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BDB Programs
Department of Fish & Wildlife
Biogeographic Data Branch
Physical Address:
1700 9th Street, 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
Mailing Address:
1416 9th Street, Suite 1266
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-2493 • Email BDB
Areas of Conservation Emphasis (ACE-II)
Areas of Conservation Emphasis (ACE-II) is a Department of Fish and Wildlife project that was started in 2009 to provide data to help guide and inform conservation priorities in California.
*** ACE-II v2 (updated September 2015) is now available! ***
The purpose of ACE-II is to:
- Compile and analyze the best available statewide, spatial information on California's biological richness, including species diversity, rarity, and sensitive habitats,
- Integrate these data into a spatial model that can be used to identify areas of biological or conservation interest throughout the state.
- Develop a set of tools and produce maps that summarize and display this information for use in conservation decision-making.
ACE-II provides an easily-accessible and standardized way to view the best available statewide data on California's biological richness and biodiversity. These datasets have many uses ranging from ecological research and modeling to local land-use planning and conservation decision making. The ACE-II data are dynamic and will be updated periodically as new data warrant.
The ACE-II Biological Richness Model summarizes data on native species richness, rarity, endemism, and sensitive habitats across a statewide, 2.5 square mile hexagon grid. Datasets include native richness, rarity, and endemism for each of six taxonomic groups: birds, fish, amphibians, plants, mammals, and reptiles. Information on the location of four sensitive habitat types, wetlands, riparian, rare upland natural communities, and high value salmonid habitat, is also summarized. The data can be used to view the distribution of biological richness, by individual taxonomic group and overall, across the state (Statewide Model) and within each USDA ecoregion (Ecoregional Models).
Statewide Model
The statewide GIS data layers depict the biological index model results at a statewide scale. The four biological richness indices are calculated relative to the entire state of California: native species richness, rare species richness, irreplaceability (i.e., rarity-weighted richness), and the presence of sensitive habitats. These layers were combined in a weighted additive model to produce the ACE II biological index surface showing relative richness and rarity across the state; however, the ecoregional analysis is more suited for local and regional planning.
Ecoregional Model
The ecoregional GIS data layers depict the biological index model results by USDA Ecoregion Section.
The ecoregional analysis combines four biological richness indices, native species richness, rare species richness, irreplaceability (i.e., rarity-weighted richness), and the presence of sensitive habitats, in a weighted additive model to produce the ACE II biological index surface. The model results show the areas of highest richness and rarity within each ecoregion of the state. Areas with a high biological index score would be expected to have high conservation value and meet multiple conservation goals, subject to certain assumptions and limitations. A full description of the data collection and modeling process, as well as the assumptions and limitations of this process, is available in the ACE-II Project Report.
Because each ecoregion was analyzed separately; biological index scores are not directly comparable between ecoregions. The model results for individual ecoregions can be displayed in the ACE-II Viewer or are available by request.
CDFW Map Viewers are best viewed using Firefox or
The ACE-II Viewer is an on-line, interactive map interface for displaying and manipulating the ACE-II maps, data, and model results. The viewer includes additional spatial data such as stressors, protected status of lands, and connectivity and corridors that can be overlaid on the ACE-II data layers. The viewer tool allows the user to display and contrast the arrangement and relative value of California's unique biological resources, providing a first step toward setting conservation priorities statewide.
- Statewide and Ecoregional Models: Model results depicting relative biological richness statewide and within each USDA Ecoregion Section can be displayed in the viewer or are available for download (see GIS Data below).
- Weighted-additive model interface: A component of the ACE-II Interactive Viewer that allows the user to adjust the weights of the various layers and display a customized model result.
- GIS Data: All spatial data layers can be displayed in the viewer or are available for download by following the instructions below.
GIS Data Download
Please refer to the ACE-II Project Report for an explanation of the data development and intended use prior to downloading the data.
The ACEII data is a very complex and dynamic data set. It will be updated as Department needs are identified, so we recommend checking back with us from time to time for updates. It is also an unsupported data set so we strongly encourage you to read all of the documentation and access the data through the online ACE viewer when possible.
Reports and Further Information
- [PDF] ACE-II Project Report: detailed summary of the process and datasets developed
- [PDF] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- [PDF] ACE-II Uses and Limitations
- [PDF] Biological Index Model Flow Chart
- [PDF] ACE-II Interactive Viewer User Guide
- [PDF] July/August 2010 Outdoor California article
Related Efforts
ACE-II is a component of a larger effort to plan for the conservation and management of California's resources at a landscape scale, which includes the California Wildlife: Conservation Challenges, California's Wildlife Action Plan; the California Climate Adaptation Strategy; and large-scale, multi-species conservation plans. The ACE-II products are complementary to the California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project, which identified large remaining blocks of intact habitat in California and modeled corridor linkages between these blocks. In addition, ACE-II is one building block in a long-term collaboration of 18 western states to develop robust Decision Support Systems for conservation planning.
For multi-state analysis, please visit the Western Governors' Crucial Habitat Assessment Tools (CHAT) website where a similar product is presented for California, in the context of the surrounding states. Please read our Comparison of CHAT and ACE-II document to better understand how these products differ.
Contact Information
Conservation Analysis Unit Coordinator
Biogeographic Data Branch
(916) 324-9265


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Editors' Note: The "Download Now" link directs you to the Android Market where you must continue the download process. This download may not be available in some countries.
Publisher's Description+
What's new in this version:
1.10:* Can see a stop (and your location) on a map* Fixed an issue causing the maps to not load properly1.05:* Now keeps track of all the stops you visit* Sort by Most Visited and Most Recently Visited* Show all the stops you have visited or just your favorites1.01:Added support for devices running Android 2.1

subset: commoncrawl


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I shared my regex on the web. I got a
lot of request to do other date formats. At first I was reluctant to
do that because my original pattern was troublesome to write, mostly
because the text editor I was using didn't help me match parenthesis
and I had a but of types to work out. Plus I always thought it
would be easier to reformat the date into the format the regex was
Eventually someone else reverse
engineer my regex into another format. Later I wrote patterns for
other formats as I saw uses beyond web page validation. I expanded
the patterns as I learn more about regex. For various reasons I
eventually moved away from working on these type of patterns. I had
done about all I could with them. Other than fixing a bug, generally
caused by a typo, I didn't do much with these patterns.
Recently I got another request for an
alternate format for one of my old patterns. I referred them to my
central depot of date regexes. But something else in the request
reminded me of my original idea of handling other formats. So I
decided to actually do it. So here it is in JavaScript
function isValidDate(ds, format) {
var reDate = /^(?!(?:10([-./])(?:0?[5-9]|1[0-4])\1(?:1582)))(?:(?:(?:(?:0?[13578]|1[02])(\/|-|\.)31)\2|(?:(?:0?[13-9]|1[0-2])(\/|-|\.)(?:29|30)\3))(?:(?!0000)\d{4})$|^(?:0?2(\/|-|\.)29\4(?:(?:(?:(?!000[04]|(?:(?:1[^0-6]|[2468][^048]|[3579][^26])00))(?:(?:(?:\d\d)(?:[02468][048]|[13579][26]))))|(?:(?:16|[2468][048]|[3579][26])00))))$|^(?:(?:0?[1-9])|(?:1[0-2]))(\/|-|\.)(?:0?[1-9]|1\d|2[0-8])\5(?:(?!0000)\d{4}))$/;
switch(format) {
case "dmy":
return reDate.test(ds.toString().replace(/(\d?\d)(\D)(\d?\d)(\D)(\d{4})/, "$3$2$1$4$5"));
case "ymd":
return reDate.test(ds.toString().replace(/(\d{4})(\D)(\d?\d)(\D)(\d?\d)/, "$3$2$5$4$1"));
return reDate.test(ds);
That's it, The function returns true or false if the string passed is a valid date.
isValidDate("11/1/2011") // true
isValidDate("31/10/2011") // false
isValidDate("31/10/2011","dmy") // true
isValidDate("2031/10/20","ymd") // true
The big regex is the date
validator. I've talked about that enough in the past so I'm not
going to go into detail about how it works just trust me that it
does. Basics are 4-digits years, one or two digit months and days.
You have a choice of three date separators a peiod (.), a hyphen (-)
or a forward slash (/), Which ever one you chose you have to be
consistent. There have been a few modifications from my original date
regex to expand the time span it checks against and exclude missing
day from the switch from Julian to Gregorian in 1592. but most apps
won't push up against the old boundaries.
The default format checked is
The function take a optional second
parameter that lets you specify other formats of yyyy-.mm-dd or
dd-mm-yyyy but passing "ymd" or "dmy" respectively.
If the second argument is passed the
given alternate format is converted to the default format for testing
by the use of one of two of simple regex replace operations. Nothing
really fancy The month, day and years are moved around to get to
mm-dd-yyyy format.
For this I just kept it simple and
handle the most common numerical date formats. For general webpage
validation this function is perfectly viable. You could have taken my
date regexes for all the various format and used each on base on the
format. The advantage of just using one date regex is maintenance is
easier. Not that the pattern needs any maintenance but if it did
there is only one complex regex to deal with instead of three. Also
with one regex you can't play around with other checks by using the
match. I did that while playing around with this but not including
that here. And while writing this I thought of a couple other things
I could build off of this.
Anyway there you have it. Three regexes, one scary two simple,
and a few lines of code to validate dates in 3 formats.
PingBack from http://www.rimonabantexcellence.com/t.php?aHR0cDovL3JlZ2V4YWR2aWNlLmNvbS9ibG9ncy9tYXNoL2FyY2hpdmUvMjAxMS8xMS8wMS9GdWxsLUNpcmNsZS1fMkQwMF8tSmF2YVNjcmlwdC1EYXRlLXZhbGlkYXRpb24td2l0aC1yZWdleC5hc3B4


