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Hair Salon Services
Let the expert stylists at Natural Concepts give you a crisp new hairstyle, or enhance the style you are wearing now. All of our stylists are highly trained in cutting edge hair technology.
Your precision haircut will include a consultation, a luxurious shampoo and condition with scalp massage, and a professional blowout with our all-natural Aveda products, handpicked for your hair's specific needs.
|Women's Haircut
|Women's Haircut w/Blowout
|Men's Haircut
|Children's Haircut (under age 13)
|Bang Trim
|Finishing Style (with heated tools)
|Wash & Blowout
All prices are base prices, thicker or longer hair may require an additional charge.
Aveda Hair Color
Ever wonder why Aveda hair color makes your hair feel healthier and stronger and leaves it soft and shiny while your color stays vibrant, longer? It's because Aveda's hair color is up to 99% naturally derived using plant power instead of petrochemicals for amazing color that you can feel good about. Every color is formulated with conditioning certified organic botanical oils - sunflower, castor and jojoba - instead of petrochemicals, to support organic farming. Even the hair color cartons are made from 100% recycled fiber and the tube caps are made of 100% recycled material. Formulated without nitro dyes, parabens and animal-derived ingredients, Aveda's hair color is non-drying with gentle, sustainable water as our solvent instead of alcohol. Call to schedule your color appointment with one of our expert stylists today!
|Color Retouch
|Full Hair Color
|Specialty Color
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|Full Foil
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Because of the extra color product required, there will be an upcharge for long or very thick hair, quoted by your stylist.
Hair and Scalp Conditioning
Aveda Renewal Treatments offer a holistic approach by treating the hair and scalp with Aveda's aromatherapy and organic botanical proteins and intensive moisturizing natural oils…these help repair, strengthen, and restore your damaged or dry hair and bring perfect balance to your scalp.
Sit back and enjoy a cleansing scalp massage, an intensive professional hair treatment prescribed for your personal needs, and a soothing hand treatment.
$45 and up
Botanical Hair Treatments
Aveda Damage Remedy
Give damaged hair a boost of extra strength with our Damage Remedy Botanical Hair Treatment. This treatment not only helps repair the hair from damage up to 84%, but also works to fortify the hair structure from the inside, to prevent future damage.
$20 and up
Aveda Dry Remedy
Infuse dry hair with a surge of moisture. Dry Remedy Botanical Hair Treatment moisturizes and improves dry hair up to 86%. This treatment is perfect in dry and cooler months when the hair needs a bit of extra moisture replenishment.
$20 and up
Aveda Scalp Remedy
Help create a healthy scalp environment with our Scalp Remedy Botanical Hair Treatment. This treatment is great for weak and thinning hair as well as correcting dry and tight scalp issues. Reduce hair loss by 33% to keep the hair you have, longer.
$20 and up
Ask your stylist which treatment is best for you.
Hair Texture Services
If you are looking for extra body, more texture, lots of curl, or a smooth, straight effect, our stylists here at Natural Concepts can provide the service you need. Our all-natural, high quality products leave your hair in soft and supple condition.
|Texturizing Permanent
|Spiral Permanent
|Keratin Smoothing
|$225 and up
|Permanent Relaxer
|$80 and up
*Call and ask about our Ethnic Hair services and pricing today!
All prices are base prices, thicker or longer hair may require an additional charge.
Hair Extensions
You can have a whole new look in a short time with hair extensions from Natural Concepts, adding length and fullness to your hair. With Hairdreams Hair Extensions, you can have the Hollywood look you have always dreamed of. Our extensions are comfortable to wear and the bonds are not noticeable. Natural Concepts is the only Salon in Peoria to offer the #1 choice of hair extensions. These extensions are worn by most celebrities including Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and Reese Witherspoon. You can learn more by stopping by the salon for a catalog, or visiting their website at Hairdreamsusa.com
We also offer Donna Bella hair extensions, fusion and tape-in for all budget types.
|Free consultation
|Prices quoted before service by your stylist
Special Occasions
At Natural Concepts our stylists have been highly trained to design and create a hair style that makes a statement, compliments your attire, and will enhance your important event. And, of course, what is the hair without the makeup? Let us help create a look that transforms the ordinary to the extraordinary for your special day. Natural Concepts offers Airbrush Makeup. This application gives you a smooth, flawless finish that is sweat proof, water resistant and lasts all day or night!
|Special Occasion Updo or Formal Finish
|$55 and up
|Aveda Makeup Application
|Airbrush Makeup Application
|False Eyelash Application
|$15 - $25
Bridal Services
Congratulations on your engagement! We are honored that you have chosen Natural Concepts Salon & Day Spa to be a part of your special day. We understand all of the hard work and meticulous planning that goes into making your day a true success. Our artistic team also knows that the way you look and feel on that day is directly related to your beauty experience prior to the big event. We have taken care of many beautiful brides and their bridal parties, and as a result we know exactly how to make your day run as calmly and smoothly as possible. Please call us with any QUESTIONS or to schedule complimentary consultation at (309) 693-9850 and ask for Marissa or Tommie. We look forward to hearing from you!
|Bridal Hair Trial
|Bridal Up-do or Formal Finish
|$65 and up
|Bridal Aveda Makeup Trial
|Bridal Aveda Makeup Application
|Bridal Airbrush Makeup Trial
|Bridal Airbrush Makeup Application
*A $200 deposit and completion of the Bridal Contract is required to reserve your date.
**Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your Wedding Party services.
Explore our hair services below:


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War is a favorite subject for filmmakers, and often the strongest stories are nonfictional ones. This past weekend, the film "Lone Survivor," based on a real series of events in Afghanistan, triumphed with critics and at the box office. Viewers who liked "Lone Survivor" should see the classic World War II film "Saving Private Ryan," another story of survival which came out in 1998.
"Saving Private Ryan" begins with the D-Day invasion in 1944. Captain John Miller (played by Tom Hanks) and some of his team are among the few survivors. Shortly after the invasion, it is learned that three of four Ryan brothers have died in the war. The fourth brother, James Ryan (played by Matt Damon), is missing in action. The military establishment does not want one family to lose all its sons in the war nor does it want the bad morale and publicity that would accompany such a tragedy. Captain Miller and his team are sent on a dangerous mission to find James Ryan.
"Saving Private Ryan" begins and ends with two of the most impressive battle scenes ever filmed. These scenes make you feel like you are in the battle, and real veterans have praised the authenticity of these scenes.
The film won the Academy Award for Best Director for Steven Spielberg. He deserved to win as he makes the whole film intense, not just the combat scenes. We see their is a lot of danger just to find Private Ryan.
The movie has an excellent cast. Tom Hanks earned an Oscar nomination for his work as Captain Miller. He gives a great performance as someone who does not like to talk about his past. Jeremy Davies is also very strong. He plays a nervous soldier who tries to ignore combat.
"Saving Private Ryan" ranks among the best World War II films of all-time.

subset: commoncrawl


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Account Lookup
The system user directory can be searched to find your account. You can then send yourself a username/password reminder by email and/or fax. Enter search parameters below and click the Search button.
If you do not see your business listed in the search results, or the contact information is incorrect, please email Customer Support. Include both your business and personal contact information for account verification. We may need to request additional information for security purposes.


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Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians
Balgochian, Albey (Peter)
Balgochian, Albey (Peter), bass, upright and electric; b. Cambridge, MA, 20 April 1948; His mother, Martiza Movsessian, was born in Armenia, and his father, Peter K. Balgochian, was born in Lawrence, MA in 1903. He has two siblings, sister Elizabeth, artist (b. 1932) and brother Peter (1935).
He spent childhood in Dorchester (Boston), MA until the age of 20. He began teaching himself to play electric bass when he was 15 and worked the Boston scene in various venues. Later, he lived and played in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin and New Orleans before returning to Mass. In 1970 he began studying upright bass with Major Holley and in 1971 and 1972 with John Neves. John had 2 steady overlapping gigs, one in the theatre district and one up the block at the "Hamilton House" club. Albey would play the club gig until John could get there. It was at this gig that he met drummer Jackson Krall, and they have played together ever since.
He met his wife Jane Grenier (b. 1950), a tap dancer, poet and artist in 1969. Their son Miles "Nastee" Balgochian was born in 1972. In 1974, Albey quit the road to care for Miles. He was still gigging at night, but during the day he apprenticed with master Luthier Peter Kyvelos studying string bass restoration. In 1976 he hand-carved his first electric bass and has since made basses in his Waltham, MA shop for Stanley Clarke, Darryl Jones (who now has his own model), Foley McCreary, Tommy Shannon (associated with Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble), and Reggie Scalan (associated with Radiators).
He remains active as a performer in Avant-Garde jazz, Blues, Rock, Reggae and World Beat and has played with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Big Jay McNeely, Buddy Miles, John Lee Hooker, Big John Croft, Debbie Davies, and others. Since 1999 he also leads his own Band Of Peace, a "free funk" ensemble.
Their son "Nastee" played tuba and bass and at 14 discovered hip-hop. He taught himself how to scratch on the turntables and at the age of 15 was working with Damien "Dizzy D" Neville (son of Jazz singer Charmaine Neville and grandson of saxophonist Charles Neville). In 1989 he performed with his father in the One World Reggae Band. In 1990 he joined "Unity 2" and they were the first band with a scratch d.j. to be signed by a major label (Reprise); their video aired on MTV. Nastee is currently a member of the rap duo "Statik" (www.statikmusic.com). He also engineered and produced many (gold and platinum) artists while living in NYC from 1990-2000.
Albey's Band Of Peace: Rhythmism (1999); Taxi of Reality (2001); Solo Bass Live at Studio 234 (2002); BassOlogy (2002)
As sideperson:
Jackson Krall's Secret Music Society: Live in Amherst (1996); Full Metal Revolutionary Jazz Ensemble: 7 in 1 (1997), Horizon Event (2002); Musical Director for The Paul Rishell Band (W.C. Handy Award winner): Swear to Tell The Truth (1993); One World: One Reggae World (1989)
Unissued recordings:
Many hours of unreleased recordings (some available streaming by following links at abasses.com and aboptv.com):
ABOP Underground free funkin' sessions 2000-ongoing.
The FMRJE Hit Factory Sundary Afternoon Jams 1997-ongoing.
The Reade St. Loft Sessions 1987-1988
The Dan Del Santo World Beat Gulf Coast Tour 1988
Knitting Factory NY, Live Performances from 1985 thru the present time.
Festivals & Performances:
Autumn Uprising Festival-Boston, MA; Texaco Jazz Fest-NYC; Visions Fest-NYC; Boston Blues Fest; Cambridge Commons Music Series-Cambridge, MA; Aquafest-Austin, TX; The AlterKnit, NYC; Club Tonic, NYC; CBGB's, NYC; Quando Community Center, NYC; Club Toast, Burlington, VT.; Storyville, New Orleans, LA; House of Blues, Cambridge, MA; Host of "Free Funk" Jams at Summer Sunday's, All Asia, Cambridge, MA (2002)
Berklee College of Music Summer Teaching Sessions w/Tomo (1992-1993); Berklee College of Music Bass Workshop w/ Darryl Jones (1997); Berklee College of Music Bass Day workshop & lecture (1999)
Radio broadcasts:
Boston Cable Access (2000), WERS (Emerson College), WGBH (PBS, Cambridge, MA), WBRS (Brandeis U. Radio), N.P.R. (National Public Radio, All things considered), WCVB-TV, Boston, MA., UT (University of Texas), Austin On Tap, Austin, TX
Rhythmism "Live at The Cutting Room" NYC (1999)
American Basses: An Illustrated History and Player's Guide by Jim Roberts (2003)
Contact information:
152 Clark Lane, Waltham, MA 02154
Phone: 781-891-1134
website: www.abasses.com/albey


