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Granite City, IL (KSDK) - A 34-year-old Granite City man convicted of sexually assaulting an O'Fallon woman in a violent attack at Horseshoe Lake in May 2008 had his sentenced reduced Tuesday.
Keith Recklein was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault one count of aggravated battery and sentenced to 50 years in prison in April 2010.
According to Stephanee Smith, a spokeswoman for the Madison County State's Attorney's Office, a judge reduced that sentence to 15 years, saying prosecutors failed to prove that a sexual assault occurred. The aggravated sexual assault charge was reduced to attempted aggravated sexual assault, leading to the reduction in sentence.
During the trial, prosecutors said Keith Recklein lured his victim to Horseshoe Lake State Park in May 2008 to sexually assault her.
Recklein was convicted in October 2009 and received 25 years for each count of sexual assault and five years for the battery charge. However, the judge sentenced Recklein to serve that third charge concurrently with the others, meaning he would be in prison for 50 years instead of 55.
During the trial, prosecutors said Recklein stole a phone from a man he was drinking with that night. The man was a friend of the victim. Recklein then called the victim and told her that her friend was drunk and she needed to pick him up at the park. The friend was not at the park.
Investigators said Recklein's DNA was found in the victim's underwear.
Recklein's attorney had argued that the evidence presented did not prove his client raped the victim and that it was all circumstantial.
The victim was discovered on the morning on May 1, 2008 by an employee of Horseshoe Lake State Park. The employee saw an unoccupied vehicle parked near the main entrance gate when he arrived for work. When that man pulled into the park driveway, he spotted a person laying on the ground curled up in the fetal position.
The park employee said the victim's eyes and mouth were swollen and she could not speak. The victim's purse, containining $140, was nearby, as well as a tampon that had been used by the victim. The park employee called 911, got a sheet to cover the victim, and stayed with her until police arrived.
The victim was airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital and doctors reported she suffered a cerebral contusion (bleeding in the brain), facial fractures and rib fractures. Doctors administered a rape kit to the victim.
When the victim had recovered enough to talk 11 days later, she told authorities the last thing she remembered was being put in a headlock by her attacker and being lowered to the ground. She had attempted to use self-defense moves to loose her attacker's grip around her neck and asked him why he was doing this to her.
Keith Recklein was questioned on more than one occasion over the course of the months-long investigation. Recklein initially denied ever meeting or knowing the victim, but after being confronted in October 2008 that his DNA was found on the victim's underwear, told police his version of events.
Recklein said the man whose cell phone he took was a friend of his. That man had been with Recklein at the bar earlier in the evening and had talked on the phone with the victim about meeting up at Horseshoe Lake State Park. But because the man had gotten drunk and was being driven home by a bar employee, Recklein said he went to the park to tell the victim her friend was not coming out to meet her.
Recklein claimed after meeting the victim and telling her that her friend would not be coming out that he "blacked out." He told police that he woke up later moring sometime around 2 a.m. and could not remember what had happened. Recklein admitted to meeting the victim several weeks later, recognizing her, and realized what he'd done.
Investigators said when they suggested Recklein raped the victim, he denied doing so, but said if authorities had his DNA then he must have done something, but did not remember it.


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Featherwinds Lodging, Leavenworth, WA. Our Leavenworth lodging and weddings feature: Featherwinds Bed and Breakfast Guest Inn, Cabins, Lodges, Vacation Rental Homes. We offer lodging for singles, couples and groups; catering for our special events; weddings, anniversaries, retreats, and retirement parties. Featherwinds is located outside the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, WA in the Upper Valley, Lake Wenatchee Fish Lake Recreation Area. The staff, here at Featherwinds, is able to serve your needs and we delight in the opportunity to do so.
WIFI is now available at our Bed and Breakfast Guest Inn, The Country Cottage, and The Garden Guest Lodge. This is a free service provided for our guests lodged at one of these three facilities. Connection speeds are just as fast as in Leavenworth.
~ Featherwinds Lodging, Upper Valley Leavenworth Washington ~
Featherwinds Lodging offers you a wonderful and relaxing get-away with your choice of accommodations. We have three wonderfully appointed homes spread across 7.5 acres. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing, romantic get-away for two or if you're gathering a large group, Featherwinds Lodging is pleased to offer you spacious accommodations for your Leavenworth lodging, Leavenworth destination wedding, and Leavenworth events.
Featherwinds hosts The Bed and Breakfast Guest Inn. Providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere with large open conversation area. Your stay also includes a full, hot breakfast each morning and evening dessert. Each room is furnished with television, VCR, private bath, in-room two person jetted spa tub and king size beds. Free WIFI is also available at the Bed and Breakfast Guest Inn.
Our cabins and lodges have spacious and open floor plans and have plenty of room for parking and outdoor activities. The cabins and lodges are fully appointed vacation rental homes with all the amenities including appliances, linens and outdoor hot tubs. For guests of our Country Cottage, this rental home also features a custom outdoor pool open from mid-June through mid-September (depending on weather). The Country Cottage and The Garden Guest Lodge offer free WIFI.
Featherwinds has been providing weddings, receptions and retreat services for over 20 years. We are the ideal location for indoor or outdoor weddings. We are available for destination weddings or day use weddings. We offer many on-site services to assist in making your wedding day a dream come true. Featherwinds offers: wedding planners, event coordinators, catering, floral, lodging and many other services.
Located on the scenic loop outside of Leavenworth, the Bavarian Village of Washington State, we are nestled in the beautiful, fun filled Lake Wenatchee Recreation Area. On the east slope of the Cascade Mountains, about 14 miles from downtown Leavenworth, your get away is sure to be peaceful and relaxing. Enjoy the sights and sounds; experience the Upper Valley of Leavenworth. Go horseback riding, river rafting, enjoy a spectacular day hike, visit Fish Lake for wonderful fishing, play a round of golf or go bird watching. Winter time sports include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hit the slopes at Stevens Pass just 30 minutes away, or snow shoeing. The options are truly endless when you visit Leavenworth Washington's Upper Valley. Enjoy your day in Leavenworth; then retreat to Featherwinds to spoil yourself.
Featherwinds romantic stays, elegant weddings and receptions. "Where memories are made and life is celebrated"™