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On Friday, June 13, over 500,000 fans are expected to converge on Grant Park for the 31st Annual Chicago Blues Fest. Billed as the world's largest free festival, the three-day event draws music lovers from every walk of life.
But there is a sobering underbelly to the blues that goes far beyond "Wang Dang Doodle" or "Sweet Home Chicago." It's the simple fact that African-American acts often get the shaft when it comes to festival bookings or blues awards accolades.
While over 60% of the Chicago Blues Fest performers are African-American, this stands in sharp contrast to other nationally renowned blues festivals. The 23rd Annual WC Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival might be named after an African-American musician but only 33% of the acts on the bill are black. The numbers are even more anemic at other festivals across the country.
So why are the originators of this uniquely American musical genre singing the blues about being treated like second-class musicians? This was just one of the hot button issues raised during the two-day Blues and the Spirit Symposium held on the "far west side" at the bucolic Dominican University campus.
Entitled "Blues Impurities: A Symposium of the Legacy of the African American Music and the Evolving Blues Aesthetic," this biennial event was the fourth held on the Dominican campus and the brainchild of Dr. Janice Monti., Director and Chair of Sociology at the University.
Monti said that the 2012 symposium was quite "provocative"—to put it mildly. It was then that many well-known blues musicians bared their souls about the inequities and injustices they have experienced during the course of their careers. While there were some cries of reverse racism, Monti noted, "You can't talk about blues without discussing race."
Working with the "impurities" theme, Monti assembled an impressive line-up of blues scholars, musicians, journalists, industry professionals and other "blues folks" to discuss the state of this American art form. The result was an extremely stimulating two-day session that had an "openness" that may have been lacking at the more contentious 2012 symposium.
As a Cheap Thrills Examiner who is open to just about anything, it turned out to be an incredible learning experience that provided a great blues bang for the buck. What follows are some of the highlights from the Symposium, which was held May 30-31.
Chicago Blues Legacy Tour
For an additional $35 (the entire two-day seminar cost a mere $75) attendees could hop on a Windy City Bus Tour for an illuminating ride back into blues history. The tour fittingly began at the intersection of Michigan and Roosevelt, where the Illinois Central railroad once stood. This was the embarkation point for millions of African-Americans during the Great Migration north. The railroad station was demolished but a commemorative marker now stands near the leg statues in Grant Park.
Following a quick tour of Chess studios, the bus wended its way all around Bronzeville,to drive by sites like the 708 Club and Checkerboard Studios where the blues once thrived on the South Side. This prompted one rider to note that it was a bit "depressing" to see all these former homes of the blues.
The tour also stopped at a true epicenter of the blues—Muddy Waters' home at 4339 S. Lake Park Avenue. The home was once targeted for demolition and it was a bit of a downer to see an "X" on the residence where Little Walter, Willie Dixon and others once stayed and played. The home was recently sold to an unknown buyer but blues fans are keeping their hopes alive that the residence can honor Waters' legacy in one form or another.
Friday Night Opening Panel and Spirit Awards Reception
Although Chicago might not make the most of its rich blues heritage, the state of Mississippi has honored its legacy with markers and profited from an influx of blues tourists. Jim O'Neal, co-founder of Living Blues Magazine and the current research director for the Mississippi Blues trail, noted that when compiling information for the markers– many in rural Mississippi towns,—they don't sugarcoat the facts as there is the need to "present blues history honestly."
One man who was witness to the most turbulent times is Mississippi history is blues researcher and collector Gayle Dean Wardlow who found Robert Johnson's death certificate after a three year search during the height of the Civil Rights era. His book, Chasin' the Devil's Music –Searching for the Blues was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 2006 as a classic of blues literature. A white sports reporter who sought out leads in segregated black neighborhoods Wardlow obviously relished doing his legwork but added that "everything is different now because of the internet."
Following a robust discussion that touched on these topics and many others, Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records along with Chicago Blues and R & B staples, the Scott Family singers, received the 2014 "Spirit" awards from Donna Carroll, President of Dominican University. A reception and live music by the Scott Family followed.
Keynote Address by Tricia Rose
On a bright and early Saturday morning, attendees gathered to hear one of the leading lights in post civil rights era black culture, popular music and social issues—Dr. Tricia Rose. As the current Professor of Africana Studies and Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America at Brown University, Rose also served as Dominican's Lund-Gill Chair during the Spring 2014 semester.
Monti said that Rose quickly acquired "rock star status" on the Dominican campus and after hearing her address, it's easy to see why. In a speech that alternated between brutal honesty and highly-quotable humor, Rose entertained and educated a rapt audience as she discussed the disconnect between white America embracing many facets of black culture while still hanging on to racial stereotypes, misunderstandings and misconceptions.
Rose added that, "America loves black music and culture but not so sure it loves black people."
This is especially true with hip hop and blues as both genres came about through the need of African-Americans to have an outlet to vent their many frustrations. Rose contends that to truly understand blues one needs to accept the pain of the black experience that goes along with it. She underscored her point by stating, "You can't accept the gift and ignore the gift giver!"
A complete video of Dr. Rose's speech is available on the Blues and the Spirit Symposium's Facebook page. It is highly recommended viewing for blues lovers and anyone else.
Reaching for the Light Photography Retrospective
The events on campus concluded with what Monti called a "Dominican moment" as attendees gathered at the O'Connor Art Gallery to view the late Susan Greenberg's stunning photography of blues musicians. Tears flowed as friends and family discussed Greenberg's love of the blues and how she helped turn her partner, musician Lurrie Bell's life around after he seemed headed to certain self-destruction. He, in turn, helped her keep her sanity following the tragic loss of their infant twins. They later had a healthy baby girl, Aria, who attended the reception, which included an acoustic set by Jimmy Burns.
Reaching for the Light was the theme of the photography retrospective but this could just as well be applied to the symposium and the state of the blues in general. As Lurrie Bell said blues music "has a little light, it's some light there, no matter how sad the song is. I believe it's a gift from God music."