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This seems to happen at least once a year. I disappear for a few months, normally I chalk it up to the busy season at work, but lately it's been much busier at home. In May, my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. It's been an amazing 6 months since, but due to my obvious preferential treatment of my wife and daughter, my contributions to Fish Head have suffered. Things have calmed down at home and at work so hopefully I'll have some more fun fishing stuff to talk about in the coming weeks and months.
There is big news on the horizon, and I thought I'd share it here because this is the hub of all important fishing info in the great state of NJ and beyond.
You all are gonna want to get in line for this one:
When: December 5th & 6th
Where: Holiday Inn & Suites in Runnemede NJ
Register Now @ TheBassUniversity.com
This 2 day event marks the beginning of a nationwide tour of professional bass anglers on a quest to make you a better angler. The University was founded earlier this year by professional bass anglers Mike Iaconelli (2003 Bassmaster Classic winner) and Pete Gluszek (tournament winner on the Bassmaster and FLW tours). Their idea was to grab a handful of pros and put together an event where anglers of all levels could learn the tips and tricks that help make these guys successful year after year.
Pete Gluszek, a friend of Fish Head, asked me to help get the word out about this amazing opportunity. It will be 2 days of intensive training all to make you a more productive angler. Check out TheBassUniversity.com for more info…


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Don't think New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith wasn't bothered by last season, wasn't aggravated he didn't play to the level to which he's accustomed. Don't think he wasn't disappointed he didn't have the kind of statistics and wreak the kind of havoc that made him one of the top defensive ends in the league his first four seasons?
Then you wouldn't have any idea how determined he is to not let it happen again.
"I'm excited this year, probably more than any other," Smith said. "I didn't feel like I could do the things I normally could do (last year). I have high expectations of myself. I feel I have something to prove to myself."
And often there's no more productive player than the one who doesn't want to let down the guy he sees in the mirror.
Smith will have 25 percent less time to meet his expectations, at best. A four-game suspension will be served, because he, teammate Charles Grant and former teammate Deuce McAllister were among a group of players that tested positive for a banned substance last season.
The StarCaps saga, a messy conglomeration of accusations and counters as to who should have been responsible for knowing what and when, has been assessed a conclusion by the NFL, and Smith is satisfied to leave it at that.
But the satisfaction ceases there.
While totaling 77 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble last season, Smith started all 16 games. But he might as well have had a tractor tire strapped to his back for a portion of it because of a nagging sports hernia. It didn't measure up to the standard (averages of 8.4 sacks, 66.2 tackles, three forced fumbles and 1.5 fumble recoveries) he set in his first four seasons.
And it wasn't level with the deal he signed before the season -- six years for as much as $70 million, reportedly including $26 million guaranteed.
But the sense here is that a repeat of 2008 would be a shocker. Forecasting breakout/bounce-back seasons is dicey business, for sure, especially for players who only will suit up for 12 of the 16 regular-season games. But Smith is the kind of guy you put your money on, and feel fairly comfortable doing so.
"I think he's had a heck of a camp," said Saints defensive line coach Bill Johnson, who held that position with the Broncos last season. "He came back off an injury from last year, got in great shape. Not only is he playing good, but what a tremendous leader he is. He's a guy that speaks, those guys respect him.
"Just from me watching tape and evaluating, he went out in the offseason -- he's a committed person -- he went out and had a great offseason. Any time a guy that's committed like that doesn't feel like he has a great year .¤.¤. he went back with a lot of pride and worked at it.
"He adds a lot of things. He's a good athlete, he's got power, he's a smart football player, he's got great instincts. ... The hardest thing is once a guy goes to a Pro Bowl or has good success in this league, what do you do to keep getting better? I think he's working to the smaller parts of the details and working to get better."
Included in the small details is a smaller Smith. Listed in the media guide as weighing 282, Smith said he has lost 10 pounds. Take him at his word, even though it looks like more.
Whatever the total, there's no understating how fit he looks, which significantly contributes to how ready he appears to be.
"They wanted us to lose weight," he said. "Coach (Sean Payton) wanted me to lose 10 pounds. I just worked hard on it, did a lot more stuff that I typically don't do. Usually leading up to camp I'll cut back on working out. I didn't this year. I just kept continuing to work; morning, afternoon, I always tried to do something twice a day.
"I feel faster, quicker. We wanted to be a smaller, faster defensive line, an attacking front."
As much as anyone, that starts with Smith.
"To me, a leader has influence," Johnson said. "And I see that he has influence on people when he speaks to them. To me if you don't have influence, you can't lead. He's sort of a keeper of our room."
Next, he wants to be a keeper of promises, foremost to himself.
John DeShazier can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 504.826.3410.


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Pooka Pump
Here's my take on Dig Dug for i am 8 bit.
I really enjoy the bold design and humor in your work.. really Great images. The paintings look like they are done on wood-are they? The wide range of subject matter is fun as well..from Disney to Dig Dug..cool work.
good lord these latest Video Game inspired paintings of yours are all so amazingly fun and inspiring.
I curse the fact that I can't go and see this show in person.
OK...First off I love DIg Dug....It was my favorite game back in the day (with the exception of Tron)...Would you be willing to sell it?
clay did you get my email back? Not sure if it worked. My mail is funny today.
Yes mam...I got it! Do you ladies like to trade sketches? If so limme know!
Love your work.
man-o-man i loved this game as a kid. beautiful job!
No, I paint on illustration board, the dry brush is just a brush.
thats my favorite 8 bit game, and you did very well with it.


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Saudi Jidawwi resturant in Dubai مطعم مطبق و معصوب السعودي في دبي
December 11, 2012 Leave a Comment
I just read that there's a Saudi Jiddawi restaurant in Dubai, owned and run by Saudi ladies. The place serves authentic Jidawwi dishes like Mu6abbag, Kabsa, and other things. I'm not sure if their Mu6abbag is the same as our Kuwait one. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's something entirely different. But it's got to be an important dish, because they have more than a dozen varieties of it.
The Restaurant is called Mutabbag O Masoub, and is located on Jumeirah Rd. in Um Suqqaim. Their phone number is 04 3282444, and their exact location is beside London Hospital and behind the Iranian restaurant.
[Pic credit: their FB page].