subset: commoncrawl


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The Power of Independent Thinking
Lawrence McQuillan Discusses the Public-Pension Crisis in the US
Recorded: Friday, May 29, 2015
Senior Fellow Lawrence McQuillan, author of California Dreaming appears on Newsmax TV to discuss the financial crisis facing many cities and states in the US: the fact that public-pensions are grossly underfunded and taxpayers can be left holding the bag. McQuillan talks about how to resolve this pending, man-made crisis in America.
Experts: Lawrence J. McQuillanType: TelevisionIssues: Bureaucracy and Government, Fiscal Policy/Debt, Government Waste/Pork, Labor and Employment
John R. Graham: Shouldn't Healthcare Be Fair?
Recorded: Monday, November 3, 2014
Independent Institute Senior Fellow John R. Graham proposes a major change to Obamacare that would allow a level playing field for everyone.
To purchase copies of John C. Goodman's book "Priceless: Curing the Healthcare Crisis," click here or call Toll Free 1-800-297-8733.
Experts: John R. GrahamType: TelevisionIssues: Bureaucracy and Government, Free Market Economics, Government Power, Government Waste/Pork, Health Care, History (U.S), Labor and Employment, Regulation and Deregulation
Ivan Eland on Ranking US Presidents
Recorded: Sunday, October 26, 2014
Ivan Eland, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, appears on Fox & Friends to discuss his updated version of "Recarving Rushmore."
To order copies of "Recarving Rushmore: Ranking the Presidents on Peace, Prosperity, and Liberty," click here.
Experts: Ivan ElandType: TelevisionIssues: Bureaucracy and Government, Civil Liberties/ Human Rights, Culture/ Society, Defense and Foreign Policy, Democracy, Diplomacy and Foreign Aid, Fiscal Policy/Debt, Freedom, Government Power, Government Secrecy, Government Waste/Pork, History (U.S), Nationalism, Political Ideology and Philosophy, Politics, Regulation and Deregulation, Terrorism and National Crises, Trade
Robert Higgs Discusses Crisis and Leviathan
Recorded: Friday, March 28, 2014
Robert Higgs discusses his book 'Crisis and Leviathan: Critical Episodes in the Growth of American Government' at the Ludwig von Mises Institute.
Experts: Robert HiggsType: TelevisionIssues: Bureaucracy and Government, Economic Policy, Free Market Economics, Government Waste/Pork, History (U.S), Political Ideology and Philosophy
Maura McEnaney on Willard Garvey at Wichita Rotary Club
Recorded: Monday, October 28, 2013
Maura McEnaney, author of Willard Garvey: An Epic Life, speaks before the Rotary Club of Wichita on October 28, 2013, about her new book published by The Independent Institute's LibertyTree Press.
Experts: Maura McEnaneyType: TelevisionIssues: Business, Culture/ Society, Economic Policy, Entertainment, Family, Government Waste/Pork, Housing, Privatization, Trade
John C. Goodman at P.A.U.L. Festival 2012
Recorded: Friday, August 24, 2012
Independent Institute Research Fellow John C. Goodman addresses P.A.U.L. Festival 2012 on The Free-Market Alternative to Obamacare.
Type: TelevisionIssues: Bureaucracy and Government, Economic Policy, Free Market Economics, Government Waste/Pork, Health Care, Politics, Privatization, Public Health/ Consumer Protection, Regulation and Deregulation, Taxes
Ben Powell on Government Consumer Safety Videos & Media Piracy Enforcement
Recorded: Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Benjamin Powell engages with Tracy Byrnes on Fox Business Networks Freedom Watch on Government consumer safety videos and
the enforcement of media piracy laws.
Experts: Benjamin W. PowellType: TelevisionIssues: Business, Culture/ Society, Entertainment, Government Waste/Pork, Public Health/ Consumer Protection, Regulation and Deregulation
Benjamin Powell on Federal Fiscal Irresponsibility
Recorded: Friday, September 23, 2011
Benjamin Powell, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, speaks on Fox Business Networks Freedom Watch on irresponsible government spending on dead retirees & Hostess Twinkies.
Experts: Benjamin W. PowellType: TelevisionIssues: Fiscal Policy/Debt, Government Waste/Pork, Taxes


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Most of the new Maine laws passed in the last legislative session have already taken effect. But important tweaks to laws governing workers' compensation, independent contractors - and how painkillers and drug treatment are covered under MaineCare - take effect at midnight tonight. Jay Field has an overview of the changes and what they'll mean in the new year.
One of the changes in state law for the new year will affect MaineCare recipients who need refills for certain painkillers. The way it works now is pretty simple: Let's say a doctor decides to treat a patient for a sprained knee with synthetic opiates.
"Their doctor will write a script for whatever medication it is, whether it's Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin," says Gordon Smith, executive vice president of the Maine Medical Association. And, says Smith, that patient can get refills after several weeks if the pain is still acute without any restrictions.
But Smith says that will change at midnight. The new rules allow Maine Care patients with acute pain a 15-day supply of opiates. To get the prescription renewed, Smith says the physician must get prior authorization from the state, showing that ongoing treatment with pain pills is medically necessary.
Why the new restriction? "Anybody would have to be living in a cave the last 10 years not to understand that we have an epidemic of prescription drug abuse. This proposal is one reaction to that," Smith ways.
Our patient will be able to get two renewals authorized. If they need more treatment, they become a chronic pain patient. Smith says MaineCare recipients in this category also face new restrictions.
"Their days are going to start getting counted tomorrow. And their doctors are going to have to put into place a treatment plan that will show that they've tried some alternatives to opiates, so that some of these folks begin to be tapered off the medication or get into treatment facilites, if they're addicted," Smith says.
And MaineCare patients who are already struggling with addiction to opiates, face a new, two-year limit on methadone treatment in 2013. Opponents of the new restriction fear it will lead to more relapses and an increase in crime. Supporters argue it will save the state money at a time when it's shelling out millions every year on methadone treatment.
Midnight will also bring key changes to laws covering workers' compensation in Maine' and who does, and does not, qualify as an independent contractor.
Up until now, businesses have been classifying some workers as employees under workers' compensation rules and as an independent contractors under labor laws that govern wages, unemployment compensation and taxes.
"Employers thought they were following the law. And then they would get caught in this Catch-22, owing money," says Julie Rabinowitz, who heads up communications at the Maine Department of Labor. "There's a lot of confusion, and having one standard - that both agencies have agreed to be bound to - should bring a lot of clarity."
2012 saw a major overhaul of Maine's workers' compensation system. Injured employees collecting partial workers' comp still face a limit of 520 weeks of benefits.
But Paul Singhinolfi, head of Maine's Workers' Compensation Board, says the law will now allow extensions "if you have permanent impairment at a certain level, but in addition to that, that you've returned to work and your earning falls below a percentage of your average weekly wage," he says.
Sighinolfi says the change is designed to encourage people to return to work, if they're going to try to collect benefits beyond the 520 week limit. Other changes to the workers' compensation system will give employees less time to notify their employer when they suffer an injury on the job - 30 days instead of 90.


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Elle King's red carpet performance to launch Bafta TV awards
Elle King will kick off the Bafta TV awards with a special red carpet performance.
Elle King will kick off the Bafta TV awards with a special red carpet performance.
Gwen Stefani was hailed a "hero" at the Radio Disney Music Awards as some of the biggest stars in pop were honoured for their work.
Beyonce has knocked Prince off the top of the album chart with Lemonade, preventing the late singer from earning his sixth UK album number one.
Vocal coach CeCe Sammy has been announced as the chair of the UK judging panel for Eurovision 2016.
Indie rockers Kasabian have announced they will perform at Leicester City's King Power Stadium as the team come within touching distance of title glory.
National treasure status is very rarely bestowed upon indie musicians, but then Guy Garvey isn't your typical gauche frontman, graceless and egocentric, spitting at the camera for spitting's sake.
Beyonce drops surprise new album, Lemonade, Katy B returns with Honey featuring several top-flight mates, including Craig David and Major Lazer, while Brian Eno gets experimental on The Ship. Here we round up the best of this week's new releases.
Singer Susan Boyle's "outburst" at Heathrow Airport has been attributed to her Asperger's diagnosis.
Musician Joan Armatrading rocked the Royal Albert Hall as she received her lifetime achievement accolade at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Sir Paul McCartney will be the subject of a special edition of Mastertapes for BBC Radio 4 ahead of the release of a major retrospective collection.
A little-known Northern Ireland musician is set to storm back up the charts - 21 years after his tragic death.
A former member of Prince's backing band The New Power Generation has paid tribute to him with a performance at this year's Jazz FM Awards.
Prince is not thought to have left behind a will following his sudden death, according to court documents filed by the music superstar's sister.
Belsonic will add five more acts, including The Corrs, to their summer festival line-up due to "huge demand".
Boy band McFly are re-forming their original line-up for a reunion tour.
Prince's music has flooded the charts as fans pay tribute to the late music icon.
Five new shows in August have been added in to the Belsonic 2016 line-up.
Adventurer - and Co Down man - Bear Grylls is bringing his survival expertise to Belfast's SSE Arena.
Prince appeared "pale" and "weak" during one of his last public appearances, it has been claimed, amid reports the music superstar stayed awake for 154 hours before his death.
Indie pop band Belle And Sebastian will perform a series of shows at Glasgow's West End Festival (WEF) this year as the event marks its 21st anniversary year.
Prince's "most beloved" friends and family have held a private memorial for the music superstar after his body was cremated.
Prince looks set to claim a double victory in the charts a week after his shock death.
This week music lost another legend.
Prince's body has been cremated in a private family ceremony, according to reports.
Prince overdosed on painkillers days before his death, it has been reported.
Prince has jumped into the Top 10 on the Official Albums Chart despite much of his music being unavailable on streaming services.
A Belfast councillor has called for city hall to be lit purple to celebrate the life of rock star Prince, who has died.
Romania has been expelled from this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
Prince has died at the age of 56 at his home in Minneapolis. Prince was one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
Rock superstar Prince passed away on Thursday.
A post-mortem examination will take place on Friday on the body of pop superstar Prince who died after being found collapsed in a lift at his home in Minnesota.
US rapper Macklemore paid tribute to Prince during his Belfast concert.
This year, not one but two films are being released celebrating the extraordinary life of an infamous American 'artiste'. Last month, a French drama called Marguerite opened here, telling the story of a lonely, wealthy woman who is convinced she's a great opera singer.
Prince's shock death at 57 has prompted emotional tributes from his showbiz peers who hailed the performer a "genius".
With a back catalogue running into the hundreds, Prince fans could summon a song to fit any mood.
A rare acetate record of David Bowie's Hunky Dory album with a hand-written label by the singer himself is set for auction.
Police are investigating whether foul play was involved in Prince's death after authorities revealed there was "no reason to believe" he killed himself.
Prince's death brings to an end a recording career that spanned nearly 40 years.
Pop superstar Prince has died at the age of 57 after being found collapsed in a lift at his home in Minnesota.
Prince has died at his Paisley Park recording studio in Minnesota.
The Smiths' Johnny Marr will be releasing his autobiography later this year.
Adele has been named Britain's richest ever female musician - but is one of only three solo women to make it onto a new list of the top 50 wealthiest pop stars in the British Isles.
Little Mix dedicated their performance at Belfast's SSE Arena on Tuesday to a young fan who never got to see his favourite band perform.
After two March concerts in Belfast were cancelled at short notice amid a flood of tears, Little Mix's excited young fans finally got to see the girls take to the stage at the SSE Arena last night.
Phillip Schofield has revealed he still owns the technicolour dreamcoat and loincloth he wore on stage as Joseph more than 20 years ago as he prepares to revive the role for a special short run tour.
Adele's popular tunes are set to be turned into baby-friendly versions.
Ed Sheeran and his protege Jamie Lawson are to go head to head after being nominated in the same category for an Ivor Novello music award.
Little Mix return to Belfast tonight just weeks after the band cancelled two concerts at the last minute.
Rock legend Freddie Mercury had an unusual "growling" singing technique that gave him one of the most distinctive voices in music, research has shown.
The widower of Peaches Geldof has told how writing songs has helped give his life "purpose" following her sudden death at the age of 25 two years ago.
Northern Ireland Assembly Election
Sex and Love
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland Assembly Election


