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From 0 ratings
Plant type
Hardy perennial
Flower colour
Flowers, Dramatic foliage
Skill level
Perfect for containers or the front of the border, 'Gold Drop' reaches only 15cm (6in) high. It has small, heart-shaped yellow leaves that need sun to colour well. In mid-summer, it produces pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers. Hostas benefit from plenty of organic matter being added to the soil before planting. They also enjoy being mulched in spring and autumn to help retain moisture in the soil. For the lushest displays, feed with a balanced fertiliser between March and June. Do not feed after this period or you will encourage the sort of sappy growth that slugs adore! To avoid the leaves looking like a piece of lace, take measures against slugs and snails, such as beer traps.
Family: Hostaceae
Genus: Hosta
Cultivar: Gold Drop
Plant type: Hardy perennial
Flower colour: Lavender
Foliage colour: Golden
Feature: Flowers, Dramatic foliage
Sun exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Moist
Hardiness: Hardy
Skill level: Beginner
Height: 15cm
Spread: 30cm
Time to divide plants: August to March
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North by Northwestern A Seafaring Family on Deadly Alaskan Waters
ISBN13:by Hansen, Sig; Sundeen, Mark
Thomas Dunne Books
The captain took a drag on the cigarette and pushed through the door of the wheelhouse to the upper deck. He was met by a blast of arctic cold as he emerged into a frozen nightmare. Icicles clung to the eaves of the wheelhouse, and a crust of ice was caked on the rails. The boat rocked and pitched. Out in the dark gray morning he saw dim flashes of whitecaps, but mostly the monstrous waves were invisible, they were ghosts.
Author Biography
SIG HANSEN in the captain of the commercial fishing vessel, Northwestern. He has been featured on Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch from the pilot through the first five seasons of the show. MARK SUNDEEN is an adventure writer and a frequent contributor to Outside, Men's Journal, The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, and McSweeney's. He is the author of The Making of Toro and Car Camping.
Table of Contents
|p. 1
|Son of Norway
|p. 11
|Karmoy Dreams
|p. 45
|Ballard, America
|p. 75
|North to Alaska
|p. 111
|Let the Kid Run the Boat
|p. 145
|p. 179
|A Fleet Is Born
|p. 209
|Boom and Bust
|p. 241
|Lights, Camera, Fishing
|p. 263
|p. 291
|p. 305
|p. 307
|Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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Artist: Roxy Music
Album: Country Life
Genre: Rock
Well, this is such a sad affair
I've opened up my heart, oh, so many times
But now it's closed
Oh, my dear
Every salted tear, it wrings
Bitter-sweet applause
But when the show is in full swing
Every once in a while
High stepping chorus lines mean I'm forgetting
Mein lullaby-liebchen
How rich in contrast, love can be
Sometimes I'm quite amused
To see it twist and turn
To taste both sweet and dry
These vintage years
Lovers, you consume, my friend
As others, their wine
Nein das ist nicht
Das ende der welt
Gestrandet an leben und kunst
Und das spiel geht weiter
Wie man weiss
Noch viele sch'nste wiedershen
And now as you turn to leave
You try to force a smile as if to compensate
Then you break down and cry
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Fat Sex in The City # 2
We all know that fat is P-H-A-T. There's a million stories in the chunky city, and all of them are nasty! Six floors up, bouncy, bountiful babes are greasing up and getting nasty. Sex in the city is good, but it's even better when it's Fat Sex in the City!
Studio: Gents DVD | Production Year: 2004
Performers: Lasha Lane Patty Parker Adam West


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Complete Release as a PDF File?
No. 7 Seed Arizona (19-13, 8-10) at Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament
Date: ? Thursday, March 13, 2008
Time: ? approx. 8:30 p.m. PDT
Location: ? Staples Center (19,282), Los Angeles, Calif.
Radio: ? Wildcat Radio Network (Brian Jeffries/Ryan Hansen)
TV: ?FSN (Barry Tompkins/Dan Belluomini)
Arizona Probable Starters
??? No.??? Name????????????????????????? Ht.???? Wt.??? Yr.?? Hometown???????????????????? PPG?????? RPG????? APG
F?? 34??? Chase Budinger?????? 6-7??? 203?? So.?? Encinitas, Calif.???????????? 17.1???????? 5.3??????? 3.0
F?? 43??? Jordan Hill???????????????? 6-10? 226?? So.?? Atlanta, Ga.??????????????????? 13.1???????? 7.9??????? 0.8
G? 13??? Nic Wise???????????????????? 5-9??? 178?? So.?? Houston, Texas?????????????? 9.0???????? 2.2??????? 4.4
G???? 5??? Jawann McClellan??? 6-4??? 204??? Sr.?? Houston, Texas?????????????? 8.7???????? 3.8??????? 2.8
G???? 0??? Jerryd Bayless????????? 6-3??? 199??? Fr.??? Phoenix, Ariz.???????????????? 20.1???????? 2.7??????? 4.1
F???? 2??? Zane Johnson?????????? 6-5??? 199??? Fr.??? Phoenix, Ariz.?????????????????? 0.9???????? 0.6??????? 0.1
G??11??? David Bagga????????????? 6-5??? 182??? Jr.??? Foothill Ranch, Calif.????? 0.5???????? 0.0??????? 0.0
G? 12??? Daniel Dillon???????????? 6-3??? 197??? Sr.?? ?Melbourne, Victoria, Australia????????? 2.2???????? 1.1??????? 1.4
F?? 14??? Mohamed Tangara? 6-9??? 235??? Jr.??? Bamako, Mali?????????????????? 0.0???????? 0.2??????? 0.0
F?? 24??? Fendi Onobun?????????? 6-6??? 235??? Jr.??? Houston, Texas?????????????? 1.7???????? 1.4??????? 0.2
F?? 33??? Lucas Spencer???????? 6-5??? 187??? Jr.??? Yuma, Ariz.????????????????????????? --??????????? --?????????? --
F?? 42??? Jamelle Horne ???????? 6-6??? 204??? Fr.??? San Diego, Calif.???????????? 3.1???????? 2.8??????? 0.3
F?? 44??? Bret Brielmaier????????? 6-7??? 237??? Sr.?? Mankato, Minn.??????????????? 2.8???????? 2.9??????? 0.6
C? 50??? Alex Jacobson?????????? 6-11? 243??? Fr.??? Santa Ana, Calif.??????????????? --??????????? --?????????? --
C? 54??? Kirk Walters?????????????? 6-11? 247??? Sr.?? Grand Rapids, Mich.????? 0.9???????? 1.3??????? 0.0
Game Data: ? No. 7 seed Arizona (19-13, 8-10 Pac-10) participates in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Pacific Life Pac-10? Tournament in Los Angeles Thursday night against No. 2 seed Stanford (24-6, 13-5 Pac-10) ... Arizonaˇ?s 17 wins and four championships (1988-90, 2002) in this event are league bests ... Since the event was reincarnated in the Staples Center in 2002, the Cats are 8-5 in tournament play.
Last Time Out: ? With all five starters in double figures, Arizona blitzed Oregon State, 87-56, Wednesday in the opening round of the Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament.? The Wildcats connected on 71 percent (22-of-31) of its field goal attempts in rolling to a Pac-10 Tournament record- 59 points in the first half and a 38-point lead at the break.? Jerryd Bayless and Nic Wise combined for 26 first-half points, while Wise added seven assists and a tournament-record five steals in the opening period alone.? UAˇ?s 31-point win equaled its largest in Pac-10 Tournament history.
Scouting Stanford: ? The Beavers enter play Wednesday with a 24-6 record (13-5 Pac-10) and a No. 2 seed following Saturdayˇ?s 77-64 loss at USC.? Through 30 games, Stanford averages 70.6 points per game, shoots 44.9 percent (643-of-1,665), and posts a +8.1 rebound margin per game.? Opponents shoot 39.5 percent from the floor and are outscored by an average of 10.6 points per game.? Individually, two Cardinal players average in double figures, led by Brook Lopez, who averages 18.9 points per game.? He also leads the club with an 8.2 rebounds per game average.
The Series: ? ?Todayˇ?s game marks the 76th meeting of the two schools with Arizona holding a 48-27 series advantage.? Arizona has won six of the last eight in the series, but Stanford won the last, 67-66, in Tucson on Feb. 16.? All-time, Arizona is 25-8 in series games played in Tucson, 19-17 in Palo Alto, Calif., and 4-2 in neutral site games. See page 101 of the UA media guide for more series information.? UA is 4-0 vs. Stanford in Pac-10 Tournament play.
Last Meeting: ? Stanford 67, Arizona 66, Feb. 16, 2008: ? Trailing by eight points with 4:07 remaining, Arizona outscored Stanford 9-0 over the next two minutes to take the lead but could not hold on in the one-point loss.? Stanfordˇ?s Brook Lopez made two free throws with 18 seconds to go that provided the final margin.? UAˇ?s Chase Budinger had his shot blocked by Brookˇ?s twin brother Robin in the final seconds.? Arizona shot just 37.3 percent for the game and was outrebounded 40-26.? UAˇ?s Jerryd Bayless, who scored a game-high 31 points, became the first player in Arizona history to score 30 or more points in three straight games.
In The Coaching Box: ? Prior to the Nov. 4 exhibition game, it was announced that UA head coach Lute Olson would be taking a leave of absence due to a personal matter.? It was announced on Dec. 7 that Olson would not return this season.? During this period, assistant coach Kevin Oˇ?Neill will handle the head coaching responsibilities.? Oˇ?Neill, who was tabbed as Olsonˇ?s successor on Dec. 18, has 11 seasons of experience as an NCAA Division I head coach, where he compiled a 152-165 (.479) record while at Marquette, Tennessee and Northwestern. Oˇ?Neill spent the last seven seasons in NBA circles.? During Olsonˇ?s leave of absence all games will be credited to Oˇ?Neillˇ?s coaching record.? On March 10, UA announced that Olson would return once this year is complete.
Wrong Color: ? No other Pac-10 team has played in as many conference postseason tournament games as Arizonaˇ?s 23.? Of those 23 contests, the Wildcats have only played three previous games as the lower seed.
Waiting for the Sun: ? Thursdayˇ?s scheduled 8:30 p.m. PDT start time doesnˇ?t fit well into the Wildcat comfort zone.? This season the Cats are just 1-4 in games that tip-off later than 8 p.m. local time.
On Fire: ? The? Wildcats shot an impressive 71.0 percent (22-of-31) from the field in the first half of Thursdayˇ?s win, a figure that was the programˇ?s best shooting half in Pac-10 Tournament play.? It was also UAˇ?s best shooting first half of this season, and was the teamˇ?s second-best shooting half this seasonˇ?second only to its 71.4 percent (15-of-21) shooting in the second half at Houston on Jan. 12.? Incidentally, Arizona had separate streaks of seven and six consecutive field goal made in the first half vs. the Beavers.
The Numbers Come INto Play: ? Even though the Cats emptied the bench and cooled off a bit in the second half, the squad still shot 54.4 percent (31-of-57) for the game.? It was the 13th time that Arizona has shot 50 percent or better from the floor, but just the third time in the last 12 games.? This season, Arizona is 13-0 when shooting 50 percent or better from the field.
Thatˇ?s Deep: ? The Wildcats connected on 9-of-17 (.529) three-point field goal attempts Wednesday, which was the seventh time this season that UA has sot better than 50 percent from behind the arc.? In the first half, UA connected on 8-of-11 treys (.727), and in one stretch made four consecutive treys to stretch the Wildcat lead to 32-8.? On the season, UA shoots .389 (209-of-537) from three-point range as a team.
A GOod 18 Minutes: ? Sophomore Nic Wise had quite an impact in 18 first-half minutes on Wednesday.? The 5-foot-10 guard knocked down 5-of-7 shots en route to 13 points to go with seven assists and five steals.? The five steals equaled a Pac-10 Tournament record he now shares with seven other players.? Wise averages 2.04 steals per game.
On Target: ? Forward Jordan Hill entered the tournament as the Pac-10ˇ?s field goal percentage leader (.616) and only boosted that number on Wednesday, as the 6-foot-10 sophomore hit all seven attempts against Oregon State.? The effort boosted his season FG percentage to .625 (172-of-275), a figure that currently ranks third on the Arizona single-season Field goal percentage list.
From the Bench: ? Itˇ?s safe to say that everyone contributed to Wednesdayˇ?s 31-point win.? A total of 13 players saw action with 11 players scoring and 10 grabbing at least one rebound, and seven passing out an assist.? The UA bench totaled 76 minutes and combined for 17 points.? Not bad for a bunch that entering the tournament averaged just 35 minutes per game.
Finally on the Glass: ? Rebounding has been an Arizona shortcoming all year long, as the club posted a -1.2 rebound margin during the regular season, the programˇ?s worst effort since 1982-83.? During Pac-10 play it was even worse at -4.5.? When Arizona outrebounds the opposition, the club is 9-2.? All told, the Wildcats were outrebounded in 14 of 18 Pac-10 games, but managed to outrebound Oregon State, 39-32, on Wednesday.? Against Pac-10 foes, UA 1s 4-1 when it manages to win the rebounding battle.
Even More Balanced: ? As stated in yesterdayˇ?s notes, Arizonaˇ?s tournament fate may be dependant upon its ability to be balanced offensively.? The team certainly accomplished that feat by placing five players in double figures and seeing 11 of 13 players in the scoring column.? On the year, Arizona has placed four or more scorers in double figures nine times, and the team is 7-2 when that happens to go with a 77.6 ppg scoring average.? In 2007-08 Arizona is 16-3 when scoring 70 or more points.
Scoring 80: Perhaps no statistic is more telling of UA success, as the squad is 171-19 (.900) since the start of the 1997-98 season when scoring at least 80 points. Arizona is 9-0 this season when topping the 80-point plateau.
In March: ? Since the start of the 1996-97 season, Arizona has a 51-23 (.689) record in the month of March.? In that span, 34 of those games have been played in the NCAA Tournament and UA is 24-10 (.706) in them.? In the two previous seasons, the Cats were 5-5 in March.? This season, UA is 2-3 in March.
?Up Next: ? Thursdayˇ?s result either puts the Wildcats in Fridayˇ?s semifinal or hastens a return to Tucson to await its NCAA Tournament selection fate.