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Yosemite National Park > Half Dome > Climber's Log
Half Dome Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Via Cables
Date Climbed: Jun 29, 2007
|Started bright & early at sunrise & completed approx. 4pm that afternoon. Definitely the toughest hike I've done in a day! Although it was a bit crowded, it was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
|Posted Sep 13, 2007 9:48 pm
|Climber Dave
|Warm day in the valley
Date Climbed: Sep 9, 2007
|Drive into the valley took longer than expected, so got a late start. Pretty warm day. Fair amount of people, but went after Labor Day so crowds not bad, no wait at the cables. Seems like miles of stairs, goin up the Mist Trail, falls both flowing but just barely, wrong time of year to see these. Overall a good long day.
|Posted Sep 13, 2007 10:15 am
|What can I say...
Date Climbed: Jul 13, 2005
|Love the view from the top.
|Posted Sep 7, 2007 1:44 am
|Third times a charm.
Date Climbed: Sep 9, 2007
|Finally started early enough...and the weather was great all day, too.
|Posted Sep 4, 2007 3:08 pm
Date Climbed: Jul 12, 2007
|What a cool climb up the cables. It is pretty funny to see all the funny webbing contraptions people come up with as a false sense of security. Overall cool. p.s. do the mist trail.
|Posted Aug 27, 2007 8:36 pm
|Regular Northwest Face
Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2007
|Day 1: up the death slabs (which are pretty tame, don't take the long trail), then fix 3 pitches. Day 2: blast to big sandy (pitch 17). Day 3: Top out and run down the mist trail. Destroyed for days afterwards.
|Posted Aug 27, 2007 3:27 pm
|Snake dike
Date Climbed: May 15, 2007
|A fun day in Yosemite. Creeping across the polished granite slabs on P1 was the crux. The run out sections of low 5th after that were fun and easy. Nice to get up this beautiful hunk of granite in off peak time. We saw 3 parties climbing Snake Dike. Cables were down so there were zero hikers and no traffic jams. This was the right time to go, I'd think.
|Posted Jul 20, 2007 10:03 pm
|Night Hike
Date Climbed: Jul 9, 2007
|My girlfriend, a friend, and I left Monday the 9th around 12:45 am and hit the cables at sunrise. We all were really glad we did it at night, beating the mobs of ya-hoos and having the cables to ourselves.
|Posted Jul 16, 2007 4:41 pm
|Idaho Kid
Date Climbed: Jul 7, 2007
|This was a night Hike. We left at 11:30 P.M. the night before. It was great, we beat the heat and the crowds. It was nice to see all of the tired face going up when we were coming done. I can now see why Half Dome is one of the must climb mountains!
|Posted Jul 12, 2007 2:34 pm
|Re: Cables
|Hey we did it at night also a couple days after you! What a great idea!
|Posted Jul 16, 2007 4:41 pm
|Always a fun one
Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2007
|Start from Happy Isles... summit by noon... then hustle back so you can catch Happy Hour at Curry Village, and sip on a pitcher of beer while you wait for your pizza; all in the shadow of the monolith you've just topped. You couldn't ask for a better day hike if you ask me.
|Posted Jul 11, 2007 2:18 am
|Great weather, great hike, great views.
|Posted Jun 23, 2007 2:14 pm
|Long day, started shortly after 5am. The cables are one of the coolest things I have done. A really great mountain.
|Posted Jun 19, 2007 12:55 pm
|Jim Carr
Date Climbed: Sep 23, 2006
|An early start is the way to go to beat the crowds on this one. Started at 3:00 am by headlamp and caught the sunrise near the summit. No waiting on the cables. Round trip car to car in about 6 hrs, 45 min.
|Posted Jun 15, 2007 3:04 pm
|The Cables, Summer 1994
|My first Sierra peak! The one that started it all and lead to one of my most interesting adventures one year later.
|Posted Jun 11, 2007 5:20 pm
|Had the route to myself
Date Climbed: May 16, 2007
|Cables route was great. Started at 6 am and saw ZERO people on the trail on the way up, besides 2 guys on snake dike. Unreal. Cables were "down" but I creeped up anyway. Best solo hike of all time. Saw a rattlesnake and 200 people on the way down.
|Posted Jun 7, 2007 8:21 pm
|Cables were cool!
Date Climbed: Jun 21, 2005
|Great day - but then again, what day of bagging a California icon isn't great?! Pretty windy on top. My camera started scooting across a flat rock. By the way, bike gloves are not a good way to grip the cables. Note to self...
|Posted Jun 4, 2007 6:21 pm
Date Climbed: May 19, 2007
|Unbelievably beautiful backdrop, but I've never seen so many people on a trail before. Kids in ponchos and slip-on canvas shoes, girls in denim mini-skirts; I couldn't believe it. The traffic jam on the cables was pretty annoying and tedious, but as always I'm thankful for each step taken.
I'm in pretty lousy shape right now after 2 months laid up from a really nasty ankle sprain resulting from a trail run, but still made it easily enough. (Was that an awkward sentence or what?!)
Anyway, do this summit on a weekday if at all possible (though I'm not sure it'll help). It'll enhance your experience and appreciation.
First time in Yosemite; I can't wait to go back.
|Posted May 29, 2007 5:09 pm
|Snake Dike
Date Climbed: May 15, 2007
|Fun day on the rock. Approached on Muir around the back side of Liberty Cap, which is longer yet less strenuous (and drier) than the Mist. Approach has a few "interesting" sections. Descended the down cables using a prusik for security...nice to have.
|Posted May 25, 2007 4:10 pm
|High School Fieldtrip
Date Climbed: May 22, 2007
|It would have been a typical hike up the cables except on that day an all girls high school had made it a requirement in order to graduate they had to summit half dome. I thought that was kind of cool. Their brother school had something similar in that they had to touch to floor of the Grand Canyon. I wish my high school had been that hip.
|Posted May 25, 2007 2:15 am


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Sail away for an unforgettable fine dining and entertainment extravaganza aboard the luxury cruise ship the Odyssey. This is the number one dining cruise experience in Chicago and offers the ultimate in elegance and superb cuisine. A truly magical dining and cruise gift experience offering taste, elegance and a day never to be forgotten.
Travel in the lap of luxury as you cruise along the lake shore passing celebrated sights such as the Adler Planetarium, Montrose harbour, Sears Tower, the John Hancock and many many more. You will be served a sumptuous meal, entertained with live music from jazz to contemporary and have the opportunity to wander the decks, making the most of the magnificent scenery.
Enjoy an unforgettable lunch experience aboard the luxury cruise ship, the Odyssey. See the city as never before and enj... Read more
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
Sail away for an unforgettable dining experience aboard the luxury cruise ship, the Odyssey. Offering the ultimate in el... Read more
LOCATION: Chicago, IL


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I attended the fabulous Hard Rock Café New Years Eve bash this year totally unaware that it was Nashvilles first such event. Yes, I do live under a rock. Most years I sit home and watch Dick Clark age, listen to the crowds in New York cheer and count down, and run around outside in the cold for a few minutes to commemorate the New Year.
But this year I got to do it in person instead! If the Hard Rock has another one next year, Im totally going, and I might even shell out for the VIP pass I got for free this year. I had no idea of the awesomeness entailed, which was: a free open bar, a free champagne toast, free delicious hors doeuvres (and by delicious I mean such as miniature beef wellingtons) all on the upper floor of the Hard Rock, which is pretty posh itselfthe bar top is made of granite with veins of smoky quartz and shimmery gold mica. Giving me and my friends those free passes was on par with whoever put the gold krugerrands in Salvation Army kettles this Christmas. We definitely got what we came in for (warmth!) plus a lot more.
Even the scene in the square outside was enough to make Nashville proud. The Metro Police did a fine job of policing, and although I body-pressed my way through the crowd at least three times that night, my ass was not grabbed, not even once. To top it all off, a giant lighted guitar dropped from a platform ala Times Square in time to the count-down, followed by a country music rendition of Auld Lang Syne by Rodney Atkins and some lovely fireworks. It was a magical evening, and I hope the tradition continues!
To see more photographs by this artist, go to Kelly Verdeck Photography.


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Aishwarya Rai comeback
10 Aishwarya Rai comeback Articles
Revealed: Details of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's first day shoot schedule of Jazbaa!1 year ago 3
Aishwarya is all set to start filming for her comeback movie tomorrow (February 3). And here is all you need to know about the gorgeous actress'… Read Article ▶
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reveals the reason behind making her comeback with Jazbaa!1 year ago 4
The former Miss World has opened up about her comeback film, Jazbaa. Here's what she has to say... A lot is riding on Sanjay Gupta's next… Read Article ▶
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sets the ball rolling for Jazbaa – View pics!1 year ago 0
The actress along with co-star Irrfan Khan was seen at a suburban hotel recently. Read on to know more! After Guzaarish (2010), Aishwarya Rai… Read Article ▶
Yogen Shah
Here's how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrated her 41st birthday…2 years ago 0
The ace superstar will make a comeback to films next year... Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned 41 yesterday. She obliged her fans and media by… Read Article ▶
Jazbaa teaser to be out on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's birthday2 years ago 0
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turned 41 today (November 1), has many special things to look forward to While her family has been ensuring to make it a… Read Article ▶
Yogen Shah
It's Irrfan Khan, not John Abraham who will star opposite Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Jazbaa!2 years ago 0
The Lunchbox actor will share screen space with Bachchan bahu in her comeback film, we hear That Sanjay Gupta has cast Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in his… Read Article ▶
Aishwarya Rai's Jazbaa to have Fast and Furious' stunt director2 years ago 0
The action film is believed to have the gorgeous actor in an Angelina Jolie avatar Spiro Razatos, a well known Hollywood stunt director, has been… Read Article ▶
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to copy Angelina Jolie?2 years ago 0
From what we hear, the Bachchan bahu is going to do something extraordinary in her comeback film Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has stunned the masses with… Read Article ▶
Will Aishwarya Rai Bachchan make a successful comeback?3 years ago 1
A big question mark looms around Aishwarya's comeback plans - Will she make a comeback? When will she make a comeback? Will she be successful? Shruti… Read Article ▶
Yogen Shah
Shilpa Shetty: Motherhood or films first?4 years ago 1
The actor says it will take her some time to get back to films as being mother to baby Viaan and other commitments keep her occupied Unlike other… Read Article ▶


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Life more expensive in Iran by one-third
A healthy inflation target in stable economies ranges between 2-3%.
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The Statistical Center of Iran has announced that the inflation rate for the 12-month period ended the fourth Iranian calendar month of Tir (July 22, 2013) compared to the same period in the previous year hit 33.9 percent.
The inflation rate for the 12-month period ended the third Iranian calendar month of Khordad was 32.6 percent, the Mehr News Agency reported.
Central Bank of Iran Governor Mahmoud Bahmani has said that the country would curb inflation through three financial policies.
"By selling bonds and gold coins as well as reducing liquidity, we hope to curb inflation," Bahmani stated.
Iran's average monthly inflation rate was 25.4 percent during the previous Iranian calendar year, which ended on March 20.
In April, the International Monetary Fund reported that Iran's economy contracted by 1.9 percent in 2012 and is expected to shrink by 1.3 percent this year.
However, the economy of the Islamic Republic is forecast to grow next year by 1.1 percent, the IMF said in its annual World Economic Outlook.
Top Headlines
- Oman's Duqm tourist complex moves forward with government approval
- Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts fights nationwide unemployment levels
- Kuwait fights budget deficit: Reexamining government salaries, expatriate labor
- Construction costs fall in Dubai
- Western tourists flock to Iran, could generate $30B in new revenue
- Stem cell research and HIV counseling? Iran is more progressive than you think
- Same Old Situation: U.S. Government still functioning with an archaic view of Muslim world
- Study of European businesses reveals travel is increasing even as its business value declines
- 55% of UAE respondents anticipate a salary increase in 2015, according to Bayt.com and YouGov Salary Survey
- Iran's inflation hits 26.1 per cent


