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Our ability to make choices — and sometimes mistakes — might arise from random fluctuations in the brain's background electrical noise, according to a recent study, "Spontaneous Neural Fluctuations Predict Decisions to Attend," appearing online April 16, 2014 in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. The study comes from the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California - Davis, located in midtown, Sacramento.
"How do we behave independently of cause and effect?" said Jesse Bengson, according to the June 9, 2014 news release, "Does 'free will' stem from brain noise?" Bengson is a postdoctoral researcher at the center and first author on the paper. "This shows how arbitrary states in the brain can influence apparently voluntary decisions." See, "Center for Mind and Brain: Neural Attention Lab."
The brain has a normal level of "background noise," Bengson said, according to the news release. Background noise is measured as electrical activity patterns fluctuate across the brain. In the new study, decisions could be predicted based on the pattern of brain activity immediately before a decision was made. You also may wish to checkout the video, "Measuring brain noise." And/or see, "Video demonstration."
Bengson sat volunteers in front of a screen and told them to fix their attention on the center, while using electroencephalography, or EEG, to record their brains' electrical activity. The volunteers were instructed to make a decision to look either to the left or to the right when a cue symbol appeared on screen, and then to report their decision.
The National Institutes of Health funded the work. Findings of the study provide evidence for a mechanistic account of decision-making by demonstrating that ongoing neural activity biases voluntary decisions about where to attend within a given moment, according to the study's abstract.
The cue to look left or right appeared at random intervals, so the volunteers could not consciously or unconsciously prepare for it
The researchers found that the pattern of activity in the second or so before the cue symbol appeared — before the volunteers could know they were going to make a decision — could predict the likely outcome of the decision. "The state of the brain right before presentation of the cue determines whether you will attend to the left or to the right," Bengson said, according to the news release.
The experiment builds on a famous 1970s experiment by Benjamin Libet, a psychologist at UCSF who was later affiliated with the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience
Libet also measured brain electrical activity immediately before a volunteer made a decision to press a switch in response to a visual signal. He found brain activity immediately before the volunteer reported deciding to press the switch.
The new results build on Libet's finding, because they provide a model for how brain activity could precede decision, Bengson said. Additionally, Libet had to rely on when volunteers said they made their decision. In the new experiment, the random timing means that "we know people aren't making the decision in advance," Bengson said in the news release.
Libet's experiment raised questions of free will — if our brain is preparing to act before we know we are going to act, how do we make a conscious decision to act?
The new work, though, shows how "brain noise" might actually create the opening for free will, Bengson said, according to the news release. "It inserts a random effect that allows us to be freed from simple cause and effect," he said in the news release.
Bengson is also currently a visiting assistant professor at Bates College, Maine. Co-authors on the paper are Todd Kelley, postdoctoral researcher, Center for Mind and Brain; Professor Jane-Ling Wang and graduate student Xiaoke Zhang, Department of Statistics; and Professor George (Ron) Mangun, Center for Mind and Brain and dean of the Division of Social Sciences at UC Davis.


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"The laughs for Cheap Thrills are just as good at home then on the big screen and maybe even better!"
By now we are sure you guys are all aware of the zany dark comedy from director E.L. Katz, Cheap Thrills. A fan favorite for sure this gritty headrush has come home to DVD and Blu ray. In stunning glory Cheap Thrills is just as good of a watch at home as it is in the theaters. A movie you want to add to your collection? Yes, and the casing and presentation for the film is impeccable. We loved the mini booklet with the extra goodies including the small comic dedicated to the film. Cheap Thrills is a captivating experience that you will want to enjoy again and again.
For those unfamiliar with the tale, Cheap Thrills stars Pat Healy as a down on his luck guy who has not only lost his job but received an eviction notice. He runs into an old friend at the bar (Ethan Embry) and after a few they meet the dastardly couple David Koechner and Sara Paxton. The two involve them in small bets and then string them alone for a night they will never forget, or never survive. Cheap Thrills sets the tone for how much would a person do to make a fast buck.
Filled with laughs that will question your sanity Cheap Thrills is a journey like no other. Once the big time money comes into play the film becomes a macabre display of two desperate men going past the limits. Just when you think the film has lost it and in meandering into a monotonous movie , Koechner and Paxton explode to deliver unforgettable performance that will have you both laughing and uneasy.
The DVD and Blu ray also comes with a digital copy, making of featurette and commentary from Healy and E.L. Katz. That's a great worth of Cheap Thrills entertainment for you to enjoy so head out today and pick this up!
Cheap Thrills is now available on DVD and Blu ray. It is directed by E. L. Katz and stars Pat Healy, Ethan Embry, David Koechner, and Sara Paxton. It is being distributed by Drafthouse Films.

subset: commoncrawl


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On Wednesday afternoon, January 18, Kentucky state troopers received a call of someone throwing rocks at passing vehicles on northbound I-65 between the 73 and 74-mile markers. KSP got more calls at six o'clock the next night.
Subjects were seen throwing rocks more than five inches in diameter from the hills and trees on the side of the road. Several vehicles were damaged, two of them heavily, the rocks going straight through the windshields.
No one was injured this time, but in November of 2003, a little boy was struck in the head when someone threw a large rock from the Hays-Smiths Grove I-65 overpass in Warren County, through the sun roof of an SUV. The boy was listed in stable condition in the medical center at the time.
If you know anything about these potentially deadly acts, please call Crime Stoppers at 781-"CLUE" or click here to go to their Web site. You could earn up to $1,000 for your anonymous tip.


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Hot Diggity Dog! Season Six of No Reservations Premieres Tonight
A preview, plus a look at a new show featuring some Finnish culinary daredevils.
On tonight's season premiere of No Reservations, Bourdain tours Chile and sucks down a mutant hot dog called the "completo" that's something akin to the "cachorrao" we had in Lisbon. Also airing this season: Australia (July 20), the Rust Belt (July 27), "On the Street" (August 3), San Francisco (August 10), Thailand (August 17), the Rockies (August 24), "Burning Questions" (August 31), and Sardinia (September 14). And Tony's blog promises a tour of outer-borough New York on September 7. Should you care to predict where he will (or should) visit, do so in the comments. Meanwhile, we're kind of over the whole bizarre-foods meme, but we couldn't help but enjoy a preview clip from Madventures, a popular Finnish show that has been picked up by the Travel Channel and features two pals who cross the globe doing wild and crazy things (Jackass meets No Reservations?). In the Russia episode, premiering after Tony, the vegetarian of the duo is forced to eat boiled leeches full of his buddy's blood. Good times ensue.


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Squaretail Fuller
Thread: Black 8/0 (70 denier).Hook: 4X- or 6X-long streamer hook, your choice of size.Tail: Red and yellow hackle fibers.Body: Flat silver tinsel.Throat: Red and yellow hackle fibers.Wing: White kiptail.A bit of history: There are several squaretail (brook trout) recipes in the Art Fuller's notebook. Most are named for a tier or location. This pattern is one of Fuller's creations.


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LIVERMORE, Ky. (WBKO) -- The McLean County Sheriff's Office says a white male entered the Independence Bank on Henton Street in Livermore and handed the teller a note on Friday, April 26.
Deputies say the note said he was armed and demanded cash.
They say the robber left the bank and was last seen driving south on US 431 in a full-sized gray Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck.
The robber was described to be 50-60 years of age.
Investigators with the McLean County Sheriff's Department believe this robbery may be related to the robbery of Morgantown Bank & Trust on Thursday, April 18 in Warren County.
If anyone has any information on this robbery, please contact the McLean County Sheriff's Office at 270-273-3276.


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November 2013
The Provs: Alex Edler takes a hit but so does … Shanahan. What.
BEST RIVALRY: CANUCKS VS NHL Alex Edler was suspended for a Oct. 10 check on Thomas Hertl of the San Jose Sharks. Hertl's head was slung low as he reached for a puck, but NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan wanted Edler … Continue reading
News – Small-lot farm workshop a success
The turnout for a workshop on small-lot farming in Langley surprised organizers Saturday. About 400 people filled a banquet hall at the Langley Events Centre to hear success stories from farmers making a living on less than 10 acres of … Continue reading
Feature – Small lot, big dreams
In 2012, Kelowna farmer Curtis Stone grew more than 50,000 lbs. of food — without owning a single acre of land. The founder of Green City Acres, a successful urban organic farm, was one of several speakers at a workshop … Continue reading
Kevin Bieksa kicks a field goal with Boyle's helmet
Instead of doing a recap of the game (which was like a giant traffic accident), I decided to instead focus on the fun part of the game for Canucks fans. I could either talk about the David Booth goal (which … Continue reading
Dubai 7s: Rugby Canada men find some ups, but lots of downs
Call it the proverbial mixed bag. A crushing, potentially dispiriting loss to England, a strong-though-ultimately-bittersweet performance against Fiji and a demolition of the United States on the opening day of play, balanced against a fine bowl quarterfinal defeat of Spain … Continue reading
Canucks/Rangers Post Game Quotes (I Wish Were Real)
The main issue I have with post game coverage is the general lack of personality conveyed by the majority of the league. The NHL has some of the classiest athletes and coaches in all of professional sports, but sometimes you … Continue reading
FINAL — SUBWAY BOWL 2013 Super Saturday sees Mt. Douglas and Barsby sweep varsity crowns
We have gone final on the 2013 B.C. high school football season and the Mt. Douglas Rams have earned their place in history. TRIPLE A MT. DOUGLAS 32 TERRY FOX 27 VANCOUVER — He had such an amazing campaign, that … Continue reading
Pat's Picks — The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale
Following a historical — not to mention highly entertaining — season of The Ultimate Fighter, the stage is set for tonight's finale in Las Vegas where Gray Maynard and Nate Diaz will headline an action-packed night of fights which … Continue reading
Rugby Canada women finish 4th at Dubai Sevens
It may not have been a cup-final finish but gives the Canadian women credit – they're a plucky bunch who are growing by leaps and bounds. Already down their two most key players – captain Jen Kish and all-world attacking … Continue reading
The 2 O'Clock: Hockey Night in Canada still stirs something, and watch out, Vancouver, there's another Flutie on the horizon
Sometimes you just need Teddy to set things straight. Teddy is 94. He's a retired allergist. He's my mom's cousin, by marriage, and he's been a big part of my life as long as I can remember. He and his … Continue reading