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That is awesome news man, just awesome! Your hard work pays off. Congrats! It's volunteer jobs like this that can lead to job offers of a lifetime. The organization just might decide that you have the kind of talent they are looking for.
Way to go -- and you deserve every bit of recognition.
By the way, I don't like many highlight clips. I don't like the music used for them. But I loved it from 4:48 on.
And to other posters? Know what this means? It means we've got people from the 49er organization hanging out in here. So, be cool! Show some love!


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Mannitol IV
FDA Approves Dotarem, a New MRI Agent »
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Dotarem (gadoterate meglumine) for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, spine and associated tissues of patients ages 2 years and older.
Dotarem is a gadolinium-based"...
Mannitol IV
Mannitol I.V. (Mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) Injection, USP) is indicated for the following purposes in adults and pediatric patients.
Therapeutic Use
- Promotion of diuresis in the prevention or treatment of the oliguric phase of acute renal failure before irreversible renal failure becomes established.
- Reduction of intracranial pressure and brain mass.
- Reduction of high intraocular pressure when the pressure cannot be lowered by other means.
- Promotion of urinary excretion of toxic materials.
Diagnostic Use
Measurement of glomerular filtration rate.
Mannitol I.V. (Mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) Injection, USP) should be administered only by intravenous infusion. The total dosage, concentration and rate of administration should be governed by the nature and severity of the condition being treated, fluid requirement and urinary output. The usual adult dosage ranges from 50 to 200 g in a 24-hour period, but in most instances an adequate response will be achieved at a dosage of approximately 100 g/24 hours. The rate of administration is usually adjusted to maintain a urine flow of at least 30 to 50 mL/hr. The total dose should be adjusted according to the clinical response and adverse events (See WARNINGS).
Test Dose: A test dose of mannitol should be given prior to instituting Mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) I.V. therapy for patients with marked oliguria or those believed to have inadequate renal function. In adults the dose is 0.2 g/kg body weight. In pediatric patients the dose is 0.2 g/kg body weight or 6 g/m² body surface area. The infusion is given as a 15% to 25% solution over a period of 3 to 5 minutes to produce a urine flow of at least 30 to 50 mL/hour. If urine flow does not increase, a second dose may be given; but if there is inadequate response, the patient should be re-evaluated.
Prevention of Acute Renal Failure (Oliguria): When used during cardiovascular or other types of surgery, 50 to 100 g of mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) as a 5%, 10%, or 15% solution may be given. The concentration will depend on the fluid requirements of the patient.
Treatment of Oliguria: The usual dose to promote diuresis in oliguric patients: Adults, 300 to 400 mg/kg of body weight (21 to 28 g for a 70 kg patient) or up to 100 g of solution, given as a single dose (often in conjunction with furosemide); pediatric patients, 0.25 to 2 g/kg body weight or 60 g/m body surface area as a 15% to 20% solution over a period of 2 to 6 hours. Doses should not be repeated in patients with persistent oliguria.
Reduction of Intracranial Pressure and Brain Mass: In adults a dose of 0.25 to 2 g/kg body weight as a 15% to 25% solution administered over a period of 30 to 60 minutes; pediatric patients 1 to 2 g/kg body weight or 30 to 60 g/m² body surface area over a period of 30 to 60 minutes. In small or debilitated patients, a dose of 500 mg/kg may be sufficient. Careful evaluation must be made of the circulatory and renal reserve prior to and during administration of mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) at the higher doses and rapid infusion rates. Careful attention must be paid to fluid and electrolyte balance, body weight, and total input and output before and after infusion of mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) . Evidence of reduced cerebral spinal fluid pressure must be observed within 15 minutes after starting infusion.
Reduction of Intraocular Pressure: In adults a dose of 0.25 to 2 g/kg body weight as a 15% to 25% solution administered over a period of 30 to 60 minutes; pediatric patients 1 to 2 g/kg body weight or 30 to 60 g/m² body surface area over a period of 30 to 60 minutes. In small or debilitated patients, a dose of 500 mg/kg may be sufficient. When used preoperatively, the dose should be given one to one and one-half hours before surgery to achieve maximal reduction of intraocular pressure before operation.
Adjunctive Therapy for Intoxications: As an agent to promote urinary excretion of toxic substances: Adults may receive a 5% to 25% solution for as long as indicated if urinary output remains high; pediatric patients may receive 2 g/kg of body weight of a 5% or 10% solution. The concentration will depend upon the fluid requirement and urinary output of the patient. If benefits are not observed after 200 g of mannitol are administered, discontinue the mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) therapy. Intravenous water and electrolytes must be given to match the loss of these substances in the urine, sweat and expired air.
Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): 100 mL of a 20% solution (20 g) should be diluted with 180 mL of sodium chloride injection (normal saline) or 200 mL of a 10% solution (20 g) should be diluted with 80 mL of sodium chloride injection (normal saline). The resulting 280 mL of 7.2% solution is infused at a rate of 20 mL per minute. The urine is collected by catheter for a specific period of time and analyzed for mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) excreted in mg per minute. A blood sample is drawn at the start and at the end of the time period and the concentration of mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) determined in mg/mL of plasma. GFR is the number of mL of plasma that must have been filtered to account for the amount excreted per minute in the urine. Normal clearance rates are approximately 125 mL/minute for men; 116 mL/minute for women.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE - Flexible Container
To Open
Tear outer wrap at notch and remove solution container. If supplemental medication is desired, follow directions below before preparing for administration. Some opacity of the plastic due to moisture absorption during the sterilization process may be observed. This is normal and does not affect the solution quality or safety. The opacity will diminish gradually.
To Add Medication
- Prepare additive port.
- Using aseptic technique and an additive delivery needle of appropriate length, puncture resealable additive port at target area, inner diaphragm and inject. Withdraw needle after injecting medication.
- The additive port may be protected by covering with an additive cap.
- Mix container contents thoroughly.
Preparation for Administration (Use aseptic technique)
- Close flow control clamp of administration set.
- Remove cover from outlet port at bottom of container.
- Insert piercing pin of administration set into port with a twisting motion until the set is firmly seated. NOTE: See full directions on administration set carton.
- Suspend container from hanger.
- Squeeze and release drip chamber to establish proper fluid level in chamber.
- Open flow control clamp and clear air from set. Close clamp.
- Attach set to venipuncture device. If device is not indwelling, prime and make venipuncture.
- Regulate rate of administration with flow control clamp.
Do not use flexible container in series connections.
INSTRUCTlONS FOR USE - Fliptop Vial
Remove cover and cleanse stopper with antiseptic before use.
Mannitol I.V. (Mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) Injection, USP) is supplied in single-dose containers as follows:
|List No.
|% Size (mL)
|1000 Flexible Container
|1000 Flexible Container
|500 Flexible Container
|250 Flexible Container
|500 Flexible Container
|50 Fliptop Vial
NOTE: Crystals may form in mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) solutions especially if the solutions are chilled. To dissolve crystals in the flexible container, warm the unit to 70°C with agitation. Heat solution by using a dry-heat cabinet with overwrap intact. The use of a water bath is not recommended. To dissolve the crystals in the fliptop vial, warm the bottle in hot water at 80°C and periodically shake vigorously. 25% Mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) Injection, USP may be autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes at 15 psi. Remove cover from fliptop vial and cleanse stopper with antiseptic before use. Cool to body temperature or less before administering. When infusing 20% or 25% mannitol (mannitol (mannitol injection) injection) concentrations, the administration set should include a filter.
Exposure of pharmaceutical products to heat should be minimized. Avoid excessive heat. Protect from freezing. It is recommended that the flexible containers be stored at room temperature (25°C), however, brief exposure up to 40°C does not adversely affect the product. Store Fliptop vials at controlled room temperature, 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP.]
Hospira Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA. FDA revision date: 11/18/2002This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Last reviewed on RxList: 9/30/2008
Mannitol IV FDA Prescribing Information
Additional Mannitol IV Information
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.