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Whether or not you count yourself among the many that study and delight in the works of Shakespeare, you might find that Joss Whedon's recent interpretation of Much Ado about Nothing is well worth a watch. While the cast speaks in Shakespearean tongue, Whedon and his cast convincingly tell this story as a modern one still worth our attention. The film is beautifully shot in black and white. The contemporary setting (Whedon's family home) and the choice of real-life clothing rather than period costuming support a phenomenal cast who deliver the lines in the cadences of contemporary speech, making the story feel fresh, the plot devices less archaic. I was particularly riveted by Amy Acker's portrayal of the smart, sharp-tongued Beatrice, who is moved to moral outrage at her cousin Hero's undeserved disgrace at the wedding altar, displaying what would have been thought of in Shakespearean times as more "manliness" than any of the men who stood by instead of defending Hero's honor. Her delivery of the famous "O that I were a man" speech gave me chills as she exclaims her frustration at her powerlessness as a woman of her time and her fury that she "cannot be a man with wishing, therefore I will die a woman with grieving." Her performance is done with such conviction, she seems anything but powerless; if anything, she seems heroic (no word play intended). Ultimately, of course, Beatrice embraces the man she'd so adamantly mocked before, having challenged him to become a man worthy of her. While the story is rife with drama, deceit, and what passes for romance, there's plenty of physical humor, with Benedick rolling in the grass outside the windows and Beatrice hiding in the kitchen to overhear conversations undetected, and comedic relief in the delightfully self-important security guards: bumbling tough guys whose swagger is intentionally and plainly laughable. Thanks to one director's interpretation and a talented cast, I've never enjoyed a Shakespearean tale as much as I did this movie. Perhaps you will, too.
Posted by Andrea Siferd at 01/02/2014 04:31:39 PM


