that the facility was of great importance to the Broadwind and that a target had been set for operations to begin toward the end of 2010.
"It's a project that is still in the works," he said.
In a written response, Richard Burdine, assistant city manager for economic development, stated that he had met with executives of Broadwind at the company's headquarters in Naperville, Ill. He reported that talks were positive and that officials involved were in the final stages of crunching some estimates on job creation and capital investment.
"Once we have those estimates," Burdine wrote. "I will ask the DCOA Board to consider assistance consistent with our established incentive guidelines. The board members have not yet had an opportunity to meet and evaluate the project, so any further comment at this time would be speculation."
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Finding The Balance. ~ Melinda Matthews
The ego-less, spiritual yogini…with super cute earrings.
by lmpicard
Yoga people, at least those who can afford to attend yoga conferences, tend to be toned, tight and taut, bedecked in flattering outfits that emphasize their toned tight tautness to perfection (and yes, I can be an alliterate fool). Much as I tried to remain indifferent to the physical beauty surrounding me when I volunteered at a recent conference, twinges of body envy smacked my ego around a bit.
I attempted to overcompensate, somewhat, by purchasing my own cute yoga outfit, one that provides the illusion of lithe leanness: a strappy purple camisole top emblazoned with the crown chakra symbol and well-fitting black pants (finally!) sporting a tie-dyed, earth-friendly peace symbol on the left ankle. My consumer-greedy self has been kicking my frugal self ever since for not snapping up a few more outfits: the $10 top usually retails for $40; the $25 pants sell for $75. But even though the prices were exceptionally reasonable, did I really need more?
Conferences such as these confuse my senses, marrying crass consumerism to spiritual soul-searching. I fall victim and prey to both: I want both, I desire both. Who wouldn't covet the cute organic tie-dyed yoga bag, the extra-sticky, ultra-cushiony mat, the perfect lightweight block? And the jewelry…good gosh, I go weak-kneed bananas over yoga jewelry (and here I confess again, slightly shamefacedly: I also bought a pair of brushed golden Ganesh earrings, light, luscious and lovely, because goodness knows, I could use a little obstacle-removal in my life).
But deeper in my soul, I yearn for serenity, peace, joy, the higher plane, renunciation of all unnecessary material possessions. And so, excitement over my gleeful material purchases receded as I ferreted out a bounty of workshops and classes that moved me, taught me, inspired me. I emerged from the conference mentally engaged and physically exhausted: my inner fire was awakened through Rod Stryker's challenging poses (can you say…peacock face plant?); my unformed ideas were sharpened and clarified through Dhamra Mittra's gently humorous teachings; my hips relaxed and opened so much in Rodney and Colleen Yee's class that by the end, my foot easily slipped behind my head…and that's just for starters.
For many years, I've sought to integrate my spiritual growth into my everyday life, to create my perfect "rajasic" (intense, fiery, passionate) practice. Naturally, I aspire to be the best yogini ever (which I realize in itself is a product of ego), but I cannot seem to renounce the pleasures of the flesh. Wait. That's not entirely true. I don't want to forsake my earthly delights, from flavor-rich foods to scalding hot showers to passionate sex to really, really cute earrings.
A few weeks ago, in our teacher training morning session, we discussed methods of reaching higher, taking ourselves further toward samadhi (bliss). The path to samadhi is smoothed through certain physical actions, such as eating bland foods or taking brief lukewarm-to-cold showers, so as not to diminish or disturb the aura.
I listened, I absorbed, I believed.
But then, during the lunch break, I sneaked across the street, purchasing a fabulous spicy tuna roll with extra wasabi and pickled ginger. I devoured my meal, thoroughly enjoying the dancing tingles on my tongue, but…I also remained hidden, eating solo, feeling just a bit uneasy. Later that evening, sore from the long day of postures and sitting, I stood in a steamy shower for an obscenely long time, notching the dial higher and hotter instead of lower and cooler.
I wondered: Why am I deliberately fighting against the lessons I just learned?
I have no answers…yet.
But at least I've come to accept that I will never be the perfect yogini; heck, I may never even be a competent one. I will always and forever be the "me" yogini: the one who carries good intentions in a full and well-meaning heart, but also the one who can't resist a deliciously fiery meal or a bubbling hot tub, the hotter the better, preferably enjoyed under the stars with a beloved one.
Alone, I am, for the most part, free from ego and the material concerns that accompany it. I tend to practice my solo sun salutations wearing nothing but my wide-open heart, body free and exposed to the warmth and air, caring not one whit about my outer appearance, focusing instead on my inner one.