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TNA Impact Wrestling just started their new story lines for the new year, which includes a new "investor" in MVP and two newly arrived stars in The Wolves, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards. According to PWS on Feb. 9, it sounds like the company may be putting their tag team titles onto The Wolves very soon.
There was a contingent who wanted The Wolves to immediately win the TNA tag team titles on their recent UK tour, which includes all the television shows through most of March. However, they chose not to pull the trigger because some in charge felt the team was too new to hold titles.
There are people backstage, specifically Bully Ray, who have become very protective of The Wolves and is making sure they are booked properly to not damage their name value. Of course, both men come in as former Ring of Honor world champions and Richards has been known as one of the best indie wrestlers of the last few years.
There was also concern that if the company took the titles off of the Bro Mans and put them on a new team, it would kill the Bro Mans push and they are finally getting over as solid heels.
However, the co-promotional work between TNA Impact Wrestling and Great Muta's Wrestle-1 in Japan will see a talent exchange for various shows. The only two tag promoted for the upcoming TNA/Wrestle-1 pay-per-view are The Wolves and Bad Influence and the tag team titles are supposed to be on the line at that show.
Whether this means that TNA Impact Wrestling will put the titles on The Wolves before that or just change the promotion remains to be seen.
Suggested Links
- WWE Network to include Chris Benoit footage on existing shows
- WWE news: New television deal coming this week or WWE might move
- WWE rumors: The reason that Vince McMahon wants CM Punk back
- WWE rumors: Triple H 'Wrestlemania 30' opponent still up in the air
- WWE rumors: Undertaker to return to 'Raw' the night of WWE Network launch


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If you have any questions, please call U.S. Benefits Services at 1-888-627-7472 (select option 1) or call 1-513-627-7472 (select option 1) if outside the U.S. U.S. Benefits Specialists are available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time, except on holidays. TDD communication services for the hearing impaired can be reached at 1-800-TDD-TDD4 (833-8334).


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Assigning Ushers' Duties for a Wedding
Wedding ushers are usually in charge of seating guests and directing them to parking lots, bathrooms, dining rooms, and other wedding sites. While a part of the wedding party, ushers have distinctly different [more…]
Choosing a Bridal Attendant of the Opposite Sex
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How to Choose Bridesmaids and a Maid of Honor
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How to Choose Groomsmen and a Best Man
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A celebration was held yesterday at the Palace of Culture in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh to mark the Kingdom's winning of the Prize for Combating Illiteracy from the Arab League's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ALESCO). In his address upon receiving the award, Minister of Education Dr. Muhammad Al-Rasheed stated that Saudi Arabia stands first among sisterly Arab countries in the field of combating illiteracy and pointed to the great efforts exerted in this respect by the Ministry of Education, the National Guard, the Ministry of Defense and Aviation, and the General Presidency for Girls' Education. He hoped the Kingdom would soon celebrate the total eradication of illiteracy, and referred to the fact that already Saudi Arabia is tackling "technological illiteracy" by establishing scientific clubs and introducing computers in schools both as a subject and as a teaching aid. He said the Kingdom spends hundreds of millions of dollars on education every year, indicating that this is not strange for a country whose monarch was the nation's first education minister.
The day before, Dr. Al-Rasheed had issued a statement that the ALESCO award reflects Saudi Arabia's success in the field of science as well as that of education, with all due thanks to the blessings of Almighty God, and with all the support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz who established the main pillars for the growth of learning, from the fight against illiteracy to progress in higher education, in every area of medical science, engineering, technology, computers, space, and data collection. "Our real wealth is human resources" said Dr. Al-Rasheed. "They remain the ideal channel for future investment."


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Video Industry News Video Company News Technology Industry News Technology Company News Novelty Industry News Novelty Company News Gay Industry News Gay Company News Legal Industry News All Company News
Released: May 01st, 2004
Running Time: 120
Directors: Van Styles, Legacy DVD Works
Company: Afro-Centric
Distribution Companies: Video Team
Cast: Brooke Ballentine, Kev, Daddy, Devon Michaels, Black Cat, Butch Cassidy, Ice LaFox, India (I), Kenya, Vanessa Ives, Fire, Asia Nichelle, Jade (I), Big Sam, Jada (I)
Critical Rating: AAAA
Genre: All-Sex
Major crossover potential with hip-hop followers and fans of Lil Jon.
This is one of the best hip-hop to porn crossovers: rowdy, rambunctious fun with a plentiful crop of fine-looking females. Fans of Lil Jon, the King of Crunk, who made the Southern music craze a brand name among hip-hop hounds last year, will eat this up.
Lil Jon, Big Sam and Lil Bo carry on like lords with their very own harem of eager porn girls. Ice and Fire dildo each other in the band's luxury Las Vegas hotel suite as the guys egg them on.
After a hot masturbation scene with Brooke Ballentine, Kenya and a guy do some "fantasy role-play" and fuck. Later on, there's a full lez scene with two white chicks. At the Trapeze Swingers Club, an orgy ensues with three girls and two men. At the Blue Flame Lounge, a gentlemen's club in Atlanta, dancing girls shake their jelly butts.
Lil Jon, of course, doesn't have sex himself, but he plays around with the female talent more than most rappers in this kind of crossover. In the last scene he takes a small paddle to the fine butts of India and Jada. Then, Wesley Pipes comes in to do the fucking.
Video Team's Afro-Centric, adult's black and interracial standard bearer, was the right company to pull this into shape. Van Styles, one of their hot young directors, shot the sex scenes, with additional material helmed by Legacy DVD Works, the video's co-producer.
Pre-nom: Best Ethinic Themed Video - Black.