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While the debate over the benefits of a specialized education versus a general one continues, there's strong evidence supporting the value of a liberal-arts education in today's economy.
Recent studies show that one in 12 of the nation's CEOs are liberal-arts graduates. A Dickinson College liberal-arts education is uniquely rooted in the arts and sciences yet focuses on global studies and active engagement. The ability to write well, think critically, separate fact from distortion and understand human behavior aren't just necessary skills for success in business—they're also vital to success in life.
"There's one area where humanities and social sciences majors have everyone beat: meeting employers' desires and expectations. Employers consistently say they want to hire people who have a broad knowledge base and can work together to solve problems, debate, communicate and think critically, the report notes – all skills that liberal arts programs aggressively, and perhaps uniquely, strive to teach."
Inside Higher Ed, 1/22/14
"In a recent survey of employers by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, executives said they were looking for graduates with both field-specific skills and broad knowledge in the liberal arts for long-term career advancement."The New York Times, 6/12/13
"… the top ten majors with the highest acceptance rates for law school include philosophy, anthropology, history and English. Both organizations advise prospective applicants to choose majors that interest and challenge them, work hard for excellent grades, develop their research and writing skills and make the most of the opportunities that come their way …"Forbes, 10/29/12
"…employers first and foremost hire people who can communicate clearly, think critically and solve problems — all hallmarks of a traditional liberal arts education."USA Today, 8/27/13
"My advice is simple, but well-considered: Get a liberal arts degree. In my experience, a liberal arts degree is the most important factor in forming individuals into interesting and interested people who can determine their own paths through the future."Edgar M. Bronfman, Former CEO, Seagram Corporation, 10/17/13


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Clerks cannot assist you with a record search by
phone, you must either appear in person or you may submit a written
request with the appropriate fees enclosed. Turn around time for
processing of these requests is approximately 10 court days.
If you have a case number and would like copies of
the file, you may submit a written request and a self addressed
stamped envelope
along with a check or money order with the words "Not to Exceed $25.00" to
cover the initial cost of the copies. You will be notified (by mail or
phone) should the cost exceed the $25.00. Checks and money orders should
be made payable to CLERK OF THE COURT and mailed to 1426 South Drive,
Bldg. A, Hanford CA 93230, Attention Criminal Division. DO NOT SEND CASH. You may
also appear in person.
You may submit a written request for a criminal case
search. You must
provide the following information such as specific name of defendant, date
of birth, social security number, or driver's license number and the type
of violation defendant was charged with if known. The Hanford Division
can search for those cases filed from 1989 to present for the entire
county (Hanford, Avenal, Corcoran and Lemoore jurisdictions). You may
also use the public access computer located in the lobby of the Criminal
Cases older than 1989 and filed either in the
Corcoran and or Avenal jurisdiction can be searched only at those
locations. Corcoran Division is located at 1000 Chittenden Avenue,
Corcoran, CA 93212, telephone number (559) 582-1010 extension 3005. The Avenal Division
is located at 501 E. Kings Street, Avenal, CA 93204, telephone number
(559)582-1010 extension 4095 or you can contact the California Department of Justice in
Sacramento, CA for a records check.
If your requested information is incomplete, or the
appropriate fees are not attached the request will be returned to you.
You must submit a self addressed stamped envelope for the return of
documents to you. If an envelope is not enclosed your request will be
processed and held for three (3) months then destroyed if you do not
contact the court.
If you need to speak with a clerk regarding your
processing request you may call the Hanford- Division at (559) 582-1010
extension 3042, Corcoran-Division (559) 582-1010 extension 3005 and the Avenal-Division at (559)
582-1010 extension 4095.


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MSI GeForce GTX 660 Ti Power Editon OC review -
Product Showcase MSI GTX 660 Ti Power OC Edition
Product Showcase MSI GTX 660 Ti Power OC Edition
MSI is going strong again with their own custom PCB design for the all new GTX 660 Ti. That custom PCB is once again loaded with their Military class III component selection and as such they have made a product that impresses just by looking at it. It feels strong and sturdy, nothing is bendy or fragile. The Power Edition as tested today comes with a factory overclock of 1020 MHz and 1098 MHz on the boost clock. Coming from 920 MHz GPU / 980 MHz Boost clock frequency based on the reference design, it certainly helps. The effective memory data rate (192-bit) remains clocked at a reference 6008 MHz.
The Power edition also comes with MSI Afterburner that supports Triple overvolting. Mind you that GPU voltage limitation is set at a maximum of +100 Mv on all cards that you will see, this is set and regulated by NVIDIA. Triple over volting also allows you to tweak memory and auxiliary voltages.
The card is cooled by the nice TwinFrozr IV cooler which keep the card at roughly 65 Degrees C under normal game stress conditions and proper cooling inside your chassis. TwinFrozr IV embeds two 8cm PWM fans tied to nice thick heatpipes. The card remains silent during gaming. Oh embedded here as well is the new dust removal technology, at boot up your fans will spin reversed for a little while, trying to dump residual dust.
But let's have a look at some photo's.
Alright, here we have the MSI GTX 660 Ti Power OC Edition, the 2GB SKU (stock keeping unit) and its packaging. Overall a nice dark looking card some blue tones. The lloks just ooze sturdy. Let's look at the card from several different viewpoints.
The card is equipped with the GK104 GPU that harbors the Kepler GPU architecture. You get the basics like the graphics card, PEG converter cables, manual and a demo and driver CD, though bundles will vary with AIB/AIC partners.
Gigabyte clocks this OC model card at a 1020 MHz baseclock, a 1098 MHz Boost/Turbo clock and the memory is running at 6008 MHz. This factory tweak positions the card at the performance level close to the GeForce GTX 670. Mind you that the reference baseclock is 915 MHz, so that's an interesting a factory clock right there.
The card will come with two GB of graphics memory, which is definitely enough if you are a hardcore gamer with a monitor resolution of 1920x1200. Should you opt multiple monitors and SLI, a future 4GB version might be a slightly better alternative.
The card is PCIe gen 3.0 compatible. Going from PCIe Gen 2 to Gen 3 doubles the bandwidth available to the add-on cards installed, from 500 MB/s per lane to 1 GB/s per lane. You can see two SLI connectors, the 660 series is allowed to work with up to three cards in SLI mode. For proper scaling and little driver issues as possible we always recommend to stick to 2 cards in multi-GPU mode.
MSI gives the card two DVI connectors (dual-link), one HDMI and a DisplayPort connector (full size).
We review the MSI GeForce GTX 1070 Gaming X armed with 8GB GDDR5 graphics memory. Now we all like the reference founders edition cards, but be honest with me .. everybody really waiting to see the b...
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING X 8G review
Two weeks ago we reviewed the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Founders Edition. But in reality the stuff that everybody is waiting to see are the board partner cards, all custom, tweaked and cooled better. le...
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Lightning Review
Thunderclouds hover above the Guru3D test-lab as the MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Lightning edition will now get a review. Yes we test and benchmark one of the most anticipated GeForce GTX 980 Ti cards of ...
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming + 2-way SLI review
We review the MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming (in SLI as well), this entry-level to mainstream graphics card is armed with a GM206 Maxwell generation graphics processor from Nvidia. The product performs qu...


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Artificial Turf, Full of Lead
Back in April federal authorities expressed concern over artificial turf and now their suspicions have been confirmed. Excess lead has been found in artificial turf. The Associated Press reports:
The report from the Center for Environmental Health comes after New Jersey officials found unacceptably high lead levels in some synthetic surfaces and federal authorities recommended lead testing on fraying sports fields.Yeah, I stick to running on pavement.
The center's tests, which it hired an independent lab to verify, went beyond sports fields. They found excessive lead in indoor/outdoor carpeting, artificial lawns and playground grass made with nylon and polyethylene, said Charles Margulis, a spokesman for the group.
The group classified the amount of lead as excessive if it exceeded 600 parts per million, which is the maximum allowable in paint. About 50 products were tested, and at least 15 were found to have high lead levels.
In one test, the lead was so accessible it could be wiped away with a cloth, according to the Oakland, California-based group that focuses on identifying toxins in everyday consumer products.