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According to news sources, I think they have just defined the next high dollar 'crisis' we will have to solve immediately by throwing more money at it.
The Health Care Bill requires many other agencies to be involved in health care, particularly the IRS, but their antiquated computer systems won't allow them to do what the bill requires.
Gee, you would have thought someone might have looked into that before they signed the bill. Oh I forget, they didn't read it first, they just passed it.
BTW, I'm not quite sure what problem you are talking about here. They are going to create exchanges. Monies were allocated for this. Do you think they shouldn't use computers? Do you think the IRS should never upgrade their computers?
No, quite the contrary, I think the IRS should have been one of the first computer systems after the Defense department to upgrade. The Defense department has spent billions trying to upgrade theirs and still don't have the upgraded systems working as designed and have given up with the current project in spite of the loss of billions of dollars. More government efficiency examples.
The subject was that the IRS and the health care systems of the government were designed to perform certain tasks under this new wonderful health care plan and not all of a sudden the existing computer systems are compatible with each other or don't have the processing horsepower to do the job. When you design a new process, one might think that will the genius that is resident in the Congress and their overloaded staff's someone would have considered if the process would be feasible before moving to implement the changes. Just another fine example of the idiocy, waste, corruption, and poor performance in Washington.
If you really they to follow the story lines, instead of posting political spin, your post might not receive as many thumbs down selections.
You haven't made enough of a fool out of yourself today?


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Thursday, June 26, 2014, is the night that will go down in history as one of the greatest ever for so many young men. The 2014 NBA Draft meant that a lot of careers were going to officially start and a lot of money was going to be coming their way. These talented players all hoped to be picked as high as possible, and the number one overall pick belonged to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they selected Andrew Wiggins out of Kansas.
As expected, Duke power forward Jabari Parker went second overall to the Milwaukee Bucks.
A few weeks ago, everyone fully thought that Kansas center Joel Embiid would go first, but an injury pushed him down. Some mock drafts actually had him falling all the way down to the Philadelphia 76ers with the 10th pick, but they decided to take him with their third pick.
From there, things got a bit confusing and unexpected. A number of picks throughout the rest of the top 10 were rather strange and let a lot of people scratching their heads. Still, it's the way the picks fell the way they did, and teams now have their new players.
There's no telling what the future holds but here is a full recap of the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft:
- Cleveland Cavaliers - SG Andrew Wiggins, Kansas
- Milwaukee Bucks - SF Jabari Parker, Duke
- Philadelphia 76ers - C Joel Embiid, Kansas
- Orlando Magic - PF Aaron Gordon, Arizona
- Utah Jazz - PG Dante Exum, Australia
- Boston Celtics - PG Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State
- Los Angeles Lakers - PF Julius Randle, Kentucky
- Sacramento Kings - SG Nik Stauskas, Michigan
- Charlotte Hornets - PH Noah Vonleh, Indiana
- Philadelphia 76ers - PG Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette (traded to Orlando)
- Denver Nuggets - SF Doug McDermott, Creighton (traded to Chicago)
- Orlando Magic - PF Dario Saric, Croatia (traded to Philadelphia)
- Minnesota Timberwolves - PG Zach LaVine, UCLA
- Phoenix Suns - SF T.J. Warren, NC State
- Atlanta Hawks - PF Adreian Payne, Michigan State
- Chicago Bulls - C Jusef Nurkic, Bosnia-Herzegovina (traded to Denver)
- Boston Celtics - SG James Young, Kentucky
- Phoenix Suns - PG Tyler Ennis, Syracuse
- Chicago Bulls - SG Gary Harris, Michigan State (traded to Denver)
- Toronto Raptors - SF Bruno Caboclo, Brazil
- Oklahoma City Thunder - PF Mitch McGary, Michigan
- Memphis Grizzlies - SG Jordan Adams, UCLA
- Utah Jazz - SG Rodney Hood, Duke
- Charlotte Hornets - PG Shabazz Napier, UCONN
- Houston Rockets - PF Clint Capela, Switzerland
- Miami Heat - SG P.J. Hairston, UNC
- Phoenix Suns - SG Bogdan Bogdanovic, Serbia
- LA Clippers - SG C.J. Wilcox, Washington
- Oklahoma City Thunder - PF Josh Huestis, Stanford
- San Antonio Spurs - PF Kyle Anderson, UCLA


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How long before labor will start?
I have been losing my mucus plug over the last 3-4 days in small pieces, but this morning there was a lot more, I don't know for sure but I think I lost the remainder of my plug this morning. If that is the case how long before my labor starts do you think? I'm hoping soon, I will be 40 weeks tomorrow and am sooo done being pregnant, if I don't start labor soon I will be induced next Wednesday, but I don't want to be induced. So anyone lost their mucus plug and go into labor soon after?
Posted: 07/02/2013 by a BabyCenter Member
Mom Answers
Sort by: best answers | most recent answers
1 - 2 of 2 answers
Loosing your mucus plug means your cervix is changing. For some people it changes very slowly and will fall out/grow back, but being as far along as you are you may have the baby before it gets the chance. I would start walking a lot if I were you! If it's raining you could go walk around the mall for a few hours. It will help get things in the right place to start labor naturally. And you don't have to worry *at all* about not getting there in time. You'll probably be wondering if you're in labor for quite a while before it gets bad enough that you realize you really are, and even then you may get sent home if you didn't wait long enough. You've got lots of time. Even a really fast labor takes at least a couple hours. Just keep moving to get that cervix opened up!posted 07/02/2013 by a BabyCenter Member
induction really isnt bad. you're already at the hospital so you don't have to worry "will i make it in time?" and it doesn't hurt... they break your water buy using a crochet-hook lookin thing, but it doesn't hurt any more than any of the exams the doc has already been doing... but, as far as the plug thing, some ppl never lose it, and some ppl lose it and it grows back (this was my case) so, i don't know if there really is a way to tell how long til labor just based on this.posted 07/02/2013 by lemonysweet
Answer this question


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|Pen and paper games Discuss ADND, Warhammer and other PnP games here!
|Thread Tools
|21st January 2013, 12:57 AM
|#1 (permalink)
Man this game is fun! I know, I know - its pretty old....
Lately I've found myself getting pretty bored with computer gaming, and so I've been exploring the wonderful world of board gaming.
And Munchkins seemed like a pretty fun introduction to it. Its just a ball to play with mates, arguing, throwing curses at each other, bribing people...
Worth considering if you're feeling burnt out and just want a laugh
|21st January 2013, 10:16 PM
|#5 (permalink)
I actually bought 2 of the expansions when I got the basic set (Fu and Cthulhu). A mate who played his first game on the weekend said "lets add an expansion in!", and I thought "after ONE game, you want to add an expansion?".
I feel like I'd like to give the basic set a good go first.
|22nd January 2013, 04:13 PM
|#10 (permalink)
Let me know how you go with Arkham Horror. I have heard good things about it and bad ones.. It does look great though, just a little complicated on the first play through.. Sooo many pieces and setup stuff.
I am currently playing Battlestar Galactica the board game with people. It is alot of fun too Lots of people not trusting one another.
Currently playing:
Via Steam account: TOG | Spinnz
- Rocket League, Dungeon Defenders 2, CS:GO
League of Legends - HoreTez (OCE) / MrSavBlanc (OCE)
.. and then whatever i can get my hands on.
|Thread Tools


