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A big Thank you to the Spark Family for caring
Saturday, September 28, 2013
I am touched, so many people responded to my last blog, people from teams I am in, but we had never talked, people we have been friends with in SP, but have never met, the SP Team themselves.
Thank you for caring! It means a lot.
We are trying to piece our life's together, every day there are things that shake you up again, but also things that touch you.
Stories that come out and touch you. Like the one terrorist, who allowed little children to leave, from the supermarket downstairs, while his colleagues where slaughtering them upstairs. He asked if there are children around and a british Mum stood up and said she had 2, he allowed her to go. Then her 4year old boy told the terrorist he is a bad man and the terrorist asked him to forgive him and gave the little boy & his sister a chocolate.
Or the muslim who, when the terrorists told muslims could leave, but had to recite a prayer to prove they are indeed muslims, quickly wrote a prayer down on paper for the Christian next to him.
The politician's son, who is trained on guns and a police reservist, who came in to rescue his brother who was stuck and ended up rescuing hundreds, at one point he was (we saw picture's later) outside the bank protecting us with his gun.
We were able to get our cars back. Going there and down into the basement parking was traumatizing, not just being there again, but also seeing the damage, chaos & horror. Thank God it was dark, so I did not see much. But I also concentrated on MY car & BF's car. I was with BF's son and a Flying Squat (Special Police unit) Officer. WE walked down there in standing muck & water and could not see much. First I couldn't see my car & panicked. But then It was there, hidden behind another. The battery was totally dead, since the alarm, triggered off by the detonations & gunfire, drained it. We had to push it out of the parking space & one wheel fell into a man hole, we could not see in the muck & water, so the guys had to lift it out again. We managed to turn the car. BF's car was fine, so we used it to toe my car out. BF had meanwhile been send by us to get a jumper cable from a friend who lives nearby. We managed to jumpstart it with no problem. While we were waiting to finalize formalities with the police we saw evidence being carried out of the building by the different forensic teams. I have never seen so many life bullets in my life..... Those Terrorists had enough for a whole army.
Thanks God my car had only minor damage. And even though the rear shocks suffered damage when we pushed the car into the man hole, those shocks were old and just about worn out anyway.
Please pray for Kenya:
- For the different Kenya Defence Forces for wisdom.
- for the bereaved families for strength & healing]
- for the injured & traumatized for physical & spiritual healing
- for those who lost their cars, documents, businesses, & livelihood for strength & new solutions. Most insurance covers do not cover international acts of terrorism!
- For the politicians & journalists for wisdom in all they say, they have done enough damage already with their mindless talks & blamegame
I am very lucky to have friends who are there for me, and try to help us through this. Some were already accompanying us during the ordeal via mobile phone (a wonderful invention.....), even though they were conscious not to drain our batteries, but even hourly sms helped a lot. But even afterwards, the friend who lent a car immediately, those who invited us for dinners & lunches & simply spend time with us and my bosses for their understanding. Currently I am not expected to meet any goals at work, they are happy I am alive & are very supportive & understand that I can't perform well right now. I can chose what I think I can do. They even offered a car (usually reserved for Senior Management) for 2 weeks for me to use.
Healing will still be a long process, but we are managing to get some normalcy into our lives & are also starting to get the shock & trauma out of our systems. When BF finally started emotions on Thursday I was so glad!
Dear Sparkfamily, thanks for all your sweet comments, goodies, emails etc. It is wonderful to know there are people out there who care
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Glad to hear you are getting some normalcy back in your life. It will take soooo long to recover from this. May you and your bf lean on each other for support and be there when the day just seems to get you down. I'm praying for you and your loved ones and all involved, may you have peace
991 days ago
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STEPH, I am glad that you were there to be supportive and strong for those poor young girls who were locked up with you. I am so sorry that you were there because of the trauma and pain that you have to deal with now.
I will keep praying. And am wishing you God's best blessings, always!
996 days ago
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Thank you for allowing me to share in your suffering and Kenya's.
999 days ago
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Thanks for your update, Steffi.
Praying for healing.
1000 days ago
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Wonderfully written update . . . thanks for that. Will continue to pray.
1000 days ago
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There is so much tragedy that abounds where there is terrorism. I so wish that instead of taking a militaristic approach that all our defense money could instead be devoted towards addressing the horrific needs which fuel terror: hunger, poverty, lack of basic services. If basic needs were being met there wouldn't be the desperation which fuels terror.
The "have-nots" aren't going to tolerate their conditions without repercussions for the rest of us...not to condone for a second their means, but seeking understanding.
Keeping you, Kenya and the world in our hearts,
1000 days ago
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I am so glad that you are OK. I will be praying. Thank you for the update.
God Bless
1000 days ago
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I am so glad you are safe and there is support for healing from the trauma.
You gave a very comprehensive report, thank you Steph
1001 days ago
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Glad to be of help, hope things improve for you, what a world we live in.
1001 days ago
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1001 days ago
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Steph, I have "known" you on Spark for a long time now but have not really gotten to know you. This horrible atrocity that you witnessed made me realize just how fragile life can be and how precious our friends and loved ones truly are. Like I have mentioned previously, you and Poli are weighing heavily on my heart and I am here for anything that I can do from afar. Be gentle with yourself and may God heal you and all of those involved.
1001 days ago
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1001 days ago
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Thanks for the update - so helpful to know how to pray for you and for the whole situation. I have several friends in Kenya (Eldoret), but none as close as you were to the tragedy. I'm so glad things worked out well for you to get your car back, and am also happy that you've received such support!
1001 days ago
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Flexite is the ultimate cast thermoplastic for full dentures and removable partials.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Discover the maxi booster effect. A new white mascara base enriched with XL Micro-Fibers to prime and protect your lashes. For use under your usual mascara to enhance its colour and makeup result for a look that is instantly more intense, more captivating. Suitable even for sensitive eyes.