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ATLANTA - Jeff Gordon's impact with the inside wall at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway was catastrophic. The car was crushed and broken. Roll cage bars were snapped like pretzels; parts of the engine tumbled down the straightaway like a beach ball lost in the wind.
Pepsi 300
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has the week off. The Nationwide Series' Pepsi 300 at Nashville Superspeedway will air at 1 p.m. today on ESPN-TV.
Gordon, however, walked away without a scratch.
So much attention has been spent on how the new Car of Tomorrow performs on the track in the Sprint Cup Series, it's been easy - perhaps too easy - to forget that safety was the primary driving force in the car's development.
Brett Bodine, the director of cost research who developed the new winged car, was thrilled to hear Gordon bemoan the lack of SAFER barriers at Las Vegas. He was equally happy to hear concerns about grass runoff areas and other safety issues instead of vigils for Gordon's quick recovery.
Although NASCAR insists the new car, which is wider and taller than a standard stock car to allow for energy-absorbing zones, was on the drawing board for years, most believed Dale Earnhardt's death on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 forced everyone in the sport to concentrate on safety. Since that fateful accident, NASCAR has mandated more than 50 changes to the rulebook on safety issues. Teams have done their part, too.
Hendrick Motorsports was a pioneer with the carbon fiber seat that essentially wrapped Gordon in protective padding. Add that with a bigger cockpit, crushable materials throughout the car and mandatory head restraint systems, and it turned Gordon's crash into nothing more than amazing video.
"People have a tendency to forget this is a dangerous sport," said NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter. "We try to make it as safe as possible, working with the teams and the manufacturers, everybody.
"Jeff's path was like a perfect storm. I don't think anyone thought, prior to his accident that a car could get in where Jeff got."
Another of the safety initiatives spawned by Earnhardt's crash was the use of data recording devices in each car. NASCAR now can measure G-forces, angle of impact and other mechanical data to help it understand what happens inside a car during a crash. NASCAR doesn't release information from crashes, but Gordon said the sanctioning body said his impact with the leading edge of a concrete wall as greater than 50 Gs. Earnhardt's impact was measured at 44.5, according to University of Nebraska scientists who investigated the death.
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October 13, 2015
Box Score:
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Wrapping up its short break from its treacherous GSAC schedule, The Master's College volleyball team made quick work of the West Coast Baptist Eagles by beating them in three sets (25-10, 25-16, 25-15) Tuesday night at Bross Court.
Tuesday's win improved TMC's overall record to 14-8.
"Our objective tonight was to come out and be professional with our court presence," commented head coach Allan Vince. "How we warmed up, how we shook hands, how we started, and how we finished. This match afforded us the ability to try different lineups and scoring scenarios. We worked on limiting our errors and strengthening our court vision (in how we attacked and defended). We have had some unexpected injuries this year that have called upon certain athletes to fill different roles, and I am proud of how this team has stepped up to the challenge. I am happy with how we have done so far, and I'm very excited for where we are going."
Aubrey Bekendam (Orland, CA) tallied 13 assists, Morgan Koch (Auburn, CA) posted seven kills, while Emily Clark produced six digs. Notably, TMC tallied an impressive .415 attack percentage.
Now, TMC returns to its conference slate when they play at new GSAC member Menlo on Thursday (Oct. 15) and at William Jessup two days later.


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Portraits • Murals • Still life • Bio • Contact
Mercedes D'Adderio's fine art encompasses portraiture, still life and murals. Her fine art portraits in oil or pastel include executive, official, academic, private, family, posthumous and animal portraiture. From a mural dream view to the candor of a baby, her paintings reveal the spiritual essence of life.
This website is best seen on Internet Explorer or Firefox
Copyright © 2008 Mercedes D'Adderio. All rights reserved.


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Independence Day is right around the corner and, with the 4th of July, come barbeques, pool parties and fireworks. Yet along with all of these events is music. To most people music is the steady soundtrack of their day, playing in the background as they drive to a location or lounge by the pool or watch fireworks bloom in the night sky.
Although "popular music" or "party songs" are completely appropriate for 4th of July events, certain songs are particularly worthy of play on America's Independence Day. Although there are many songs that mention America, some have become "top of the chart" hits that practically anyone, young or old, can recognize and enjoy.
Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" is a classic rock song that is played on airways throughout the holiday. Although the song is, at its core, a criticism of the Vietnam War, its all-American themes and lyrics appeal to folks come the 4th of July. "Keep on Rocking In the Free World" by Neil Young also gets airplay during July 4th for its catchy beats—even though the lyrics are actually a criticism about certain social aspects of the United States and other "free world" affluent nations. "Little Pink Houses" by John Mellencamp is another prime 4th of July party song even though its lyrics also (albeit somewhat non-blatantly) touch on issues such as poverty and injustice. On the flip side, "We're An American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad is a purely upbeat party anthem that also enjoys massive airplay around July 4th—despite its 1973 release which makes it 41 years old! Finally, Katy Perry's "Firework" also gets quite a bit of airplay during this holiday even though the song does not reference America but, rather, the beloved American tradition of firework shows.
As you enjoy your 4th of July keep an ear tuned for these songs, and others that mention the United States, and let music uplift your spirits a little bit more!


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The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for the formulation of a nationwide, integrated, and inclusive policy for the protection of the environment.
The ministry was established in December 1988 by Govt. Decision No. 5. This proved a landmark in Israel's environmental development and in the government's determination to tackle environmental issues.
In June 2006, in Decision No. 193, Israel's Cabinet approved a request by Environmental Minister Gideon Ezra to change the ministry's name to the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Ezra explained, "The change in name better reflects our current perception of the ministry's aims. The environment in Israel needs protection and we do this day by day, hour by hour."
The ministry operates on three levels: national, regional, and local.
At the national level, the ministry is responsible for developing an integrated and comprehensive governmental policy, as well as strategies, standards, and priorities for environmental protection. To this end, the ministry has professional divisions and departments that deal with a myriad of environmental issues, as well as with its administrative mechanisms and public relations.
The ministry employs some 600 workers. It is divided into six main divisions that each include professional departments. In addition, the ministry operates six district offices throughout the country.
The ministry's six districts are divided into the same geographical division as that of the Interior Ministry: Central, Jerusalem, Northern, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Southern. (There is also a Judea & Samaria district, though that is not under Israeli civilian rule.)
Each district operates according to its own specific environmental needs. The districts' responsibilities include:
The ministry lends support to 52 environmental units and towns associations that have been established in municipalities throughout the country. Altogether, these units provide services to 85% of the country's population. They are responsible for bringing to fruition, on a local level, the national environmental policy. They also constitute an advisory body for local authorities on environmental issues. More.


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We are extremely proud to announce that Real Living Real Estate has been named "Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year" and "Most Loved" real estate brand in the 28th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study.
Real Living Real Estate received the highest numerical Equity Score among Real Estate Agencies included in the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study. Please go to www.theharrispoll.com for further details.
Real Living is the only national real estate company that gives buyers and sellers the power to grade the service they receive through a third-party survey company.
We use the same professional-grade technology
used by lenders to generate Pro Value ranges.
How's the market? You'll get clear, data driven answers
right here.
For luxury estates, executive homes, destination and resort living, search for
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Real Living is breaking new ground as a national brand
by building on the strength of
our local companies.
†Percentage based on Real Living Real Estate 2015 Customer Satisfaction Survey.
www.realliving.com | 866.373.6228 | Real Living Real Estate is a network brand of HSF Affiliates LLC, which is majority owned by HomeServices of America, Inc.TM, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.
2015 Real Living Real Estate, LLC. Real Living is a registered service mark. Equal Opportunity Housing Provider.


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A construction crane collapsed at Point East Plaza in Mentor, Ohio, on Jan 30, around 10:58 a.m., causing massive damage to cars in the parking lot. The Mentor crane collapse is just one of many happening in recent months, evidence of an ever-worsening earth wobble.
The earth wobble (a Figure 8 movement) developed in 2004 as a result of Planet X (Nibiru) in the area, according to the Zetas of ZetaTalk. Since that time, it has continued to increase in intensity, becoming more extreme in its movement.
The crane operator jumped off and got away safely as the crane start tipping. However, the crane fell on several cars, crushing them. Fortunately, they were unoccupied. Police pulled the damaged vehicles from under the crane one at a time.
Eight cars were heavily damaged:
- Saturn four-door sedan
- Kia Soul
- Cadillac CTS
- Cadillac DTS
- Nissan Murano
- Honda Accord
- Chevrolet HHR
- Chevrolet Impala.
The crane is owned by Buckeye Crane & Rigging Inc., who sent in another crane to upright the toppled crane. At 12:30 p.m. the crane was lifted from the damaged vehicles to allow them to be towed from the scene.
Expect more of the same. Tick tock, time's almost up.
Suggested Links
- Recent crane collapses around the world: Proof of worsening earth wobble
- Tennessee crane tips over on car: New normal, more than 9 collapses in 2 weeks
- Horoscopes for cats: What's your cat's sign of the Zodiac?
- Multiple UFO sightings in Japan sky: Telepathic warnings accompany UFO displays
- Giant rock rolls through building in Italy flattening it: Earth wobble heats up


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Whether you're shooting for your next career jump or your next promotion, appearances count now more than ever. It's important to think about the image you present -- an extension of your personal brand, if you will. At the same time, you are the public face of your company. What you say, do and how you look matters.
First impressions count, and your professional wardrobe is a big part of your first impression. Here are a few guidelines for looking good but still professional. Your goal? To look the part of something on the way up -- someone your boss will be proud to introduce to potential clients.
Wear clothes that impress
In essence, everyday is showtime. The key is to look pulled together. Choose more tailored options -- pants rather than capris; shirt dress rather than the sundress.
Don't underdo it on Casual Friday
You never know who you'll run into. You don't want to be the person in a tattered concert T-shirt and sneakers who is asked to step into a meeting. Make sure that you are still within company guidelines, and stay polished. Try darker rinsed jeans that are rip-free and tailored shirts.
Do light hair and makeup
Perfection is not the goal; who can manage that everyday? Think clean and fresh -- sheer foundation, mascara and neutral liner and lipstick. If you wear blush, blend well so you don't look like you just came down from a mountain. For hair, the idea's neat but not fussed with.
Have a signature something
Don't be afraid to show a little personality. Think a cut, a color or an accessory you wear regularly. Individual style gives you an edge at any job. This will allow you to make a statement about yourself.
Reveal nothing
Don't dress sexy -- or even suggestively. No low necklines, high hemlines, too-tight anything or stomach exposure. The last thing you want is to look like you don't belong. You want to make sure you get noticed for your great work, not your tight pants, overdone makeup, short skirt or cleavage-revealing shirt.