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Real Colorado Cup Tournament Information
2016 Application will be open October 10, 2015!
Real Colorado is very excited to invite your team to a fabulous weekend of soccer at the Real Colorado Cup featuring the Colorado Showcase!
New for 2015: For Players interested in playing soccer in college, we are excited to announce a special, additional recruiting opportunity with a National Soccer Combine to be offered on Friday, May 22, 10 am 'til 3pm at Dick's Sporting Goods Park…read on!
- Memorial Day Weekend, 2015, May 21-25, 2015
- All levels of play for U10 through U19 Boys and Girls teams
- GotSoccer.com Gold to Platinum tournament rankings for top two divisions in each age group, as well as appropriate competition for Classic and Challenge level teams.
- All Tournament Application Fees include 15 Tickets for Colorado Rapids MLS game, 5/23
- Tournament Director: Cindy Thomas, firstname.lastname@example.com
- All U10-14 teams will play in the Real CO Cup Division
- U10-U14 registration fee of $950 per team
- Includes 15 tickets for Colorado Rapids MLS game, 5/23
- 4 game guarantee
- All teams, including U10, play 11v11
- Local teams start play on Thursday, 5/21
- Out of state teams start play on Friday, 5/22
- All championships to be played at Aurora Sports Park, on Monday 5/25, to be completed by 4pm (weekend weather permitting)
- Team and player awards for 1st and 2nd place
- All U15-19 teams will play in the Colorado Showcase Division and will be seeded according to level of play and record.
- The Colorado Showcase Division is a competitive tournament, with Champion and Finalist awards for all flights.
- All flights will have appropriate competition so that all teams and players can show well for college coaches.
- U15-U19 registration fee of $1100 per team
- Includes 15 tickets for Colorado Rapids MLS game, 5/23
- 3 pool-play game guarantee
- Entry fee includes Team/Player Profiles and Amenities for all College Coaches
- Games played at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, largest professional soccer complex in the US – 23 full-sized, fully lit fields
- Colorado Showcase Division Play begins at 4pm on Thursday, 5/21 (possible for local teams) or Friday, 5/22 (for ALL teams, including out-of-state)
- All championship games to be played on Monday, 5/25, at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, to be completed by 4 pm (weekend weather permitting)
- One application for one great tournament
- Stay-to-Play Policy with all hotel reservations for teams needing a hotel stay to be made through Anthony Travel (available for booking now) – very reasonable rates.
- 590 total teams, including 200+ teams from outside of CO, played in 2014, with Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Divisions in most age groups
- All teams, including U10, play 11v11
- Application Deadline is 4/10/15
- Apply early, as over 60 teams were turned away last year!
- Interested in sponsoring or advertising at the event? Read more about our Ad Form or contact firstname.lastname@example.com
The main purpose is to help your top unsigned players with college exposure. Players will get timed in 40yd sprint and other skill and agility assessments. Players will also participate in short 6v6 scrimmages so they get a lot of touches in front of college coaches in attendance. There will be a goalkeeper specific combine with participation in the 6v6 games in all sessions. Players/parents will also receive FREE recruiting information to help them navigate the process. To Register and get more information go to: www.NationalSoccerCombine.com
College soccer recruiting education, free player evaluations, and college coach scouting support provided by National Scouting Report/NSR. Sign up for your player evaluation and to be scouted by clicking here.
Tournament Questions? Contact firstname.lastname@example.com


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Bad 25 Movie Reviews
User reviews on Bad 25
This doc**entary chronicles the making of Michael Jackson's iconic, record-breaking Bad album and Michael's first world tour as a solo artist. I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson's music and I really liked this doc**entary and recommend seeing it in the theaters. The film had some great footage and interviews and I just loved watching the process of creating one of the best albums of our time, it was very exciting. I also found the film to be pretty entertaining but I guess I am biased because I am a fan. Overall, if you are not a fan I would probably suggest renting this film instead of seeing it on the big screen but if you are a fan, you know what you need to do.
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Apr 1, 2011 8:35 AM
Author Rebecca DiLiberto, has compiled a delightful illustrated collection of superstitions and rituals from around the world, in Welcome Home: Make Your House a Healthy, Wealthy, and Happy Place to Live ($10). From the bedroom to the front door, every inch of your house can bring you luck, and this luxe little book shows how. Learn how to ward off negativity with dill, boost health with green pieces in the kitchen, and more. Whether a newly wed, new home owner, decorator, or just need so health, wealth and happiness in your home - this is the book for you.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


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Our Miss BrooksThe Big Game - Season 1, Episode 9 - Nov. 28, 1952 - Madison High is looking forward to the big football game against arch-rival Clay City. It's discovered that former Madison football star and now coach "Snake Hips" Geary never graduated
To Download or Embed this video, go to this link.
Back to the Our Miss Brooks Library
back to Uncle Earl's Classic TV Channel


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Wesley's story:
How to be a cardiac survivor
More than 10 years ago, Wesley had a myocardial infarction and cardiac bypass surgery. Working with the staff at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix has made him into a cardiac survivor. "I think once you are a cardiac patient, you're always a cardiac patient.''
In 1995, at the relatively young age of 52, Wesley found that five of his arteries were 90 to 100 percent blocked.
After a successful surgery at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, he underwent hospital counseling sessions on exercise and nutrition. He took that advice to heart.
Wesley has learned a lot of survivor skills: He makes his recipes heart-safe by stretching one egg yolk to make six deviled eggs. His computer has all of the nutritional information about the items in his pantry to make his meal planning easy and healthy. He limits his food indulgences. Prime rib, which he calls a "heart sledgehammer'' is eaten only once a year to mark a special occasion.
He's still a regular at the hospital's cardiac rehabilitation unit, going three times a week and logging more than 1,400 sessions. He jokingly refers it as the "zipper'' club because of the large number of patients with cardiac-surgery scars. "And the guys with the defibrillators, you know, their hearts stop once in a while, that's the zapper club.'' .
He likes it there because the staff has the experience to guide cardiac patients to good health. At the unit, success isn't measured by speed or weight lifted, but by gradual improvement. "The only problem with a health club is the people there are not really trained to bring along cardiac people.''
Wesley also has cut down on the stress in his life. Retired four years after his surgery, he advises hard-charging 35 to 45-year-olds to back off from the pressure and get a hobby. Wesley also stopped smoking and gets his blood tested every six months.
"Do what you can while you can and then just keep pushing it forward.''
Wesley: I am living proof.


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steese highway.org
Hand-coded site by Karen Hamilton Steese Highway from Fox to Circle.
Circle District Historical Society web site containing a display of Alaskan wildflowers and access to some of the old photographs in the archives.
My new site with more flowers.
Weather Stations
Eugene Culp's Station
Culp WL7ZY-6 Circle Hot Springs
Mac Carter's Station
Central DOT Station
Eagle Summit
Preacher Creek
6.7mi Circle H.S Rd (CENA2)
Birch Creek @ 12-mile
Montana Creek
Birch Creek (3Mi SE of Jumpoff)
All Stations within 60 Miles
Map of Stations
Gas Prices
Weather Maps
Area Forecasts
Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands
All Zones - Map
511 Road
Pedro Dome Radar
Pedro Dome Radar-Loop
All U.S. Radar
Alaska Webcam Index
Birch Creek @ 12mile Stage
Chatanika R. Bridge - Steese
Current Fires
Alaska Land Records
Status Plats, Etc.
Land Records - Case files
Alaska Mining Mapper
Raven nest on granite tor along
Bottom Dollar Creek, 2007
Welcome to bottomdollar.us
Site maintained by
Alfred Cook - 9.5 Mile Portage Creek Road - P.O. Box 30064 - Central, AK 99730 email@example.com
Central: latitude = N 65.572° longitude= W 144.804° Magnetic Declination 19° 51' E (March 2015)
Last updated March 27, 2015 Added
links to Mac Carter's weather station, Eugene Culp's Circle Hot
Springs station (WL7ZY-6 aka AS116) and the Preacher Creek station
March 15, 2015. Added link to Federal Alaska Survey Plats on the More Links page.
My guide to the Pinnell Mountain Trail,
a detailed mile-by-mile description of the trail
with photographs is available by clicking on the link below.
Guide to the Pinnell Mountain Trail
Correct Location of Claims Kathy I & Kathy II on Deadwood
Lunar Eclipse -October 8, 2014
with photos of the lunar eclipse on April 15, 2014


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A ken barb from CALI ! LOS ANGELES too be a exact! I been down with the QUEEN since 2006!! Alonggg time now!(notice I said queen lol) When I first saw her on the come up DVD I was like WHO is this chick she is FLYY!! And she can rap Lol I love her very much! I became more than a fan/stan I feel like I'm apart of her daily life!! I just gotta ask one question....... is TEAM MINAJ in this BIIIIIIITCH!!!
Wed, Nov 17, 2010 at 6:45 PM
*sigh* TODAAAY!
So today has BEEN the BEST day of the WEEK! I can't even phathom on how much I LOVED today! First Nicki on wendy was amazingg!! Everything was barbie at its best! Then the MAC deal just sent me above the ROOF! Lmao the performance was everything !!! :) then the NEW my pink Friday is over the TOP in a good way! Then to TOP everything!! The "MY TIME NOW" trailor got me in UTTER SHOCK!! Like...