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Link: Escape From Puppy Death Factory
Developer: AdultSwimGames
Genre: Platformer/Puzzle
FlashMush Rating: 8.5/10
Another game from AdultSwimGames and you know they make some pretty awesome games, the last one I reviewed was Cardboard Box Assembler. Now out comes Escape From Puppy Death Factory which combines the all so popular genre of platformer and puzzle.
What you first see when you start up this game is the great graphics. They are kind of cartoony but very cute...I mean the title has Puppy in it! The second thing you should notice is a nice homage to the Metroid series. That's right Escape From Puppy Death Factory takes heavily from the Metroid series, not that this is a bad thing, in a flash game I think having a little bit of a homage to a retro game is nice. What exact Metroid features do they use? First off when you arrive at the level you are flying in a dog themed space ship that looks exactly like Samus' spaceship. Also your main weapon is an arm cannon. The last bit is the huge map really feels like the huge maps that Metroid has.
So you can probably guess how the platforming bit works in Escape From Puppy Death Factory, it's really nothing different. What makes this game really unique is more so the puzzle aspects of it. This game's whole puzzle "gimmick" if you will is based on using the arm cannon to "swap" yourself with various items. I know it sounds weird and hard to visualize but if you play the game it's actually quite an easy aspect in terms of controls but can make for some very challenging puzzles.
In fact I think some of the puzzles are way too challenging way too early in the game. And while usually I chalk this up to be a pretty negative aspect in games and to be fair I did knock this game down a little bit for that, I didn't do it as much as usual due to the uniqueness of the puzzles.
Overall Escape From Puppy Death Factory is a great game visually and offers a unique puzzling opportunity.
Play Escape From Puppy Death Factory here:


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Super Circus1956 episode of the Classic TV series "Super Circus", Complete with original commercials. "Super Circus" was, as it's name suggests, A televised circus show.
To Download or Embed this video, go to this link.
Back to the Super Circus Library
back to Uncle Earl's Classic TV Channel


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Home > News > Dr. Metcalf named VP of Medical Staff Affairs for Genesis, Illini Campus
Published on April 06, 2012
Peter J. Metcalf, M.D., has assumed the part-time position of Vice President of
Medical Staff Affairs for Genesis Medical
Center, Illini Campus.
Dr. Metcalf, a pediatrician who
has been active on the Illini
Campus medical staff since
1994, was appointed by Flo
Spyrow, President of GMC-Illini
Campus. He began his duties
effective April 1.
Working part-time as the
physician executive leader will
allow him to continue his
pediatric practice at Genesis
Health Group's Silvis Pediatric
Clinic, where he has been
seeing patients since 2004.
In his executive position, which is new for
the Illini Campus, Dr. Metcalf will serve as
liaison between the GMC-Illini medical
staff and the administrative team. GMCIllini
has nearly 300 active, provisional and
courtesy doctors.
One of Dr. Metcalf's goals will be to
establish a hospital environment that
welcomes, engages and respects
physicians and their
contributions to patient
care delivery.
"Dr. Metcalf has served our
community and the hospital
for nearly 20 years in an
exemplary manner and is
extremely qualified for the
position," said Spyrow in
making the announcement.
"He is well known not only
for his commitment to
quality health care, but also
for his tireless work to make
sure all children, regardless
of background or parents' ability to pay,
receive the medical care they need.
"His years of experience as a trusted
medical staff leader and dedication to
patients will serve Illini Campus well as we
grow and offer more services to the
Dr. Metcalf received his medical
education at the University of Bristol,
England; completed his residency training
in Pediatrics in Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada; and, is board certified in both
Canada and the U.S.
He practiced in Southern Alberta for
17 years, where he established and ran a
Level 2+ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
similar to the one at Genesis Medical
Center, East Rusholme Street, Davenport.
He also served on the Alberta Perinatal
Program Advisory Committee and was a
member of the Board of the Alberta
Medical Association.
Before leaving Alberta, he was part of a
Canadian Government program designed
to assist the Ukraine in modernizing its
pediatric care in the immediate period
after the collapse of the Soviet Union and
spent some time in Kiev. He practiced for
two years in British Columbia in a
consulting capacity before relocating here
in 1994.
Dr. Metcalf has been a member of the
Medical Executive Committee at Illini
since 1995 and has served on several
hospital and health system committees.
He was a member of the Genesis team
that travelled to New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina.
He is the Medical Director of the School
Health Link Clinics in the Illinois Quad
Cities, and served on the Rock Island
County Health Board for a number of
years. He was Medical Director of the
Signature Physician Group, one of the
three physician groups that merged to
become Genesis Health Group, and
served on the GHG Joint Operating
Board for six years.
He has just completed four years as
President of the Medical Staff at Illini
Campus. He is currently Medical Section
Chief at Illini and is involved with the
ARNP program of the University of Illinois.
Dr. Metcalf and Karen, his wife of more
than 40 years, live in Bettendorf. They
have two children -- a daughter who lives
in London, England, and a son who lives
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PCC in the News
News: Tech Update-July 23
Greetings PCC Family,
We're in the fourth week of July and that marks 3 weeks into the LancerPoint Finance system. We've been very busy getting everyone's access setup correctly in Finance and things should be settling down. July 11 marked the launch of the LancerPoint portal which we're simply calling LancerPoint. July 11 also marked the beginning of the Fall 2013 registration cycle. The summer continues to be busy for all those involved in the LancerPoint project. In this update I'll be giving a bunch of small tips to help you get the most out of LancerPoint and some general information.
Administrative LancerPoint (Banner/INB) password resets.
Sometimes people aren't sure who to contact when they've locked up their Banner/INB account. The first thing to try is to get in using the new preferred method for getting into Banner/INB which I will outline below. If that doesn't work, then you can open an incident at the helpdesk and the password will get reset usually within 24 hours.
Preferred method for getting into Banner/INB
Use internet explorer and go to http://www.pasadena.edu/banner/ and click on the "Production INB" button. You can use your regular network user ID and password.
Locking your workstation when you step away
Depending on your role here at PCC, it could be very dangerous to walk away from your computer and leave Banner/INB open. If you're an approver that means anyone could get on your computer and approve requisitions. If you have access to student records, then someone could alter student records and all changes will be tracked with your username. In order to avoid this risk, it is recommended that you lock your workstation. If you're a windows user, you can simple hold the windows-key down and tap the L key. Mac users, please find a method that will work for you; theirs is no simple keystroke like in windows, but you could use a password with your screensaver.
Access to Banner/INB from off campus
The question has come up about accessing Banner/INB from off campus. Although this might be handy for some, it introduces security risks so off campus use of Banner/INB is not allowed from off campus.
13/14 Parking Permits
You will soon be able to purchase your 13/14 or Fall 13 parking permits in LancerPoint. This functionality should be available for both staff and students beginning in early August.
Until next time,
Mark Gutierrez
Release Date: 07/25/2013
SERVICE ALERT: PCC will be launching an updated version of this website on Tuesday, June 28, and Wednesday, June 29. During that time, you may notice some changes to content, layout, and functionality of the site, and there may be interruptions in service. We appreciate your patience during the launch, and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.