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Runners love rhythm, making music a marvelous match for the miles. What songs make you feel like lacing up your sneakers for a good run? Which tunes top your playlist for mini-marathons or track time?
The most helpful song choices for runners and speed walkers have steady rhythms and upbeat tones. Many have kicky beats, which make us want to move, while others offer soothing cool-down melodies.
Here are 10 harmonic heartbeat boosters for runners, selected from Billboard's "Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs."
This content is copyrighted. Please feel free to share the http/link, but no cut-and-paste copying or republishing without permission of the Milwaukee Running Examiner.
1. "Another One Bites the Dust," by Queen
OK, this 1980 hit offers a bit of comic relief for an adept runner, but the pounding bass beat is motivating. Besides, wouldn't "Bohemian Rhapsody" be too tall an order for most joggers?
2. "Billie Jean," by Michael Jackson
Infectiously energetic, this 1982 "Thriller" single makes listeners want to moon walk, or just run a few more miles.
3. "Every Breath You Take," by The Police
Here's a slower tune for sprinters winding down to catch their second wind. This 1983 classic reminds runners to check out their surroundings, just in case.
4. "Eye of the Tiger," by Survivor
In 1982, "Rocky 3" rocked with this number-one hit, and so will today's pavement pounders.
5. "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," by Marvin Gaye
Soulful and steady, 1968's "Grapevine" establishes a solid working rhythm for runners, particularly those who choose Gaye's cover over the 1967 Gladys Knight and the Pips recording.
6. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," by B. J. Thomas
This 1970 single, which appeared on the soundtrack from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," grabbed the Academy Award for Best Song. Devoted runners workout in inclement weather, and "Raindrops" is a spirit-lifter.
7. "Smooth," by Santana with Rob Thomas
What a hot song for keeping reluctant runners on track. "Smooth" topped the charts in 1999, and the swaying song perks up pacers even now. Who wouldn't want to keep moving, listening to guitar riffs like that?
8. "Stayin' Alive," by The Bee Gees
Even disco haters may be inspired to take another lap around the block to this 1977 tune from the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack.
9. "Tossin' and Turnin'," by Bobby Lewis
A 1961 chart topper, this R&B tune told of insomnia, but it can sure wake up weary runners today.
10. "The Twist," by Chubby Checker
The number-one song on the "Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs" list is peppy and fun and ideal for a good run. Since 1960, "The Twist" has made folks want to get up and dance or run a little longer.
Some runners may also choose clichéd clockers as Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical" and John Cougar Mellencamp's "Hurts So Good."
The secret is to crank the music and go. Just clip on those earphones with tunes that keep the feet moving in step for the entire run.


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Status Anxiety
Status Anxiety
Vintage, Paperback, 9780375725357, 320pp.
Publication Date: May 10, 2005
Anyone who's ever lost sleep over an unreturned phone call or the neighbor's Lexus had better read Alain de Botton's irresistibly clear-headed new book, immediately. For in its pages, a master explicator of our civilization and its discontents turns his attention to the insatiable quest for status, a quest that has less to do with material comfort than with love. To demonstrate his thesis, de Botton ranges through Western history and thought from St. Augustine to Andrew Carnegie and Machiavelli to Anthony Robbins.
Whether it's assessing the class-consciousness of Christianity or the convulsions of consumer capitalism, dueling or home-furnishing, Status Anxiety is infallibly entertaining. And when it examines the virtues of informed misanthropy, art appreciation, or walking a lobster on a leash, it is not only wise but helpful.
"His richest, funniest, most heartfelt work yet, packed with erudition and brimming with an elegant originality of mind. . . . An informative joy to read." —The Seattle Times
"A smart and amusing inquiry. . . . Thick with social history and as funny as [it is] acute." — The Boston Globe
"A typically de Bottonesque romp. . . . Full of great. . . literary and philosophical references." —The Christian Science Monitor
"His insights float on a kind light irony. . . like pixilated Barthes. . . . The pleasures of his prose come from following the play of his mind, the vast erudition, the succinct paraphrases, and vivid, often lyrical physical descriptions." — Boston Phoenix