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Green-News: Thursday 7.31.08
- Graham Hilton, chair of the Renewable Transport Fuels Working Group and managing director of The Energy Crops Company, insists that biofuels are NOT linked to food prices. Via the Environmental Data Interactive Exchange:
He said the biofuels industry is working hard to ensure it is responsible and sustainable - claiming other industries are lagging far behind their efforts.
"Government should stop hiding behind tabloids and have the courage to encourage an industry that has done more than anybody to put the safeguards in place and to make a real contribution," Mr Hilton added.
Environmental Data Interactive Exchange wants to know what our readers think about Mr Hilton's argument.
Is the "fuel or food" debate redundant? Is it hijacking the debate about biofuels when there are other more important issues that should be discussed? Or are food prices a central concern when it comes to biofuels?
- Three democratic senators are calling for the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stephen Johnson, to resign; claiming Johnson sides with polluters instead of fighting ecological problems. Deborah Zabarenko of Reuters reports:
"Mr. Johnson has consistently chosen special interests over the American people's interests in protecting health and safety," Sen. Barbara Boxer of California told reporters. "He has become a secretive and dangerous ally of polluters and we cannot stand by and allow more damage to be done."
Boxer, who heads the environment committee, said Johnson had made damaging decisions on mercury, lead, toxic chemicals, drinking water standards, ozone air pollution and global warming.
She said these decisions were "harmful to the American people."
Boxer noted that last year, Johnson denied California's request for federal permission -- known as a waiver -- to impose tough new limits on climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions from cars and light trucks. That decision effectively blocked as many as 18 other states from doing the same.
- Scientists aren't ready to say global warming caused it, but seven square miles of the Canadian ice shelf in the Arctic has broken off. More from the Associated Press:
Derek Mueller, a research at Trent University, was careful not to blame global warming, but said it the event was consistent with the theory that the current Arctic climate isn't rebuilding ice sheets.
"We're in a different climate now," he said. "It's not conducive to regrowing them. It's a one-way process."
Mueller said the sheet broke away last week from the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf off the north coast of Ellesmere Island in Canada's far north. He said a crack in the shelf was first spotted in 2002 and a survey this spring found a network of fissures.
The sheet is the biggest piece shed by one of Canada's six ice shelves since the Ayles shelf broke loose in 2005 from the coast of Ellesmere, about 500 miles from the North Pole.
Formed by accumulating snow and freezing meltwater, ice shelves are large platforms of thick, ancient sea ice that float on the ocean's surface. Ellesmere Island was once entirely ringed by a single enormous ice shelf that broke up in the early 1900s.


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Vemma NEXT™ is the perfect choice to give your children the nutrition they need with a creamy orange flavor they love! NEXT is bursting with vitamins, plant-sourced minerals, phytonutrient-rich mangosteen, vegetarian-sourced DHA, fruit and vegetable extracts and other key nutrients for a growing body.* Vemma NEXT is the finest and most complete children's supplement available anywhere.
Vemma NEXT was designed with today's child in mind and may help fill nutritional gaps:
•Physician-formulated with one ounce of the Vemma formula for children 2 to 12
•Provides 12 full spectrum vitamins and over 65 major, trace and ultra-trace plant-sourced minerals
•Contains all-natural vegetarian DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid known for brain and eye support*
•Added antioxidant protection from a plant pigment called quercetin
•Great tasting, kid-approved orange blast flavor
As an added feature, for each month's supply of NEXT purchased, Vemma will donate a month's supply to a child in need. Additionally you'll be given the opportunity to contribute to Children's Miracle Network® hospitals with a gift amount of your choice.
Available at CrossFit Scottsdale and online at


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|14 Krista Jessup
As A Junior (2005)
Named second team All-Conference USA for a second consecutive season ... Started all 74 games behind the plate ... Finished the season with a career-best .326 batting average ... Ranked eighth in Conference USA in runs scored with 72 (second on the team) ... Finished third on the team in batting average and hits ... Had the second most multi-hit games on the team with 19 ... Her 11-game hitting streak was the longest by any player during the year ... Drove in multiple runs in six games, including a season-high three against Rutgers and Bowling Green ... Hit her lone home run of the season in the series finale against Saint Louis ... Went 12-for-23 in six games at the Who's Hoo Invitational at the University of Virginia ... Recorded a fielding percentage of .994, committing just three errors in 465 chances.
As a Sophomore (2004)
Named second team All-Conference USA ... Finished the season with a .290 batting average, two home runs and 36 RBIs ... Ranked third on the team in hitting, hits and RBIs ... Played and started in 67 games, making 66 starts behind the plate ... Tallied 10 multi-hit games and 10 multi-RBI games ... Longest hitting streak of the season was nine games ... Went 5-for-5 in game two of a doubleheader against Liberty ... Drove in five runs against UMBC at the GMU Patriot Classic going 3-for-3 with a home run and double ... Earned all-tournament team honors ... Hit her first of two home runs during the season in ECU's C-USA opener against UAB.
As a Freshman (2003)
Played in 54 of ECU's 55 games, making 52 starts ... Ranked fourth on the team in hitting with a .253 batting average ... Hit one home run during the season and drove in 11 runs ... Recorded 13 multi-hit games ... Collected her first collegiate hit against Fordham on Feb. 21, going 2-for-3 ... Went 3-for-4 with an RBI against Brown ... Hit her only home run of the season in the first game of a doubleheader against UNC Greensboro ... Drove in three runs against the Spartans in that same game ... Went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI in game two of a doubleheader with Virginia ... Smashed two doubles in a game for the second time in the season finale against Saint Louis.
High School
Played for Coach Bobby Diez at Chamberlain High School ... Earned four letters in softball as a catcher ... Earned three letters playing forward for the soccer team ... Softball team was state runner-up in 1998 and went to the state final four in 1999 ... Helped the Chiefs to the regional playoffs in 2000 and win the district championship in 2002 ... Named rookie-of-the-Year in 1998 ... Was also named all-conference and all-county in her high school career.
Born Krista Leigh Jessup on August 11, 1984 ... Daughter of Terry Armstrong and Richard Jessup ... Has one brother, Richard ... Academic major is hospitality management.


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Posted: 15 Apr 2014, 19:16
T-Mobile-T-Mobile+ AT&T-AT&T+ Verizon-Verizon+ Sprint-Sprint+ Accessories-Accessories+ Samsung-Samsung+ Android-Android+
Another one of Spigen's more popular case series, the Slim Armor case for the Samsung Galaxy S5, is a step above from its entry-level models, seeing that it adds more protection while still maintaining a slim overall package. Quite frankly, that's the beautiful thing about this one. It's neither bland or too over-the-top with its looks...


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"I've still got some packing to do," I said, giving her one last hug. "So I'd better get going."
"It was a great night," my daughter said before she went inside.
For a moment I stood alone in the field behind our old house. All the lights were out, so I took a good look at the stars. Then I headed out in my rental car.
Four miles down the dirt road I spotted it: the flashing blue light in my rearview mirror.
This stretch of road was more than familiar to me. I'd driven it every day, taking my three children to school. And on one memorable winter night, a good 25 years earlier, my son Charlie had dropped a tiny golden sword from his Playmobil pirate ship out the car window at just this spot. Because I knew how much the sword meant to him, I had spent the better part of an hour trying to find it, circling the area with my high beams on. Classic adult-child-of-alcoholic behavior there: the compulsion to protect one's child from loss and grief, not simply because the pain would be hard for him but also because the pain would be too hard for his endlessly vigilant and caretaking mother.
I found the sword. Crossing the highway to retrieve it, I was nearly sideswiped by an 18-wheeler. But that night at least, I'd averted what would have felt—to me probably more than to my son—a heartbreak.
Now a different kind of trouble had me in its grip. I knew I'd get a ticket (turns out I was 25 miles per hour over the limit). But there was more: Taking my license, the officer asked, "How much have you had to drink tonight?" And the truth was, I didn't know.
"One glass of wine," I told him.
"I'm going to ask you to take a Breathalyzer test," he said.
"Do I have to?" I replied.
Legally, no, I wasn't obliged to breathe into the machine, the officer told me. But now he was asking me to step outside the car and perform a few simple tests.
I stood by the side of the road, in the light of the police car, with the occasional vehicle whizzing past, and walked a straight line, heel to toe. I stood on one leg, raising my other a few inches off the ground. For the final test, the officer moved his forefinger back and forth in front of my face and asked me to follow it with my eyes without turning my head.
When I was done, he shook his head. "I'm placing you under arrest," he said. "Since you've been cooperative up to this point, you can wear the handcuffs in front of you rather than behind."
At that moment, all kinds of thoughts and feelings went through my brain. Horror, for sure. Shame. Also fear. Regret. More shame.
A picture came to me then, of a long-ago night when—with my mother out of town and my sister at college—I had been left alone in the care of my father, who'd gone on a bender. It must have been 10 PM when I awoke to knocking on the door and the sight of a police officer.
"Do you know who the driver might be of the vehicle left in the middle of the street?" he asked. It was the family Oldsmobile. My father must have driven most of the way home before abandoning it. With the motor still running.
In today's world, he would have been charged with DUI. But this was 1966. The officer, learning that the Olds was ours and that my father was asleep upstairs, moved the car himself and left it in our driveway, where my father found it the next morning, most likely with no memory of what had happened.
"Tell your dad to be more careful" was all the officer said to me. I kept that shameful message to my 12-year-old self.
Now here I was, by the side of another dark road, with no likelihood of finding similar leniency. Now the officer was opening the car door for me, since my hands were cuffed. Now we were heading to the police station in the town where I'd raised my children, back when they and I were young.


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So let me see if I get this…. 5 chicks have a show where they sit around and opine that they don't like FOX News because it has commentators that offer opinions.
(Ironically, the only gal that seemed capable of "thinking outside the box" was the one on the far right.)
It all makes sense now….libs are just hippie-crits.
H/T Breitbart TV
Friday, October 30, 2009
O'Reilly on "The View" to Discuss The War on Fox News
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- DuraflexCarbon CreationsRacing Elegance
1981 GMC Suburban Body Kits
1981 GMC Suburban body kits are exterior accessories that can be installed to enhance and rejuvenate a car's {exterior look. After years of usage, the exterior paneling on many automobiles starts to look old and ugly. Any damage to a vehicle's paint job or to the exterior components themselves can lower a vehicle's market value, making the use of body kits is just that significant. A aerodynamic kits can change a ride look prettier, without changing any of the true mechanics of the automobile.
Some aftermarket 1981 GMC Suburban body kits products come with replacements for several parts, bumper covers and side panels. These are the places of a car that are often damaged from daily driving, but they alone aren't the only pieces that can be easily fixed. Other custom body parts can be used to customize a car's look, so 1981 GMC Suburban body kits can sometimes be customized to a driver's specific desires. For an enhanced look that eliminates the old appearance came from years of driving, a simple body kits can serve you well.