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My cousin Phil called me early Sunday morning to take me out for breakfast. I wanted to get out early and go for a walk at the park. An omelet sounded good, first. He asked me how long it would take me to get ready. Unshowered? Immediately. Showered? A week. I decided to roll, since he mentioned a diner he liked that I knew was far enough away that I wouldn't see anyone I knew.
As we sat in the booth in the diner, I spotted an unkempt babe that looked a lot like me only uglier. It was a mirror. Wow, I thought. Bad call. Thank goodness we are far from people I know. Three seconds later a major radio exec and his wife, who I know, dropped by our booth to say a big Hi.
When we left the diner we figured we go for that walk together. Philip had his cute dog and it was still pretty early on a gorgeous day.
As we drove into the typically low-key park, there were an excessive number of cars.
Surprise, a car show today! OK fine, found my sunglasses deep in my purse.
On the final lap we wandered into the car-show area. Pretty sure I wouldn't run into anyone I knew; 750 People We Knew later, I spotted Henry Winkler. OMG, FONZI. From Happy Days!
I decided I needed a picture regardless of my bad looks. I gave myself extra babe points for this move.
Here we are. Me and The Fonz! We are both a little older than when the show aired. He sends his love.
Hormonally Yours,
Debbie Nigro
Founder/Chief Executive Babe


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Unlike the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies did not make a major free agent signing this week. While Masahiro Tanaka has agreed to wear those fabled black pinstripes, Chad Gaudin was offered and accepted the red line alternative.
Just a few seasons ago it appeared as though the Phillies had bought space on baseball's penthouse row. But, teams like the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and a few others have subsequently bought space in a better section of baseball town.
With Roy Halladay's $20 million off the books, general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. could have chosen to allocate that annual salary space to the 25-year-old right-handed Japanese star. But, he's opted to spread available payroll portions among a variety of lower-priced roster options.
Gaudin may prove to be a sound bullpen addition, who also deepens the starting rotation's back end. The soon-to-be 31-year-old (March 24) has appeared in 344 regular season games, 87 of which have been starts.
As long as the 11-year veteran remains healthy, he will become part of a decent middle-innings crew that should provide a nice path to Jonathan Papelbon. As long at Papelbon's right arm works as well as his personal tattoo artist, first-year relief chief Bob McClure will be happy.
The Yankees' off-season moves might enable a playoff playoff push, because other position player holes remain. As for the Phillies, they appear to be building for 2015, at the earliest.
Follow Sean by clicking on the word 'Subscribe' aside of his photo. Connect with him through social media via Twitter SeanyOB, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and read his blog Insight.
Suggested Links
- Philadelphia Phillies' Bobby Abreu reunion is real
- Philadelphia Phillies' trade could create Maikel Franco opportunity
- Many Philadelphia Phillies known by alternative names
- Chase Utley's statements reflect Philadelphia Phillies' current mood
- Possible Cliff Lee contract extension in Philadelphia Phillies' future