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Commercial & Residential Air Duct, HVAC Cleaning Service MD/VA/DC
All about air duct & HVAC cleaning: Air duct cleaning facts, air duct cleaning myths + tips & tricks to pick or kick HVAC cleaning firms. 240-388-0030 Air duct cleaning | Dryer vent cleaning | References | Home
Because HVAC cleaning is not yet fully regulated, most people are unfamiliar with the processes involved, and less prepared to distinguish a reliable service provider. Thus, many companies take advantage by up-selling supposedly integral tasks; operate illegally, use sub-standard equipment or untrained subcontractors, or worse; cut corners in cleaning procedures to book more jobs per day. According to the BBB, these "blow-n-go" companies (as they have come to be known) are often attractive to unwary consumers because of enticing low prices, but generally create more problems than what they solve. In addition to professional uncertainty, widespread issues are:
So when all claim to be the best, and no one knows who's who until is too late, Air Tech comes forward in good faith. We're a local enterprise, so before a client, you are (to us) a valued neighbor, and with it comes all due respect. Let us then address these gray areas of the trade, explain how things must be done, help you make an informed decision and; should you wish to go ahead, how to prepare your home & what to expect, so nobody gets hurt.
What is air duct cleaning, really?
The term "air duct cleaning" generally refers to the work performed by companies that clean HVAC systems, which is a misnomer because it implies that only ductwork is cleaned. The term "Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) system cleaning defines best what Air Tech does, which is the comprehensive cleaning of all existing components of a forced air system.
What's the difference?
We also clean HVAC units, and like No one else does. Because these deliver 3 functions (heating, ventilation & air-conditioning) to provide thermal comfort & acceptable indoor air quality, even manufacturers recognize the importance of this task. Also, EPA clearly states: "It makes nonsense to clean ductwork if air handlers are left untouched. Air ducts deliver exactly what an air handler drives, and if the ductwork is dirty, so are the air handler's guts".
How do I find out if my HVAC unit actually needs cleaning?
All air handlers -or HVAC units- are accessible for inspection by design, so power off the unit first, and then remove its front cover panels to take a look. A GAS furnace is depicted to the left. Note the blower fan at the bottom and; the air filter enclosure to the side. By removing the air filter, part of the return ductwork will also become exposed. Since the blower fan is the heart of your system, it should be inspected first. If you see anything like in the pictures below, then consider having the HVAC unit cleaned along with the air ducts.
Left side pictures denote excessive dust & debris, which tells you there's a problem with the air filter. The ones to the right denote excessive rust, which means there's a moisture problem that needs immediate attention.
Keep in mind that when the system is on, what's in the blower is also in the air that you breathe, so ..you be the judge. Also, of note is that if the blower fan is dirty, so is the rest of the system, and blower fans cannot be cleaned while in place. They MUST be removed & cleaned outdoors, and this task alone takes 1 hour or so.
Your evaporator, or A/C cooling coil looks like an automobile's radiator and it usually sits above the furnace. You should know that dirt & water socialize in there, and yet is the most neglected of all HVAC parts. That's because periodic servicing takes soft hands & a fair amount of patience, and for many HVAC maintenance contractors ..patience is not worth a dime. Inspecting A/C coils in gas furnaces can be tricky but again, if the blower fan is dirty, so is the coil's inner side.
Heat pumps are far more accessible. When you remove the cover panel the blower fan is totally exposed, and also most of this infamous coil, which unlike that of a gas furnace, it actually faces the incoming airflow. Thus, it is prone by design not only to do its own, but also the air filter's job. So-please, pay special attention to it.
If it looks like in the pictures to the sides, have it cleaned ASAP. Moistened dirt build-up on its surfaces work pretty much like a hair clog in your sink. It can restrict airflow up to a point in which ice build-up may occur, blower fans choke, fan motors overheat or burn, or may cause blower surfaces & surrounding areas to get filled with mold. If that may be the case, you'll find out at first sight.
Cleaning coils & blower fans are tedious tasks, take specialty tools, character, know-how & patience to do it right; or even licensing, depending on where you are. And this is what "blow-n-goers" Feast off, Cheat on, or Skip at all.
Consumer's Countermeasures: Seeing for yourself the condition of your HVAC unit Before you call anyone; knowing what needs to be cleaned and; saying that you want -and will- closely inspect these key HVAC parts along with the ductwork at the time of booking may cause certain companies to suddenly experience booked up syndrome, or please hold attacks. Have some coupons? Go ahead now - Try One Out! :)
Should Licensed Contractors offer options?
If regulations apply, then the answer is no. According to the EPA, if an HVAC system is to be cleaned, is everything from top to bottom, no piece should be left behind; but sure enough, there are circumstances in which a licensed contractor might choose to accommodate your personal needs at a reasonable price, but not without making sure that you understand that while performing a limited task, cannot assume liability for anything else. If no regulations apply and; should you agree to the facts in advance, then you may choose from two half-way options:
But until your local authorities draw the line & set apart a custom service from a half ... job, anything less than a full-service is not worth the try. Regulations or not, EPA still makes sense, and we stand by the authorities 100%.
Are there any health benefits that come from HVAC cleaning?
None that we, as contractors, are legally allowed to discuss, advertise, or assume any credit for. If you "catch" anyone making health claims, not only scratch it off the list, but also report it to the EPA or BBB at once. However, it is well known that dirty air ducts offer undisturbed shelter, numerous food sources and therefore, a near perfect breeding environment for fungi, bacteria and viruses. If simple tasks like washing your hands, bagging your trash or wiping your kitchen counter can, in fact, prevent about 4 diseases, imagine what cleaning your air conveyance system might add to the list!
Does air duct cleaning eliminate dust, pollen or mold?
Never did, never will, and we're glad to tackle this myth - Mold spores and pollen are a part of the natural environment at all times, and we (humans) are for the most part the source of indoor dust. Any duct cleaner that use such an extreme word cannot be trusted. What air duct cleaning does is remove EXCESS accumulation of that stuff. By doing so, it minimizes the widespread of it as the HVAC system operates, and thus improve the indoor environment to a certain degree. But it won't stop wind from blowing, trees from growing, or you from shedding skin.
Can air duct cleaning alone reduce home energy bills?
Very little, if at all. That is, of course, under normal circumstances. Popular exceptions include liner insulation detachment (well known for blocking dampers), small objects (pet/children toys, cans or even tennis balls) that have fallen through floor mounted vents (could block a supply branch), or when excessive buildup begins to detach, causing frequent clogs on the air filter, which chokes the system's airflow.
Otherwise, the key to optimal HVAC performance lays in the air handling (or HVAC) unit itself. Research has clearly shown that removing airflow-restricting debris from sensitive HVAC components such as cooling coils & blower fans does, in fact, bring the system's energy efficiency back to near factory specs.
Why are there so many advertisement consumer warnings?
In fact, nearly 60% of service providers only clean air ducts, and most for $400 or less. Problem is that air duct cleaning alone is a limited task, and the act of bringing up health issues while implying the benefits of the comprehensive scope of work to promote the service is misleading, or deceitful. Many offer fog sanitation, edge sealants, UV lights, electronic air filters or other "miracle" products to cover their tracks, but if you look closely at the facts, all that they do is just clean air ducts, sell toys & add-ons.
Should I have my air ducts sanitized?
Although it sounds like it makes sense, biocide fog sanitation is NOT a "routine" procedure. It is not uncommon for fungus or bacteria to be present in dirty ductwork, and it can all be removed using the appropriate equipment. Also, biocides application is limited to non-porous materials only; cannot be applied to liner insulated and/or fiberboard ducts. If in despite the facts you choose to have your ductwork sanitized, make sure to obtain a copy of the biocide's MSDS. We use MDF-500 to sanitize air handlers - but you better give us a darn good reason to spray it in ductwork.
How should air ducts be cleaned?
The safest & most effective way to clean air ducts is to employ controlled source removal methods of cleaning, as defined by NADCA Standards. Large or industrial systems allow contractors to enter and crawl -or even walk- inside the system's main trunks and key parts, for which various source removal techniques may apply; Not-So On Smaller Systems.
Light commercial & residential ductwork must be cleaned following a procedure called the Push/Pull Method. Meaning, the contractor shall place the entire system under negative pressure through the use of a powerful Big-Mouthed Vacuum Machine. While the vacuum massively draws air backwards, agitation devices are inserted into all branches & main trunks to dislodge & sweep all debris towards it, and eventually out of the system. All authorities agree, vacuum power is everything.
NADCA compliant equipment can be distinguished by its vacuum's impressive SIZE, airflow, multi-stage HEPA filter banks & various independent agitation devices.
But big or small, red or blue, equipment does not clean air ducts - People do. And if air ducts remain dirty, it is not the equipment's fault. Here lays the tremendous importance of INSPECTING the contractor's work at the time of service. If the contractor cannot demonstrate its performance upon request at such critical time, then you may refuse to pay the contractor until you verify the quality of its work.
How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?
EPA recommends that you should consider this task not on periodic, but on "as needed" basis, and we certainly agree. Frequency of cleaning may depend on several factors, one of which is preference of the homeowner. Some factors of influence while considering more frequent cleanings are:
But rest assured, nothing will make your system last longer & cleaner than a good quality, pleated, properly sized, carefully installed air filter. What's The Trick? Make sure there is no airflow by-pass around the air filter framing.
What criteria should I use in selecting a Residential HVAC cleaning contractor?
What criteria should I use in REJECTING a contractor upon arrival?
How long should it take to clean a typical residential air conveyance system?
When done by the book, it takes from 3 to 7 hours per system, depending on system's age, location, size & duct-work configuration. That is, of course, under ideal conditions. This means (1) Fairly good access to all systems components; (2) Uninterrupted worker's pace, (3) Enough power to operate all equipment and most important; (4) A friendly & respectful environment under the circumstances. Learn more
Air duct cleaning is done by appointment only, and for very good reasons. Although IT IS NOT a "messy" process, it involves a series of disruptive tasks that may interfere with traditional business or daily life, and thus cause a myriad of upsetting situations if the site -or occupants- are not prepared for it. Let's start with:
Intrusive Traffic - In order to clean an HVAC system, a service area reconnaissance or walkthrough must be performed first, and permission will be asked for at the time. If allowed to, crew then considers full access to all HVAC service areas granted and "project started" from that point on. Personal activities (showers, breast-feeding or else) should be avoided to prevent embarrassing situations until project completion.
Utilities Shut-Down - (1) Your HVAC system will be turned off, which may cause significant changes to your indoor environment; (2) Accessories hard wired to other electrical branches must also be powered down. (3) To remove humidifiers, crew may have to cut water supply and; (4) To clean heat exchangers, gas lines may be closed too. We all have a life to live and yes, dinner must be cooked - so unless you wish to inspect their work, it would be in your best interest not to distract, interfere with, or halt the crew.
Noise - An industrial strength vacuum machine hooked to your home's duct-work, an air compressor near your doorsteps and 2 guys hauling 35 Ft. long rotary brush snakes throughout every room's vents will not go unnoticed. Naps, conference calls, book or song writing -or perhaps meditation- would certainly be out of the equation.
Tampering with personal items to access grilles or hidden vents is often inevitable, and you should expect such occurrence. Accidents happen, but most can be avoided - In this case, it is your duty to secure lose or valuable items in narrow hallways & near HVAC vents to minimize the odds. Key items include delicate ornaments, antique furniture, toys, clothing, power cords & electronics within a 4 Ft. radius from a vent. Keep in mind, crews are there to perform a specific task, and although moving aside a few items may be OK with them, it is technically outside their scope of work. Thus, cannot be held responsible if anything brakes, gets misplaced or not moved back at all.
Heavy Moving & Lifting - Ceiling-mounted vents are often a challenge because heavy furniture (beds, sofas, pianos, etc.) underneath may need to be temporarily removed to make room for ladders. Also, wall & floor vents may be obstructed by heavy desks, bookshelves or entertainment centers. If this may be your case, please take the appropriate measures in advance, or make sure to discuss heavy furniture lifting at the time of booking. A dedicated moving crew may be more expensive, yet may save you a week's worth of backaches.
Liability Exclusions
Paint & Drywall Chipping - Water based paint does not adhere to metal as good as it does to drywall and; some vents are glued to drywall for whatever reason. In despite of how careful crews may be, it is possible that; if supply vents or return grilles are glued or painted over, minor damage may occur upon their forced removal. Because vents & grilles cannot be glued or water-based painted by code, neither crew or company can assume liability.
Concealed Wiring Damage - Many contractors discretely run thermostats, phone, cable or satellite video, alarms, and even audio wiring through the inside of older home's ductwork, which is against building codes. And yes, this may go undetected for many years, and further concealed by heavy debris accumulation, which often makes it undetectable to inspection scopes or cameras. So unless the duct cleaning contractor is notified in advance, cannot assume liability and/or be held responsible for accidental inner-ductwork wiring damage.
Additional Considerations
Finally, keep in mind that every home or building is unique in many ways, and so will be your air conveyance cleaning project. In despite the odds, our crews grow wiser and more observant with every job, and are always prepared to back-track in a second, should human factors or special needs may arise. Hoping we may have the opportunity to serve you soon, we'll be delighted to answer any other questions or be of assistance in any other way. Keep in mind, we're just a phone call away! 240-388-0030
Home | About Air Tech | Back To Business | Check Our References


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11/04/2012 - 11/09/2012
Phoenix, AZ
Develop the necessary lending skills to maintain and manage a commercial credit portfolio. This program covers the analytical processes needed to reach a conclusion about the borrower's repayment ability. Prior cash flow analysis and financial statement analysis training is helpful.
Start Time: 2:00 pm Day One
End Time: Noon Day Six
Instructor: Jeff Judy
Who should attend: Community bank personnel who have less than five years commercial lending experience, are assuming commercial lending responsibilities, or are looking to refresh their commercial lending skills
ICBA Member: $1,795
Nonmember: $2,395
Nonbanker: $3,695
ICBA Member: $50
Nonmember: $100
42 CPE Credits
Program Level: Basic-Intermediate
Certification Designation: Certified Community Bank Commercial Lender (CCLO)
Hotel Information:
To make your hotel reservations, contact Embasssy Suites Hotel Phoenix-Scottsdale at (602) 765-5800
Rate: $169.00
Reservation Deadline: 10/13/2012


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Brandon Hofmeister
J.D., Harvard Law School
B.A., Harvard College
Assistant Professor Brandon Hofmeister is on leave from Wayne Law. He has taught Energy Law, Civil Procedure and The Regulatory State. He previously served as special counsel for energy and climate policy in the office of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. In that capacity, he was the governor's primary adviser on energy and climate issues and a member of her nine-person executive team. During that same period, he was a Chevening fellow (University of Edinburgh), working alongside energy policy decision-makers from countries around the world. Earlier, he was deputy legal counsel to Granholm and a law clerk to U.S. District Judge John Corbett O'Meara. Professor Hofmeister earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and an A.B. from Harvard College.
Selected Publications
"Bridging the Gap: Using Social Psychology to Design Market Interventions to Overcome the Energy Efficiency Gap in Residential Energy Markets," 19 Southeastern Environmental Law Journal 1 (2010).