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Skill vs. Luck--Compilation of Success/Fail events
White House For Sale Offered by Top Agent
Thank you for visiting my site. I am glad you are here and you are obviously looking to
buy or sell real estate, or perhaps, you are just looking to see what the market is like in
the Broward, Palm Beach or Dade County areas - so you are in the right spot to get that
essential help you need. Please use the above menu and the sub-menu to the left on
every page for navigation around the AlexBaglioni.com website.
If you are a real estate seller, click on the top "Selling" link to guide you to the exact
information you require. I love working with sellers because to me, I know that when I get a
listing, it represents an honest meeting of the minds and a direct flow of funds into the
If you are a real estate buyer, click on the top "Buying" link to guide you into what you
need to know about buying a house. It is exciting to work with buyers because with my
"Have-it-all-Athon One Day Event" they find the best house for their money in just one day.
So whether you are a seller or buyer, allow me to take you on your journey of a money
making transaction or a new house for a new chapter on your life. You will like my hard
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text:
Walter Stanley Szot
Position: DT-T
Height: 6-1 Weight: 222 lbs.
Born: March 30, 1920 in Clifton, NJ
Died: November 3, 1981 in Passaic, NJ
High School: Henry P. Becton
College: Bucknell (school history)
Drafted by the Chi/Pit Cards/Steelers in the 18th round (176th overall) of the 1944 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 0 (15060th overall since 1950)
Let people know you like this site. Sponsor this page for $5. Your message will replace this ad.
Output includes all games from 1920 to 2015.


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Spicy and Greasy Rhode Island Calamari
Jasper White
The Summer Shack Cookbook
Published by W. W. Norton
If you think tossing crispy fried squid in a mixture of garlic butter and slices of hot cherry peppers is strange, welcome to Rhode Island! It's unusual but addictively delicious. In recent years, Rhode Island-style squid has gained popularity as a regional favorite all over New England. When I first started serving this dish at Summer Shack, we would hear complaints once in awhile that it was "spicy" or "greasy"—which it was. So I changed the menu and called it just that, "Spicy and Greasy Rhode Island Calamari," and I've never had a complaint since. Point Judith, Rhode Island, has the largest squid-fishing fleet on the East Coast; it is the hub of the squid business in the United States. The fleet follows the huge schools of squid all over the Atlantic, bringing them home to Point Judith for processing. The longest and best season is summer, but we see fresh squid periodically in the spring and fall too. When fresh squid is available, it is often reasonably priced, even when already cleaned. Frozen squid is available throughout the year, and its quality varies according to the packer and its place of origin. The most dependable brands are packed in Point Judith; you probably won't ever see the brand in a retail market, but you can ask your retailer. A lot of squid is imported from China, some of it good, some of it tasteless and rubbery. If you have a good fish market, it will most likely sell you domestic squid. If you run across fresh domestic squid, I highly recommend you buy it. Look for medium-sized squid (about 8 to a pound) for frying. Smaller squid are good for stuffing, larger ones for grilling.
Working Ahead:
This squid can be cleaned if necessary and cut in the morning, covered, and refrigerated. The fry mix can also be made early in the day.
Serves4 as an appetizer
Cooking Methodfrying, sauteeing
Total Timeunder 30 minutes
OccasionFamily Get-together, game day
Recipe Courseappetizer
Dietary Considerationegg-free, peanut free, soy free, tree nut free
Equipmentdeep fryer
Taste and Texturebuttery, crisp, garlicky, herby, hot & spicy, rich, savory, tangy
- 1 pound cleaned medium squid (4- to 5-inch), with tentacles
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons table salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- About 6 cups peanut, canola, or other vegetable oil for deep frying
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup sliced hot cherry peppers in vinegar, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
- A baking sheet
- 4-quart Dutch oven
- Deep-frying thermometer or an electric deep fryer
- Chinese wire-mesh skimmer
- 10- to 12-inch sauté pan
- A pair of tongs
Cut the squid bodies into ½ -inch rings and put in a colander set over a bowl; add the whole tentacles. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use (up to 6 hours).
To make the fry mix: Combine the cornstarch, flour, cornmeal, salt, and both peppers in a large bowl and whisk well. Refrigerate if not using within an hour or two, to prevent humidity from changing the mixture.
Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Heat 3 inches of oil to 360°F in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat or in a deep fryer.
While the oil is heating, pour the buttermilk into a large bowl and drop the squid into it. Stir with a Chinese wire-mesh skimmer to coat, then lift about half the squid from the buttermilk, allowing the excess buttermilk to drip back into bowl, and drop then into the dry mix. Rinse and dry the wire skimmer. Toss the squid to coat evenly with the mix, then lift them out with the skimmer, gently shake off excess fry mix, and transfer to a plate. Bread the other half of the squid. Rinse and dry the skimmer.
Heat a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once it melts, add the garlic and sauté until golden. Add the drained cherry peppers and toss to combine. Turn the heat down to low to keep warm when you fry the squid.
When the oil is hot, carefully drop half of the squid into the oil. If any of the squid sticks to the bottom of the pot, loosen the pieces with tongs. Turn the squid occasionally so they cook evenly: it will only take about 1 ½ minutes until they are crisp and golden. Transfer the squid from the hot oil to the lined baking sheet. Fry the other half of the squid and drain them.
Add all of the fried squid to the hot pan with the garlic and sliced peppers, sprinkle with the chopped parsley, and quickly and gently toss (only twice) the squid. Divide among four small plates and serve immediately.
2007 Jasper White


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"Another friend of mine has set up a deal with a Saudi man, they are to get married which will enable him to get the US citizenship and he in return will sign all the papers for her. She has issues with her family.Other friends whom are…"
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Rescue efforts are ongoing in response to the most devastating disaster to hit Haiti in 200 years, and dogs are a big part of the action. Canine Disaster Search Teams trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation are among those deployed to find people buried alive under the wreckage left after the earthquake.
Live-scent search dogs are considered the safest and fastest tool we have to determine if there are survivers under mounds of rubble. They save lives by alerting handlers to locations of survivors that may have been trapped for days. Trained to quickly crawl through tunnels, over wobbly piles of debris and even up and down ladders, search dogs from the Search Dog Foundation played a pivotal role at Ground Zero, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other major disasters.
The Search Dog Foundation, a non-profit organization, recruits abused or abandoned dogs and gives them a new lease on life by providing training and then matching them with handlers, generally firefighters or other first responders. See a video of how the dogs train here.
The teams in Haiti are working long, 12-hour shifts, stopping only long enough to let the dogs rest before starting to search again. No matter how long it takes, they will work until the search operations are completed. Get all the updates on their efforts by following SDF on Twitter.
According to SDF, there is currently a sever shortage of certified canine search teams in the U.S. You can help by donating, sponsoring a dog, or even adopting a former search dog or trainee that was unable to finish the program.