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Deep natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico
The Q4000 and the Discoverer Enterprise flare off gas at the site of drilling operations at the Deepwater Horizon response site in the Gulf of Mexico, July 8, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Matthew Belson. Credit: Defense.gov
Natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico
As the United States continues to face increased demand for environmentally safe, clean energy resources, there are increasing calls to look for resources in places that have not been as economic or as attractive in the past. One of these areas is the potential for deep gas on the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf. Credit: NETL
This offshore province has been rigorously explored, especially the shallow-water area. However, sediments located at depths greater than 15,000 feet below sea level (subsea) and in less than 200 meters (656 feet) water depth on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) are relatively unexplored. Only 5 percent of all wells drilled on the OCS have penetrated sediments below 15,000 feet subsea. Yet, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) estimates there could be 5 to 20 Tcf, with the most likely value at 10.5 Tcf of deep gas recoverable resources below this depth. To get at these resources successfully will require some special resources. In order to achieve economic success, deep wells require larger structures (which means higher resources) and there must be the potential for higher flow rates to compensate for higher drilling costs.
The MMS is committed to working with offshore operators to explore and develop the undiscovered, recoverable deep gas resources on the OCS. MMS has already offered incentives in the form of royalty relief on deep gas production from new OCS leases issued in Sale 178 (March 2001), and is considering various options for offering incentives to explore and produce deep gas from OCS blocks that have been leased in previous sales.
New discoveries of deep gas on the OCS offer the best short-term opportunity for achieving the large reserve additions and necessary high flow rates to offset declining gas production, which has been falling since 1997. Recent deep gas discoveries on the OCS have shown these new completions can produce as much 20 to 80 million cubic feet per day (MMcfpd). The abundance of platforms, producing facilities, and pipelines on the shelf will allow new deep gas production to flow quickly to the market to help meet increasing U.S. demand for gas.
Background on U. S. Gas Demand
America's demand for natural gas has shown no sign of slowing. According to forecasts by various organizations, consumption of natural gas in the U.S. is expected to rise from about 22 Tcf in 1999 to more than 30 Tcf in 2015. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the Department of Energy, the Gas Research Institute (GRI), the National Petroleum Council (NPC), and the American Gas Association (AGA) have each forecasted increases in U.S. gas demand in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 percent annually from 1999 through 2015.
The Outer Continental Shelf currently provides 27 percent of U.S. domestic oil production and 15 percent of domestic natural gas production -- most of that from the Gulf of Mexico. The areas under a congressional ban contain an additional 18 billion barrels of oil and 76 trillioncubic feet of natural gas in yet-to-be-discovered fields. Credit: DOI. Natural gas is essentially a North American commodity. This means that, because of the nature of gas, demand must be met by U.S. production and increased imports from nearby areas such as Canada. Smaller volumes can be imported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Production from the Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico supplies about 23 per cent of domestic gas production. According to forecasts for increased gas demand, the Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will have to contribute from 6.5 to 7.5 Tcf of gas production per year by 2015, compared with the estimated 5.0 Tcf currently produced each year.
Natural gas supplies about 24 per cent of total U.S. energy consumption. The various forecasts for increased natural gas consumption are caused primarily by the strong growth in the U.S. economy and a public preference for the cleanest of fuels (natural gas) to produce electric power. Demand will grow in all sectors, including for electric power generation and for industrial, residential, and commercial uses. Almost half the demand growth will come from electric power generation, as electric utilities add gas-fired power generation capability as quickly as possible to meet the growing demand and to replace aging coal and nuclear plants.
Deep Gas Resource Assessment
The MMS estimates that the potential of undiscovered resources for deep gas (more than 15,000 feet below sea level) in the Gulf of Mexico OCS is approximately 5 to 20 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), with the most likely value estimated at 10.5 Tcf. Of this estimated undiscovered resource of 10.5 Tcf, the deep gas potential under existing leases in the OCS is estimated at about 6.3 Tcf, with another 4.2 Tcf to be found under blocks not currently leased. (This last figure does not include blocks leased as a result of Sale 178.)
Deep gas may be found across all areas of the Gulf of Mexico, including the Western, Central, and Eastern Gulf. Maps included in this report show areas of possible deep gas near the shoreline in both the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico. Potential deep gas resources also exist out to the edge of the continental shelf, where some of that potential is located under thick sheets of salt (subsalt).
Deep OCS Drilling and Discoveries
Deeply buried sediments on the OCS are relatively unexplored. Out of 35,000 wells drilled on the OCS, there are only 1,842 wells drilled deeper than 15,000 feet subsea. These deep wells discovered 503 reservoirs below 15,000 feet subsea, having an estimated 10 Tcf of recoverable gas resources. The average discovery size of a deep gas reservoir was about 20 billion cubic feet (Bcf).
Some areas are much more likely to have large deep gas reserves than others. Approximately 2.5 Tcf of the 10 Tcf discovered was found in 24 reservoirs in the highly productive Norphlet trend, with an average discovery size of 105 Bcf per reservoir. In the remaining 479 reservoirs discovered outside of the Norphlet trend area, 7.5 Tcf was found, with an average discovery size of 15.7 Bcf per deep gas reservoir. Most of these reservoirs were uneconomic to drill and produce at the prices of the time, $2 to $3 per million Btu (Mmbtu), but nevertheless were produced, probably to meet long-term gas contracts. Credit: BOEMRE
Most of the large economic discoveries, including the Norphlet trend discoveries, were deep structures drilled in the 1980's using two-dimensional (2-D) seismic data. Although the Norphlet trend is the most prolific deep gas producing area on the OCS, the amount of gas discovered per reservoir has declined and the number of wells drilled to discover each reservoir has increased since the five-year period 1985-1989. Outside the Norphlet trend, there have been 25 wells drilled greater than 20,000 feet on the OCS, with no economic discoveries found at depths greater than 20,000 feet.
Deep Gas Production Expected 2001 to 2006
The main goal of MMS's deep gas initiative is to increase the volume of gas production from the OCS during the period 2001 through 2006. OCS gas production has been declining since 1997. Gas produced from the development of the largest undeveloped Gulf of Mexico deepwater fields, Alaska, and Canada is not expected to contribute significant enough increases in gas production to meet U.S. demand until after 2006. So, the time it takes for new production to come on line is a major reason the MMS is considering granting royalty relief for deep gas production on the OCS.
Thus, the deep gas initiative is designed to slow the rate of decline in OCS gas production through 2006- 2007. For this reason, under terms of the initiative, deep gas production must begin within the initial 5-year primary term, or no later than 2006, in order to receive royalty relief from leases awarded in Sale 178.
High-Rate Wells
New discoveries of deep gas on the OCS offer the best short-term opportunity for production increases to offset declining gas production from the shelf. For example, one deep gas well placed on production in the Western Gulf of Mexico OCS in 1999 produced at more than 65 million cubic feet per day for 32 days before problems with the completion caused the well to be shut in and abandoned. The operator of this high-rate well reported a flow rate of 84 million cubic feet per day. Another deep gas, below-salt discovery in the Central Gulf of Mexico OCS has been producing 80 million cubic feet per day from two combined gas completions this year, according to the operator. There is every reason to be optimistic that new, deep gas discoveries will be made as the result of this initiative. These discoveries will help America meet its need for dependable, clean-burning energy sources.
Logic of Relief Related to Difficult High Pressure-High Temperature (HP/HT) Wells
Royalty suspension volumes for deep gas production are intended to help offset the high cost and high risk associated with drilling deep wells on the OCS. The royalty value of 20 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas at 1/6 royalty and $3.50/MMBtu is approximately $11.7 million. This value represents the low end of the estimated $9- to $23 million it costs to drill a deep well on the OCS. Why are deep gas wells so expensive? Wells drilled greater than 15,000 feet subsea are much more expensive than shallow wells because of high pressure and high temperature conditions. Pressure increases with depth because of the overburden of sediments above and the amount of water trapped within the sediments. Temperature also increases with depth and can be even higher in areas with less salt intrusion into the sediments. The presence of salt has a cooling effect on the surrounding sediments, causing areas with salt intrusion to have lower temperatures. However, drilling around salt presents other problems, such as lost circulation of drilling mud systems, especially during drilling through salt to reach prospective targets. In addition to high pressure and high temperatures, corrosives such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) found with fluids in sediments can significantly increase the cost of drilling deep wells.
Consideration of Deep Gas Royalty Relief for Existing Shelf Leases
Drilling vessel Helix Q4000 at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: USGS. The MMS is considering various options regarding deep gas royalty relief on existing leases in less than 200 meters water depth. Existing shallow water leases provide U.S. consumers and Gulf of Mexico operators the fastest opportunity for producing deep gas because the platforms, production facilities, and pipelines are already installed on the OCS. Any deep gas royalty relief offered for existing leases would probably require the operators to begin production within a specific period. This period could be similar to the primary term (5 years) for new leases.
The Future of GOM Natural Gas
A review of MMS Gulf of Mexico Region proved gas reserve additions by reservoir discovery year and annual gas production shows an ominous declining trend for gas. Annual gas production from Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico has exceeded additions to proved gas reserves every year since 1984, causing a decreasing trend in remaining proved gas reserves. Proved gas reserve additions by reservoir discovery year have declined since the early 1970's. Approximately 78 percent of total gas production from Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico was produced from less than 200 meters water depth in 1999. New discoveries in deepwater may eventually change this downward trend, but deepwater reserves have longer lead times for development, and America needs new gas discoveries as soon as possible.
The MMS is just now at the early stages of developing incentives to produce deep gas from the shallow water of the Gulf of Mexico. These efforts hold the promise to potentially accelerate near-term (pre-2006) gas production for the benefit of the entire Nation.


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Football Sussex Central v. Sussex Tech 6 p.m. Boys Soccer Delmarva Christian @ Worcester Prep (Md.) 4 p.m.
Jimmie Johnson, a 10-time winner at Dover International Speedway, was one of four drivers who were eliminated from Sprint Cup championship contention following Sunday's AAA 400.
Check out Kent County SUNDAY, online here.
Brad Keselowski Racing driver Austin Theriault was transported to University Medical Center in Las Vegas during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Tim Kaeding came from 14th to win the final National Sprint League event of the 2015 season in convincing fashion on Saturday night at I-80 Speedway. The series also crowned its first champion in Danny Lasoski.
Fighting terrorist organizations is not like fighting wars of years past.
John Wes Townley scored his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win in Saturday night's Rhino Linings 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Delaware Directory
Business Name
Location, ST | website.com


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SOG Flash II Knife with Digi Camo Zytel Handle
If you are a knife enthusiast, or are looking for a great knife to handle multiple uses, get the SOG Flash II Knife with Digi Camo Zytel Handle. With a 3.5 in., partially-serrated blade, that has been treated with a hard cased black TiNi finish, and cryogenic heat, this knife is extremely durable. The blade itself, is composed of strong AUS 8 stainless steel. This AUS 8 stainless steel material allows for more precise cutting, overall improved performance. The Zytel handle gives you a firm grip, and features a stylish camouflage coloring. A built-in, reversible pocket clip, as well as a reversible bayonet mounted clip, conveniently provides easy portability. If you have been searching for a durable knife, that can tackle your daily projects, get the SOG Flash II Knife with Digi Camo Zytel Handle today.
This product has a limited lifetime warranty.
(425) 771-6230