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Olive Garden, Red Lobster Feeling the Pinch
Americans' figures get better as chains' figures go down.
According to a report, Darden Restaurants (Olive Garden, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse) is forecasting lower sales in 2012, as 2011's weren't where they wanted after "deep discounts at its Olive Garden chain failed to bring in new guests." And as far as chains go, they're not in the dumps alone. [Street]


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Are you in 9th through 12th Grade in a Texas High School? Spending all your extra-curricular hours slogging away at an edit bay, or sneaking around with your dad's beat-up old camcorder? We want to see your films!
The call for entries is open for the 11th Annual Texas High School Film Competition. The basic rules are simple, and you can read them here. In a nutshell, you need to be a Texas student enrolled in the 9th through 12th grades for the full academic year, and your film must max out at five minutes. There's a little more to it than that, so check out this page, then head here to submit your film. For general film submission info, take a look at our FAQ.
What do you have to lose? Send us your film and be part of SXSW 2014!


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Doesn't look like anything is loaded from the sat logs, but hey, it's only been 12 hours. Don't freak if it comes up empty, I ran several calls I heard work them this am and none were there. Drew KO4MA > > The TZ6RD log search is now working. It is at: > > http://ww2.pagus.it/tz6rd/ > > --Mike > > ---- Sent via email@example.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe amsat-bb" to firstname.lastname@example.com
AMSAT Home


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Manta 7000 Headphones
"So, first of all you might be wondering why even bother reviewing a headphone that nobody knows about, has ever heard of, and most likely will never own or see in real life? Simply put, I think that this headphone deserves it. There are many of the 70's Pioneer clones, so it's good to give people an idea about them if there is any interest. Pros: - Aesthetics and construction are..." --GREQ
Uninex He05 Earbud Stereo Earphone With 3.5Mm Plug
Ideal for those on the go!Product InformationUninex Earbud Stereo Earphone with 3.5mm Plug lets you enjoy your music on your portable devices including iPod MP3 and DVD/CD players. Featuring an in-ear design with added sound quality along with super base high performance drivers. Product FeaturesCompatible with most iPod MP3 Portable DVD/CD Players and other Portable Audio...


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Combination weight:Up to 100 tonnes
Engines:400, 440, 480, 500, 520
Day cab, Sleeper cab, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL
The new Volvo FH series
The new Volvo FMX
The new Volvo FM
The new Volvo FE
The new Volvo FL
Unmatched braking systemsThe braking system includes EBS disc brakes with ESP as an option, or alternatively the tried and tested Z-cam brakes.
These alternatives can be supplemented with particularly effective auxiliary brakes, such as VEB/VEB+ and a retarder.
EBS is an anti-locking disc-brake system that electronically controls braking effect. There are many advantages to having disc brakes with electronic control via the truck's own electrical system.
Drum brakes of Z-cam type are used primarily on trucks with leaf suspension.


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Out with the new .. a statue of Lenin is removed from its plinth in Ulan Bator last year as the country moves to celebrate a more ancient history. Photo: Getty
BEIJING: Once he bestrode his world, lending his name to more museums, streets, monuments and public institutions than any other 20th-century figure.
But in the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, it is goodbye Lenin, as a political dinosaur makes way for the real kind.
A museum once dedicated to the Soviet dictator is to be transformed into a centre to display Mongolia's wealth of prehistoric fossils, including that of a 70-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus bataar.
The grand building, which still boasts a giant bust of Vladimir Ilyich, has been used as offices for several years, but the government has earmarked the complex for a dinosaur museum.
''Mongolia has been sending dinosaur exhibits abroad for 20 years,'' the Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Oyungerel Tsedevdamba, said. ''We have a wonderful dinosaur heritage but people are not aware of it.''
The Lenin Museum opened in 1980, when the country was a Soviet satellite.
''It was a very grand museum with Lenin's statue, everything embellished with red flags and with pictures of Lenin's childhood and history,'' the minister said.
Since the transition to a multi-party democracy in 1990, the Mongolian People's Party has been based in the building, which has also housed a bar and restaurant; at one stage Lenin's bust gazed over pool tables.
Guardian News & Media


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This is a discussion on Old Fort Shootout within the Defensive Carry & Tactical Training forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; What an unbelievable day today In Ft Smith, Arkansas at the Old Fort Gun Club's annual USPSA shootout! 08:30-15:00. Seven stages, average 32 rounds per ...
What an unbelievable day today In Ft Smith, Arkansas at the Old Fort Gun Club's annual USPSA shootout! 08:30-15:00. Seven stages, average 32 rounds per stage. One word----AWESOME! My first time shooting this venue. I think this used to be termed 'practical pistol'? I did well on the stand alone targets, but the steel plates ate my lunch, and I wasn't the only one in that respect. My score likely won't be posted until next week, but you know what---I don't really care how I rank, because I got more out of today's shoot than I'd ever look forward to with paid training. Really. The weather was awesome, the people were awesome--the lunch was even better. My adrenaline was still pumping into the second stage as I had a re-shoot do to one of the poppers not functioning when the steel target went down. Expended a bit over 250 rounds of 9mm through my G17 today, and the pistol and mags performed flawlessly. I wish I could have done the same, but I'm a better person/better CCW citizen just for the experience. I'm hooked! It's going to cost me in ammo, but I need to do this every opportunity now. For a newbie---timed, and reaction scenarios is really furthering my education/training. Reloading is the best test I got out of the whole ordeal. Beautiful day, great people, and I came away with a boat-load of brass! I think I'll be doing this once a month now. The experience really can't be described by me at this time. Tactically--I'm another step up no matter what my score. I look to improve anyway.
Wow! All seven stages were high round count? Sounds like great fun.
Glad you enjoyed your first USPSA outing.


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Download Soundway (beta) 720p video
Download Soundway (beta) 720p video on savevid.com
Download Soundway (beta) 720p streaming video in flv, mp4, avi formats direct easily on Savevid.com.
Soundway (beta) 720p
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Soundway (work in progress) is an experimental motion piece that uses binaural sounds that synchronise brainwaves to a specific frequency. By altering our brainwave frequencies, it it believed that we can achieve altered states of mind that can boost memory, increase energy levels, achieve REM sleep and meditative states. In these pieces, the binaural sound frequency is used to create endless landscapes that can be used as a visual input. For the full effect, please put on your headphones.
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Half-Off Happiness Time is Here!
It is that time of the year again- the Discovery Shops are having their storewide 50% off sale. OC thrift'n-istas love their Discovery boutique-style shops on just a regular day, since their merchandise is always high quality and the prices are great. This upcoming semi-annual sales event, however is the event that the regulars wait for with great anticipation. Everything in the stores, with very few exceptions, is half off.
Orange County has two Discovery Shop locations. The Laguna Niguel Discovery Shop is at 27281 La Paz Road #E (near the Sprouts store). Corona del Mar's Discovery Shop location is at 2600 East Coast Highway, not far from the MacArthur/Coast Highway intersection near Fashion Island.
Do NOT miss this sale on Friday and Saturday 20-21Jun. Be prepared since the lines are always long- BECAUSE people know that the bargains are worth it! Doors open at 10am- where HALF OFF HAPPINESS awaits. Some folk even peruse the shops the days previous so as to stake out their potential purchases ahead of time. Check out those housewares, lovely furniture, collectibles and fashions and anticipate that bargain on 20-21Jun.
P.S. Not only can you find great bargains at their 50% Storewide Savings Sale, but the shops' proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to fight cancer. That is truly a double win situation-thrifting to fight cancer.


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Skydiving.com now has a network skydiving location serving Wishram and Klickitat County in Washington. Call Skydiving.com at 1-800-617-7948 for details, free information and specials on skydiving in Wishram, WA today!
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EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — The Jonas Brothers are ready to rock again. The band of brothers are just hours away from their highly anticipated reunion gig at New York's Radio City on Thursday (October 11), and despite all the expectations around it, they aren't letting it make them nervous.
In fact, the guys are feeling pretty confident ahead of their big comeback show. "We're feeling great, very excited, feel rehearsed, feel ready," Joe told MTV News during rehearsals at the Izod Center on Wednesday.
"It feels really good," Kevin added. "It's been a long time coming. We've all been doing some individual stuff and on our own journeys, but now we're coming back together and the show's kind of the kick off to that."
After some solo albums, TV and stage gigs and time apart professionally, the guys had a revelation that now was the right time to hit the stage and the studio again as a group. "I think we all looked at each other, we woke up one morning and said 'I think it's time,' " Kevin recalled of the eureka moment that led to the reunion, with Joe jokingly clarifying, "We weren't lying next to each other."
Nick said the reunion really was prompted not only by perfect timing, but also by their loyal and outspoken fans. "I think it came from a place of all of us being able to accomplish our individual goals and knowing that it was time for us to come back together and do what we love together," he shared, adding that "performing for our fans again is something we're really looking forward to."
But, Joe noted that after so much time away, they weren't sure the response would be as vocal as it has been. The show is sold out (but will be live streamed for those who couldn't make it) and fans are eagerly anticipating the moment they will get official word on when they plan to drop their next album .
"It's cool to see how the fans doing a lot of the active stuff on Twitter and social media. It gets us excited to see that they're so thrilled that we're coming back," he said. "When we put the tickets on sale for the show, since it's been so long you're kind of sitting on the edge of your seat wondering how the tickets are going to sell and to see that our fans are patiently waiting has been very exciting."
And while fans will have to wait until show time to know exactly what the guys are planning, they did give us some teases. And, yes, they will debut new tracks live onstage.
"Fans will definitely hear new music," Nick said. "We are performing about three new songs. I think, for us, it's crazy to be back onstage in general, but to think the fact that we are going to be premiering these news songs onstage for the first time is really exciting and kind of nerve-racking all at the same time. So, hopefully it all goes well."
In addition to new music, the show will also include one eye-catching moment dreamed up by big brother Kevin. "It's amazing. It's actually amazing. It is in the show," Nick teased. "It's a thing that happens and we're standing behind it singing a really beautiful song. It's not one of ours; it's a cover song and I'm having trouble like focusing, singing. It's never been done before on the stage and it's beautiful."
How excited are you about the JoBros' comeback? Tell us everything in the comments!