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Course Evaluations
The College has established procedures for reviewing the professional development of every visiting and junior faculty member. Teaching effectiveness is one of the major criteria that our department, the Committee of Six, and the President use in reviewing visiting and junior professors. Your feedback on your professors teaching is an important component of this evaluation.
Departments are required to solicit students' assessments of teaching effectiveness in the form of a signed questionnaire. Please provide your assessment by answering the evaluation questions. Course evaluations will be listed under this tab towards the end of each semester. Only students enrolled in each of the courses listed will have permission to fill out an evaluation.
After you have received your grade for the course, the professor will have access to copies of your questionnaire, without signature, to protect your anonymity.
We thank you in advance for your help.


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Apartments am Brandenburger Tor
Size100 m²
Floor No.0(with elevator)
- Kitchen
- Lockable room
- Elevator in building
- Baby cot
- Dishwasher
- Parking available
- Internet/WiFi
|10117 Berlin, Germany
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
|Check-in after
|On arrangement
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|On arrangement
|Cancellation Policy
|View Details
The apartment is very spacious and bright, even for 6 people. The windows are easy to close and therefore the apartment is not noisy. The bathroom is rather small. The equipment with kitchen utensils kitchen is spartan. Similarly, meant as curtain fabrics are attached carelessly and inappropriately on the windows. A blackout is not possible. Mattresses and beds are ok. The bed ensemble is uncomfortable and just lean features as the two benches, so that there are only two real chairs for 6 people. The TV set is inexpedient appropriate place to put it on a cart and thus to make more versatile.
Die Wohnung ist selbst für 6 Personen sehr geräumig und hell. Die Fenster sind gut zu schließen und daher ist die Wohnung nicht lärmig. Das Bad ist eher klein. Die Ausstattung mit Küchenutensilien der Küche ist spartanisch. Ebenso sind die als Gardinen gemeinten Textilien an den Fenstern lieblos und unpassend angebracht. Eine Verdunkelung ist nicht möglich. Matratzen und Betten sind okay. Das Couchensemble ist unbequem und genauso eine Magerausstattung wie die beiden Sitzbänke, so dass es für 6 Personen nur zwei wirkliche Stühle gibt. Das TV-Gerät ist unzweckmäßig angebracht, statt es auf einen Rollwagen zu stellen und damit vielfältiger einsetzbar zu machen.
Great as photos !!!!! Excellent location very central and easily accessible system check in and check out is excellent ....
Ottimo come da foto!!!!! Ottima la posizione molto centrale e facilmente raggiungibile, sistema check in e check out è eccellente ....
Great apartment in very central location.
The apartment was not exactly cozy but very functional. There was a dishwasher and washing machine worked fine.
The beds worked but was not too comfortable. Internet was really bad (verging on not at all) but this was also the only rikitgt negative with the apartment.
It was simple to both check in and check out.
Bra lägenhet med mycket centralt läge.
Lägenheten var inte direkt mysig men mycket funktionell. Det fanns både diskmaskin och tvättmaskin som fungerade bra.
Sängarna fungerade men var inte alltför bekväma. Internet fungerade riktigt dåligt (snudd på inte alls) men detta var också det enda rikitgt negativa med lägenheten.
Det var enkelt att både checka in och checka ut.
Great location, clean, typical plate for family with children well. Perhaps more cutlery for 6 people ....
Super Lage, Sauber, Typisch Plattenbau Für Familie mit Kinder gut. Vielleicht mehr Besteck für 6 Pers....
Our stay in Berlin was fabulous. The apartment was exactly what we wanted: spacious, bright, clean and situated right in the center of the city.The strongly suggest if we return to Berlin and we would definitely stay there again. A group of teachers from Italy
Il nostro soggiorno a Berlino è stato favoloso. L'appartamento era esattamente quello che volevamo: spazioso,luminoso, pulito e situato proprio nel centro della città.Lo consiglio caldamente e se torneremo a Berlino sicuramente alloggeremo di nuovo lì.
Un gruppo di insegnante dall'Italia
This apartment in Berlin was exactly as expected: very well-located, nice and clean rooms, good size! No complaints!
Los apartamentos están muy bien situados y son muy confortables. Los propietarios han respondido bien y rápido a lo que hemos necesitado.
Hotell opplevelsen var bra men ikke fornøyd ved bestilling. Vi fikk oppgitt en total pris for oppholdet i kroner, men ved betaling ble det trukket ut ifra kursen på euroen den dagen. Vi fikk en endring på 600 kr. Da jeg tok kontakt med hotellet fikk vi beskjed om at det ikke var noe dem kunne gjøre med dette. Det er ikke store forskjellen men prinsippsak.
Eller fine rom og hyggelig oppmøte.
Very disappointed at the standard of the apartment and the arrival and departure procedure! This apartment was let through Wimdu by Interhome. I will never book anything let by Interhome again. Having made the booking and paid for it we were totally unaware until one week before departure that bed linen and towels were not included and an extra charge was levied (Euro 28 for sheets and 12 for towels). When I challenged Interhome on non disclosure of information they told me it was in the small print: having trawled though every last word I found it in tiny print under Cancellation Policy! Again I challenged Interhome about deliberately placing this important piece of information where nobody will think to look. It should be clearly displayed on the webpage under Amenities where a note can be posted in the relevant area for all to see.
Arrival procedure - what a nonsense. Having paid for the sheets you have to collect them in person from the office. We made it by the skin of our teeth before the office closed for the weekend. Because our flight was delayed we arrived in Chamonix later than expected and had the office been closed we would have had no sheets at all! They are bulky to carry and I have photos of my husband looking like Santa Clause with a big white sack over his shoulder. It's the height of nonsense to expect arrivals to lug luggage and carry this bulky bad around Chamonix. On departure we had to return the sheets to the office again in said bag!
End cleaning - the previous tenant had presumably paid therefore we expected a clean apartment. The hard surfaces were clean but the living room carpet was disgusting with stains and grime and dirty black marks (photographed). It needs either professionally deep cleaned or dumped. Personally I would replace it. My bed sheet had a dirty brown mark on it (photographed) and the "white" patio furniture was grey with grime. I don't think it had been cleaned in years. Before I would set as much as a mug on it I scrubbed it with the dish scrubber (which I then couldn't use on the dishes!). Again we have photographic evidence. The best feature of the apartment is the wonderful view of Mont Blanc from the balcony. I don't know who is employed to clean this apartment but they could do with a lesson or two. I will never use Interhome again and I recommend that you steer clear of it too. I've used Wimdu many times and always been satisfied but not on this occasion.