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Skip to comments.You Are What You Ride
Posted on 03/30/2005 3:01:07 AM PST by Melas
You Are What You Ride: Progressive Survey Finds Differences Between Harley and Sport Bike Riders Go Beyond Bike Type
Wednesday March 9, 1:33 pm ET
Both Dig Body Art But Harley Riders More Likely to Wear What They Ride, Says America's Top Motorcycle Insurer
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2005-- What can you tell about a person by the kind of motorcycle they ride? Plenty, according to a recent countrywide online survey conducted by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the number one seller of motorcycle insurance in the U.S. The survey finds interesting differences - and similarities - between Harley-Davidson riders and those who ride sport bikes.
For example, everyone knows that Harley riders wear their passion for biking on their sleeve... literally. The survey finds Harley riders are three times more likely than those who ride sport bikes to own clothing or artwork that displays the brand of motorcycle they ride (93 percent versus 30 percent, respectively). Harley riders are also more likely to have body art such as tattoos and piercings (52 percent versus 40 percent).
The survey also finds that Harley riders are more likely than those who ride sport bikes to plan rides around where they'll eat (32 percent versus 23 percent).
Sport bike riders are three times more likely to eat at fast-food restaurants (18 percent versus six percent), while riders of Harleys are nearly four times more likely to pick restaurants with the nicest looking waiters/waitresses (11 percent versus three percent).
The survey confirms that both rider groups have much in common, too. For example, both say "freedom" is the number one reason they ride. And though sport bikes are commonly known as "crotch-rockets" or "road-rippers," only six percent of those who ride them say they do so for "speed" while fewer than one percent of Harley riders say the same. Both groups listed the same top excuses for justifying a quick ride: running errands, testing the engine and visiting friends.
Progressive's survey also finds that ninety-five (95) percent of all riders acknowledge their fellow bikers while riding. Waving is the preferred method of acknowledgement (37 percent), although Harley riders are nearly twice as likely to acknowledge other riders by pointing two fingers down (29 percent versus 16 percent).
Harley riders are six times more likely to only acknowledge those riding the same style bike (18 percent versus three percent).
Additional survey results include:
An overwhelming majority of riders (88 percent) donate time or money to charities. Two-thirds of Harley riders (67 percent) and one-third of those who ride sport bikes (33 percent) participate in at least one charity ride each year.
Sixty-nine (69) percent of all riders daydream at work each day about riding their bike.
Eighteen (18) percent of all riders call in sick to work at least once a year to go riding.
Women prefer to ride with their significant other (58 percent), while men choose to ride with their friends (63 percent).
Adding custom parts that enhance the look of their bikes was the number one choice for Harley riders (73 percent), while adding performance equipment was the top choice for those who ride sport bikes (44 percent).
Interesting survey. I like Harleys and crotch-rockets and I can't decide which one to buy.
we have other names for the so called sports bikes....rice burners, j*p bikes, and girls bikes.
Thanks to LM for giving me a chance to clean it up and repost, it was greatly appreciated.
Now, a couple of points:
1) riders of Harleys are nearly four times more likely to pick restaurants with the nicest looking waiters/waitresses I've never, ever, ever seen a group of Harley riders stop anywhere there were waiters, let alone good looking ones. Obviously PC here. :)
2) Harley riders are six times more likely to only acknowledge those riding the same style bike (18 percent versus three percent). If I could smack every stuck up biker on a Harley that refuses to acknowledge guys on Japanese bikes, I would. I love to see bikes on the road. I don't care if it's a Fatboy or a Honda Rebel. I'm not sure I count scooters though. Caio
3)I'd love to see more sport bikes get involved with charity events. I don't know if we should blame the sport bike riders for not showing up, or if the Harley guys shoulder the blame for not making them feel welcome.
4)Sixty-nine (69) percent of all riders daydream at work each day about riding their bike. Hell, I daydream about riding when I'm riding! I daydream about other bikes I'd like to ride, and places I'd like to be riding.
Adding custom parts that enhance the look of their bikes was the number one choice for Harley riders (73 percent), while adding performance equipment was the top choice for those who ride sport bikes (44 percent). I guess I'm the exception here. While I do have a lot of cosmetic items on my bike, they pale in comparison to the performance and functional parts. In addition to practical additions such as bags, racks, seat, sissy bar, I have aftermarket pistons, cams, ignition, air cleaner, pipes....The only difference is that my parts were chosen to provide maximum torque, streetable power, instead of high RPM horsepower ala the Japanese bikes.
Eighteen (18) percent of all riders call in sick to work at least once a year to go riding.
65% of all harley riders and 95% of my riding partners are too old to work, to cranky to answer questions, to scary to be interviewed without firearms nearby and arguably the hungriest group of people Ive ever had the pleasure to grow old with :-)
(Change it around since the last one, didn't want you to snort your corflakes thru your nose again. :-)
Buy what you can afford and what feels comfortable. Forget the hype!
I thought they were just "living the legend".
No mention of which rider's women have the most tatoos (property of Boo-boo, etc..), or largest "mammalian protuberances".
A poofter! :-)
Might want to check out how well your medical insurance covers first...;^)
Right behind this Vespa owner.. Whoo!Whooo!!
I like Ducatis, at the moment.
Only if I pedal REAL hard!
Vespa...sigh...I am SO jealous!
FWIW I also REALLY enjoy riding old Honda/Yanaha/et al 50's. That gives me a REAL ADRENALINE RUSH...
You can tell a happy biker by the bugstains on his teeth.
My "crotch rocket" is a 1969 Triumph Trident T150, still in fairly mint condition, right down to its original Avon tires (or is it tyres?).
I know of a few older Harley owners that went to a Goldwing. More comfortable and reliable.
That answer would depend on whether anyone sees you.
This thread is gonna be fun!
.......at the moment.
Well, if attention span is a good indicator, you need to keep lookin'. :-)
I adore the CBR -- fantabulous bike. Or the new BMW sport bike --> it's more in the Hayabusa range (find the Suzuki machine too bulky for my preference). All in All, I'd prefer the CBR any day, even over a Hornet or a Moto Guzzi
The first bike I ever had was Honda 50. A lot of good times.
= )
Melas wrote, "Interesting survey. I like Harleys and crotch-rockets and I can't decide which one to buy."
Buy one of the newer Gold Wings (2001-present). You'll never regret it. It has the power of a crotch rocket (1,832 cc). You'll be able to ride all day without being being battered by the H-D's vibration and noise. You'll have modern technology (liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, quiet six cylinder engine), instead of the antiquated air-cooled, noisy V-twin.
Well, now you know of one more. Love my wing - it's 11 years young, looks like new, never had any problems, smooth, quiet (so I can hear the stereo), comfortable, powerful and handles very well.
Yep, goldwings will bore you to death with their magic flying carpet ride! Just hope you guys remember when your moving vs. standing still. :-)
I was based in Sapin 68-72. I had a Bultalco 250...what a blast..
3)I'd love to see more sport bikes get involved with charity events. I don't know if we should blame the sport bike riders for not showing up, or if the Harley guys shoulder the blame for not making them feel welcome.
I don't know if they might be old friends or a sadistic pack of orthodontists.
Wave anyway! :-)
Also a nice running "all there" 73 or 74 Combat Commando 750 Roadster to sell for a friend. (If anyone is interested, freepmail me.)
Is there a story behind the two-fingers down? I've gotten that before from fellow-bikers, but I wasn't sure whether they were flipping me off. :-)
two-fingers down = V-twin wave.
They're all good. Most of it depends on how you ride. No bike is good at everything. Goldwings and Electra Glides suck big time in stop and go traffic in the Texas' Summer. Sportsters are horrid for long trips with a passenger. Crotch rockets suck for long trips period. Low Riders are the slowest bikes in the twisties next to Schwinn's. Etc, etc. Some bikes are better jacks of all trades than others, but not everone needs a jack of all trades bikes.
A good example is a fellow freeper here who goes by Blackie. He traded in a Sportster for a Suzuki SV650, and from his posts he couldn't be happier. Now I have a friend who traded in a SV650 for a Sportster and he couldn't be happier. The difference is no doubt riding style.
From his posts here, I get the feeling that recreational rides through the twisties, with sport bike riders are Blackie's thing, and the light, nimble, responsive 650 is perfect for that type of riding. The Sportser is decidedly less suited for that ride than the Suzuki. No one likes to do that kind of ride knowing you'll be bringing up the rear, way rear. Being last is bad, but so far behind you can't see the other bikes is no fun.
On the other hand, the much torquier, heavier, Sportster fits my friends bill much better. My buddy was looking for an economical commuter bike that he can ride every day, and that could double as a 1up tourer. The 650 just can't compete with a Sportser for that kind of riding. The 650, while it has plenty of HP, is less torquey so the rider shifts more which isn't good on a 700 mile day. The 650 just can't compete with a Sportster with racks and bags for the cargo capacity my buddy needed.
On the other hand, if 2up riding is your thing, with any distance at all, you'd be a fool to buy either bike. For that kind of riding, you couldn't do much worse than either the sportster or the Suzuki. For that kind of riding you'd want a full boat tourer like the Electra Glide or Goldwing which are great touring bikes. You just don't want to get caught in a traffic jam, creeping along at 15mph for an hour on one. The complete lack of airflow at those low speeds is a recipe for heat stroke on one. They're not a good commuter bikes at all.
Vehicular hell.
I hate you. You said in 1 one sentence what I just blew through a dozen paragraphs on.
You've seen Boo-Boo's woman? We tried to get her picture on the milk cartons, but the Dairy group said they were afraid it might scare small children.
Got me beat my bike is a sit down low rider with pedals and a trainer on it so it is stationary.
But But But, I love you man!! :-)
I know of a few older Harley owners that went to a Goldwing. More comfortable and reliable.
Or the floppiest.
Lol, I'm a firm believer of policing our own. My dad rode a Harley in WWII, and he brought that passion back home to the states with him. My brother barely stood a chance, and when I came up, I had no chance, because both of them were deeply into Harley's that it was like the family religion.
They have their place, but as I said in an earlier post, they're horrible as commuters. The full fairing with lowers provides excellent protection at highway speeds, and makes for a wonderful ride. However, at lower speeds, the added weight makes them cumbersome, and the lack of airflow is suffocating in hot climates.
As for reliability, you're dead on. Nothing is more reliable than a GW. Those things have a duty cycle of over 300,000 miles now. The duty cycle of the Harley Twincam is an easy 100,000 which is absolutely nothing to sneeze at, but nothing lasts like the 4 and now the 6 cyl wings.
without being being battered by the H-D's vibration and noise
Amen, and we're more than due for a fun thread. I know I welcome the levity.
Me too. A Honda 50 with the little itty bitty wheels and a 3 speed tranny with a centrificul clutch. I think I was 6. I loved that little bike, and I thought I was real biker. The neighbors on the other hand thought I was a menace. Come to think of it, that's what the guy across street think every time I set off his car alarm with my pipes now.
Bad advice unless you know how he intends to ride. I greatly admire Wings, expecially the engine, but the Wing like all bikes that are really good at one thing, has some serious drawbacks if you're not riding in that niche, which in the Wing's case would be long distance riding.
I use a Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard. They're $39.95 at Fry's and you owe me a new one. This one is covered in coffee thanks to you.
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"America may be a wealthy country, but its' apparently not a happy one." Americans are not as happy as portrayed. Will American's ever find happiness----specifically when our culture has established mainstream characteristics and principal that implement an ideology of happiness? Media visual advertisement has prompt people to feel a necessity to gravitate to the images that portray a happier life, and some never achieve their ideology of being happy.
According to a Gallup study, the well-being of Americans hasn't improved in the past six years and even declined slightly in 2013. Other reports reveal that fully 85 percent of Americans are unhappy in their current jobs. And, according to the World Health Organization, one out of three Americans is diagnosed with depression, and more than 75 percent suffer from chronic stress and are completely unaware of it. This does not account for the percentage of unemployed who are struggling to find their place and offer their talents.
While many assume happiness is a derivative of success, multiple studies have proven that isn't quite the case. Findings underscore that many professionally successful people and those with notable wealth are actually not happy—often, quite the opposite is the case. Even more surprising is that what people might perceive as success could actually be hindering their happiness, well-being and overall economic growth.
As a society we've gotten it backwards: it is happiness that leads to success not vice versa, notes "America's Happyologist Jackie Ruka, Founder of the Get Happy Zone, professional and development organization. The 'failure is not an option' mentality is an old belief system based upon fear, insecurity and competition, which results in working too much for fear of job and income loss. But, this state of mind can literally kill us. Conversely, a happy workforce leads to increased productivity and meaningfulness at work in addition to a more fruitful and meaningful personal life.
It's a cycle. There are multiple scientific studies proving that we are, in fact, the ambassadors of our own happiness in that we have full control over this enviable state of mind, which is a powerful precursor of success in terms of the true meaning of the word and how it impacts the human experience.
An array of credentialed psychologists and other respected researchers have studied people around the globe to discern how money, culture, attitude, health, memory, altruism and daily habits affect our well-being. The field of "positive psychology" has, in fact, dug deep and formerly recognized that a person's thoughts and actions can have a significant effect on their happiness and life fulfillment. And, employers have started to take note that emotional well-being is a mission critical aspect of business growth.
Forward-thinking companies such as Zappos, Google and Pfizer foster happiness as part of their company culture, by offering mindfulness programs and by instituting practices that help preserve work-life balance. Of course we should not become dependent upon Corporate America to usher in this sorely needed paradigm shift. The more individuals recognize that we are each responsible for our own happiness, the closer we are to seeing that collective happiness manifest, resulting in improved relationships, careers, finances and both physical and emotional health. By adopting a new measurement of 'Gross Domestic Happiness' (GDH) in the U.S., we can proactively change and adjust meaningfulness, where needed, to address the unhappiness that undermines American prosperity at all levels.
With all of this in mind, here are 10 scientifically proven happiness strategies to heed:
Savor ordinary events. Study participants who took the time to do this "showed significant increases in happiness and reductions in depression," psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky notes. Reflecting back on moments of your day, even those you might ordinarily hurry through, is a worthwhile effort.
Avoid comparisons. Focusing on your own personal achievements instead of making comparisons to others will better impact your happiness and self-esteem, according to Lyubomirsky, which leads to greater life satisfaction. It's easy to lose sight of what achievements—both personal and professional—have enriched our life, and we must remind ourselves...often.
Put money low on the list. According to researchers Kasser and Ryan, those who put money high on their priority list are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. "Money-seekers also score lower on tests of vitality and self-actualization," Ryan says.
Have meaningful goals. As humans, we thrive on having a purpose, but what is purpose if there is no meaning behind it? "People who strive for something significant, whether it's learning a new craft or raising moral children, are far happier than those who don't have strong dreams or aspirations," father and son team Diener and Biswas-Diener found. Positive psychology authority Tal Ben-Shahar agrees, having stated "Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning. Whether at work or at home, the goal is to engage in activities that are both personally significant and enjoyable."
Take initiative at work. Researcher Amy Wrzesniewski says that, "when we express creativity, help others, suggest improvements or do additional tasks on the job, we make our work more rewarding and feel more in control."
Make friends and treasure family. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we need relationships. Sometimes we underestimate the importance of such connections. And, the more genuine the better as Diener and Biswas-Diener notes, "We don't just need relationships; we need close ones that involve caring and understanding."
Fake it until you make it. This actually works, according to Diener and Biswas-Diener, who assert, "Happy people see possibilities, opportunities, and success. When they think of the future, they are optimistic, and when they review the past, they tend to savor the high points." This may take some practice, so try to smile even when you don't feel like it.
Keep a gratitude journal. When you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, you can either become a time bomb waiting to go off or you can recalibrate. An excellent tool for detoxing and redirecting your thoughts is with a gratitude journal. Those who write in a journal on a weekly basis are healthier, more optimistic, and more likely to achieve personal goals, according to author Robert Emmons. Martin Seligman's research also revealed that people who write "gratitude letters" to someone significant in their lives score lower on depression and higher on happiness and the effect lasts for weeks. Gratitude and the human spirit together make powerful allies.
Get moving. According to a Duke University study, exercise may be as effective as drugs in treating even major depression. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel good hormone. Duke researcher Blumenthal suggested that "exercise may be beneficial because patients are actually taking an active role in trying to get better...patients who exercised may have felt a greater sense of mastery over their condition and gained a greater sense of accomplishment. They felt more self-confident and had better self-esteem..." When you feel good, you tend to continue the behavior related to it and are motivated to adopt others.
Serve others. This is often referred to as a "helper's high." According to ethicist and researcher Stephen Post, helping a neighbor, volunteering, and donating goods and services results in more health benefits than exercising or quitting smoking. Researcher Elizabeth Dunn similarly found that those who spent money on others reported greater happiness than those who spent it on themselves.
With so much science underscoring that we are active participants in the process, I prefer to regard happiness as a verb. Indeed, navigating happiness is a journey filled with a series of actions...it's not an outcome. No matter the circumstance, we all have the capacity to be happy. The only question is what next step you will take to foster your own?
Credits to: "America's Happyologist" Jackie Ruka, author of "Get Happy and Create a Kick Butt Life!," is Founder of the Get Happy Zone (www.gethappyzone.com)--a personal and professional development organization offering education, inspirational events, unique products and tools for those seeking to expand their creativity and greatest strengths to reach new heights in their lives.