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open heart surgery
Thursday, March 14, 2013
if i was waiting for a wake up call,i got it.as I type this my dad is getting a six bypass heart surgery.he is 54 .it happened so fast but a ekg done at a dr apt showed something .we went to the hospital and he has several blockages one is 100 percent blocked has always liked fast food,overweight,diabetties,.I am heading that way at 255 pounds..after seeing what he has gone though and its far from over.no way do I wana go through this.its horrible.Its horrible to know my dad the strong one who has done so much for me is now having his chest cut open.before he went back for surgery he told me to change my ways so I will not be where he is now.but my poor dad was still talking about how he loves bacon even as the meds was kicking in.but mabe if i show him i can do it he will to.he will be changing but it will be hard and i want him to know he isnt alone in this..it really is sad to see him go through this im trying not to cry as i type this.this has opened my eyes bigtime.
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he came out ok.now in recovery.i probly wont be on here much for the next few weeks though but still sticking to eating good.and he is to
1196 days ago
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I am sorry your Dad is having to go through this. I am praying for you and your dad
1198 days ago
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I know how you feel. My husband had his first heart attack at the age of 30, 10 years ago. I wasn't ready for that. He had his second surgery 1 month after his first. Then he had his third last April. It's hard especially when you struggle to change your ways. My hubby struggles daily even knowing that he can go through this again. But I think because I really am pushing hard to change my ways he is seeing it and is taking the initiative to eat better. He still has his downfalls but he is doing better. Stay strong, do this for you and in the process it will help you father. Help him change his ways, but try not to stress over it. That can make things worse for you. I know because I let it happen. If your dad likes bacon, get him turkey or veggie bacon, stuff like that. Anything you can do to help. Teach him and if your mom is with him, teach her how to cook and make healthy meals. I not only had to do that for us, but I have been having to help both my parents with this. Good luck and know that we all are here praying for you and your dad. Have a great day. God Bless!!!
1198 days ago
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We are indoor cats and this is our blog. Moe is an orange boy with a puffy tail and Mindy is a grey girl with a white tummy. we are also litter mates. We were born outdoors and formerly feral. The two of us were the original 'Team Tabby' That was in 2001. Later we were joined by Cookie, a brown tabby (who is blind) and Mike, a bi-colored tabby. They both needed a new home and we had space for them.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Blog Blast for Peace
13 comments:
- Tillie and Georgia said...
Peace furcousins!!!
We love your globe Mindy and Moe :)
Purrs Tillie & Georgia
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- Fuzzy Tales said...
Your peace globe is great--it's wonderful to see so many participating!
Universal Peace and Blessings to you all.
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- Mariodacat said...
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!!
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- Cheysuli and gemini said...
Peace to all of you
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- Brian said...
Totally purrfect! Peace to all species everywhere!
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- Ginger Jasper said...
Joining you too. Peace be with you Hugs GJ xx
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- ABBY said...
Beautiful peace globes
Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- The Island Cats said...
What a great Peace Globe!! Peace to you...today and every day!!
- Friday, November 04, 2011
- Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...
Lovely globe furriends!
- Saturday, November 05, 2011
- Cat Chat With Caren And Cody said...
purring for peace here too
- Saturday, November 05, 2011
- Au and Target said...
Dona Nobis Pacem to you too!
- Sunday, November 06, 2011
- Annelisa said...
Great Peaceglobe...I can even hear the music! :-)
Peace and happiness to you and yours x
[your peace post will soon be linked into the patchwork peace quilt on my blog 'Peace Bloggers Unite' ]
If you think you're too small to be effective, you've never been to bed with a mosquito - Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop
- Sunday, November 27, 2011
- Mimi Lenox said...
This is one of the cutest peace globes I have ever seen. Truly.
#2369 in the Official Peace Globe Gallery at blogblastforpeace.com
- Sunday, March 25, 2012


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Inspiration: Oscar Pistorius, Blade Runner
Sometimes I look at the treadmill and say. No, not today! I'm too pooped. I'm sure it happens to you too. But don't let it stop you. It never stopped Oscar Pistorius a double-amputee sprinter, who despite running on metal legs qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Here he talks about running:
Sadly Blade Runner, as he has been nicknamed, failed to qualify for Beijing, but he's got his sights set on the 2012 Olympics in London, England. I'll be pulling for him.
Image credit: pirelli


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Carla is a healthy 45-year-old married mother of two. In the past few years, she has complained of fatigue and insomnia, and has gained 50 pounds. She used to enjoy outdoor sports with her husband and sons but now no longer wants to leave the house. Her husband feels that Carla doesn't care for her family anymore. He is tired of the frequent arguments Carla picks with the boys and is hurt by her loss of interest in having sex with him. Since her mother's death a few months ago, Carla has started to cry almost daily. "Sometimes I just want to go to sleep and never wake up again."
Carla is suffering from severe depression, and she is not alone. Over 12 million men and women in this country, about 5% of all Americans, suffer from some form of depression. The intensity of this depression can range from mildly distressing to severely disabling. Severe depression is a very serious and dangerous disease that may lead to attempted suicide and death. Over 16,000 people succeed in their suicide attempts each year.
Depression involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It is all encompassing. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and how you think about others. A depressive disorder is not a sign of personal weakness, or a condition that can be willed, or wished away. Those suffering from depression can't just "pull themselves together," and get better. Untreated, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help over 80% of those who suffer from depression.
In the United States the recent treatment of choice for depression has been the selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRis) such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft, as well as other anti depressant drugs such as Effexor, Welbutrin, and Serzone.
Carla's husband finally demanded that she see their doctor for a physical exam. After he diagnosed depression, Carla was surprised that her
doctor did not prescribe an antidepressant. She had many friends who took Prozac and other types of SSRis.
"I want you try something new," he told her. "It's called 5-HTP and has many of the benefits of traditional antidepressants with none of the side effects." Within two weeks of starting 5-HTP Carla reported that she was sleeping more and eating less. She had stopped crying and had even lost a few pounds. Four months later her husband reported that she was "back to her old self again." Their sex life improved, to their delight, and she was again hiking with the family.
Depression May Be Due to a Lack of Serotonin
Why did the 5-HTP work so well for Carla? Carla's results with 5-HTP are not uncommon. In fact, the greatest benefit of
5- HTP seems to be in treating depression. As is shown by the success of the SSRis, depression is clearly related to low levels of Serotonin. Taking supplemental 5-HTP may help the body produce more of this essential neurotransmitter.
Researchers investigated this theory when they used a PET scan (positron-emission tomography) to compare the brains of eight healthy volunteers with those of six people diagnosed with major depression. The subjects were given intravenous 5-HTP that was radiolabelled so that the researchers could track its location in the body. They found that there was significantly less 5-HTP in the brains of the depressed subjects than in the brains of the normal controls. The authors concluded that the transport of 5HTP into the brain may be compromised in people suffering from major depression.
5-HTP Increases Serotonin Levels
Since a lack of Serotonin appears to be involved in the development of depression, does an increase in 5-HTP actually lead to an increase in serotonin levels? This question was investigated by a group of Japanese researchers. They gave 5-HTP to 24 patients who were hospitalized for depression. Two weeks into treatment, they found a "marked amelioration of depressive symptoms" in seven patients diagnosed with depression. In the subjects' cerebrospinal fluid this team found a 30% increase in the levels of 5-HIAA, a compound formed during the metabolism of Serotonin. Levels of 5-HIAA are commonly used to determine Serotonin levels in humans. This strongly suggested that 5-HTP was being converted to Serotonin, and was raising Serotonin levels.
From the book "Depression Management with 5-HTP" by Othniel Seiden, MD & Jane L. Bilett, PhD - Amazon and Kindle


text: Jun 6, 2014 00:09 Haley Hayden ready for what comes at the WCWS Haley Hayden ready for what comes at the WCWS Advocate staff photo by BRYAN TUCK -- University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Haley Hayden gets a hit against Arizona during the NCAA super regional in Lafayette. UL-Lafayette system remolds freshman MATTHEW HARRIS| email@example.com May 31, 2014; 12:06 a.m. Comments OKLAHOMA CITY — Haley Hayden showed up at Louisiana-Lafayette, and the tear-down began. So, you were an All-State pitcher at West Monroe? Take this mitt. Go play center field. You hit over .500 and drove in 100-plus runs? Meet coach Mike Lotief in the cages. He's gonna make a few changes. Nine months later, the freshman is part of an underclassmen trio that puts a surge into the lineup for the Ragin' Cajuns — a core held in check against Kentucky in a Women's College World Series opener Thursday and needed against Oklahoma at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. If Hayden, Lexie Elkins and Samantha Walsh can't find uncorked swings against the Sooners (50-12) that were stifled Thursday, fleeing the losers bracket of the WCWS may be nixed. Granted, taking stock of Hayden — who checks in at 5-foot-4 — may not bolster much confidence. But a fall spent in the batting cage with Lotief, a hitting guru whose tweaks skew towards a biomechanical breakdown, has produced a metrics that belie Hayden's stature. Try a .329 batting average, 14 home runs and 55 RBIs. "You have so much power now when you make contact," Hayden said. "It flies off the bat if you do it right." Asking Hayden to spew specifics, though, doesn't produce much. "He changed how I stood, how to get to the ball," Hayden said. "He condensed my swing to make it shorter to get to the ball. There's still things he teaches me every single day." Lotief, meanwhile, still skews his assessment of Hayden's season — one where she landed on the All-Sun Belt Conference team — to proper psychology. Perhaps he's protecting trade secrets, but Lotief said what he inherited was a solid template to work with. "I don't think people understand. They don't care if you're a freshman or senior," he said. "It's your toughness, your mind set, your willingness to work and pay the price." Twenty-one games into the season, Hayden was hitting .380 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs. Numbers made all the more gaudy by her admitting she could "barely hit the broad side of a barn" during fall ball. "I felt like I was in Tee Ball again," Hayden said. "If you put it up there, I probably couldn't hit it." Yes, there was a slight dip over 22 games, a stretch where she was batting .256 and her power numbers dipped, as she adjusted to occupying a greater portion of foe's scouting reports. Hayden simply says it was self-imposed ignorance — "I don't really look at stats," she said — that kept a full-blown slump at bay. Instead, she's simply become a cog. Since April 26, Hayden was hitting .354 over the 15 games leading up the Cajuns' return to Oklahoma City after a six-year absence. But she only hit two home runs and knocked in six runs. Now, she sets the table for Walsh, Elkins and Redfearn, a trio behind her in the order that's clicked to club seven home runs, drive in 16 runs and slug .833 during the NCAA tournament. "It's not about getting the big hit," Hayden said. "I just want to get on base for the people behind me. Let them take the big swing." Digging in against the Sooners, the Cajuns hope that resumes and that Thursday was an aberration. Follow Matthew Harris on Twitter: @MHarrisAdvocate. Get The Advocate in your inbox Subscribe