Nice clean well equipped apartment. Very friendly hoists. Would recommend to all my friends.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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Apr 22, 2014 10:30 AM
Cyndie writes: "I am 59 years young and am getting married for the first time. I do NOT want a traditional wedding dress. It will be a small wedding. Also I have lost 130 pounds over the last 2 years so I want to show... [More]
Apr 21, 2014 10:24 AM
We're in love with this Saint Laurent Metallic Leather Biker Jacket ($5,490) even though it's more than our monthly mortgage! It's a fabulous piece that enables you to create an edgy ensemble as well as a sophisticated look. With that being said, you tell us... [More]
Apr 17, 2014 10:30 AM
Okay, so we have this adorable bikini top covered in sweet little flamingos, but we're not a fan of the coordinating bottom. It's just a bit much if we wear the same printed bottom and there's no reason to settle since there are so many... [More]
Apr 15, 2014 10:25 AM
A statement necklace can totally make or break your outfit. We're loving the Kate Spade Amalfi Mosaic Statement Necklace ($348) this season. With a beautiful palette of stone, this necklace gives us so many options to create awesome ensembles. Southern Belle TEVOLIO Halter Neck Chiffon... [More]
Apr 9, 2014 10:25 AM
Okay, so you've finally found a special someone and it's that time...time to meet the parents! You're excited that you're taking your relationship to the next level, but what do you wear to make the best possible first impression? Do you go casual, sporty, or... [More]
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.
Apr 8, 2014 10:25 AM
Crop tops are popping up everywhere this spring. While we think they're a great trend, we're not sure how to wear one appropriately. With that being said, we want you to be the stylist and tell us how you'd rock a crop top when you're... [More]
Apr 7, 2014 10:25 AM
Polka dots, plaids, stripes, florals, animal prints and more! It's fun to mix patterns and create unique ensembles. Playing with prints makes for fresh looks for the spring season. Are you a polka dot and leopard gal? Or floral and striped lady? You tell us... [More]
Apr 2, 2014 11:05 AM
Jane Doe* wrote: "My brother recently approached me with the task of helping him pick out an engagement ring for his long-time, soon-to-be-doctor, beautiful girlfriend. I adore his girlfriend. In fact, I feel my brother and I would not be as close today if it... [More]
Mar 31, 2014 11:10 AM
Ella writes, "Hi Outblush! I'm going to be a counselor at a camp in Wisconsin this summer and I need major wardrobe help. I'm from New York and I don't know anyone going to this camp so I need to look confident and cool. I'm... [More]
Mar 27, 2014 11:04 AM
We love busy prints, but we have to admit...we find ourselves stumped. One of our favorite trends for the summer is whimsically printed shorts. While you can easily pair floral shorts with a simple white tee or blouse, it's so much more fun to create... [More]
Mar 26, 2014 11:06 AM
Elle writes: "Hey ladies, You gave me some great advice on a pixie cut a couple of years back. Now I'm hoping you can help me find a dress to strut my stuff! I will be going to my first annual law school ball with... [More]
Mar 25, 2014 11:05 AM
Elizabeth writes: "Hello! I'm hoping for some help finding the right outfit for my sister-in-law's wedding. Typically, I have no problem finding dresses for these types of events. In fact, I usually have two or three new dresses at any given time awaiting a purpose.... [More]
Mar 24, 2014 11:06 AM
Paula wrote: "Hello Ladies and Gentleman! My name is Paula and I am looking for colorful workout gear to go with this shirt. I've been trying to find Capri length workout pants that fall in between gets-in-the-way-baggy and was-this-painted-on-her-tight. That itself is hard to find,... [More]
Mar 20, 2014 11:05 AM
Prom night is something that girls dream of from the time they're in middle school. It can be a magical and memorable evening if you have the right date and of course...the perfect dress. This year we're seeing lots of frills - sequins, lace, chiffon... [More]
Mar 19, 2014 11:10 AM
Carol writes: "Hi Outblush! Love you guys. You were able to help me with some Peter Pan collar shirts a while ago. Now I need your help again. My friend from college is having a baby boy and the nursery is Fox themed....I am having... [More]
Mar 18, 2014 11:08 AM
Anna writes, "Oh masters of internet shopping, I just saw Some Like it Hot and this dress that Marilyn Monroe wears in it is so scandalously to die for! I would love to own such a sexy dress to vamp up date night. I am... [More]
Mar 17, 2014 10:26 AM
Wedding season is approaching and so the perennial question begins, "What should we wear to that romantic beach wedding?" Here are some suggestions - we want to know which you like best! Beach Bombshell Leifsdottir Shimmered Garden Dress ($168) Sofft Valeda Sandal ($73, on sale)... [More]
Mar 13, 2014 11:10 AM
Love colored denim, but often find yourself stumped on how to create a great ensemble? We're here to show you how. You can pair bright skinny jeans with a beautiful blouse, solid tee or printed tank. If you're not daring enough to try colored skinnies,... [More]
Mar 11, 2014 11:10 AM
Aminah wrote: "I am a 2/3 size in dresses and my maximum budget for one is $75. I am graduating in May and I am hosting a Graduation Luau at the end of the month of May. I am 5'1 and it is so hard... [More]
Mar 10, 2014 11:10 AM
Katie wrote, "By the time I remember I need the heart shape for Valentine's Day, they are sold out... I thought a cute and practical idea might be a cookie cutter for each month or so there is a cookie-worthy holiday. Would make a nice... [More]
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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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Grow Food Not Lawns!
Learn more about turning your lawn into a garden, no matter what the size.
Learn more about turning your lawn into a garden, no matter what the size.
Learn about the GMO debate and how you can get involved in signing petitions for labeling standards.
The grass is turning green, but can your wardrobe? Make sustainable choices and vote with your wallet by choosing bamboo, organic cotton, and fair trade!
Use batch cooking to save time and money in preparing recipes for your family.
Tips and tricks for car trip travel this holiday season.
Recipes for making sweet potato soup and apple acorn squash soup.
Find the choice produce at your farmer's market in the fall.
Consider helping your local farmers and buying fresh food for Thanksgiving dinner.
With these at home recipes, you can make your own art supplies from items in the cupboard.
Head to your farmer's market to get this amazing fall harvest produce.


text: DGK all day every day, like a comfortable pair of shorts. Worn out. The DGK Nothing 2 Lose Shorts are a durable and relaxed short. From the gym to the park. Sports a mesh make with an adjustable waist with drawstring reinforcement, side entry pockets, and DGK detail at both sides and hits at front. Constructed of 100% polyester. Available in colorways as seen below. Medium features a 12'' rise, 11'' inseam, and 26'' leg opening. Model wears a medium.