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Today, Spanish Football's Atletico Madrid beat hosts Getafe 2-0 in an ugly battle between relegation- threatened and table-leader squads, at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. The game marked Diego Costa's return from injury, an important development for the Madrid side's hopes in all competitions ahead.
After the win, Atletico Madrid sits at 82 points in the La Liga table, followed by Real Madrid at 79 and Barcelona at 78. Atletico has the tie-breaker over Real Madrid, goal differential in head-to-heads. The Colchoneros must play the Catalans, with whom they tied 0-0 earlier, on the last day of the season in what could amount to a final for the title if Atletico falters at any time. With a four point cushion though, if both Atletico and Barcelona win all their games up until that showdown, a Barcelona win then would still leave them a point behind and make Atletico the La Liga champs.
Taking the southbound 14 minute drive on the A-22 from Vicente Calderon to Getafe was the only easy part of Atletico's away stint today. The Azulones were provocative from the get go as they welcomed Costa's first two touches of the ball with fouls. The rough play, that soon infected both teams, was so constant that yellows were handed out at the 15th, 21st, 24th and 42nd minutes.
Fortunately, to break that thread, at the 40th minute, Diego Godin found Getafe goalkeeper, Jordi Codina, way out of position on a cross. The Uruguayan defender easily headed into the empty goal for the Atletico lead.
The game ended 1-0 at half-time with many more rough play and complaints about it from players on both sides. As the teams came off the pitch players were still pushing each other around.
The second half was just as relentlessly rough and the four yellows by half-time were nearly doubled by match's end.
At the 64th minute a penalty and red card for Getafe's Angel Lafita were awarded. Frankly there were two grab and pull-down fouls in the box and either could have been called for a penalty and a card. A minute later Costa took the penalty shot and keeper Codina guessed correctly diving to his left and saving the shot.
The game seemed to reach some other plane of urgency and the toughness simply kept pace. Getafe had a few chances to tie the score and Atletico responded with more chances to pull an extra goal ahead. At the 84th minute Costa scored Atletico's second with his left foot from close in. In doing so he just about took the post with his slide and his injury required he be carted off the field. Subsequent reports indicated the injury looked worse than it was, though, and Twitter feeds from Atletico's PR staff indicated the post had taken the harder hit.
These have been quite some weeks for Spanish Football at home and abroad and it will not let up any time soon. On Wednesday we have the Copa del Rey final and soon thereafter both Real and Atletico will be hosting the first legs of their Champions League semifinal ties in Madrid.


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With numerous specialty stores that offer everything from the distinctive Floridian to priceless art, and from casual, elegant attire to funky and fine jewelry, Clearwater offers a multitude of shopping experiences!
Boutique Shopping in Downtown Clearwater
Cleveland Street District
Downtown Clearwater's Cleveland Street District is pedestrian friendly and the perfect place to stroll and explore its stores and boutiques. Favorites among locals and visitors include a number of fashion boutiques and fine jewelers as well as the freshest local food at Bob and Daughter's Produce.
Clearwater Beach offers a variety of shops on Mandalay Avenue and Gulfview Boulevard, everything from souvenirs and resort clothing, to surfing equipment and keepsakes, and everything else under the sun. Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surf Style bring classic beachwear and style to Clearwater while Frenchy's Off the Hook shop offers a wide variety of knick knacks, souvenirs and unique items. Wrestling champion and celebrity Hulk Hogan opened his own store selling new Hulk items and some of his personal memorabilia in the fall of 2012.
Clearwater's Westfield Countryside Mall has 165 stores including well known department stores and specialty retailers, a 12-screen movie theater, WiFi lounge, and ice skating rink. US Highway 19 is home to national restaurant chains, automobile and boat dealerships, department stores and specialty shops.
Clearwater Mall (2747 Gulf to Bay Blvd) offers guests a variety of name brand and specialty stores, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities.


text: Ingredients:½ cup butter, softened¾ cup light brown sugar½ cup milk4 eggs1 (15 ounce) can solid pumpkin1½ cups whole wheat flour1 cup yellow cornmeal2 tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda1 tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp salt¼ tsp ground clovesDirections:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed and add the remaining ingredients; beat just until smooth. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin pans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.


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Swingers In The News
Discovery Green Lights "Swinger Wives"
Swingers are becoming more in the mainstream as TLC will soon premiere "Swinger wives". Discovery Networks will be airing a pilot in an in depth look at American couples, that live double lives as swingers. The pilot will be set to air on TLC internationally in select markets as the SwingLifeStyle is becoming more recognized.
The pilot will take place in Atlanta, Georgia and set to explore the relationships and the mindset in the way of life for swingers. The pilot reveals issues that swinging couples endure and how the couples face life and how they keep it secret from family members as well as co workers etc.
The SwingLifeStyle has always been about communication in the lifestyle, and the importance of strong communication, which the TV will cover. The couples involved are very proud of how they consider living in a functioning normal lifestyle and society that looks down upon theirs.
This is a must watch people, make sure to see if it will air in your local area for the pilot. This looks like it has the potential to be a really cool series.
Related News
Reason Why College Students Engage in Group Sex
Group sex may involve three or more people of any gender. Back in the day,Read More
3 Positive Aspects Of Joining A Swinger Site As A Couple
The swinging culture continues to grow as the days go by. This is being witnessedRead More


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Malik Falls In The Round Of 32 At ITA Regional Championships
Oct. 21, 2013
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - After defeating Lauren Frazier of Cornell on Saturday to advance to the ITA Northeast Regional Championships Round of 32, UMass tennis freshman Aarzoo Malik was defeated on Sunday by fifth-seeded Jessica Wacnik of Boston College.
Despite the loss, it was a positive weekend overall for Malik who finished with a 1-1 singles record after having a first-round bye. Malik also went 1-1 in doubles play with partner Yuliana Motyl with their loss coming in the Round of 32 as well.
On Sunday, Wacnick won the opening set 6-2 before taking the match with a 6-3 win in the second set.
Malik is 3-2 overall this year in singles play with a 1-2 record in tournament play. She and Motyl are now 3-3 overall in doubles with a 2-2 record in tournament action.
The UMass tennis team returns to action this weekend at the Big Green Invitational hosted by Dartmouth. The final tournament of the fall will start on Friday with competition closing on Sunday.
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206 Peregrine Court, Regal Ridge - Peregrine, Peregrine, Osoyoos, BC, V0H 1V6, Canada
New three bedroom, 2 storey Swiss Chalet style home on 3 acres. Beautiful kitchen with quartz counters oversized pantry. Master suite has jetted tub and steam shower and large walk in closet. Second bedroom has ensuite. Wet bar in rec area on main level. Large dining room and living room areas. All walls and floors are insulated. Radiant heat.
Caminetti MonteGrappa wood stove for extra heat, breads and pizza.
Jetted tub in master and steam shower. 1500 gallon cistern for outside irrigation. Roughed in plumbing for Geo-thermal and outdoor wood stove. Custom free hanging Stairwell. Knotty pine walls and ceiling in living area on mainfloor. Maple hardwood and tile on main. Bamboo flooring up. Vaulted ceilings.
Miles of trails. Hiking, golf and wineries nearby. Off road Crown land with easy access also nearby. Downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Outdoor paradise.
ReMax Colonial Pacific Ltd.
The data relating to real estate on this web site comes in part from the MLS Reciprocity program of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLSR logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. Copyright 2016 by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board, BC Northern Real Estate Board, and Kootenay Real Estate Board. All Rights Reserved.