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College Hockey:Lowell Holds Off UMass For First Hockey East Win
Jeckyll-and-Hyde River Hawks Extend Unbeaten Streak To Eight
LOWELL, Mass. — Massachusetts-Lowell extended its unbeaten streak to eight and claimed its first Hockey East win of the season with a 4-3 victory over visiting Massachusetts at Tsongas Arena Friday night.
With the River Hawks leading by a goal after two periods, Minuteman Marvin Degon evened the score at 3 just 27 seconds into the third period with his second power-play goal of the game. But Brian Bova's tally at 11:43 sealed the win for the River Hawks. Ren Gauthier set up Bova's fifth goal of the year.
"UMass plays very good against us. We struggled mightily starting from our defense. They put a lot of pressure on us, forced us into a lot of turnovers," UML coach Blaise MacDonald said. "To come out of here with a win is very fortunate on our part."
After a scoreless first period, UML's Danny O'Brien netted his fifth goal of the season to put the River Hawks up 1-0 at 6:43 of the second. Juniors Brad King and Kim Brandvold assisted on the play.
Degon tied the game 1-1 at 9:22 with his first goal on the night. Stephen Werner put the Minutemen up 2-1 at 16:43, but the River Hawks answered with two quick goals to close out the period.
King netted a power-play score with help from Jason Tejchma at 18:26, then Tejchma notched a four-on-four goal at 18:43. Cleve Kinley and newcomer Jeremy Hall set up Tejchma's fifth goal of the year.
Freshman goaltender Peter Vetri made 17 saves for the River Hawks en route to the victory, while Massachusetts' Gabe Winer stopped 12 shots. UML was 1-5 on the power play while the Minutemen were 2-4.
The River Hawks improved to 10-5-2 overall (1-5-2 Hockey East) on the year, while Massachusetts dropped below .500 at 10-11-1 (4-6-1 Hockey East).
The following is a self-policing forum for discussing views on this story. Comments that are derogatory, make personal attacks, are abusive, or contain profanity or racism will be removed at our discretion. USCHO.com is not responsible for comments posted by users. Please report any inappropriate or offensive comments by clicking the "Flag" link next to that comment in order to alert the moderator.
Please also keep "woofing," taunting, and otherwise unsportsmanlike behavior to a minimum. Your posts will more than likely be deleted, and worse yet, you reflect badly on yourself, your favorite team and your conference.


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I don't always have the most glamorous strategy when it comes to writing these posts every day. I generally start by verbally throwing up all over the page and then I go back a few times and shape it into the coherent masterpiece you see before you.
Well, the other day while editing through my initial brain dump I found myself removing a curse from my post. Reading back what I had written, it didn't quite feel right so I got rid of it. I didn't think much of it at the time, but eventually that annoying voice in my head creeped in and planted a seed. Could it be that I was censoring myself in the name of not offending my readers?
Technically this is my blog and I can pretty much do or say whatever I want (except for whatever the blogging equivalent of yelling fire in a crowded theater is of course). Yet, I took it out anyway. It just didn't seem to fit. Not so much with the actual post…with my writing style.
Don't misunderstand me. I have no problem cursing. After all, I'm a Red Sox fan…I don't really have much of a choice. I also don't have a problem with bloggers that curse. In fact, one of my favorite writers is Julien Smith who dishes out a pretty healthy dose of "%$#@ you" on his blog and it works for him. In fact it works quite well for him. But that's his style…
This is mine. When I go back and reread that post, I'm very much at peace with my decision to take it out. It was out of character for who I am and that's what I think this post is really about. Curse…don't curse…I don't care. It's not at all about the actual words themselves anyway. It's about being authentic. Finding your voice and giving people a glimpse of that in your blog. Writing from a place of who you are and not what you think your readers might want you to say. Julien is a master at that. It may turn some people away, but that's fine…the right audience will find you and when they do they will be more connected to you because of it.
In my case, I would never stand up in front of the room and give a speech on search engine !&%#$-ing optimization and so why would I on my blog? It's still my voice, it's just a different medium. So, I choose not to curse because that works for me. Some people will be fine with it. Some won't. I'm OK either way.
So, what about you? Have you found your !&%#$-ing voice yet?


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French Onion Mashed Potatoes RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
5 2 3
From Dansville, Illinois, Lori Piatt shares the secret behind her savory spuds. "I dress up instant potato flakes with cream cheese, French onion dip and garlic salt," she explains. "I'm always elected to bring these rich potatoes to family get-togethers."
- 3 cups water
- 1-1/2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups mashed potato flakes
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 carton (8 ounces) French onion dip
- 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- In a large saucepan, bring the water, milk, 1/3 cup butter and salt to a boil. Remove from the heat; gradually stir in potato flakes. In a bowl, combine cream cheese and onion dip. Stir into potatoes. Add garlic salt.
- Transfer to an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Melt remaining butter; drizzle over the top. Sprinkle with paprika. bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Yield: 8-10 servings.
Originally published as French Onion Mashed Potatoes in Quick Cooking November/December 2001, p54
Reviews for French Onion Mashed Potatoes
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Click stars to rate
Any changes to your rating or review will appear where you originally posted your review
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2011
"Very good. I made these for Christmas dinner, substituting Cheddar and Bacon dip for the French Onion dip. Excellent."
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2011
"Excellent. They are also good substituting Cheddar and Bacon dip for the French Onion dip."


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When it comes to luxury clothing for your tiny tot it just doesn't get any better than the soft fabrics, and cool designs of PAIGELAUREN. This high-end collection of baby and toddler essentials is made of some of the softest, smoothest fabrics around and features sweet, classic designs.
If there is one perfect piece of baby clothing that every newborn should own then the Classic Sac by PaigeLauren is it. Made of 50 percent supima cotton and 50 percent mi-cro modal this is the absolute softest, smoothest fabric that I've ever felt. The Classic Sac is also super warm and features custom seashell buttons. This is the perfect piece for your new bambino to wear in your freezing hospital room and will definitely be in my hospital bag.
Have I mentioned how excited I am to be shopping for girls clothing? I cannot get enough of the adorable little dresses that I had to pass by when I was expecting my son. I have also noticed however that a lot of those adorable little dresses seem highly uncomfortable. That's not the case with the Classic Short Sleeve Dress by PAIGELAUREN. This sweet frock is made of PAIGELAUREN's signature super soft jersey and is available in five unique hues.
It doesn't get much cuter than this adorable Classic Sweatpant and Classic VNeck Cardigan combo. Available in PAIGELAUREN's superfine heathered stripe and accented with contrasting pockets, this sweet set is the perfect piece of lounge wear for your infant or toddler.
One thing that every new mother will quickly learn is that you can never have too many bodysuits. They are the ideal around-the-house favorite of infants and make diaper changes a breeze. The Classic Henly Bodysuit is and ideal choice. In addition to it's luxurious fabric it features unique seashell buttons and a contrasting henly cover stitch. Perfect for a boy or girl, its is available in PAIGELAUREN's five signature colors.


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Tag Archives: charter school
Marvin Sapp's Charter School Thriving
*A Grand Rapids charter school founded by gospel singer Marvin Sapp announced Monday that next school year it will offer classes in grades pre-K to 5, a move administrators say is aimed at meeting demand for the school's arts and technology driven instructional approach, says MLive.com. Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology, which … Continue reading Marvin Sapp's Charter School Thriving
Preschool Boy and Classmates Placed in 'Monster Closet' by Teacher (Video)
*Why do we hear so much bad news from the classroom? When will these select teachers make the connection that the kids they are teaching are the reason they have a job? Well, two teachers don't have to worry about making that connection because they will probably not have any connection with children again. A … Continue reading Preschool Boy and Classmates Placed in 'Monster Closet' by Teacher (Video)
Deion Sanders Approved for Charter School
*Deion Sanders is doing his part for education and has gotten the green light to open a charter school. The decision was made after several questions were raised about the school's curriculum and other academic plans. But it didn't seem like a popular sentiment among government officials in Texas. "I have no idea what the … Continue reading Deion Sanders Approved for Charter School