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Spatulas are great for a variety of kitchen tasks, from scraping the last bit of batter out of a mixing bowl to gently stirring some scrambled eggs in a nonstick pan. Spatulas can be made from a variety of materials, but your average spatula seems to be made from silicone more often than not these days. There is one exception to this trend and that ... Read More »
Category Archives: How-To's and Tips
How to make a double boiler
When you put a pot on the stovetop, it gets hot – especially the parts of the pot that make physical contact with the heating element, be it flame or electric coil, of the stove. I'm not going to speculate about how hot your stove gets, since it depends on how your stove is powered, but that flame or coil is very hot. When heating ... Read More »
What is Shortcake?
When fresh strawberries, or fresh fruit of almost any kind, are at their peak one of the most common dessert suggestions is for strawberry shortcake. But "shortcake" doesn't really accurately describe what the dessert looks like, and unless you've had one before, you might be stuck scratching you head when you're served one. Strawberry shortcake is typically made with a biscuit-like cake or scone that ... Read More »
How to make waffle cone bowls
I've really been enjoying my new pizzelle maker lately and eating more ice cream than usual as a result of the fact that creamy ice cream is a good match for the crispy waffle cookies in ice cream sandwiches. Since the pizzelles taste like waffle cones, turning them into ice cream cones seems like an obvious option, too. Unfortunately, the pizzelles made with my baker ... Read More »
What is a crumb coat?
A crumb coat is a term that comes up fairly often for those of us who like to bake cakes, but it is not often well defined in recipes. Sometimes, it isn't mentioned at all, although anyone who has ever tried to frost a cake and ended up with lots of crumbs stuck in the frosting would certainly find that knowing how to apply a ... Read More »
What is cocoa butter?
In the simplest terms, cocoa butter is the fat in chocolate that makes it melt in your mouth and in your hand. It is a plant fat from the cocoa bean that has a melting point that is just around body temperature (somewhere around 95F, give or take a few degrees, actually), meaning that it is a solid at any temperature below that point and ... Read More »
How to choose fruit for grilling
Cooking outside when the weather is nice is very appealing, and it's nice to be able to make dessert while you're outside – and without heating up the house to bake – so one of the best summertime desserts out there is grilled fruit. Grilling can make fruit sweeter, as it caramelizes the natural sugars in the fruit, and can make them seem even juicier ... Read More »
How to make graham cracker crumbs
A graham cracker crust is one of the easiest crust options for making a pie. There is no rolling out dough, nor do you even have to cut butter into flour! If you buy the crust, it's even easier. Storebought graham cracker crusts are reliable and usually taste pretty good; I always have one on hand for easy pie baking (they're great for key lime). ... Read More »


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Mega launches with issues all around, "smooth experience" coming soon
Kim Dotcom's second brainchild officially launched yesterday, and while everything was obviously supposed to go smooth, it didn't. It turns out, the new service claimed that one million users signed up on day one alone, and when you're not expecting that big of a crowd, things can get cluttered fairly quickly. Many users reported issues with Mega, most notably that they weren't able to upload files.


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Join Steve Caporizzo on Friday, April 18, to help News10 ABC's Pet Connection raise funds to help local animals in need. The fourth annual Pins for Pets will run from 4-7 p.m. at Spare Time Bowling Lanes in Latham.
The first 150 people to register will receive a free gift and be entered in a door prize drawing. You can bring your own shoes and bowling balls or use the ones at the bowling lanes.
The cost for two games and shoes is $17 for adults, and $12 for children 8 and younger. 50% of funds collected will go to Pet Connection. Donations of canned pet food will also be appreciated.
Come and join the fun and help local animals. No previous bowling experience is needed!
Spare Time is located at 375 Troy Schenectady Rd., Latham, NY 12110. For more information, call 518-785-6694.
Follow all the news about Green Living, American Made, Pets, Education, and Child Health by subscribing to my articles. Click on the "Subscribe" button, or here: http://www.examiner.com/user-bmader. Visit my blog for a chuckle at: http://barb-says.blogspot.com.


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Form spam
From DreamHost
Revision as of 05:32, 15 September 2011 by Scjessey (Talk | contribs) (Reverted edits by Qinniang (talk) to last revision by Rlparker)
Spammers do not just take advantage of vulnerability exploits in computer programs to send e-mail messages in bulk. Given that a web page form means at some point a person will see what is submitted, they will simply submit forms with spam. And while they may be stupid, they are not lazy: they will target your homemade script and not just the thousands of copies of WordPress out there.
There are some. But there are some things you can do that might help:
- Filter form data for spam before processing it
- Show a preview before processing to discourage spam
- Block access based on ip
- Add a CAPTCHA image to the form and check it's value on the POST of the form.
Form spam is not indicative of a security vulnerability in a script. While form spam can be automated just like the numerous security exploits out there, it can also be done simply by a person with a web browser submitting the same form more than once.


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Miami Dolphins: Highlights from Jeff Ireland press conference
This press conference is virtually the same every year.
The same questions, trying to get some hint of strategy.
The same evasive answers.
Still, here are some bullet-points from Jeff Ireland's 30 minutes with the media:
– On Jason Taylor: He called Taylor "an acorn that's fallen from the tree," and said "you have to look at every possible situation at this time of year." So he acknowledged that "we're looking at it, but the interest level, we're not going to comment." His key statement? "He's going to be 35 in September… we have to look at whether veterans are progress-stoppers for younger players."
– On the center swap: He praised Samson Satele, but said "we needed better consistency at the position."
– On injuries: He called Donald Thomas virtually 100 percent, and said Justin Smiley was slightly behind. Still, he added that no player (Greg Camarillo included) was far enough behind that it would affect draft decisions.
– On his receivers: When asked about which guy was his No. 1 receiver, he named both Camarillo and Ted Ginn, Jr. He said that in Ginn's third year, "it's time for him to really show what he can do." He said that "we need to upgrade depth" at the position, but made it clear that Brandon London and Ernest Wilford (along with Davone Bess) were all very much part of the plans.
– On himself, in his second year here: "The greatest thing is that you know your team better. I know this team a lot better."
– On cornerback: He called Andre Goodman "a big loss." He spoke highly of the cornerback they acquired (Eric Green), but also said "we didn't get some other guys we looked at." He mentioned Joey Thomas as someone with potential. And he noted that with three cornerbacks who will be unrestricted free agents, including Will Allen, the position is an ongoing concern.
– On his philosophy: "The only way to be dominant in this league is to be big, to be strong, to be powerful."
– On the 3-4 defense: He agreed with Omar's assessment that it was more difficult to find 3-4 players now that so many teams are looking for them. "But not every team runs the 3-4 the same way."
– On Stephen Ross: He said that the owner would be in the draft room, and was there last year. "It's a science to him, and we try to educate him." But it's different than Jerry Jones? "Yes, definitely."
– On the state of the team: He said that while Tony Sparano had raised the culture, attitude and accountability "close to championship caliber," the team was still in the rebuilding stage in terms of personnel. That's interesting, and will lead to a column I'll write soon enough.
– On what they're looking for: "Our biggest need is bringing in playes who think the way we think and work the way our players look."
– On Michael Vick: He said the team doesn't have any interest "right now," and spoke of the "three terrific quarterbacks on our roster." He acknowledged that Vick would have "Wildcat qualities," but "there's so much more than Wildcat qualities."
– On moving up or down: "I'm always interested in moving up, always interested in moving down. All the cliches, baby."