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Third Quarter's Bad-News Salvoes Torpedo Stock, Debt Issuance
It's not often that a financial statistic manages to be both shocking and predictable at the same time, but news that corporations didn't issue a single euro-denominated bond in August somehow fits that bill.
According to research from Mediobanca, there hadn't been a month devoid of euro issuance since the single currency achieved full 'notes and coins' existence at the start of 2002. So such a barren August was clearly a shock.
However, given the euro zone's endless debt crisis, it's hardly surprising that the world's corporations didn't feel like getting their hands on any more of a currency whose disintegration was being openly discussed on the front pages.
And, disturbing portent though the vanishing of euro issuance is, it's still perhaps arguable that capital-market activity elsewhere had held up rather well this year, even if there is a strong sense that it might not do so for much longer.
Mediobanca said total debt issuance for the first nine months of 2011 was down 4% compared with the situation in 2010. This doesn't sound too bad until you know that the fall was largely driven by a larger decline, 30%, in third-quarter volumes.
There's a similar tale on the equity side as well. Issuance there was only 4% below 2010 levels, too, but had fallen a whopping 47% on-year in the third quarter as worries about U.S. debt, euro-zone debt and global growth took markets by the throat.
Merger and acquisition activity plays a variation on this theme, as corporate confidence in the markets seems to have all-but evaporated in the last few months
Overall, it seems that 2011 was looking like quite a resilient year for issuance, on balance, and bursts of equity optimism such as we saw in the U.S., Wednesday, dangle tantalizing hints that it could yet get back on track.
But, in the end, all roads to a happy New Year's Eve still wind through Brussels.


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A solid foundation to buying foreclosures begins with understanding of the three stages of the foreclosure process:
(1) Buying pre foreclosure ( Notice of Default, Lis Pendens)
(2) Buying at auction ( Notice of Trustee Sale, Sheriff Sale)
(3) Buying bank-owned real estate (REO)
Default Research focuses on the first of the pre foreclosure process (buying pre foreclosures) where a majority of the 'deals' and profit are realized. Therefore, our clients are able to capitalize before their competition and before the process continue through the auction and bank-owned stages. That is the Default Research advantage at work!
Spend some time familiarizing yourself with your particular states foreclosure laws. Establish a marketing strategy. Will you be mailing postcards, making phone calls or knocking on doors? Prepare your postcards, establish a telephone script, or prepare some promotional materials. Remember that these people are facing economic distress and an embarrassing process; your appeal must be compassionate and you must be sincere in your desire to help them out of foreclosure.
Note: The foreclosure process can be swift; therefore it is a sound business decision to get pre-qualified for a loan early in the process. To do this, you need to contact a reputable mortgage broker who can find you the best financing.
By working with Default Research, you are gaining access to the most up-to-date foreclosure lists available. In addition, you have reliable homeowner phone numbers and mailing addresses. You then decide if you want to market to all homeowners in your major metropolitan area or focus on one of the 17 unique search criteria available on our website.
Once you have your list prepared and organized, begin by contacting the homeowner. We suggest using various methods of contacting these families in economic hardship combined with a sympathetic voice. Some examples:
(1) A series of clear and empathetic letters or postcards
(2) A limited number of follow-up phone calls
You are now prepared to make an offer to the family in distress. Before the process can move any further, you must first have the trust of these people. Then you need to explain to this family, in a very clear and patient voice, how you will be able to help them out of the foreclosure process.


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Un verre de rose by endegorWatch
©2011-2016 endegor
Wow! Beautiful shot. Love her sheer red gown. Very lovely. Excellent shot! Thanks for sharing.
great lighting... and love the red veil, how it sticks out against the white background
magnifique photo et superbe modèle !!
Just lovely
Excellent use of light!


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|Kyrstie Ehm
|Towanda, Kan.
|Previous School
|Hutchinson CC
2013-14: 2013-14 HAAC Third Team All-Conference selection after averaging 13.3 points per game, good for second on the team and made 77 three-point field goals, also good for second on the squad...Averaged 3.6 rebounds per game and recorded 27 steals...Had 38 assists and shot 45.5-percent from the field...Appeared in 34 games with 33 starts...Scored in double figures 21 times.
2012-13: Appeared in 32 games as a sophomore, and averaged 7.3 points per game. Also registered a 75% from the free-throw line. Had a season high 25 points against Haskell, and 6 rebounds against Graceland and Central Methodist.
Hutchinson Community College: Didn't play due to injury.
PERSONAL: Kyrstie Ashley Ehm was born in Holdrege, Neb., and is the daughter of Brent and Daneen Ehm…Has one sibling: Kyler…Played basketball and volleyball at Circle High School in Towanda, Kan., where the Thunderbirds made a State appearance in 2010…Named All-Metro, 2-time League MVP, 1st team All-League, 2-time 1st team All-State…Graduated Valedictorian, member of National Honors Society, Student Council President, and Wendy's Heisman Finalist…Chose Baker University over Pittsburg State, Drury, Metro State University, University of Northern Colorado, and Grand Canyon…Enjoys shopping, painting nails, and sports…Majoring in Business.


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Broxburn Sports Centre
Broxburn, West Lothian
About Broxburn Sports Centre
Badminton, Tennis, Short Tennis and Squash courts are available for booking during this session. Squash is only available @ Xcite Craigswood. Tennis is not available at Xcite Craigswood or East Calder. Table Tennis is available at Xcite Bathgate.
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Musician Henry Rollins is sorry for his comments about Robin Williams' suicide. Photo: Supplied
Punk rock icon Henry Rollins has apologised for his insensitive comments regarding Robin Williams' suicide after an extraordinary backlash on social media and thousands of letters from outraged fans.
The former Black Flag singer wrote a controversial column in LA Weekly last week which slammed Williams for leaving behind his three children.
"I simply cannot understand how any parent could kill themselves," Rollins wrote. "How in the hell could you possibly do that to your children?
Friends since the film Father's Day: Billy Crystal and Robin Williams. Photo: AP
"I don't care how well adjusted your kid might be — choosing to kill yourself, rather than to be there for that child, is every shade of awful, traumatic and confusing. As soon as you have children, you waive your right to take your own life. It should be your utmost goal not to traumatise your kids."
The article was shared 31,000 times on Facebook and enraged thousands of readers who believed Rollins' words showed a complete lack of respect for Williams and his grieving family.
Rollins issued an apology, before writing another article in LA Weekly where he conceded his comments were been out of line, despite making it clear he too had suffered depression for a period in his life.
The extraordinary career of Robin Williams
Actor Robin Williams arrives at the premiere of Old Dogs in Hollywood in 2009. Photo: REUTERS
"I am deeply sorry, down to my marrow," Rollins wrote. "I can't think that means anything to you, but I am completely sorry. It is not of my interest to hurt anyone but I know I did."
"For the last nine hours (sic), I have been answering letters from people from all over the world. The anger is off the scale and in my opinion, well placed. Some of them were very long and the disappointment, resentment and ringing clarity was jarring."
Williams, 63, took his own life two weeks ago after a long battle with depression and was also in the early stages of Parkinson's disease in more recent months.
A very outspoken figure, Rollins said he was unreservedly sorry for his comments and hoped it would not tarnish his reputation among fans.
"That I hurt anyone by what I said, and I did hurt many, disgusts me. It was not at all my intent but it most certainly was the result," Rollins wrote.
"I get so mad when I hear that someone has died this way. Not mad at them, mad at whatever got them there and that no one magically appeared to somehow save them.
"I am not asking for a break from the caning, take me to the woodshed as much as you see fit. If what I said has caused you to be done with me, I get it."
Williams' friend and fellow comedy actor Billy Crystal paid a heartfelt and sombre tribute to the late comic at yesterday's Emmy Awards.
"It's very hard to talk about him in the past because he was so present in our lives. For almost 40 years, he was the brightest star in the comedy galaxy," said Crystal.
"But while some of the brightest of celestial bodies are actually extinct, their molten energy long since cooled, miraculously, because they float in the heavens so far away from us now, their beautiful light will shine on us forever.
"And the glow will be so bright, it will warm your heart and make your eyes glisten, and you'll think to yourselves, Robin williams. What a concept."
❏ Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
- with AFP


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Blondie, one of the greatest New York City bands of all time, celebrate their 40th anniversary together this week with a brand new album and a few NYC area shows.
The legendary punk/new wave pioneers just released (out 5/13) a two-disc set titled Blondie 4(0) Ever that features a new 12-track album, Ghosts of Download. The set also includes Deluxe Redux: Greatest Hits, featuring Blondie rerecording brand new versions of some of their best known songs. There will also be a deluxe version of Blondie 4(0) Ever available, one that includes a DVD of Blondie performing at CBGB in 1977, a replica vintage concert poster and 5 postcards with guitarist Chris Stein's photographs.
To help celebrate the special occasion, Brooklyn record store/music venue Rough Trade will host Blondie on May 19th, as the group promises to play a full-set in the rather intimate space. For tickets to the show, you need to buy Blondie 4(0) Ever at Rough Trade anytime between May 13th and 19th and receive a wristband for access to the show.
If you miss that opportunity, you can catch Blondie in Atlantic City at Tropicana Casino & Resort on May 24th; in Bethlehem, PA at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center on May 25th; or, see lead singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein have a nice conversation with respected music journalist Anthony DeCurtis at 92Y on May 28th.