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Beta Characters
this wiki
Beta Characters are people or characters that were cut or rechanged during the development of a GTA game. Only two types of characters that were Deleted, Beta Name or Remodeled. Their files still appear inside the disc but some were deleted and can never be found in the files. Others were renamed or rechanged due to several reasons. These characters whether host a major, minor or just a pedestrian in a GTA game.
Deleted Characters
These are characters that were removed during development.
A character cut during development.
Also a character in GTA III cut during the development of the game.
- Children and Elders with walkers
The two pedestrians were meant to appear in the game but due to rating and controversial problems, they were removed.
GTA Vice City
Scheduled to give Tommy Vercetti a mission but he was cut prior in development. He also knows Tommy in the past.
GTA San Andreas
He was a LSPD officer and was cut during development, along with Poncho and Larry. He was supposedly going to be killed during the beta Doberman.
He was going to be appearing in the game but was cut. He was supposedly had a run-in with Officer Carver were CJ must rescue him.
He was also a cut character in the game though his dialogue exists but he was meant to appear in Cop Wheels.
Alberga was a mobster during the development in GTA IV but he was cut in the final. He was suspected to be Ray Boccino's beta name.
Remodelled Characters
These are characters that were remodelled during development ranging from protagonists to pedestrians.
- Claude's appearance went through many different designs. Sketches and screenshots show many types of body of Claude that should appear in the game.
- The Liberty City Triads originally had a black outfit.
- Police Officers originally had mustaches, as seen in the game's manual.
GTA Vice City
- Tommy Vercetti was older, fatter and wore a blue Hawaiian shirt.
- Haitian gangsters who wore blue shirts used to have a picture on the shirt instead of the word "Relax".
GTA San Andreas
- Both Sweet and Big Smoke had their appearances changed. Sweet was originally dressed in black and wore a black beanie; Big Smoke wore a white jersey and did not wear a hat, exposing his shaved head.
- Kendl Johnson's facial model and clothing were altered.
- Gang members looked different and wore different clothing.
- Each city had its own motorcycle cop model; whereas in the final release the same model is used for all cities (They use the LVPD Model, the LSPD and SFPD models can still be found on the game´s files).
GTA Liberty City Stories
- Joseph Daniel O'Toole's glasses were originally blue.
- Toni Cipriani originally looked older.
- Toni's casual clothes were a purple shirt with a green vest.
GTA Vice City Stories
- Bryan Forbes originally had a mustache.
- The Casual clothes were originally yellow.
- Little Jacob originally did not wear glasses, and also looked older.
- Michelle had a different looking face.
- Playboy X used to have a plain maroon hoodie.
- United Liberty Paper had a different voice.
- Real Badman didn't wear a hat.
- The first removed haircut design for Niko was a cut that seemed to resemble helmet-hair.
- The second removed haircut design for Niko was a buzz cut.
GTA Liberty City Stories
- GXT lists a character named Father Kenny. It possibly was a undercover name of Ned Burner.[1]
- GXT lists another character named Franco Forelli. He was possibly killed in series of Fort Staunton explosions, but not seen.[2]
Beta Names
These are characters that their names have been changed for different reasons.
|Beta Name
|Current Name
|Joey Sorvino
|Joey Leone
|Frankie Sorvino
|Salvatore Leone
GTA Vice City
|Beta Name
|Current Name
|BJ Jones
|BJ Smith
|Fernando Diaz
|Ricardo Diaz


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The History Of Caliph Vathek
Kessinger Publishing, Jun 1, 2004 - Fiction - 92 pages
No words can describe the amazement of the courtiers when they beheld this rude merchant withstand the encounter unshocked. They all fell prostrate with their faces on the ground to avoid the risk of their lives, and continued in the same abject posture till the Caliph exclaimed in a furious tone, "Up, cowards! seize the miscreant! see that he be committed to prison and guarded by the best of my soldiers!
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March 15, 2012
Danny West
It's too early to tell exactly what Arkansas' 2012 football team is lacking, but some of the newcomers will definitely have a chance to fill key positions this fall. Last season, 30 new additions made it to campus and 14 of them saw game action at some point during the season. That number will probably be lower in 2012 - perhaps back in the range of 8-10, like with the 2010 signing class. The Hogs still have five-and-a-half months to figure it all out, but based on the current roster, here are seven guys who this writer believes will have a good chance of playing this season: ...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now!
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Log in
"Two heads are better than one" (as long as they're not banging against one another).
Better answers don't come simply by having more people in the room. To ensure the synergy of many minds or multiple efforts, you need a process or guide, something that facilitates the act of "working together."
Synergy is a theme that runs through much of our December programming.
Small adjustments to activity or perspective often make big differences in how well we work together. Consider taking a closer look at how you can synergize your efforts.
Posted by Thom Andrews at 11/26/2013 11:10:30 AM |