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Jereme Jovon Perry
Position: DB
Height: 6-0 Weight: 190 lbs.
Born: December 15, 1981 in Saginaw, MI
High School: Buena Vista
College: East. Michigan (school history) (Perry college stats)
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 1 (13070th overall since 1950)
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Update: Joan Rivers has passed away at 81 after being taken off life support Sept. 4.
Joan Rivers has died at age 81 on Sept. 4 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Her only child, daughter Melissa Rivers, released a statement thanking everyone for their love and support.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother," read the statement. "She passed peacefully at 1:17 pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son [Cooper] and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother."
It continued: "Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated. My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon."
Read more: Joan Rivers dead at 81: Cause of death under review
Joan Rivers was moved out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and into a private room at Mount Sinai Hospital, her daughter Melissa revealed in a statement. "My mother has been moved out of intensive care and into a private room where she is being kept comfortable," the statement read. "Thank you for your continued support."
Joan remains on life support but she shows signs of brain functioning, a source told ET. "Preliminary tests appear to rule out brain-dead. There seems to be some function."
Rivers, 81, remains at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York after going into cardiac and respiratory arrest during a routine throat surgery at Yorkville Endoscopy clinic on Aug. 28. Her family is so furious that she stopped breathing during a routine operation they're considering filing a lawsuit against the clinic. The New York Department of Health is currently reviewing Yorkville Endoscopy, which has been contacted twice since last week.
"Shock and upset is turning to anger, and they are looking for someone to blame," said a source. "The night before, she was performing and now she is on life support. An 81-year-old should not have that procedure as an outpatient. Very ill-advised."
Rivers was brought out of a medically induced coma on Aug. 31 and is breathing with the help of a life support machine. Doctors will monitor Rivers' progress to see what to do next. Melissa Rivers may take her off life support this weekend to see if she can breathe on her own.
A family friend said Rivers has specifically stated that she wants to live "a full and active life ... and would never want to be a burden on anyone." Joan has also told Melissa she wants to be cremated after her death.
Medically induced comas are usually reserved for traumatic brain injury. The goal is to slow down swelling that puts pressure on the brain and causes damage.
It's unclear the extent of brain damage Joan suffered when she stopped breathing. Most experts say Rivers most likely suffered brain damage. If she survives, she could face weeks or months of physical therapy to regain motor skills, or she could be permanently impaired.
Joan Considered Suicide After Husband Killed Himself
Rivers is no stranger to hospitals or surgeries. Over the years, she has been honest about her numerous plastic surgeries, including several nose jobs, facelifts, brow lifts, liposuction, Botox injections, and chemical peels.
Unlike other Hollywood celebrities who hide and deny their plastic surgeries, Joan doesn't regret her countless cosmetic surgery procedures over the years, saying they dramatically improved her life. "If you can fix it, fix it," she said. "If it makes you happier, I don't care what anyone says."
Joan's daughter, Melissa, recently said her mother has gotten less inhibited with age, and that living with her is very difficult. Melissa, 46, is Joan's daughter with her late husband, producer Edgar Rosenberg. Rosenberg committed suicide in 1987.
Joan confessed that she briefly considered committing suicide after her husband killed himself. At the time, Melissa wasn't speaking to Joan, and Joan had gotten fired from several jobs. A distraught Rivers said she had a gun in her lap but was pulled out of her suicidal thoughts after her dog abruptly jumped in her lap. Joan said she was worried that if she killed herself, no one would take care of her dog.
Joan has since given lectures on depression and suicide, encouraging depressed people to remember that life goes on, and tough times don't last forever. "I tell people this is a horrible, awful dark moment, but it will change," she said in a TV interview. "You must know it's going to change and you push forward. I look back and think, 'Life is great, life goes on.'"
Suggested Links
- Renee Zellweger denies plastic surgery: Surgeons say she got facelift, brow lift
- Dr. Oz: Joan Lunden talks breast cancer and sugar-free ketogenic style diet
- Demi Moore furious daughter Rumer Willis got plastic surgery: Before and after
- Jennifer Aniston's yoga guru reveals low carb diet and weight loss secrets
- Ketogenic diet beats chemotherapy for almost all cancers says Thomas Seyfried


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Mia Talerico is a five year old actress that plays a role on the Disney Channel series "Good Luck Charlie". This is the first program that Disney has ever produced with a lesbian couple. Shortly after the show aired horrific threats were made through social media venues such as Instagram.
No one knows for sure if these threats are related to the show because it features a same sex couple or not according to news report from Towerroad on Feb. 10. The little girl is now a victim of harassment and threatening messages. One such message that was written said: "Die Mia, F**king Die in hell! Kill yourself, you deserve to die." Another message was also sent with a photo of the little girl with a bloody fist covering her hear stating: "Yes, kill you stupid b...ch".
Mia's mother took action immediately and contacted not only Disney security but also the LAPD's Threat Management Unit. She wants this suspect caught soon than later and wants all the authorities that can protect her daughter on board. Information about the ongoing investigation are being kept secret so that the suspect or suspects who initiated these threats won't also read about them though media or internet channels and with due diligence be caught before anything serious becomes of those threats.
A representative from Disney spoke with TV Guide about the show saying: "This particular storyline was developed under the consultancy of child development experts and community advisors. Like all Disney Channel programming, it was developed to be relevant to kids and families around the world and to reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness."
Stars have to deal with a lot in their lives just to get through the filming process and then have to listen to jokes about their performances as well as being hounded by photographers looking to get that perfect shot. Families of child stars are in awe that their little one can rise high in the world and make a career for themselves at an early age. They are proud of their accomplishments and shouldn't have to worry about being harassed or becoming a victim of death threats.
It is unfathomable that there are people out there that can stoop so low as to threaten bodily harm on a five year old girl. The controversy is still up in the air about whether or not these threats are related to the show or not. Hopefully authorities will be able to nab the suspect and give little Mia the justice she deserves.
The "Good Luck Charlie" finale will air on the Disney Channel on Feb. 16.
© 2014 Beverly Mucha / All Rights Reserved
Never miss another news or gossip story again! Subscribe to Beverly Mucha Jackson Celebrity Examiner and receive a free notification every time something new is published.
You can also follow Beverly on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
More reading topics from this author:
Happy Reading!
Suggested Links
- Shayne Lamas: Reality star fell into a coma after miscarriage of second child
- Paris Hilton: Stalker obsessed with Paris has been arrested
- Kim Kardashian asks for help: Hair color a beauty dilemma for this beauty
- Howie Mandel: LA restaurant sues celebrity over extensive damages
- Kate Middleton: Fashion icon celebrity without media autonomy