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Posted by Vee | November 23, 2012, 7:32 (MST) | 257 Comments
Category: The Vampire Diaries TV
We trust our American friends have had a marvelous Thanksgiving, yes? So how about sinking your teeth into another goodie this holiday weekend: A webclip from next week's new episode, My Brother's Keeper (EP407). Klaus and Caroline are having a perfectly polite conversation and we're 99.9% positive that Klaus pulls out the hybrid puppy eyes. Watch and you'll see what we mean.
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Proposed Bill Would Require Protective Gear for All Law Enforcement
Written by Your 5News Team
Last updated on February 21, 2013 @ 11:16AM
Created on February 20, 2013 @ 6:19PM
A proposed bill that lawmakers are considering is one that would give all law enforcement officers in our state access to protective gear. In this day and age, it may seem unbelievable that some police departments don't have up to date equipment. But it's more common than it may seem.
Chief Deputy Ralph Wright has been in law enforcement for nearly 20 years. For the past four, he's been with the Marion County Sheriff's Department. All of those years, he's never gone a day without wearing a bulletproof vest. However, those vests can be a bit pricey, ranging anywhere from $550 to $700. Every year, his department applies for a federal grant, which pays for 50 percent of every vest that's purchased. In addition to that, the department uses money from drug forfeitures to purchase extra equipment.
"Currently, our policy states that all road deputies will wear mandatory vests and we provide those to our deputies," said Chief Deputy Ralph Wright, Marion County Sheriff's Department.
But not every department has that option. Chief Deputy Wright has worked for several different departments over the years and says some are financially strapped.
"They do obtain vests but then the life expectancy on a bullet-proof vest is roughly five years. So, you've got guys out there wearing vests for maybe seven or eight years, when they're outdated. That's a big problem."
A new bill, proposed by Senator Bill Laird, D-Fayette, would give all law enforcement officers in the state access to bulletproof vests. For lifelong law enforcement officers, like Wright, the idea is a must.
"It's not only just their safety in a shooting incident or if somebody has a knife. It adds a little bit of protection for even just a vehicle crash. When you're involved in a vehicle crash, the blunt trauma to your chest, if you're thrown around in the vehicle, it can help you in that manner. So, we just feel that it's necessary for all of our deputies to wear one."
The proposed bill has already gained support from the West Virginia Sheriff's Association.
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On Monday we showed you a stylish sneak peek of "Rill Rill," the new video from Sleigh Bells. And today we have the official video premiere.
As we mentioned in the previous post, "Rill Rill" is a lazy, sunny psychedelic kiss from the duo, and it stands in stark contrast from their usual, awesome, shouty, electro-punk bursts of noise.
We had thought we were in for a similarly warm and fuzzy video to go with the song, but, man, were we wrong. "Rill Rill" finds Sleigh Bells singer Alexis Krauss in full bad-girl mode, throwing her bloodied bandmate, Derek Miller, out of a moving car and returning to an abandoned high school where she poses for some chilling and provocative yearbook photos.
The video actually goes perfectly with the dark undertones of this sonically bright song. Check out Sleigh Bells' "Rill Rill" video, below. Sleigh Bells' Treats album is out now.


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May 07, 2014
The change in seasons gives home decorators a ready-made excuse to create a new home design to suit changing temperatures. Deep colors and lots of textured fabrics may be ideal in winter, but adapting a lighter, airy style is where you should be headed for spring and summer living. Start by pulling up area rugs so the clean, classic look of hardwood floors like those in Anderson's Lone Start collection will show through.
The easiest way to switch from cold weather mode is to change the soft furnishings that are the most portable parts of a room design, according to William Sonoma's Designer Marketplace. Window treatments, for instance, can be lightened up simply by removing side panels that outline the windows, leaving shades in place alone. Or, add translucent or white lace curtains to replace the winter drapes. If removing the window coverings isn't possible, draw them back to let more light into your rooms.
Lighten up the furniture
Introducing change for your main furniture pieces may seem like it will take a lot of time and effort, but adding slipcovers over dark upholstered sofas and chairs couldn't be easier. By sticking with solid colors, you can introduce a host of colors with pillows. Joan Lunden's Healthy Living recommended using lighter fabrics and patterns that have a summery motif.
As an alternative, you may want to use patterned slipcovers and eliminate the pillows altogether. Nothing's more spring-like than a floral pattern, but if that seems to overpower the permanent pieces in your rooms, compromise with stripes. They can be wide and bold or narrow and understated in hues as bright or subtle as you choose.
Partial changes
The wall paint in some of your rooms may be looking tired, but if you don't want to commit to a full paint job, just paint one or two walls as accents. It's a good way to test new colors that you may take a liking to and decide later to expand to the rest of the room.
If you like the lamps and other fixtures you already own, try a partial change there as well. Add new lamp shades to suit a lighter, warm season atmosphere. White or off-white shades in a linen texture will go with virtually any color scheme. While you're at it, switch the light bulbs to energy-saving bulbs with a brighter cast than the soft white lighting you may use in winter.
Anderson Reader
Lone Star
Engineered Flooring


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Committees and Taskforces
Standing committees are appointed by the association president and are comprised of members from throughout the state. Some committees also have a community college, public sector, and county office of education (COE) representative. CSEA committees make recommendations to the board of directors on issues and activities within their respective committee's scope.The association president appoints specialized taskforces to study specific issues outside the scope of standing committees.
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee ensures that our members receive respect and recognition, by promoting and encouraging Association awards programs.
Budget Committee is comprised of CSEA member leaders from throughout the state, who primarily analyze CSEA's annual budget, and monitor expenditures, trends and the organization's fiscal health through all phases of the budget cycle. The committee serves at the will of the association president and makes recommendations through him/her to the Board of Directors.
Communications Committee works to improve members' knowledge by developing better communication and distribution of information.
Community College Committee researches, educates and communicates with members on the issues and concerns of community college employees.
Conference Committee plans and prepares all areas and functions of CSEA's Annual Conference. Also strives to ensure a positive and professional atmosphere at the event.
County Office of Education Committee researches, educates and communicates issues and concerns of CSEA's county office of education chapters. It also serves as a liaison between members, the board of directors, governmental relations and the Legislature.
Diversity Taskforce goal is to research demographics of CSEA members and leaders and develop a plan to recruit diverse members for leadership roles.
Education Committee is comprised of CSEA member leaders from each geographic area of the state and a member from the community college delegation. The committee oversees the important role of training our members. The committee serves at the will of the association president and makes recommendations through him/her to the Board of Directors.
Legislative Committee oversees and participates in the formation of CSEA's legislative agenda. The committee researches and makes recommendations on legislative resolutions and monitors legislation approved by the Board of Directors.
Member Benefits Committee is comprised of CSEA member leaders from throughout the state who monitor all of the insurance and consumer discount programs CSEA offers members, as well as educate chapter leaders and members as to the value that CSEA membership holds in these areas, especially the opportunity to potentially return a member's dues dollars through the savings realized by the programs offered. The committee serves at the will of the association president and makes recommendations through him/her to the Board of Directors on approved or sponsored programs.
Merit System Committee assists merit system chapters by sharing pertinent information, including development of commission rules and regulations, budget, and commissioner appointments. The Committee is also charged with providing necessary and relevant specialized training for merit system chapters and proposing legislation specific to merit system chapters that will protect employee rights under the merit system laws.
Political Action for Classified Employees (PACE) Committee offers financial assistance to chapters participating in school board and/or bond elections. Such assistance will only be provided if the requesting chapter follows CSEA policy relating to such elections and submits the appropriate official form.
Pre-Retirement Resource Committee helps active classified employees learn about their retirement system so they can make informed choices about their retirement early in their career.
Research/Negotiations Committee is comprised of CSEA member leaders from throughout the state who study the trends in contract negotiations, analyze settlements, and train chapter leaders in the best practices in bargaining. The committee serves at the will of the association president and makes recommendations through him/her to the Board of Directors.
Resolutions Committee is a resource and guide to the membership to ensure that Conference resolutions are in proper form for delegate action.
Scholarship Committee provides information about CSEA's scholarships and grants, evaluates applications, and promotes additional scholarship and grant opportunities for CSEA members and their dependents.
Retiree Unit Executive Board represents 10 Retiree Districts throughout the state. The Retiree Unit provides an organized program for retirees to promote communication among all retirees and address issues that impact their lives. Members of the Retiree Unit also assist CSEA's active membership in accomplishing their goals.
CSEA Volunteer Form
If you are interested in serving on a CSEA statewide committee, please fill out this form. The Association President uses this form as a basis for appointments...More
Victory Club
Get more information about CSEA's Victory Club, including an application...More
Committee Resource Guide
Publications, forms and brochures distributed on behalf of CSEA standing committees...More