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Union and Student Activities (USA)
237 HUB-Robeson Center, 863-9755
The Hetzel Union Building (HUB) and Paul Robeson Cultural Center serve as community centers for enriching the lives of the diverse populations at University Park campus. Within these centers, students, faculty, staff, student organizations, alumni, visitors, and guests of the University engage in cultural, recreational, educational, informational, and social activities. The student union provides the services, conveniences, and amenities that members of the University desire as part of their daily campus routines. Through the efforts of various student organizations, programming groups, planning committees, and professional staff, both facilities are ideal settings in which leisure-time activity becomes a cooperative partner in the educational process. The centers' services and programs are unifying forces in the University, helping to cultivate lifelong identification with the institution.
Visual art galleries showcase the talents and spirit of distinguished artisans. Exhibits reflect the scholarly and creative achievements and research of students and faculty. The USA Center for Arts and Crafts provides the opportunity to develop new, and enhance, existing skills. A variety of lounges and meeting rooms are comfortable and convenient respites for those seeking a quiet place to study, meet with friends, and take a welcome rest during a hectic schedule. Information desks are the hearts of both centers, offering conveniences that include newspaper and magazine lending services, public telephones for local calls, photocopying machines, up-to-date calendars of events, campus maps, and bus and class schedules. Courteous staff members can answer almost any question related to the location of student organizations, academic and administrative offices, and services at University Park campus. Please visit www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/HUB and www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/cultural to stay abreast of our ever changing programs and activities.


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Wildlife Services, a little known agency for the US Department of Agriculture and formerly known as Animal Damage Control has been indiscriminately killing birds, mammals and reptiles since the mid-1930's.
Using the benign guise of protecting agriculture and public safety, WS has been operating under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services since 1985, as the program long surpassed its original rabies and rodent control mission to become one of the most well-funded dark and reviled wildlife assassination agencies in the US.
Amazingly, Wildlife Services killed 17,493 mourning doves last year, one of the most gentle bird species on the planet.
Statistics provided by WildEarth Guardians reveals the slaughter of more than 13 million bird/animal species by WS between 2004 and 2008 at a cost to taxpayers of more than $500 million and last fiscal year it slaughtered more than 2 million, which represents a 29 percent increase from 2012.
The agency claims it "disperses" a majority of nuisance animals in response to public requests for controlling wildlife, but non-lethal methods are not considered for the rest – only the use of shooting, poisoning by cyanide capsules, den bombing or leg/neck traps and snares.
WS panders to the will of deep-pocketed special interest groups in the hunting, agribusiness and grazing industries.
Last year, a former WS employee Gary Strader exposed excessive brutality practiced by employees who allowed their dogs to attack coyotes caught in traps; one worker actually took pictures of the incidents and proudly posted them on social media.
Strader, who was fired after he complained to management, said the abuse was a routine matter and animal suffering was accepted as part of the job.
During Strader's work in Utah and Nevada he was often told to get rid of "all" the coyotes, including pups and pregnant females in remote areas not even close to livestock. He would check dens for any signs of pups and if they were present he would lob a phosphorous bomb inside and quickly block the opening with dirt.
"The bombs burn so fast and so hot that it sucks all the oxygen out of the hole," he said. "They suffocate."
Furthermore, traps were often left unchecked for days, leaving any animal caught in them to suffer and die from the elements and starvation.
Strader's story caught the attention of politicians, who called for defunding of the agency, with little response.
Reps. John Campbell (R-California) and Peter Defazio (D-Oregon), wrote a letter to Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack last November requesting an investigation of Wildlife Services' outrageous culture.
Vilsack responded early this year to say an investigation had been implemented by the Administration Investigations and Compliance Branch.
Environmentalists have fought to have WS decommissioned or reorganized for years.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition in December demanding the service be reformed.
"Wildlife Services has long been out of step with the values of Americans, and the new figures make clear it has no interest in changing," said Amy Atwood, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, which petitioned to reform the program last December. "These appalling new numbers show that Wildlife Services is simply thumbing its nose at the growing number of Americans demanding an end to business as usual at Wildlife Services."
WS inhumane culture and disregard for wildlife at every level from blue herons and blackbirds to otters, prairie dogs and foxes – that are innocently trying to survive without malice to mankind – shows the shameful side of government-sponsored wildlife cruelty that taxpayers should demand be stopped.


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Feb. 7, 2009
Arizona holds a one stroke lead in the tournament over host Western New Mexico. Arizona, who shot a 289 (+5), will look to earn their first victory of the season Sunday. The Wildcats posted a second place finish during the fall in the Wolf Pack Classic. Four strokes off the lead, in third place is South Mountain Community College.
The top seven teams are separated by a total of only seven strokes. Likewise, the three golfers tied for 36th are only seven strokes off the pace. There are six golfers tied for the lead at one under, including Tom Conran and Philip Bagdade of Arizona. Fourth place Chandler-Gilbert Community College also has two golfers tied for the lead, Tom McGrane and Billy Pritchard. Drew Norris from Western New Mexico's JV team and Ryan Word of New Mexico State shot a 70 in the opening round, placing them in the six way tie for first as well.
Of the 54 golfers competing, all five Arizona players placed in the top 30. Peter Ireland's respectable 76 (+5), which put him in 29th, was the highest round of the day for any Wildcat, and was not counted towards the team's cumulative score. John Kostis was three shots over par, tying him for 18th place. One stroke behind him was Kenji Hernandez. Hernandez's 75 was the highest score counted in Arizona's 289 shot total, and was good enough for 23rd place.
The Cactus Thaw is held at the par 71, 6,417 yard Silver City Golf Course in Silver City New Mexico.
Top-Five Teams 1. Arizona JV 289 (+5) 2. Western New Mexico 290 (+6) 3. South Mountain CC 293 (+9) 4. Chandler-Gilbert CC 294 (+10) 5. Western New Mexico JV 295 (+11)
Top-Five Individuals 1. Philip Bagdade, Arizona 70 (-1) 1. Tom Conran, Arizona 70 (-1) 1. Tom McGrane Chandler-Gilbert CC 70 (-1) 1. Drew Morris, WNMU JV 70 (-1) 1. Billy Pritchard, Chandler-Gilbert CC 70 (-1) 1. Ryan Word, New Mexico State 70 (-1)
-Live stats available at www.wnmumustangs.com-