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this wiki
(written from a Production point of view)
|"Dark Page"
|TNG, Episode 7x07
Production number: 40277-259
First aired: 1 November 1993
|158th of 176 produced in TNG
|158th of 176 released in TNG
|291st of 728 released in all
| Written By
Hilary J. Bader
Directed By
Les Landau
|47254.1 (2370)
Lwaxana Troi visits the Enterprise, but she's preoccupied by a dark secret she has carried for years.
Lwaxana Troi returns to the USS Enterprise, this time as the teacher of an alien race learning to speak, the Cairn. Their native form of communication is telepathy, but they want to learn spoken language in order to interact with other races. Lwaxana comes aboard with Maques and his daughter Hedril. Hedril is a young child and is Lwaxana's star pupil.
The crew begins to notice that Lwaxana doesn't seem to be her normal flamboyant self. She's quiet and almost reserved. After a very emotional outburst toward Commander Riker, Deanna Troi attempts to figure out what's going on, and even has her mother examined in sickbay. Dr. Crusher determines that the chemical used for telepathy is sapped – Lwaxana must refrain from telepathy until it can regenerate.
Deanna volunteers to help Maques and Hedril, but it is clear that Lwaxana is better suited to the task. She still uses her telepathy occasionally, and soon falls into a coma, just as Hedril trips and falls into a brook in the Arboretum. Dr. Crusher cannot figure out what is causing it, as the telepathy – chemical depletion would not cause a coma. Deanna, with Maques' help, decides to go into her mother's brain telepathically in an attempt to help her.
Once inside her mother's thoughts, she has to fight Lwaxana's desire to keep her secret. Deanna fights through several obstacles, including a delay tactic in the form of her own deceased father. Finally she finds her mother and learns that she once had a sister named Kestra, her mother's "precious one". Kestra had fallen into a creek and drowned, and Lwaxana (who had looked away for a few seconds as the infant Deanna was crying) blamed herself.
After confessing to Deanna, Lwaxana awoke from her coma. Mother and daughter have a heartfelt talk about Kestra.
Memorable Quotes
"I don't know what they'd have done without me. First, I had to learn how they communicate – it was an absolutely exhausting process–"
"I'm sure it was"
"Quite different from Betazed telepathy. We transmit words, but the Cairn... it's... er... images... er... floods of them, all at the same time – it's overwhelming!"
"I can imagine"
"Actually, it's a very efficient way of communication. If two Cairn were having this conversation, it would have been over minutes ago!"
"Of course, they realize that they'll want to communicate verbally if they join the Federation. Oh! do me a favor! Introduce yourself to one of them. Engage them in conversation – they need the practice."
"I'd be happy to!"
- - Lwaxana Troi and Jean-Luc Picard
"Aren't you going to mingle, Mr. Woof?"
"I do not care for telepaths. They make me... uneasy."
"Don't worry. The Cairn couldn't read your thoughts even if they wanted to. Your brain isn't sophisticated enough."
- - Lwaxana Troi and Worf
Background Information
Story and script
- Jeri Taylor recalled, "There was a great reluctance to do this episode and "Phantasms" back to back, but it was one of those predicaments where we didn't have anything else ready to go. "Dark Page" had been around a long, long time and it had undergone many permutations. Hilary Bader had pitched this story and it just never seemed to work. It started as a Dr. Crusher story and went through every possible combination of people on the Enterprise. It wasn't until we hit upon Troi and Mrs. Troi that it really seemed to work, and then it was a long time before we could figure out what the secret was that is hurting Mrs. Troi." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
- According to the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, variations of the theme of a telepathic rescue considered included: Doctor Crusher and another female doctor, a La Forge story, Crusher and Troi, and Lwaxana rescuing Deanna.
- René Echevarria, who gave an uncredited polish to the episode's script, noted the difficulty in finding a dark enough secret that after seven years wouldn't portray Lwaxana too unsympathetically. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
- Echevarria regretted having been forced to tone down Maques' comical attempts at language. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
- Lake El'nar was named after a friend of writer Hilary J. Bader. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
- "Dark Page" was filmed between Friday 27 August 1993 and Monday 6 September 1993.
- Split-screen shots against a blue screen were used to allow characters to interact with the wolf, which although trained was still dangerous. Peter Lauritson commented, "Nobody wanted to be there with the wolf except Dan Curry." Kirsten Dunst petted a stand rather than the wolf, with the animal matted in later. The wolf's growl was achieved by giving it a lick of a meaty bone and then filming its reaction when a trainer moved as if to take it. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
- Marina Sirtis performed her own stunt when apparently jumping into space: she leapt off a blue-screened platform onto air mattresses. This was then matted in with the star field and corridor walls. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
- First UK airdate: 21 February 1996
- Although Deanna says that Homn saved the picture of Kestra, Xelo was most likely Lwaxana's attendant at the time of Kestra's death. ("Haven") Homn was Xelo's replacement, and Xelo apparently passed the picture on to Homn.
- This episode is one of a few in which the Enterprise bridge is not seen, along with "Family" and "Liaisons".
- Data makes reference to his dreaming program, which had just received heavy focus in the previous episode, "Phantasms".
Cast and characters
- This episode features a very young Kirsten Dunst as Hedril.
- This is Lwaxana's last appearance in TNG. Her next appearance is in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Fascination".
- This is the first and only appearance of Ian Troi, whose name was previously established in "The Child".
- Mr. Homn was to appear in the episode, but Carel Struycken was unavailable. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion) Consequently, this is the only TNG episode in which Lwaxana appears but Mr. Homn does not.
- Norman Large had previously played the Romulan proconsul Neral in "Unification I" and "Unification II", as well as Kobheerian captain Viterian in DS9: "Duet".
- This marks the final appearance of Deanna Troi and Lwaxana Troi together on-screen.
- Jeri Taylor remarked, "Ultimately, I think it worked really well and was an emotional episode. It provided a depth to Mrs. Troi's character that we had not seen before." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
- Naren Shankar commented, "I think Rene, who did the production re-write on the episode, did a magnificent job on the show. It's sort of like The Joy Luck Club. It was better than I expected. It was quite touching in many ways." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
- The back story on Ian and Lwaxana Troi revealed in this episode was further expanded upon as a subplot in the novel The Art of the Impossible.
Video and DVD releases
- UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 80, 23 May 1994
- As part of the TNG Season 7 DVD collection
Links and references
Also starring
- LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
- Michael Dorn as Lieutenant Worf
- Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
- Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
- Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data
Guest stars
- Majel Barrett as Lwaxana Troi
- Norman Large as Maques
- Kirsten Dunst as Hedril
- Amick Byram as Ian Andrew Troi
Uncredited co-stars
- David Keith Anderson as Armstrong
- Michael Braveheart as Martinez
- Carl David Burks as Russell
- Tracee Lee Cocco as Jae
- John Copage as science division officer
- Hal Donahue as command division lieutenant
- Gunnel Eriksson as science division officer
- Gina Gallante as science division ensign
- Fumiko Hamada as command division officer
- Deborah Landis as Cairn
- Rad Milo as operations division ensign
- Michael Moorehead as science division ensign
- Richard Sarstedt as command division ensign
- Christina Wegler Miles as command division ensign
- Unknown performers as
- David Keith Anderson - stand-in for LeVar Burton
- Carl David Burks - stand-in for Brent Spiner
- Michael Echols - stand-in for Michael Dorn
- June Jordan as stand-in for Kirsten Dunst
- Nora Leonhardt - stand-in for Marina Sirtis
- Lorine Mendell - stand-in for Gates McFadden
- Richard Sarstedt - stand-in for Jonathan Frakes and Norman Large
- Dennis Tracy - stand-in for Patrick Stewart
Arboretum; Betazed; Betazoid; Cairn; counselor's office; dog; "Down in the Valley"; Earth; Federation Council; Folnar jewel plant; Folnar III; gemstone; heaven; Homn; Human; Klingon; Lake El'nar; metaconscious; Milton, John; oneirology; painting; paracortex; poetry; psilosynine; rose; sub-neural scan; telepathy; Ten Forward; VISOR; vocal enhancer; Ten Forward
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Season 7
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We know, we know: It's still August, and you're busy soaking up the last beach rays until next year. Halloween might not be at the forefront of your mind, but it is in ours and it's less than ninety days away!
In preparation for the holiday, we want to discuss a topic most people shy away from: phobias. People don't usually like talking about what makes them sweat or itch, or vomit, or generally feel lousy — and we understand that. Here, in this blog post, our goal is to expose the most common phobias, as well as let you in on a few phobias of our own. Some of our phobias include a fear of vampires, instigated by a late-night viewing of 30 Days of Night on FX.
First, though, is a list of common phobias experienced by people living in the United States. This list was originally written by Jeanna Bryner, LiveScience Managing Editor, on March 28, 2011.
10. The Dentist
9. Dogs
8. Flying
7. Thunder and Lightning
6. The Dark
5. Heights
4. Other People
3. Scary Spaces
2. Creepy Crawlies (Bugs!)
1. Snakes
If you want to encourage your fears – or face them – we have "Dr. Killer Driller" (dentist) costumes, snake and bug props, and plenty of mood-setters to transform an ordinary space into something frightful. All are available at www.frightcatalog.com.
Now, for the (potentially) self-deprecating part of this post: our phobias. Although not compiled in list form (who can truly rate their phobias using a numerical system?), they are as follows: running out of skim milk before breakfast; ordering the wrong kind of coffee at Dunkin Donuts; the abolishment of National Cat Day (October 29, super-close to Halloween!); and, finally, getting stuck in rush hour traffic during a thunderstorm. One of us FrightCatalogers is also fearful of numbers 10, 8, 7, 5, occasionally 4, 3, 2, and 1 from Bryner's list.
So, what does this mean? It means, first of all, that adopting a dog is, perhaps, not a terrible idea. Secondly, it means that Halloween a night which used to be known for its pranks and mischief might not be so scary. Halloween is about FUN, candy, haunted houses, hayrides, and corn mazes. It's about loving the thrill of the scare and daring yourself to, however hesitantly, ask yourself this: What truly frightens you?


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Wind energy developments are making positive and lasting contributions, and helping to strengthen and diversify communities across Canada. In addition to significant environmental benefits, wind energy is delivering hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenues, payments to farmers and landowners, local business opportunities and community vibrancy funds in rural communities across Canada.
As with any local development, municipalities have a key role in determining how best to integrate wind energy in their communities. CanWEA's commitment to public consultation and stakeholder engagement recognizes that residents should have factual information and a meaningful role in developments that affect their communities.
CanWEA has developed a series of community testimonials that present the real-life experiences of Canadians and how wind energy has positively impacted their lives and what it means to their communities. Visit: windformycommunity.ca.