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In a multiple murder case plagued by lies and deception, there is one terrible secret that defense attorney Dismas Hardy is duty-bound to protect. Even if the price is his client's life.
When Dylan Vogler, the charming manager of the popular Bay Beans West coffee shop in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, is gunned down near the store, inspectors are shocked to discover that his knapsack is overflowing with high-grade marijuana. It soon becomes clear that San Francisco's A-list flocked to Bay Beans West for more than a pricy caffeine fix.
Maya Townshend is the absentee owner of the shop—and the beautiful and extremely wealthy socialite niece of the city's mayor. When she becomes Dismas Hardy's client, he thinks it will be a simple hand-holding exercise until the police identify a suspect. But then another of Maya's past acquaintances turns up murdered, and the newspapers begin to reveal the names of the coffee shop's celebrity, political, and even law-enforcement clientele. Hardy begins to question how much his client knew about what was actually going on inside her business—and whether she was also Vogler's lover.
All the while, Hardy's best friend, homicide lieutenant Abe Glitsky, sick with worry over his severely-injured youngest child, barely functions in his job. Without his supervision, his inspectors are prey to the machinations of the many power brokers with interests in the case. And ambitious prosecutors, both state and federal, close in on Maya.
As her trial gets underway, Hardy discovers that Maya harbors an explosive secret that is at the heart of the case. Regardless, Dismas Hardy is hostage to that secret, and privilege-bound to protect it.
Perceptive, fast-paced and masterful, A Plague Of Secrets is sure to have fans and new readers of John Lescroart alike hungrily turning the pages.
Read an Excerpt from A PLAGUE OF SECRETS
Order A PLAGUE OF SECRETS
Barnes & Noble
Book Passage
Audio editions
Praise for A PLAGUE OF SECRETS
"By far Lescroart's most complicated novel, elaborately plotted . . one of his best and most suspenseful stories . . a first-rate mystery."
— Booklist (starred review)
"The best of the best—the best yet in the best legal thriller series!"
—Lee Child
"Killer pacing with smooth flow; a heart-in-your-throat trial; a stunning resolution!"
—The Poisoned Pen's Barbara Peters in Publishers Weekly's Galley Talk
"Lush and lusty, fascinating and smart."
—Steve Berry
"Lescroart writes the investigation and courtroom procedural genre better than any other author today…"
—Suspense Magazine
Dutton Adult Hardcover, June 2009
Signet Paperback, June 2010


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Maybe it was the Madden gods' retribution for Darren Sharper getting a pick-6 when he really fumbled outside the 1-yard-line.
Maybe it was the Sports Illustrated cover jinx. Or a Halloween trick.
Maybe it was just to keep us Saints fans from getting too haughty.
Whatever the reason, Madden says the Monday nighter between the Saints and the Falcons goes to Atlanta - by 4 yards.
In a game marked by big plays and bigger mistakes for the home team, the final attempt came up less than 12 feet short of a tying score, and Atlanta won 34-27. It came down to a 4th and 4 from the 29 yard line with 4 seconds left, and Drew Brees' pass to Pierre Thomas netted 25 yards. One more broken tackle, and the game would have gone to OT:
Last gasp
If the Saints defense hadn't struggled so much with Atlanta's running game, the finish would have been more like the actual Dolphins game last week. Down 27-13 in the 4th quarter of this Falcons sim, New Orleans' offense erupted, first with a long drive capped by a Reggie Bush TD reception from 16 yards out.
Then, following a Falcons 3-and-out, another great drive, mostly through the air. The last few inches, though, were covered by Lynell Hamilton, the big tailback I put at fullback to spell the injured Heath Evans (Madden doesn't offer new Saints signee Kyle Eckel). With 1:30 on the clock, it was 27-27.
The defense, though, did not tamp down. On the Falcons second play, the Saints let a simple slant pass from Matt Ryan to Roddy White go 77 yards for a touchdown. We have been playing these simulations in Coach Mode to take some of the human error on the sticks out of it, but that's hard to swallow when you put the team in a 2-deep zone, then watch the computer send Roman Harper on a bad angle, a weird backpedal and out of contention for a tackle.
With only 54 seconds to mount a touchdown drive, even a fired-up Brees couldn't quite get it done.
I guess I got a taste of what Dolphins fans must have felt after last Sunday's Thrilla in Miama - not to mention a reminder of what the last three decades of my life have been like as a Saints fan. I.e., to jump out in front, control the game, then watch the opponent zoom past on the strength of a few big plays and your own costly turnovers.
The worst was a flea-flicker I called, the first all season. It was 1st down, the Saints were down by 7 points, and they were moving the ball. The handoff didn't trick anyone, the only two guys out on pass patterns were covered, and the computer had Brees hold the ball like a statue with well-blocked Falcons rushers but inches away.
One of them popped up off the ground and hit Brees as he wound up for what was sure to be a disastrous bomb. Instead, it was worse. Hit as he released it, Brees' pass popped straight up in the air and was returned 47 yards for a touchdown by Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton:
Flea-flicker flub
I have to give credit where it's due, and that's to Lofton and Atlanta running back Michael Turner. Lofton's final numbers: 6 tackles, 2 passes deflected, 1 forced fumble and the pick-6.
As for Turner, the guy's a complete beast. On one 7-yard-run, he trucked Scott Fujita, ran over Tony Hargrove, then carried Charles Grant on his back for another 5 yards. How about this incomprehensible stat: Turner, 17 carries for 105 yards rushing, 106 yards after the first hit. I don't know exactly what that means, but it's scary.
His masterpiece was this 62-yarder that gave Atlanta a 14-10 lead in the 2nd quarter. Watch how he sheds Scott Shanle in the backfield, tosses aside Randall Gay at the line of scrimmage, then makes Grant look like he's running a shuttle race by turning in on the burners:
Burner Turner
In spite of all that, though, the real difference in the game was how the Saints failed to create any turnovers on defense and bogged down in the red zone on offense. The hosts forced five 3-and-outs by the Falcons in the second half alone. The D got sacks and pressure on Ryan, but no takeaways. And then, in a flash, they gave up scoring plays of 62 and 77 yards.
And the O actually moved the ball with some ease throughout the game, both in the air and on the ground. Jeremy Shockey had a great day, catching 5 passes for 118 yards, including 55 on a key 3rd and short in the 2nd quarter, when a nice play-action fake led to this catch-blast-and-run:
If only he'd broken out the stiff-arm like he did on Gibril Wilson last week. It was really a shame he didn't because the Saints ended up settling for a field goal on that drive. That also happened on another 2nd quarter drive when the Saints had a 3rd and 1 and a FB Dive to Hamilton went wrong. He fumbled. It was recovered by tackle Jermon Bushrod, which at least salvaged three points, but they really needed a TD from one of those possessions.
A bright spot was Courtney Roby returning five kicks for 212 yards. Just as his big return in Miami got the real Saints on the board, his virtual counterpart started our game with a 102 yard TD:
Roby returns
If Madden is any indication, Matt Ryan is to be feared. He was 23 for 31 for 316 yards, 2 TDs and no picks. Brees ended up 28 of 38 for 335, 1 TD and 2 INTs.
After the last two simulations I was starting to really believe in Madden's predictive powers. Let's hope this week's is just an overcorrection, some kind of All Hallow's Eve reminder that a frightening Madden loss, like the error-filled one to Philadelphia before Week 2, can always lead to a 48-22 annihilation when the real flesh-and-blood Saints take the field.


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|Notice regarding Queensland bailiff service & execution fees
The Bailiff Service and Execution Fees service for Queensland is maintained in collaboration with our publishing partner Business Acumen magazine. You can use this service to find applicable bailiff fees to serve documents by SUBURB, relevant Magistrates Court addresses and jurisdictions, along with bailiff contact information and their service areas.
Click HERE to register or log in to this service. You will be redirected to the Business Acumen website for this process and will open in a new tab in your web browser.
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Australia membership is required to access the Bailiff Service and Execution
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Closures for the holidays
U.S. Post Office
Closed Sunday and Tuesday
Christmas Eve:
1776 Park Avenue location Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Main Street location Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2100 Park Avenue location Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Christmas Day: All Locations Closed
Park City State Liquor Store
Closed Sunday and Tuesday
Christmas Eve: All Locations Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: All Locations Closed
Park City Banks
Closed Sunday and Tuesday
Bank hours vary on Monday depending on branch.
Please call your bank to find Christmas Eve hours.
Regular hours resume Wednesday
New VP at Sterling Ascend Insurance
Sterling Ascend Insurance Resources today announced that Frank Jorgenson, CPCU, has been named Vice President & Sales Executive of the insurance brokerage, according to a press release. Jorgenson, a Utah native, will work from the firm's Park City office, and will be responsible for sales, client services and senior carrier relationships. Sterling Ascend is a unit of Sterling & Sterling, which is ranked in the nation's top 50 independently owned insurance brokerages with annual premiums topping $500 million. Prior to joining Sterling Ascend, Mr. Jorgenson worked as a commercial insurance broker for Grant-Hatch & Associates, where he cultivated, secured and managed over 60 commercial accounts. For more information on Sterling Ascend services, visit www.sterlingrisk.com or call 435-645-8100.


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(LOCAL Shipping and Delivery Only)
Our Mission is to provide our customers with the best tasting and freshest gourmet cupcakes in the Columbus, Ohio area. We are proud to say that we bake all of our flavors from scratch, which provides a rich homemade goodness that cannot be accomplished any other way. We pride ourselves in keeping you coming back. Thus, we continue to explore new items that you will enjoy.
In addition to our cupcakes, we have a variety of delicious cheesecakes, cookies, brownies and other seasonal delights.


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Assignment #85: Golden Hour
In late fall and winter, the southern sun creates extended "magic hour" in North America. For this week's Assignment, send in your best fall and winter magic-hour shots. Enter by midnight, November 22. —Christopher Robinson, Editor.
Click here to view our Interactive Gallery Terms & Conditions.
Get 11 Issues of Outdoor Photographer for only $14.97!
That's 77% off the cover price!


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The Cosby Show Porn Spoof:Not The Cosbys XXX – Producers Jeff Mullen and Scott David of X-Play have revealed that The Cosby Show will have a porn spoof.The sex movie will be called Not The Cosbys XXX and will be out early next year.Mullen said of the X rated film:
"We're actually shooting two 'Cosby' movies at the same time." "So when we shoot the set of Denise Huxtable's bedroom, for example, we'll knock out all of the scenes for Part 1 and Part 2. It's going to be tricky, but I think we'll pull it off with excellent results.""These are not easy movies to do well," "It takes months of planning to get each detail just right, and we take this very seriously. You don't just slap these movies together…or at least you shouldn't.""If you blow the casting, you might as well pack up and go home."
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Hello. And Bye. 🙂
how funny lol