Yes, on the inside—where it matters most (to me)—my personal practice and my meditations strip away pretenses and material desires, sometimes (rarely) carrying me to a place outside my physical self, where my soul unfolds, opening to the heavens and to infinity. At these magical times, I reach deep into my core, searching for my true spirit, and there I stoke my inner radiance, my agni (fire), my light, often clumsily, but with pure intentions. And while I may never ascend to the highest heights, the lessons learned slowly edge me ever closer, propelling me toward a place where transcendence intersects with buttercream-frosted cake, forming my own unique, personal and perfect version of samadhi.
And so, somewhere within, I will find my balance. I will find my bliss.
Melinda Matthews lives in sunny South Florida, where she eschews the norm and spends very little time on the beach. Instead, she's an obsessive blogger; devoted yogini; cat fancier on the brink of becoming crazy cat lady (#3 just adopted); urban planning geek; food-a-holic (ply her with coffee, chocolate or anything spicy); arts enthusiast; loyal friend; caramel macchiato addict; Korean adoptee; lucky mom to the three greatest kids ever! She's just become a neophyte yoga-teacher-in-training, embarking on a path both illuminating and frightening. The yoga world may never recover…and neither may she.
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27 Responses to "Finding The Balance. ~ Melinda Matthews"
Simply awesome… Thank you…
Thank you, Sarah.
It gets really good once you get old, sick and see how silly this all was. Best on your journey.
Thank you. I get the impression you've been on quite a journey yourself, Sandy. Best to you, too.
Nicely done, Melinda. You may be the wise one after all.
Thank you, my friend. Not wise, just blessed with good people in my life!
You sneaking off to get your tuna roll with wasabi reminds me of the time an acquaintance said, horrified, "you're a yoga teacher and you're eating Doritos?" From her facial expression and tone of voice, it sounded like I was an escaped axe murderer! We take from yoga what makes sense and is meaningful to us, and leave the rest for another day. I enjoyed your article. Balance and putting things in the proper perspective is harder than the poses. Namaste.
So, then, I refuse to feel guilty about eating those pancakes smothered in maple syrup! Seriously, though, as I delve deeper into my practice, I'm discovering that executing poses perfectly is mattering less and finding inner spirituality is mattering more. Perhaps, as Sandy said, it also has something to do with getting older..and hopefully wiser. (P.S.: Laurie…I like Doritos, too!)
This is the kind of person I would love as a teacher. Someone I can identity with but really learn from.
Maybe one day we'll meet in a class! I'd love it. We can share cake afterwards…
Great post, and I can't believe I found you on here, i follow another blog here, and happened to click on yoga topics and there you were, right up top.
I volunteered with you on Thursday for the Yoga for Vets class I think was when we got to talk…it was such a blur…that week! I had the store by where you are now taking your teacher training, in the Gateway Plaza. Keep in touch and keep writing!
OMG, of course I remember you! That week was indeed a glorious blur, but I really enjoyed sharing door monitoring with you. I can't believe you found me here either. I think you have my email, right? Or find me on Facebook…definitely let's stay in touch, at any rate.
Love this post. Thanks for the sincerity. Can't wait to hear more from you, Melinda. ~Angela R.
I'm sure I'll be submitting more posts, Angela. Thanks for your support and taking a chance on me.
i make a point to teach yoga in sweat pants and a non-yoga related t-shirt. this is also the ego…
the more peaceful we are the less we need the yoga bling; it will become natural that we buy less or need less as peace grows…and maybe until we are there it's natural to enjoy being cute. maybe it's all natural and OK! let's chant…i am not this mind, i am not this body, i am not my cute be present pants!
Hey, now, I drew the line at the Be Present pants, even though they were selling for "only" $20! I did, however, take a free button which I keep pinned to my bag because I love the message. But all flippancy aside, I agree that material wants (not needs) matter less as we find inner peace. And I also realize that being the anti-cute yogini is a different product of ego, but ego still the same. So, yes, let's chant away!
Dear Melina, I enjoyed your article and it is refreshing to see your soul searching. I hope you don't mind though if I tell you that it is ok to enjoy life–part of the goodness of life is material and physical. There are many paths to blessedness and if someone finds joy and peace and happiness by eating bland food and denying physical pleasure, that's great. But if you enjoy a spicy tuna roll and a hot shower then enjoy it guilt free. There are spiritual pitfalls no matter what you do as the kind of extreme asceticism recommended by the workshop you mention can lead to a different kind of egoism. It sounds like you are a good yogi and a good person and you deserve to enjoy life!
I don't mind at all, Alan! Deep down, despite my agonizing, I believe this, too. I don't believe we were put on this earth to deny ourselves the bounty and pleasures laid out before us. I AM trying to pull myself away from material desires, but as for the rest…life is too short, sweet and wonderful not to partake!
Great article. Balance is key. That includes the good and the bad.
Thank you, Martha. Time to do tree pose.
Typo alert! What's an indugle? Is that okay, too? 😀
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