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Home Opinion Columns O'Reilly has it in for Europe, and Portland goes after a sign
O'Reilly has it in for Europe, and Portland goes after a sign
Listened to Bill O'Reilly give Europe a good verbal whipping two nights in a row this week. I was at the same time entertained and dismayed by his treatment of the continent.
I watch at least part of O'Reilly's program most evenings. In the main I enjoy the show, even when, as happens perhaps a third of the time, I disagree with the host.
O'Reilly lambastes liberals often but he is no kept apologist for the Republican Party. Media pundits sometimes describe O'Reilly as though he were an ideological clone of Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck, but I think such comparisons result from shoddy research rather than piercing political insight.I don't mean to imply that O'Reilly stands far away on the political spectrum from that trio. I'm sure the foursome would have plenty to talk about, and find much to agree on, if they got together for a beer.
But I've listened to all four, and I don't think a person needs an especially keen mind to recognize that O'Reilly is far more willing than his three colleagues in the broadcasting big leagues to chastise the GOP when such is warranted.
I just wish O'Reilly would quit branding Europe as a club of whining cowards.
What got his back up is President Obama's failure during his recent trip to persuade his European counterparts to send troops to Afghanistan.
Bill seemed especially incensed about the stubbornness emanating from Berlin and Paris.
His allegation, as I understand it, is that most European countries (Great Britain, he allows, remains our steadfast ally) have lapsed into decadence. They are, according to O'Reilly, flaccid socialist societies which have grown comfortable and complacent under the protective umbrella the United States has supplied them for more than 60 years.
O'Reilly's take isn't pure fiction.
Europe hardly stands out as a tempest of bellicosity these days. And although it's worth noting that nobody has crashed an airliner into the Eiffel Tower or the Cologne cathedral, I understand why O'Reilly is frustrated by Europe's reluctance to help us go after terrorists who don't seem to care much for democracies in general.
Still, I'm troubled by Bill's failure to make more than a token mention of the idea that Europe's disdain for combat might well be the product of something besides a lack of courage.
I would remind Bill — not that he's likely to ever seek my counsel — that Europe's acquaintance with warfare is considerably bloodier than ours.
America's most costly war, in terms of total deaths among military men, was the Civil War. About 625,000 died, although fewer than half (an estimated 213,000) were killed in combat. (Bacteria, in that pre-antiseptic era, were more dangerous than bullets.)
World War II was worse, combat-wise, with 291,000 American soldiers, sailors and airmen killed.
Those are, of course, terrible statistics.
But they also seem almost reasonable — and I realize it's abhorrent to suggest any tally of violent death is truly reasonable — compared to the disasters France and Germany have endured.
Each of those countries buried as many of its soldiers during just the first year of World War I, for instance, as the United States did during its nearly four years of fighting in the Second World War.
When World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918, Germany had lost 1.8 million soldiers, and France 1.4 million.
Another 5fi million Germans were killed during World War II. France, even though it was occupied for most of the conflict, sacrificed 217,000 of its young men.
O'Reilly at least acknowledges that those gruesome butcher's bills could account for Europe's meager contributions to America's war on terror.
"Europeans, perhaps because of World War II, do not want confrontation," O'Reilly said during the "Talking Points" segment of his program Monday.
I think he's right about that.
(He didn't need to put "perhaps" in the sentence, either.)
But I would have more respect for O'Reilly if he hadn't implied, as it seemed to me he did, that Europeans ought to be ashamed of their attitude about confrontation.
Especially when their experience with confrontations resulted in a whole lot of people having their intestines strewn about by shrapnel or their brains pierced by bullets.
(It took some wedging to fit it in, too — the list is awfully long.)
What I'm newly grateful for is that Randy Leonard has no vote on how to spend the taxes I pay.
At least I hope he doesn't.
(I'm not sure precisely where my taxes go, and the biweekly paystubs that show the damage are silent on the matter. I suppose, though, that Portland, being Oregon's largest city, receives quite a lot of federal money, to which I contribute a minuscule fraction. I'm going to try to forget this.)
Leonard is a Portland city commissioner.
He has vowed — although threatened seems to me to better capture the flavor of the situation — to employ one of government's mightiest and most-feared powers: eminent domain.
Also known by the more appropriately sinister term "condemnation," this is the process by which the government forces you to sell your property. But — and you probably figured this part out — you have to sell to the government.
Condemnation is rarely used, and government is supposed to wield this particular weapon only to acquire property for some project that's supposed to benefit the public — building a highway or a park, for instance.
But Portland is no ordinary city.
And more to the point, Leonard is no typical commissioner.
He vowed to use condemnation to prevent the University of Oregon from putting its name on a neon sign.
For this vital purpose Leonard was willing to spend half a million dollars.
And there are Portlanders who want to recall Mayor Sam Adams?
Whatever his faults, at least Adams isn't proposing to waste $500,000 during the worst recession in more than half a century.
As it turned out, the same day I was writing this, Portland and U of O officials negotiated a compromise that will avoid condemnation and spare Leonard's constituents from trying to remember why exactly they voted for this guy.
The famous "White Stag" sign, which reads "Made in Oregon" now, will instead read "Oregon."
That's fine, I guess.
But it still seems to me that Leonard's bludgeoning tactics epitomized what annoys so many people about politicians.
I graduated from the University of Oregon but allegiance to my alma mater has nothing to do with my conclusion that Leonard, and other elected officials who share his apparent disdain for private property rights, ought not have access to condemnation authority.
I'd feel the same if Oregon State University had the lease/buy option on the White Stag sign and wanted to replace "Made in Oregon" with "OSU" or even, as distasteful as it would be to me, "Go Beavers."
I subscribe to the quaint notion that when you buy a sign you can bend the neon tubes to spell anything you like, so long as the message doesn't break any law.
(It's significant, I think, that Portland's Landmarks Commission endorsed the U of O's original plan.)
Until the Portland City Council passes an ordinance banning the words "University of Oregon" on signs — and good luck defending that in court — I'd suggest Leonard look into more useful ways to spend half a million dollars.
I'll bet the Portland School District would take the money.


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by Nelson Computer Science
Developer Notes
Whack-A-Gummy puts a new twist on the classic whack-a-mole arcade game, it's like whack-a-mole, but with gummy bears. Get extra points for hitting the rare teal gummy bear. Try to get as many points as you can by hitting the gummy bears as fast as you can. See how many gummy bears you can whack...


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Geochemistry Activities
Show all pages
Geochemistry Applicationsshowing only Weathering/Diagenesis Show all Geochemistry Applications
Subject: Geochemistry
Geochemistry Applications Show all Geochemistry Applications
Weathering/Diagenesis6 matches
Resource Type: Activities
Results 1 - 6 of 6 matches
Writing chemical reactions part of Cutting Edge:Geochemistry:Activities
John Ayers, Vanderbilt University
This is a simple introduction to writing weathering and redox reactions by hand and by using the Rxn program in the Geochemists Workbench. Its usually the first HW assignment I give in my class "Geochemical ...
Mineral Solubility Calculations part of Cutting Edge:Geochemistry:Activities
John Ayers, Vanderbilt University
Explores the pH dependence of the solubility of quartz, kaolinite, and rare earth phosphate, and familiarizes students with the use of the Geochemists Workbench programs "React" for creating reaction path ...
Acid Mine Drainage Field-Lab Experience Round 1 part of Cutting Edge:Geochemistry:Activities
Greg Druschel, University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
This contribution outlines a trip with my Geochemistry class to the Ely Mine, a massive sulfide mine (Besshi-type) in east-central Vermont and the field work they did there. We spent a full day discussing the site, ...
Quiz and in-class worksheet part of Cutting Edge:Geochemistry:Activities
Karen Hudson-Edwards, Birkbeck University of London
For 1st year 'Introduction to Geochemistry' a pre-lecture quiz reviewing the previous weeks' lecture materials an in-class worksheet allowing students to practice skills relating to chemical ...
Relationship between mineral weathering and groundwater composition part of Cutting Edge:Geochemistry:Activities
Nancy Hinman, University of Montana-Missoula, The
By observing changes in rocks exposed to chemical weathering, students are to infer resulting changes to the chemical composition of groundwater. Students are required to justify their inferences through the use of ...
Geochemistry all around us part of Cutting Edge:Geochemistry:Activities
Andrew Knudsen, Lawrence University
We look at a variety of natural waters in and around Appleton over the course of the term. The goal is for students to recognize differences and how those play into the topics we have covered in the course.


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On the past episode of MTV's Cut Throat challenge, I was involved in a stampede. I had the two biggest guys on the team knock me over and fall on top of me while others were running over on our backs to get through. It was a lot scarier then it looked on TV. I was choked out at one point. Arms and legs were flying everywhere. However, I had a superman who pulled the big dudes off of me and pushed me forward. As romantic as it was, I tend to wonder if I was rocking any of these costumes if I would have needed saving at all…
Wonder Woman– This super heroin doesn't need any man to save her ass. She is probably the toughest broad in the skies… and her costume is pretty legit. I'd love to see her go one on one with my favorite feline fatale Catwoman.
Supergirl– She's like Superman's Sidekick. I honestly don't remember much of what she does or what her purpose is. But She can fly and stuff. That's cool.
Silk Spectre of Watchmen. The costume is bad ass. Looks like she could kick some ass. And if she was in a stampede… it looks like people would slip right off her ass with that shiny costume. So. There you have it. When in a stampede… wear lubed up rubber outfits.
Bat Girl- Any girl dressed in form fitting black rubber and leather is OK in my book. Yeah the Batman movies got a bit lame when bat boy and bat girl showed up but i can't knock the costume. It's pretty bad ass. However, if you are going to be battling super villains in this costume, stick to colder locations. This outfit probably wouldn't fare too well in Miami.