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IMF Executive Board Concludes First Post-Program Monitoring Review with the Dominican RepublicPublic Information Notice (PIN) No. 09/06
January 22, 2009
Public Information Notices (PINs) form part of the IMF's efforts to promote transparency of the IMF's views and analysis of economic developments and policies. With the consent of the country (or countries) concerned, PINs are issued after Executive Board discussions of Article IV consultations with member countries, of its surveillance of developments at the regional level, of post-program monitoring, and of ex post assessments of member countries with longer-term program engagements. PINs are also issued after Executive Board discussions of general policy matters, unless otherwise decided by the Executive Board in a particular case.
On January 12, 2009, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the first post-program monitoring review with the Dominican Republic.1
Macroeconomic performance was uneven in the Dominican Republic in 2008 in the context of the difficult external environment. Following natural disasters at end-2007, the country's terms of trade deteriorated sharply through the first half of 2008. While GDP continued to expand solidly in the first half of the year, falling nickel prices and rising food and energy prices led to sharp increases in the fiscal and external current account deficits, and inflation accelerated to nearly 15 percent in the third quarter. With food and energy prices having fallen sharply since October, pari passu with the global economic slowdown and international financial crisis, inflation has fallen rapidly, and ended the year at 4.5 percent, the lowest level in seven years, and half the rate in 2007.
Developments in 2008 were met with a mix of loose fiscal and tight monetary policies. Public spending was increased, in large part, to shield the economy from the deterioration in the terms of trade. In this circumstance, monetary policy was the anchor for macroeconomic stability, with the central bank cutting sharply money and credit growth rates to contain second-round effects of higher world food and oil prices on inflation and the external current account deficit. The framework for communicating monetary policy has been strengthened, with the central bank explaining clearly to the public the reasons behind policy interest rates changes.
The domestic financial system has weathered the immediate effects of the international financial crisis. The exchange rate has been managed in a manner to ensure an orderly depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar and appears broadly in line with macro-fundamentals. Banks' exposure to foreign credit lines has been very limited since the 2003-04 financial crisis, and prudential indicators point to liquidity and capital buffers that will allow banks to withstand moderate stress.
Executive Board Assessment
With demand pressures now contained, the economy slowing, and the recent reduction in food and fuel prices, the run-up in inflation seen earlier in 2008 has been reversed in the Dominican Republic. Monetary and exchange rate policies have been the anchors to contain inflationary expectations and maintain macroeconomic stability in 2008. However, the fiscal and current account deficits widened in 2008, and the growth outlook for 2009 has weakened markedly. Directors observed that the external environment remains a key downside risk for the economy.
Against this background, Directors welcomed the authorities' macroeconomic policy framework for 2009, aimed at rebalancing fiscal and monetary policies and positioning the Dominican Republic to weather well the sharp deterioration in the external environment. The prudent fiscal consolidation planned for 2009 should help relieve pressure on the external accounts and provide room for monetary easing. Directors supported the authorities' intentions to limit public expenditures to the likely constrained financing availability in order to sustain market confidence. They welcomed the structural reforms to improve the finances of the energy sector and limit its fiscal burden, and looked forward to enhance targeting of assistance to the poorest. Directors observed that the central bank's financial independence, accountability, and credibility will be enhanced by putting central bank recapitalization back on track.
Directors considered that exchange rate stability has served the economy well. Directors took note of the staff assessment that the real effective exchange rate is broadly in line with fundamentals. With the substantial uncertainties in the global economic outlook, and in the event that sufficient financing for the external current account does not materialize, imports would need to contract and, in that scenario, the authorities were encouraged to consider a less tightly managed exchange rate to help cushion potential external shocks and to facilitate the conduct of monetary policy.
Directors welcomed that the banking system is well capitalized, liquid, and profitable, and that stress tests indicate that it would be robust to moderate shocks. In light of international financial uncertainty, Directors recommended that supervisory vigilance be maintained, and that crisis management tools and crisis preparedness frameworks be enhanced. They welcomed the Financial Sector Assessment Program update scheduled for early 2009, which should help establish a reform agenda and advance risk-based consolidated bank supervision and regulation. Directors encouraged the authorities to remove the remaining weaknesses in the legal framework for the planned international financial free-trade zone before moving ahead.


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This used to be our number one beer question and for the longest time our answer was, "sorry we don't have one." Well, no more! We are proud to say that Tweason'ale has joined the lineup and we're quite smitten. Check out our bundle of joy here.
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2013-04-18 / News
Speech, debate students earn more awards
Lindale High School speech and debate students continue to have success in recent tournaments, with 18 students qualifying for the UIL Academic Regional Competition at the University of Texas at Arlington April 19-20, and four more earned a trip to Waco later in April for the state meet.
You must be an online subscriber to read this story. Stories older than 30 days are only accessible to online subscribers. Please sign in or use the links below to order a subscription.


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Let me lay down a few axioms as rules for the use and interpretation of symbols, figures, parables, and signs, as used in the Bible.
In no case is the figure and the substance to be the same thing. Let me illustrate. A map of Texas is the figure. But the map of Texas can never be Texas in reality. But we look at the map and say "this is Texas." But every one knows at once that the map is not Texas. Jesus is called a lamb, but we all know that He is not literally a lamb. George Washington's picture is not Washington; yet when we look at the. picture we say "that is George Washington."
The school teacher points to the map and says "this is Texas." We know the teacher only means to tell the child that this stands for Texas, so we can learn all about Texas, its rivers, its mountains, its cities, countries, water ways, borders, size, and so on. Every one uses these figures, and frequently when they do not think of it. Let us understand ourselves. I want to make this simple, so as to help the little ones, for the strong ones do not need it so much. Yet the very -simplicity is a joy to the stronger ones. Now Jesus used this kind of manner to teach, and the: perversion of it brings on confusion.
Jesus takes the bread in His hand and in teaching His poor weak disciples, says: "This is my body." Did He have His body in His hand? Could they, just there and then, eat His real body? No one can believe this. Then He takes the wine glass and says, "This is my blood." Was it His real blood? now, let from His veins and placed in the cup? You know it is not so. What then,
is His faithful teaching to these pupils? It is that the wine and the bread just now represents His blood and His suffering body, just as a man's picture represents the man. The blood and bread of the communion is a two fold picture of our blessed and holy Husband. What holy memories arise from the contemplation on the lovely picture of our Almighty and unchangeable Friend!
2. The substance is in all cases the main thing, and is greater than the symbol.
Now here is my second axiom – self evident truth. Texas is greater than the map of Texas. Jesus is greater than a lamb. Eternal life is greater than natural life. The wonderful spiritual birth is greater than natural birth. God as our Father is so much greater than our earthly father. Jesus, the spiritual bread is much better than natural bread. The river of life is much better than common water out of the natural river. It is so much better to eat spiritual than it is to eat our natural food. There is natural milk and there is spiritual milk, sincere milk of the word. There are natural sheep and there are also sheep of Christ's pasture. There are natural goats and there are other goats. There are good trees that bring forth good fruit, and there are other trees that bring bad fruit. Watch the fruit to know the tree. There is a natural candlestick and there are the candlesticks, seven of which Jesus says are the churches. There are seven stars, and they are the angels of the seven churches or candlesticks.
There are many natural women, and there is also the women clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. There are many bad, wild natural beasts and again there is a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns. There are many worldly kings, but Jesus is to be crowned in the daylight presence of the entire universe King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There are many physicians but Jesus is the good physician that has never yet lost a case, and we are led by faith from this to believe that He will, never lose a single case. There are many rocks in nature, but Jesus is the Rock whose work is perfect and on which His church stands, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. In the mouth of two or three natural witnesses every word is established in a court; but the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of Revelation were directed to preach the gospel of Jesus through the 1260 years of the darkest age, that by it the location of the true church is traced as a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid.
There are many natural cities, but the church of Jesus Christ is a city set on a hill whose light is joy, peace, comfort, instruction, help to rise up, to teach, shine, enlighten, show, lead, aid, furnish, house, protect, shield, guide, feed, nourish, and direct the feet of the little ones to higher things.
There is a natural sun that shines over all the creation of God; there is also the great eternal Sun of Righteousness that is a million times greater, brighter, larger, and higher than this sun that gives the common daylight. This is that light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not - preventeth it not.
3. The third axiom that I lay down here is that there may be thousands of the figure, yea millions, but there is but one of the substance. There may be a million maps of Texas but there is only one Texas. There may be a million pictures of William Jennings Bryan, but there was only one Bryan. There may be a million lambs, but there is but one Jesus. The world is today filled with many christs saying "lo here and lo there", but go not after them for they are deceivers and antichrist. They are but biting serpents instead of saviors. They are cheats and a fraud. No man no church has been pointed to do what Jesus does. Jesus is not a substitute to be placed by men wherever they may please. What wondrous beauties hang around this great thought that Jesus does His will in the army of heaven and none can stay His hand or hurry not prevent Him in the day of His work. He alone and Jesus only save sinners, and completely prepares them for glory, and that without the aid or even consulting man.
Can we help the sun to shine? Can we, help the clouds to rain? Can we quicken sinners or help give them eternal life? No in no wise. This is the Christ and none but Him has a hand in this divine work.
4. While the figure is no part of the substance, and is not as important as the substance, yet a figure is in some sense similar to the substance, or else it is not a figure of said matter. Bryan's picture must look like him or else it is not a picture of Bryan. If a map looks more like France than it does Texas, then it is not a map of Texas. Here, now lies the chief value of figures and signs and symbols and parables. The kingdom of heaven is like unto ten virgins. It has a similarity. But there is quite a difference between ten virgins and the Kingdom of God. Baptism is a sign, a figure, but salvation from sin is a substantial matter. Which is the most important matter, the sign or the substance?
Suppose you were very hungry, and you look down the street and see a sign-board which reads, Restaurant? You start at once toward that sign. When you get to the sign-board, do you begin to eat the signboard? I trow not. Some people tell us that there is eternal salvation in baptism. Is that so? So; we do not eat the signboard, but as we approach the signboard we begin to look around to see after that which the signboard refers.
The board is not the restaurant. How silly we are to run to water baptism to get salvation. Again, how silly we would be to denounce every one that has a signboard.
We do not have signboards to eat, but Jesus said "go teach and baptize" Why object to baptism? This book of Revelation is a constant reproduction of signs. Some say, "I care nothing about it." Someone might say of the restaurant signboard, "I care nothing about it." That proves that you are not hungry for the food in that restaurant. So there are so many that care nothing of the signs in the great book of Revelation. It is because they have no ear to hear. Jesus said in the opening of this book: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches." He has no ear to hear. Has no interest in these things that Jesus sent to His beloved bride. He may be no part of the bride, and may be a real enemy to the people of God. We cannot be a sheep and wolf at the same time. There, the wolf is also a figure. For we have a natural wolf that eats natural sheep; and we likewise have another kind of wolf and dog, also, of which we are told to beware. But numbers of God's children are so full of prejudice and in the flesh that they act like wolves in devouring each other. May heaven, sweet heaven, help us to crucify and put under this old wolfish spirit.
The Primitive or Old School Baptists cling to the doctrines and practices held by Baptist Churches throughout America at the close of the Revolutionary War. This site is dedicated to providing access to our rich heritage, with both historic and contemporary writings.