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Have you heard the big news? If you're in the mood for a little something to whet your whistle, you're in luck. According to a Huffington Post report published on July 22, a very special beverage holiday is hours away and thirsty Americans are ready to celebrate! Get ready to raise your glass, America! July 24, 2014, is National Tequila Day in the U.S.A! While the origins of this annual event are unknown, who needs an excuse to get into the holiday "spirit?"
Tequila, touted as North America's "oldest distilled spirit, " is produced from the juices of Mexico's blue agave plant – a relative of the lily family. Tequila must be fermented and distilled with at least 51 percent of agave juice, although the best tequilas are produced with 100 percent blue agave.
In honor of National Tequila Day, some restaurants, pubs and bars around the country will be offering tequila tastings, celebrations and deliciously refreshing drink specials in honor of the occasion. Get ready to grab a lime and salt shaker – it's time to tickle your taste buds! Cheers!
National Tequila Day 2014 Events Across the U.S.A.
On the Border Drink Deals – Participating On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina locations will be servin' up House Margaritas for $2 and Lunazul Reposado Tequila Shots for $2 in honor of the occasion. Chips and salsa will also be available at no cost.
Tacos & Tequila Flights – Tacos and Tequila, at Luxor, will be offering tequila flights, which include choice of three shots from five different tequilas, for $15. Be sure to check out the Congoa while you're there – a ginormous frozen Margarita with two upside-down Sol beers for $20. Bottom's up!
Petty Cash LA Drink Deals – Stop by Petty Cash and enjoy Tequila Cabeza shots for $5. And be sure to try the special No Mames cocktail while you are there – made with Tequila Cabeza, honey liqueur, lime and grapefruit juice and chipotle rim.
Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen Deals – If you are in Texas, why not head on over to Sylvia's? Enjoy $1.99 House Margaritas during various time frames on July 24 and if you're hungry, there will be special prices on appetizers at the bar, too.
Agave Grill Specials– If you happen to be in the Hartford area, stop on by Agave Grill for flights of Avion and/or $4 House Margaritas all day long. Cheers!
Los Tios Mexican Restaurant Special - Los Tios will be celebrating National Tequila Day in a refreshing way! Not only will they be serving their signature Grand Gold Margaritas (made with Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Grand Marnier, simple syrup and fresh lime juice) all month long, but will be offering the drink for $6.95. Served frozen or on the rocks, stop on by Los Tios and enjoy a refreshing Grand Gold Margarita.
Troy Liquor Bar Special - Stop by the Troy Liquor Bar (formerly the 675 Bar) on Hudson Street in New York, for a delightful cocktail. The special Forbidden Fruit cocktail, made with fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, Yellow Chartreuse and Don Julio Silver, will be $8 in honor of National Tequila Day.
And speaking of drinks, how about a few recipes, courtesy of Milagro, to get you in the holiday spirit?
Blushing Rosemary Margarita
- 2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila
- 1 part fresh lime juice
- ¾ part agave nectar
- 4 watermelon chunks
- 1 rosemary sprig
- Lemon
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Lemon Bitters
In a cocktail shaker, muddle fruit and herbs. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh rosemary spring and lemon wheel.
Ode to Isis Margarita
- 2 parts Milagro Añejo
- 1 part fresh lime juice
- ¾ part agave nectar
- 2 strawberries
- 2 verbena leaves
- 1 ½ part ginger beer
Muddle. Shake well. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh lime.
Happy National Tequila Day! Please drink responsibly.
Suggested Links
- National Wine and Cheese Day: It's time to drink wine and eat cheese, please
- National Parents' Day: Sentimental sayings and silly quotes for Parents' Day
- Red Wine Day: Enjoy the health benefits of red wine with 20 red wine cocktails
- National Scotch Day: Scotch tastings, specials and killer cocktails
- Happy Take Your Pants for a Walk Day: Seriously


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2002 800 Freestyle Relay Team NCAA Champions
The University of Arizona is known throughout the world of intercollegiate swimming to dominate relays. Jessica Hayes, Emily Mason, Jenny Vanker and Sarah Tolar did just that in the 800-yard freestyle relay at the 2002 NCAA Championships. Three weeks after three of those four women captured the Pac-10 Championship in that event, this quartet set a school record and lowered their time by more than five seconds to win the national title with a time of 7:05:10. Their performance helped the Wildcats to a fifth place finish in the NCAA Championships.


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Does the Student Health and Counseling Center offer Sad lights? Any recommendations?
Congratulations on thinking ahead to our Alaskan fall and winter months with reduced light. If you have experienced symptoms of depression during these months in the past, it is a great idea to plan ahead. If you are currently having symptoms of depression, I encourage you to see your health care provider for a health assessment, as you may have other causes for your symptoms. Altlhough the Student Health and Counseling Center does not offer SAD lights, I can offer suggestions on purchasing a SAD light.
SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that generally occurs each year during fall and winter. A light therapy box is a proven seasonal affective disorder treatment, which may be effective on its own, or combined with another treatment such as mental health counseling or antidepressant medication. Also found to be helpful are daily outdoor exercise and Vitamin D supplementation.
You can buy a light box over-the-counter, without a prescriptions. Internet retailers, drugstores and hardware stores offer a variey of light boxes. The light boxes differ in types and intensities of light. Research on light boxes is still limited, so it can be a challenge to sort out which ones are safest.
Check that the light box is made specifically to treat SAD. Some lights are designed for skin disorders, and emit ultraviolet (UV) light that could damage your eyes if used incorrectly. Look for a light box that emits as little UV light as possible at high intensity.
Some lights are brighter than others. Look for a light box that provides the right intensity at a comfortable distance away. You can use a light box that produces 10,000 lux at 12 to 14 inches from you for 30 minutes each morning. A box that produces 2,500 lux, at the same distance may take two hours for the same effect. A box that uses LED lights can produce a more efficient and lighter weight box. Newer blue lights, may be an option, however, they may have a greater risk for harming your eyes.
For further information, contact your health care provider, or the Student Health and Counseling Center for an appointment, and further discussion of SAD.