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Wrigley Field Sign Now Purple
Do you know that Wrigley Field's famous marquee at the corner of Clark & Addison use to be painted blue–not red?
And now its painted purple!
Installed around 1934, the art deco style marquee was first painted blue. That lasted until the 1960s when the color was changed to red.
In preparation for this weekend's football match-up between Big Ten rivals Northwestern (7-3) and Illinois (5-5), the sign underwent a temporary face lift Monday afternoon–splashed in Wildcat purple.
It's the first football game at Wrigley in 40 years. The Bears moved out at the conclusion of the 1970 season.
College football hasn't been played here since 1938. So long ago that neither of the two schools that squared off, DePaul and St. Louis, presently field a football program.
However, this isn't the first game between the Illini and Wildcats at Wrigley. The two last met at the Friendly Confines in 1923. In baseball years, that's 15 seasons following the Cubs last World Series championship!


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Outer Path — Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique
this wiki
|Outer Path — Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique
|Gedō: Rinne Tensei no Jutsu
|Literal English
|Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique
|Viz print media
|Gedo: Art of Rinne Rebirth
|Volume #48, Naruto Chapter #449
|Naruto Shippūden Episode #174
|Naruto 5: Blood Prison
|Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2
|Naruto Shippūden: UNSG anime cutscenes
|Appears in
|Anime, Manga, Game, Movie
|Kekkei Genkai, Ninjutsu, Reincarnation Ninjutsu, Dōjutsu
|Hand seals
|Ram → Snake
|Other jutsu
|Parent jutsu
By channelling their power through the King of Hell, the Rinnegan wielder can re-infuse new life force energy to the bodies of those who have died. With their rejuvenated bodies acting as an anchor, the individual souls are then able to leave even the crossroad between life and the afterlife, returning back to their physical vessels. The technique targets all the individuals killed, even those not necessarily killed by the user. This technique seemingly requires a massive amount of chakra, as Konan feared the worst for Nagato when he used it after having previously expended so much chakra, Kohan's exact worries also suggests that with enough chakra this jutsu may be survivable. Nagato also became severely weakened, his hair became increasingly thinner and greyer as he performed the technique.
As with many of the Rinnegan's techniques, it is influenced by Buddhist terminology. Gedō (外道, lit. "Outer Path"), derived from the Sanskrit Tīrthika, refers to any doctrine which "treads the outer path" to enlightenment. This is opposed to the teachings of orthodox Buddhism, the Naidō (内道, Literally meaning: Inner Path), and is thus considered misguided and heretical.
- Madara Uchiha — and Obito under the guise of Madara — noted that this technique was supposed to be used to revive him.[1][2] Madara would have eventually reincarnated anyway and expressed surprise and disappointment that his return didn't go as planned, as only a living body can become a jinchūriki, which he wanted to do with the Ten-Tails.[3][4]
- Because Madara has been reincarnated and not revived, he needs Obito to perform this technique so that he can become the Ten-Tails' jinchūriki. Obito has noted that this would result in his own death, however.[4]


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Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays for Snoring
|Generic Name
|Brand Name
|Flonase, Veramyst
These medicines require a prescription from your doctor.
How It Works
Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation in the nose. This may help reduce congestion that leads to snoring.
Why It Is Used
Nasal corticosteroid sprays are used when congestion is the cause of snoring and other treatment has not relieved the congestion.
How Well It Works
Nasal corticosteroid sprays effectively decrease congestion, so they may reduce snoring.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- Sores in your nose.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Burning in the nose right after the spray is used.
- A bad taste in the mouth.
- Dryness of the mucous membranes in the nose.
- Nosebleeds.
Side effects of nasal corticosteroid sprays are rare and minimal, even after long periods of continuous use.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Corticosteroids are not the kind of steroids used for muscle building. People do not "bulk up" when using corticosteroids.
There has been some concern that nasal corticosteroid sprays may cause side effects in children, such as growth delay and behavioral disturbances. At the recommended doses, nasal corticosteroid sprays have not been shown to produce serious side effects. But because of these concerns, nasal corticosteroid sprays are used in children only when needed. Ask your doctor if corticosteroids are right for your child, and if so, which ones to use.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Last Revised: May 14, 2012
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


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Tour de France-Individual Climber Stage Points
Updated: November 8, 2012, 1:28 AM ETAssociated Press
20th Stage
Rambouillet to Paris Champs-Elysees
74.52 miles
22.67 miles
Cote De Saint-Remy-Les-Chevreuse
1. Thomas Voeckler, France, Team Europcar, 1 pt.
25.15 miles
Cote De Chateaufort (Stele Jacques Anquetil)
1. Ruben Plaza Molina, Spain, Movistar Team, 1 pt.
Read full story
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Your gift will make a difference in the lives of people who survive on less than $1 a day. Learn more.
"The Difference between Banks and Credit Unions: Part 1" was produced by Common Wealth Credit Union's Young & Free Initiative. For more information on this innovative program for Alberta, Canada's 25 and under crowd, visit www.youngfreealberta.com.


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News from the world of Maths
October 7, 2011
Today is Ada Lovelace Day celebrating the work of women in mathematics, science, technology and engineering. Since Plus is run entirely by women, we're very happy to join in! We've got plenty of articles and podcast by or about women mathematicians, so we've put together a selection of favourites.
October 6, 2011
This year's Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for a discovery that proved Einstein wrong and right at the same time.
September 30, 2011
Are we close to finding the Higgs? Ben Allanach explains it is not about catching a glimpse of the beast itself, but instead keeping a careful count of the evidence it leaves behind.
September 12, 2011
Compass & Rule: Architecture as Mathematical Practice in England, 1500-1750, is a lovely online version of the physical exhibition help at the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, in 2009. Compass and Rule focuses on design and drawing, exploring the role of geometry in the dramatic transformation of English architecture between the 16th and 18th centuries.
September 8, 2011
The dome of St Paul's, rising elegantly above London since the cathedral was rebuilt late in the seventeenth century, hides an intriguing early example of the interplay between maths and architecture.
September 7, 2011
People as well as animals are born with a sense for numbers. But is this inborn number sense related to mathematical ability? A new study suggests that it is.
September 2, 2011
We've found our lucky winner of a £50 Amazon voucher, as a reward for doing our Constructing our lives survey! Check your email to see if it's you!
August 18, 2011
Who said that people don't like maths? Numbers of entries to maths A and AS levels across the UK have again increased this year. The number of students taking maths A level has risen by 7.8% compared to last year and A level further maths entries have risen by 5.2% At AS level maths has seen an increase of 25.3% compared to last year and further maths an increase of 24.7%. The number of students taking A level maths is now higher than it has been for almost two decades.


text:
"firmware update method"
Revision as of 11:31, September 7, 2012 by 22.214.171.124 (Talk)
593pages on
this wiki
this wiki
Firmware Update Method
This is a method of loading CHDK manually, using a PS.FIR or PS.FI2 file provided with CHDK. Note that with CHDK this does not actually modify your firmware. It just loads CHDK once. For more information see the FAQ, and the Manual
Start CHDK by "Firm Update" method...
- 1. Start the camera in Playback mode. On cameras with a play button, turn on the camera by pressing play.
- 2. Press Menu, then press Up once (or scroll down)
- 3. An option to update the firmware appears, Select that option. (see Image 1)
- 4. Confirm the update, (OK - press FUNCT.SET), (see Image 2)
- Why did you enable everyone to edit this page?


text: We have a different kind of silent abuse going on in the Black community associated with domestic abuse that no one wants to talk about. Therefore, being the truth deliverer, I shall. The sister was 21 years old, four months pregnant, and was killed by a hit man for refusing to have an abortion. A courageous Black woman identified as Shamari Jenkins refused to meet the demands of her boyfriend to have an abortion. Police said Carlton Bryan, 21, of Windsor hired a hit man to kill this wonderful sister because she refused to have an abortion. Continue Reading →


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"Check out the library of free instructional sewing and embroidery videos now available in our gallery at Jenny's Sewing Studio. "
Check out our video's and on-line instructions sheets on your favorite sewing machine accessories!
Click here and you will get free embroidery design! Jenny's Sewing Studio has saved the free embroidery designs in a few popular formats for most embroidery machines. Make sure you rename the design when you save from design_dst to design.dst or whatever format needed.
See your favorite serger accessories and download a free "how to" brochure!