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Dr. Garrett Reisman, a native of New Jersey, is a veteran astronaut. He spent three months aboard the International Space Station in 2008 conducting one spacewalk lasting seven hours. Sirius XM radio host Dusty Street, who broadcasts live from the Rock Hall during the week, caught up with him during his final preparations for his flight aboard the Space shuttle Atlantis which embarked on its final planned mission on May 14, 2010. During the 12-day flight, Dr. Reisman will conduct two spacewalks.
Dusty Street: Dusty Street here talking to world famous Astronaut, do they call you Dr. Garrett?
Garrett Resiman: Well not too many people call me world famous, but you can just call me Garrett.
D: Well as you know, all of us Rock and Rollers are a bit of a space cadet, but I want to know what inspired you to come to the Rock Hall for some things to take on what I believe to be the last flight of the Atlantis?
G: Yes, well our future here at NASA is currently in transition so we are not 100% sure that it is going to be the last flight of Atlantis. Our crew has gotten into the habit of calling it the First Last flight of Atlantis. There's a chance she'll fly again, but there's a chance she won't. So it could be a pretty historic flight.
As far as the Rock Hall, I got a chance to visit the Hall of Fame when I was visiting NASA Glenn after my first mission, so I thought, well, music does play a role in what we do up there in our daily lives on the Space Station and it would be great to make reference to that and take something up from the Hall of Fame.
D: So does everybody take and load their own IPod and then when you go up there do you guys all share it?
G: Yes, each crew member gets an IPod. It's a standard issued IPod and you have to turn in your music and they take your CD's and/or your own personal IPod and transfer it onto the NASA IPod. So everyone has their own menu and tracks that they take. It can vary widely. As you might imagine we have a very large variety of musical taste here in the Astronaut office. So we don't have to share though; there is only one set of speakers that we use on the shuttle, so if you don't want to use your ear buds, you have to fight over who gets the speakers.
D: I was going to say, that could be some pretty rowdy entertainment in itself, the fight over the speakers. Correct me if I'm wrong, are there only English speaking people on the Space Station?
G: Not really, actually it is the international Space Station. We have partners. The most common other nationality up there are the Russians. The Space Station is more or less an equal partnership between the United States and Russia. We also have Japanese Astronauts, European Astronauts, Canadian Astronauts. At any one time, we can have pretty much someone from any corner of the World.
D: And how does music help with the communication or breaking the ice with people that don't speak the same language as you do?
G: Well even though we all grow up in different parts of the World, the interesting thing is that when it comes to music, music is such a global phenomenon whether you have a Russian Cosmonaut, who is a Military officer in the Russian Air Force, or you have Japanese scientist, chances are everybody likes to listen to Bon Jovi. So it's a great equalizer and it is something that brings us together, I think.
D: Do you find that they have some interesting tastes in music that you would not have ordinarily have been turned onto?
G: It's interesting that two Russian cosmonauts I flew with when I was on the Space Station on my last mission … they had a tendency towards hair or metal rock. It was kind of like flying with Beavis and Butt Head, but with Russian accents.
D: (laughter) That's outstanding.
G: I would float over to the Russian segment and there would be like some Ratt playing or Poison or something like that would be blaring through the speakers. They play it loud over on the Russian side because the Russian modules tend to be a little noisier than the American module; so one way they deal with that is by cranking up the music.
D: Well that has certainly been the way I have dealt with noise all my life. So I have kind of a bizarre question here and I probably should be a little more knowledgeable, because I did graduate high school, but we send a lot of noise out into space. Not just satellite radio, but all kinds of different things bouncing off of satellites. As a matter of fact in 1977, I think NASA put a recording of Chuck Berry on the voyager. Do any of these satellite sounds get in the way of what you are trying to do or can you hear them out in space at all?
G: Well, occasionally depending on the different radios we are using, you can get some bleed over from commercial or civilian transmissions from the ground. I know it is relatively common when you are flying over Argentina. You may pick up a local radio station because the frequencies are closer. It's not so much of an issue on the shuttle or the American part of the space station, but you can get a little of that bleed over. It is almost like that scene in Spinal Tap when they're playing at the Air Force base and they start picking up radio from the air traffic control transmissions from the wireless guitar, if you remember that scene.
D: Absolutely. So let me ask you if that is happening out there, does that mean that perhaps rock and roll will be the universal language?
G: It could be. It is right now, I could tell you. It is the international language on the space station. Everybody has their tastes. There are astronauts who really enjoy country western music and astronauts that listen to classical music. I would say the most common thing you hear hear as you float through the Space Station is rock and roll.
D: You know, I have this kind of strange image in my head of a bunch of you guys doing some kind of weird dance there suspending in space, with no gravity. Has music ever created an unusual situation?
G: Probably one of the biggest impacts that music had – unfortunately it wasn't rock and roll music – but when we are approaching the Space Station, the Space Station is enormous. I could quote you the numbers and stuff, but it won't really convey the sense of enormity that you see out the window as you're floating up to it. In fact, sitting in my office right here right now is the Commander of the last Space Shuttle flight and he just remarked about how overwhelmingly big it is. You're almost being swallowed up by the Death Star as you approach this thing. The solar arrays are the size of football fields and so it's just this enormous vehicle that dwarfs the Space Shuttle. As we floated towards it, we all recalled that scene in 2001: A Space Odyssey where they played – I guess it was "the Blue Danube" by Straus. So we said the only thing missing was that music. Three months later when it was time for me to come home, I had in the interim had my wife email me an MP3 of that music and as we backed away from the Space Station, I asked the Commander if he was ready for some theme music. I had the speakers and I played the Blue Danube and it was a magical moment for all of us and everyone was taken aback because it was just perfect.
D: That sounds stunning. Now I know that once and a while you guys get awakened by music from Earth, who picks it and what was your first choice?
G: That's a good question. It's true, we have what we call wake up music and each crew member is allotted one or two days, (depending on how long your mission is on the Space Shuttle) for the whole crew to be awakened by that persons music that day. The music is not typically picked by the Astronauts, but by the Astronaut's family. Sometimes they tell you what they are picking and sometimes they don't. For me, on my first flight, it was the fourth day of the mission and that was when I was going outside to do a Space walk. It was a big day for me and it was my first Space Walk. My wife picked the music and unbeknown to me it was "Saturday Night" by the Bay City Rollers. The reason she picked that is when I go snowboarding – at least that season prior to the flight – I had the tendency to sing that song for myself before I would go into the Terrain Park and jump to try and get my courage up. She figured that would be appropriate to try and get me psyched up and get my courage up to go outside a little S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y night.
D: That's so cool. Hey listen, what do you think about when you've got this space suit on? I know you can't take any music in there because you probably need to hear what the guys are saying to you, but do you have a moment where music comes into your head?
G: Yeah, one thing when you're out doing a Space Walk, like you said, they don't play it over the radio for you. However, when we train for the Space Walks we do it inside this gigantic pool. What they do is put little floats and weights all over your suit so you don't float up to the surface and you don't sink down to the bottom. And they make you what is called "neutrally buoyant" as possible. That takes a while to do, so they pipe in some music. That is a wonderful peaceful moment right before a difficult training exercise. That's always fun and I always thought "wow, if they could pipe music into the suit, we probably could get a lot more done up in space," because that really helps you get into the mood of moving along if you have a nice tune playing.
D: Yeah, but if someone's got a recorder, it would be like someone recording you singing in the shower, right Garrett?
G: Oh no, you don't want to hear me sing. I only sing when I want people to get out of my car.
D: That's a good trick. I know you have an incredibly busy schedule and I certainly don't want to keep you, but I would like to thank you so much for joining us and taking time out to talk to us. I will definitely be looking forward to seeing you when you come back.
G: That would be great I would definitely love to come back to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have a chance to visit with all of you guys after the mission is over.
D: I would ask you what you will be doing when you go up there but it is probably a secret right?
G: No, no its not. We are flying back to the Space Station and we are taking the big Russian Module that comes in the payload bay of the space shuttle, we are going to install that. We are also bringing up a new set of batteries for one of the solar arrays and we are also bringing up a new antenna. So the antenna, batteries and also a new piece of the one of the Canadian robots is coming up with us and we are going to do three space walks to install all that equipment on the outside of the space station. That's, in a nutshell, our mission.
D: That has got to be the most amazing experience of anyone ever: to do a space walk. I mean when you're not on stage, thank you Michael Jackson.
G: Yep, I wouldn't know what that is like, but I can tell you nothing in my lifetime, nothing's compared to being outside on a space walk. Of all the things I've done as an Astronaut, nothing compares to that.


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Scrabble word: DEFEND
In which Scrabble dictionary does DEFEND exist?
Scrabble (US/Canada)
(11 pts)
Scrabble (UK)
(11 pts)
Official Scrabble (OSPD)
(11 pts)
(11 pts)
Words with friends
(12 pts)
Hanging with friends
(12 pts)
(6 pts)
Lexulous (US)
(12 pts)
Definitions of DEFEND in dictionaries:
- verb - argue or speak in defense of
- verb - be on the defensive
- verb - protect against a challenge or attack
- verb - fight against or resist strongly
- verb - protect or fight for as a champion
- verb - be the defense counsel for someone in a trial
- verb - state or assert
- To make or keep safe from danger, attack, or harm.
- To support or maintain, as by argument or action; justify.
- Law.
- To represent (a defendant) in a civil or criminal action.
- To make a defense.
- verb - to keep from harm, attack, or injury
There are 6 letters in DEFEND: D D E E F N
Scrabble words that can be created with an extra letter added to DEFEND
All anagrams that could be made from letters of word DEFEND plus a wildcard: DEFEND?
Scrabble words that can be created with letters from word DEFEND
Images for DEFEND
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Release date: May 16, 2014
Directed by: Gareth Edwards
Written by: Max Borenstein
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, and Bryan Cranston
Official website: GodzillaMovie.com
In many ways, Gareth Edwards take on the King of Monsters is exactly the "Godzilla" movie fans have been waiting for. It's big, it's scary, and at times pretty silly. It is, after all, it is a movie that is based on giant monsters fighting each other. It's awesome, in so many ways. But it's also important to keep in perspective what it means to be a great "Godzilla" movie.
The good news is that Edwards stays very true to the roots of the old Toho Studios movies from the 50s and 60s. When a mysterious threat is discovered by a nuclear physicist played by Bryan Cranston, disaster strikes before anyone will listen to his crazy claims. But the disaster is just a cover up for the discovery of a couple of nasty Kaiju (Japanese for strange creature) that look like they could be related to the "Cloverfield" monster. Able to emit an energy that equates to an electro-magnetic pulse, these two creatures, called Mutos, are searching for each other, destroying everything in their path.
Of course, in typical "Godzilla" movie fashion, the only way to stop one threat is to unleash the beast and that means waking up Godzilla to whoop these nasty Mutos before they procreate and then hope he himself doesn't decide to continue that path of destruction. It makes for some intense and thrilling action sequences, but at times it can be a little maddening waiting for the inevitable clash of monsters to finally go down.
It's a simple concept and story, masterfully executed by director Gareth Edwards. The film maintains the classic Godzilla feel throughout. Edwards proves to have a terrific eye for character detail and an ability to deliver epic, jaw dropping imagery. There are times when the film struggles with pacing, but when the monsters are on screen, it's well worth the wait. The FX shots are incredible and the film is definitely worth the IMAX up-charge -- although the 3D is pretty weak -- but the end battle of the film where Godzilla takes on two Mutos is worth the price of admission alone.
Thankfully, the back story involving the humans is interesting enough to keep the movie going in between teases of monster destruction. Cranston is magnificent as the crazed scientist trying to prove he isn't a crazed scientist. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass, Avengers 2) plays his son, who is also a Naval explosives expert that gets caught up in the hunt for these creatures. His wife is played by Elizabeth Olsen (Oldboy, Avengers 2) and the relationship is real enough to root for, but never bogs the story down too much.
"Godzilla" is the first summer movie to pack the punch it promises. Fans of the King of Monsters won't be disappointed. The film begins slow, but intense buildup and culminates with arguably the most brutal and exhilarating movie monster battles that has ever graced the silver screen.
Running time: 123 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of destruction, mayhem and creature violence


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 7/7/2014 (723 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Saskatoon's Theatre Howl follows up its intriguing original drama Matchstick with a speechless tale about how farm boy Aiden Flynn reacts to the death of his beloved kid brother.
With a nod to Mary Shelley, Morgan Murray and Nathan Howe fashion a compelling backwoods Frankenstein story, using shadow puppetry, black-and-white projections and a fabric flip chart to indicate time and place. There is something of the mad inventor in the grieving Aiden as he painstakingly assembles a creature with a chicken for a brain, rope for intestines and a lit candle for a heart. His crude power source is a hand pedal that, when propelled fast enough, jolts the makeshift body to life with a loud wheeze.
Aiden Flynn is also finely stitched together by beguiling, offbeat humour, an inventive, low-tech style of presentation and resonant performances by Murray as Aiden and Danielle Spilchen as his patchwork creation. Theatre Howl makes it easy to slip into this beautifully rendered world and immerse yourself in its old-school innocence.
— Kevin Prokosh (Show reviewed during fringe festivals in Montreal and Ottawa last month.)