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Asus chairman confirms Eee Phone, envisions it as a remote control for the digital home
The existence of an Asus Eee Phone has been confirmed, by no less than Asus' chairman Jonney Shih, in a recent interview with the New York Times.
Apparently, the man thinks he can see the future, and what exactly is in store for us all according to his visions? A day when all families don't crowd around a small screen to watch digital content or see something on the Internet, but sit back and revel in the large view of a big screen in the living room.
But what does an Eee-branded smartphone have to do with all this? Well, how else would you be able to control your new digital devices in the future if you're laid back so comfortably that you couldn't even be bothered to get a glass of water if you choked on a fish? By using a remote control device, of course. And Asus' Shih believes that this remote control device could very well be a phone. An Eee-branded phone that's designed to work perfectly with their wireless digital offerings.
Things like these aren't really stuff of the future anymore, but it would still be interesting to see what else the first Asus Eee phone would be able to do, especially if it runs on Android. Also, it should be quite affordable. And that's never a bad thing.
Via Bits


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Robert Russell Dexter, 79, of West Salem, passed away Monday, October 29, 2012 at Medina Village Retirement Community. He was born April 14, 1933 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Talbot Bogert and Alice J. (Anderson) Dexter I and was a graduate of Ft. Lauderdale High School.
In 1950, he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force and began his 26 year military career with them retiring in 1976. During his career he received many awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star and the Air Force Medal.
Following his military career, he started in 1978 to work for the Medina City Water Dept. as an operations technician and retired in 2007.
Surviving are his five children, Debra (Jack Reed) Dexter of LaPorte, Indiana, Terese (Joe) Tellini of Dallas, Texas, Talbot B. Dexter II of Balch Springs, Texas, Robert B. (Letty) Dexter of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Russell B. (Annmarie Lopez) Dexter of Fr. Lauderdale, Florida; 10 grandchildren, Amber, Lisa, Cheryl, Jeannmarie, Angela, Laura, Joseph, Vincent, Chelsea and Jarod; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Maryann Crawford of Homerville, Lillian Thomas of Clinton, Ohio, Linda Fraunfelter of Auburn, California; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, Carol A. Dexter.
Funeral service will be Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 1 P.M. at the Parker & Son Funeral Home, 210 Medina St., Lodi. Rev. Dr. Tim Morrison of Spencer will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Homerville. Visitation will be Friday, November 2, 2012 from 7 to 9 P.M. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Medina County Veterans Service Office to assist local Veterans, 210 Northland Dr., Medina, OH 44256.
Online tributes may be shared at www.parkerfuneralhomes.com.


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Girl shot by Taliban completes 2 surgeries in UK
Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital says that 15-year-old Malala Yousufzai had skull reconstruction and a cochlear implant surgery to restore her hearing on Saturday. The two operations lasted a total of five hours, and doctors are said to be "very pleased" with her progress.
Malala was shot on October 9 on the way home from school by Taliban angered at her objection to the group's interpretation of Islam, which limits girls' access to education.
The hospital said Sunday she was awake and talking to hospital and her family members.
Her story and her remarkable recovery have captured global attention.


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The May 3 welterweight showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Marcos Maidana now has an official site, as the two will meet at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
While Vegas seemed like an obvious choice, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where Golden Boy Promotions has been hosting a series of card as of late, was also looking to make a bid for the fight, but ultimate, the familiar MGM Grand was selected.
"We are so delighted that Floyd will be fighting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the 12th time," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "It is truly Floyd's home away from home and as we always say, when Floyd fights at MGM Grand, it stands for 'Mayweather gets money' because of his ability to sell every seat in the house."
"Floyd Mayweather will be coming home once again on May 3 when he faces Marcos Maidana at MGM Grand in Las Vegas," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "With 11 of his previous fights being held at MGM Grand, Floyd has become the venue's greatest sports franchise, so it is only fitting that he face one of his toughest challenges here in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas."
Mayweather has fought at the MGM Grand nine consecutive times, having bested Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez among others. Mayweather's last fight against Alvarez broke the live gate record, doing over $20 million in revenue.
As for tickets, they will be priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $550 and $350, and will go on sale on March 8.


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E3 2010: Nintendogs + Cats info, screens, and trailer
posted: 6/17/2010 2:28:00 PM
I know, I know... I can probably put this right up there next to Kinectimals in terms of the general gamer's interest... but it has my attention (you know, that daughter I mentioned regularly). Nintendo has an all new version of
ready to roll for the Nintendo DS, only this time cats will be joining in on the fun.
Iwata announced
Nintendogs + Cats
at the Nintendo press conference at E3. The new version of the game will allow players to adopt the animal of their choosing from an assortment of either cats or dogs, and interact with them through a variety of activities. Actually, judging by some of the screens below, you may be able to own at least one of each; I see a cat roaming around the background while the player is interfacing with the dog.
The original
game(s) were a smash hit back in 2005 and were one of the title that set the DS on fire in terms of its popularity. Nintendo is hoping that the new title can do the same with the 3DS. You can check out a few shots of those cuddly, little creatures below:
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