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In the headlines: IPCC's latest report can galvanise political action on climate and electric cars must make noise under new EU rules
- Date
- 07 April 2014
News snapshot for the w/c 07.04.14 is below, please click the links to read further.
Clean Revolution news stories you may have missed:
- Climate change is the biggest threat to public health: world experts urge government action, April 4
- Climate impacts on investors spotlighted in Forbes, April 4
- Energy experts argue for greater efficiency in Europe, April 3
- The Climate Group welcomes new India Executive Director, April 3
- Two billion life years could be saved if India tackles toxic air, MIT economist argues, April 3
- Philips to oversee radical rehaul of Aruba's lighting with projected savings of 50-80%, April 2
- India gets $276 million loan from EU to boost renewables, April 2
- China and EU commit to cooperation on climate policy, April 1
- Wind energy cost on par with natural gas in US, new study proves, March 31
- IPCC report shows urgent need for clean revolution: Mark Kenber, March 31
- World to witness new record for highest airborne wind turbine, March 31
- The Climate Group celebrates 10th anniversary with special Gala, March 31
- If you're on twitter join over 53,000 other people from around the world and follow @climategroup for the latest daily news and quick facts.
IPCC's latest report can galvanise political action on climate
Few in developing countries living on the front line of climate change will be surprised by the results of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's report on climate impacts. Vulnerable communities are already facing the brunt of climate change impacts whether it's changing rainfall patterns diminishing food security, small islands threatened by inundation from rising sea levels or entire developing country economies knocked back by increasing frequency and severity of extreme events. But the IPCC's messages about food insecurity, negative economic impacts, urban impacts or biodiversity loss are stronger and have the potential to be used to galvanise action to build resilience at national and international levels. This is an impressive body of evidence: the IPCC's 2,000-page assessment based on over 12,000 scientific papers and other documents emphasise that our societies and economies are not as climate resilient as they could be. RTCC, April 4
Swiss RE calls for adaptation drive as extreme weather events rise
Insurance companies should emphasise the importance of boosting preparations for extreme weather events and other impacts from climate change, Swiss RE says in a report. The reinsurance giant says its industry is "highly exposed" to future changes in the earth's weather systems, revealing insured losses from weather-related events rose from 0.018% of global GDP between 1974 to 1983 to 0.077% of global GDP from 2004-2013. It expects rising temperatures to lead to more frequent and severe extreme weather events in the future. The US Gulf coast alone could face an annual damage bill of $21.5 billion by 2030, it says. RTCC, March 30
Asia – Pacific
Unambitious Australia needs to do more to tackle climate change
Australia plays an important role as a leading economy within the international community, and host of this year's summit of the G20 countries. How it tackles the threat of climate change is of global importance as developing countries look to rich countries to set an example because of their better technologies and history of high emissions of greenhouse gases. Australia's current policy settings and institutions hold out prospects for doing its fair share in a global effort that has to increase over time. Repeal of these policies would be a setback for the Australian and international effort. The Canberra Times, April 3
Asia responding to future of climate change
Challenges such as extreme weather, rising seas and worsening scarcity of drinking water are forcing many Asian governments to confront the changes being wrought by a warming planet even as some point to rich Western nations as major culprits. Experts say Asia and the South Pacific, home to 4.3 billion people or 60 per cent of all humankind, faces rising risks from climate change that threaten food security, public health and social order. Just as colonialism determined much of Asia's past, adapting to profound disruptions from climate change will determine the region's future, said Rajendra Kuma Pachauri, a co-chairman of the climate panel who has spent the past 26 years working on the issue. Asia's growing economic importance and rapidly urbanizing populations will give it a pivotal role in humanity's handling of climate change, said Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development at the Independent University in Bangladesh. Global News, April 2
China and EU pledge joint climate action
The EU and China have pledged to "strengthen cooperation" on climate action ahead of the UN climate summit in Paris at the end of next year. A joint statement issued after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Brussels outlines a commitment to "credible and verifiable domestic action" on emissions of greenhouse gases and HFCs, chemicals used in fridges and air conditioners with global warming potential 11,700 times that of CO2. Both parties also called on all countries to present their contributions to the international climate framework due to be agreed at Paris well in advance of the conference. Business Green, April 2
China may sell debt to combat climate change
China may sell debt and is considering other ways to raise funds for combating climate change, an official at the country's top economic planner said on Tuesday. "China is exploring and tapping bond markets," the official from the National Development and Reform Commission told a three-day climate conference in Beijing. It was sponsored by the United Nations Foundation. Resolving problems associated with climate change will be one of the government's "top priorities this year," he said. Other "innovative" methods to establish a financial market for climate change are being explored and the NDRC is in talks with the Finance Ministry to secure income for a special fund, the official, who declined to be named, said. China, the world's biggest emitter of the greenhouse gasses blamed by some scientists for climate change, is ahead of some nations in its promotion of a market-based system to reduce pollution, experts said. ECNS, April 3
Paris 2015 climate summit blow as key minister resigns
Preparations for next year's make-or-break UN climate summit Paris next year have suffered a blow after the minister responsible for organising the event resigned from the French government. Pascal Canfin, the deputy minister for development, has been spearheading France's plans for the Conference in 2015, where the UN hopes countries will sign off a long-awaited treaty on climate change. But on Monday night the Green Party minister announced that he would no longer serve in government due to political differences with France's newly appointed Prime Minister Manuel Valls. RTCC, April 2
EC energy policy shift for 2030: a competitive low-carbon economy
The European Commission is championing a more "coherent and global approach" to energy policy in its 2030 package, says Dominique Ristori, director general at DG Energy. The priority now is to forge a more competitive low-carbon economy. "This is fundamental because it will influence the whole chain of decisions," Ristori told Science Business. For starters, Europe needs a more market-based approach to renewable energies and this should include, "the progressive elimination of unjustified subsidies for mature technologies," Ristori said. Other key elements of the Commission's new systems-based approach to energy policy include a smart and interconnected electricity grid – and big gains in energy efficiency. "We should give high priority to the creation of a fully integrated and single European grid," said Ristori. Science Business, April 3
Solar ATMs changing the face of banking in India
A small startup, a frugal mindset and a disruptive technology are shaking up the rural banking scene in India, giving 300 million dwellers a chance to get a bank account. India's rural economy has been growing with disposable incomes rising, especially in rural areas where spending power accounts for 57 percent of the $780 billion spent annually compared to 43 percent in urban areas. However, 60 percent of India's rural population, compared with 40 percent overall, does not have a bank account. In spite of a robust banking infrastructure and a government aim to include the rural economy into the mainstream, only 5 percent of 600,000 villages have a commercial bank branch and just 2 percent of people living in rural India have a credit card. CNBC, April 1
Suzlon retains fifth spot among global wind turbine makers
Suzlon Group has retained its 5th place among global wind turbine makers in 2013, according to MAKE Consulting. In its annual Global Wind Turbine OEM Market Share report, MAKE said Suzlon had a global market share of 6.3 per cent, as measured by newly installed generating capacity. In America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region, Suzlon featured among top four OEMs with a market share of 13.5 per cent and 10.7 per cent respectively, it said, adding that in terms of cumulative capacity, Suzlon - with 23.5 GW of installed capacity - was again ranked fifth globally. MAKE Consulting considers actual grid connected data (except for Chinese OEMs) when arriving at the rankings. Given the size of the Chinese wind market and limited data transparency in grid-connected installations, MAKE calculates market share in China on the basis of installed wind turbines by both Chinese and non-Chinese OEMs. Sustainability Outlook, April 7
North America
Exxon warns global warming targets 'unlikely' to be met
ExxonMobil, the US oil group, said it was "highly unlikely" that the world would cut greenhouse gas emissions sufficiently to keep global warming within the internationally agreed limit of 2C. In two reports on the implications of climate change for its business published on Monday, Exxon rejected suggestions that policies to cut emissions would leave many of its oil and gas assets "stranded" – incapable of being profitably developed. It accepted that carbon dioxide emissions created by burning fossil fuels were raising global temperatures, and that warming created risks, but argued that the threat needed to be weighed against other objectives, including the need for energy in developing countries. Financial Times, March 31
US energy imports hit two-decade low in 2013
Total US energy imports plunged to its lowest level last year in more than 20 years, it has been revealed. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), energy imports were down 19% in 2013 from 2012. while total crude oil production grew 15% last year, leading to a 12% decrease in imports. "Growth in the production of oil and natural gas displaced imports and supported increased petroleum product exports, driving most of the decline," the EIA stated in its latest monthly report. In 2013, net gas imports were 1,311 billion cubic feet (Bcf), down from 1,519 Bcf in 2012 and 1,963 Bcf in 2011. Total US primary energy usage also rose 2.4% last year after declining in 2011 and 2012, with renewables providing the largest percentage increase. The highest increase was seen in the residential sector while the transportation sector consumed the lowest, it said. Energy Live News, April 3
IPCC scientists: UK leading world on climate adaptation
It might not have felt like it as authorities battled once again this winter to deal with the fallout from extreme weather and flooding, but the UK is at the forefront of developing policies and business strategies that factor in the long-term impacts of climate change. The Environment Agency may have been slammed for its response to the floods that devastated parts of the south of the country and ministers may have been forced to answer questions as to why they cut spending on flood management in the face of increased flood risks. But many other countries have so far failed to develop the kind of over-arching climate adaptation strategies that are now being pursued in the UK. That is the claim of leading climate scientist Nigel Arnell, a key author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's comprehensive analysis on the global consequences of climate change, who this week argued the UK was taking some encouraging steps to enhance its climate resilience in the face of worsening climate risks. Business Green, April 1
Bournemouth begins £7m LED street light upgrade
A £7m project is under way to upgrade Bournemouth's 16,500 street lights with low-energy LEDs in a bid to save the borough council more than £30m. The authority said using bright white lights instead of traditional orange sodium lamps would cuts costs and reduce energy consumption. It hopes to save £32.2m against projected costs over 20 years. The council currently spends £1.1m a year on street lighting energy. The work will take some months to complete. Conservative councillor Michael Filer, portfolio holder for transport, said the town's lighting network was "in need of modernising. Once installed the new lights will lead to a 73% energy saving in current street lighting consumption which equates to large environmental and financial savings," he added. BBC News, April 4
Electric cars must make noise under new EU rules
Electric and hybrid cars will have to generate noise to make them safer for pedestrians, especially the visually impaired, the European Parliament says. MEPs agreed that in future the vehicles must be fitted with devices to make them "sound similar" to cars with combustion engines. The move has been welcomed by campaigners. MEPs also voted to tighten noise emission standards for cars, vans, lorries and buses over the next decade. The new law is expected to be rubber-stamped by the European Council. Under the revised rules, new models of electric and hybrid vehicles will have to make a noise by 2019 and all new electric and hybrid cars must be audible by 2021. The BBC's Ben Wright in Brussels says the move has been welcomed by UK charity Guide Dogs for the Blind - which campaigned for the change. However, with the number of quiet cars increasing all the time, it said the 2021 deadline was too late. BBC News, April 2
LED makers get smart to rise above price war and growth cliff
Lighting companies like Philips and Osram are scrambling to develop more advanced technology as a price war for LED bulbs threatens to eat into profits and bring on a period of low growth as the long-life bulbs become more common. The market for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is growing rapidly as companies, hotels and shops switch from incandescent light bulbs, which are being banned in countries around the world, to these more efficient and durable lights. But the initial cost of buying LED bulbs for home use, while falling rapidly, is still higher than alternatives such as compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) or halogen, leaving consumers hesitant to adopt the new technology. Reuters, April 3