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While the Senate leadership is busy negotiating with the Republican House of Representative leadership into passing the long-term unemployment benefits extension bill, the Democrats in the House and Senate are putting the pressure on the GOP. Even though Congress in the middle of a two-week Easter recess Congressional Democrats are busy trying to ensure the bill the Senate passed earlier in the month is brought to a vote in the House by the time Congress returns on April 28, 2014. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-CA attacked the GOP in a letter released on April 17, 2014, while Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.VA circulated an email petition on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Nearly 3 million long-term jobless have been left without any benefits since Dec. 28, 2013 when Congress let the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program expire.
House Minority Leader Pelosi attacked the GOP in a letter according to Roll Call using the terms "unconscionable," "callous, short sighted and immoral" to describe them not bringing the bill to a House vote. Pelosi wrote; "It is unconscionable that the House has not acted to renew emergency unemployment insurance. Never before has Congress allowed emergency unemployment insurance to expire while long-term unemployment rates have remained so high." Pelosi concluded by stating that "House Republicans' refusal to extend emergency unemployment insurance is callous, shortsighted and immoral."
Pelosi's letter was in response to a letter Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval and Rhode Island's Democratic Gov. Lincoln Chafee sent on Tuesday April, 15, 2014 to the House minority leader and Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-OH asking them to put the bill to a vote, because of the high unemployment rates in their states. The two governors wrote in their bipartisan letter according to Roll Call; "As you know, long-term unemployment remains unacceptably high despite the fact that our economy has been recovering from the worst recession in generations. When our country has experienced similar rates of long-term unemployment in the past, Congress has consistently acted in a bipartisan fashion to extend emergency unemployment benefits."
The governors tried to appeal to the House Speaker's reluctance to pass the bill, because the House Ways and Means Committee indicated that after the time lapse, it will be difficult to determine who is eligible and deserves the retroactive payments set forth in the Senate's bill. The two governors tried to ease the speaker's concern, writing; "Our states are more than capable of implementing this legislation, including the administration of retroactive benefits, which we have successfully done in the past. These unemployment benefits are critical to the families in our states and we look forward to working with you."
Partially Boehner is concerned about backing dating the benefit checks from the time the unemployed benefits were cut off in the end of December until the bill's passage. He believes in the three months, there are some unemployed that found work, and it is difficult to determine who deserves the checks, and until when they actually went back to work. Boehner at his Tuesday morning GOP leadership press conference on March 25, 2014 explained; "The state directors are saying, 'We don't know who went back to work, we don't know who is still out there, so we would have to send checks to everybody. I don't think taxpayers expect us to do that. So I don't see how that is workable."
Boehner was referring to was a House Ways and Means Committee issued a statement from Wednesday, March 26 that recounted that after the unemployment benefits extension program lapsed for such a long time, the states stopped verifying the long-term unemployed that were receiving benefits to see if they continued to qualify. Without that information, it becomes difficult to track who actually still deserves to receive the retroactive benefits the Senate bill plans on giving. This is at least the problem Boehner is insisting the House has with the Senate bill. There have been some states, however, that have continued checking eligibility.
Meanwhile, according to Roll Call Senator Manchin has sent out a petition for Democrats to sign to pressure the GOP into voting for the unemployment benefits extension bill. Manchin has the support of 11 Democratic senators, three Democratic House Representatives, and three Democratic candidates running for Congress in this year's midterm elections.
The email sent from Manchin stated that "Extending unemployment insurance makes economic sense, but it's also just the right thing to do. Our hardworking neighbors paid into the system when they had a job, so it's only fair that they should benefit from those funds when they're down on their luck. That's why I'm asking you to join my colleagues and me in calling on the House to pass an extension of unemployment insurance."
Manchin's email message links to the petition, which specifically blames the House GOP, expressing that "It has been months since unemployment insurance was cut off for millions of job-seekers. Since then, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have reached a bipartisan deal to extend this critical lifeline. It's time for Republicans in the House to stop stonewalling and do the same!"
At this point Speaker Boehner does not intend to put the Senate bill as it is to a vote at all, despite wide public support for the bill, and states with Republican representatives including Boehner's own that are still facing high unemployment rates. Boehner finally commented publicly on the Senate passed unemployment benefits extension bill (HR 3979) on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the House GOP leadership press conference at the Capitol. Boehner left the possibility of a compromise open whereas the bill could still be voted on and pass the House. The White House however, needs to agree to the job-creation provisions he has been requesting.
While other Republicans want to include the job-creation measure Boehner stresses. There are though still Republicans who sit in Boehner's camp and believe the unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed should be allowed to expire. The pressure is on from on Speaker Boehner from fellow Republicans, Democrats, the Senate and the White House to pass the unemployment benefits extension. Supporters are arguing back that not extending the benefits would hurt the economy. Supporters cite a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study that found a full year extension would provide 0.2 growth to the economy, and even the five-month Senate extension would serve beneficial to the economy. If extended for a full year the CBO study concludes extending benefits would add 200,000 jobs and the program would cost $26 billion.
The Senate passed on Monday, April 7, 2014 the full and final vote on the long-term jobless unemployment benefits extension bill with 59 votes for and 38 against with six Republicans joining the Democrats to pass the bill, while three Senators did not vote at all. The bill extends benefits for five months to the 2.79 million Americans that lost them when the program expred on Dec. 28, 2013. According to Roll Call Republican Senators "Susan Collins of Maine, Dean Heller of Nevada, Mark S. Kirk of Illinois, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rob Portman of Ohio" voted for the bill and also Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.
The Senate bill would extend unemployment benefits for two million long-term jobless that lost benefits at the end of last year. The deal will extend the benefits retroactively for five months from Dec. 28, 2013 and last until June 1, 2014. The speaker has already said he will not allow the House to vote on the Senate's bill in the present format. The Senate bill will cost $10 billion will be entirely covered by revenue.
The bill is authored and primarily sponsored by Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Dean Heller, R-NV, who have been leading the charge for an unemployment benefits extension. The bipartisan bill has eight other Senate sponsors, including the support of five Republicans; Heller along with "Sens. Susan Collins, R-ME; Rob Portman, R-OH; Lisa Murkowski, R-AK; Mark Kirk, R-IL" Additionally five Democrats, Reed and "Jeff Merkley, D-OR.; Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Sherrod Brown, D-OH; and Dick Durbin, D-IL" support the extension bill.
Speaker of the House Boehner opposes the Senate bipartisan bill to extend unemployment for the long term jobless. Boehner thinks creating jobs is more important than extending benefits. Boehner expressed at his Wednesday March 26 press conference; "I made clear that if we're going to consider dealing with emergency unemployment, we've got to do something about creating better jobs in America, higher wages in America. The Senate is sitting on dozens of bills that we sent over there. I think it's time for the Senate to work with the House to help get the economy moving again. That's the real issue."
Since Dec. 28, 2013 nearly 3 million Americans lost access to benefits, and each week about 70,000 Americans have lost benefits, by the end of the year 1.6 million more Americans will lose benefits. The total long-term unemployment rate is 2.5 percent, while the total unemployment rate was 6.7 percent a point more the 6.6 percent in February.
Generally Republicans have opposed the extension because they believe it does not motivate the unemployed to find a job as long as they have access to benefits. All throughout the financial crisis and recession Republicans voted with Democrats to extend the benefits, but now with the worst of the crisis over Republicans think the long-term jobless need to find jobs rather than receive benefits.
During the 2008 recession when Republican George W. Bush was President the government enlarged the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Program to extend unemployment benefits beyond the 26 weeks that the states give. During the recession the "combined" state and federal benefits gave unemployed Americans 99 weeks of relief. The federal government provides "47 weeks" of extended benefits averaging "$300 a week." The unemployment benefits were extended 11 times until now, the last time was a year extension in January 2013. Then benefits were cut from 99 weeks to a maximum of 73 weeks.
Now that Congress is on a two-week Easter recess having left on Thursday April 10 and returning on April 28, any discussions surrounding the bill will have to wait until Congress returns. By the time they return it will be four full months that America's long-term jobless would have been left without benefits since they expired on Dec. 28, 2013.
S.2097 - Responsible Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2014
S.2149 - Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2014
Bonnie K. Goodman is the Editor of the Academic Buzz Network, a series of political, academic & education blogs which includes History Musings: History, News & Politics. She has a BA in History & Art History & a Masters in Library and Information Studies, both from McGill University, and has done graduate work in Jewish history at Concordia University as part of the MA in Judaic Studies program. Her specializations are US, Canadian & Israeli politics.
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