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Welcome to the Comment/Suggestion Box
The purpose of this page is to allow people to have a voice in the continuous improvement process here at Central Community College. All suggestions and comments must be in the spirit of collegiality and improvement, however.
Comments and suggestions that meet these criteria, and any follow-up responses, will be posted on the college website for at least 90 days following their receipt.
Make a Suggestion


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From September 2011 up until a few days ago, Samsung had been pretty much unchallenged in the Android phablet with stylus category. Sure, during that period, other manufacturers had been able come up with smartphone-tablet hybrids flaunting very large displays but practically none of these devices had handwriting support that could rival that of the Samsung Galaxy Note line.
However, looking at the design, key features, and technical specifications of the upcoming mega phablet Sony Xperia Z Ultra, it appears that the Samsung Galaxy Note phablets - including the yet to be announced Samsung Galaxy Note3 - will finally meet their match soon.
"The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is the most exciting revolution in large-screen smartphone entertainment devices with both the slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display in the world that is second to none," shared Mr. Calum MacDougall, Sony Mobile Communications' Director of Xperia Marketing. "We're already bringing the best of Sony technology and design across a range of premium smartphones and tablets, and now we are bringing this same premium offering to the large-screen smartphone segment, setting a new standard for others to follow."
Measuring only 6.5 millimeters at its thickest point and weighing just 212 grams, the slim and light Sony Xperia Z Ultra reflects Sony's legendary craftsmanship in design and attention to detail. According to the company, the phablet features clean lines and premium materials – the front and back are made of tempered glass, creating a seamless surface with the OptiContrast panel housed in an innovative solid metal frame which simply looks stunning from any angle. Furthermore, Z Ultra - available in White, Purple, and Black color finishes - comes with the same acclaimed and ultra-slick OmniBalance design as the TechPinas Favorite Sony Xperia Z and the Sony Tablet Z.
Sony Xperia Z Ultra is both elegant and durable. IP55 and IP58 Certified, this smartphone isn't only resistant to dust, but is also waterproof – making it an ideal phablet for power users living an active lifestyle. You can use it to record Full HD underwater videos, taking your large-screen smartphone experience to a whole new level. The 8 MegaPixel camera features Exmor RS for Mobile - just like that of Sony Xperia Z, HDR for both photos and film, and Superior Auto mode, which automatically activates HDR and noise reduction when needed, so you're assured of getting stunning images and videos even in low light conditions.
Last April, we shared that Sony will definitely bring its TRILUMINOS display technology (that it first implemented on the BRAVIA TV line) to the Xperia mobile devices range. Well, Sony Xperia Z Ultra with its 6.4-inch Full HD screen is the very first smartphone to come with Sony's very own TRILUMINOS Display for mobile, delivering a wider palette of rich natural colors for an enhanced visual experience. Also, users will enjoy X-Reality for mobile - Sony's intelligent super resolution display technology analyzing each image and reproduces lacking, blurry or missing pixels to optimize quality for the sharpest videos possible.
Xperia Z Ultra looks great on the outside but its innards are just as exceptional. The phablet effectively handles multitasking with 2GB of RAM and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system skinned by Sony's Timescape user interface with its Quad Core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU in Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset. Users also get 16 GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card slot and a 3050 mAh Li-Ion battery pack optimized by the company's new STAMINA Mode for mobile devices that significantly improves the standby time by four times or more as it recognizes when the user is not using the display and automatically turns off the functions that are not needed, while keeping the important notifications on. As soon as the user presses the power button to wake up the phablet's screen, everything goes up and running again.
But the one feature that makes Sony Xperia Z Ultra a true rival to Samsung Galaxy Note2 or Note3 is its super responsive screen with handwriting recognition. The Japanese company's new phablet doesn't really ship with a stylus but its screen is nonetheless compatible with any pencil or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm. You can even write notes or sketches during calls so you'll always be ready capture your ideas as they happen. Talk about taking the innovation of writing on a touchscreen even higher. Kudos to Sony, really.
Multimedia features have always been the strongest suit of any Sony device -- and the same goes for Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Users will get the WALKMAN application that utilizes Sony's audio engine and Facebook integration for sharing and discovering new music, ClearAudio+ mode and Xloud sound enhancement, and NFC connectivity support with supported accessories like SmartWatch 2 SW2, a water-resistant multifunctional digital watch and phone remote that lets you receive notifications, control music, and connect to Bluetooth headset for easy call handling.
According to Sony Mobile, Sony Xperia Z Ultra - which supports practically all LTE frequency bands currently available - should hit store shelves worldwide within Q3 2013. However, I'm personally expecting it to arrive in the Philippines either in October or November -- just in time for the release of Samsung Galaxy Note3. As yet, the legendary Japanese company hasn't disclosed its new phablet's official retail price in this region but based on its projected SRP in Europe, I believe it will don a price tag of around Php 39,500 when it lands here.
|Sony Xperia Z Ultra
|Slate Form Factor (Full Touchscreen), Phablet
|Price Category
|High End (Flagship Level)
|179.4 x 92.2 x 6.5 mm
|212 grams
|Available Colors
|Black, Purple, White
|Operating System
|Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
|6.4 inches (~344 ppi pixel density), 1080 x 1920 pixels, Triluminos, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
|Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU Adreno 330 GPU Qualcomm MSM8974 or MSM8274 Snapdragon 800 chipset
|Internal Storage
|16 GB (11 GB user available), expandable via microSD card slot, supports up to 64 GB
|8 MegaPixels, 3264 x 2448 pixels, autofocus, no LED flash, BSI (Exmor RS); 2 MegaPixels front camera
|Video Capture
|Full HD 1080p 30 frames per second for main camera
|Audio and Video Playback
|DivX, Xvi, MP4, H.263, H.264, WMV, MP3, eAAC+, WMA, WAV, Flac player
|microUSB v2.0, TV-out (via MHL A/V link), 3.5 mm audio jack
|Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, NFC, Bluetooth v4.0 with A2DP, EDR, 3G HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, HSPA+; LTE Variant: Cat3, 50 Mbps UL, 100 Mbps DL
|Yes, with GLONASS and A-GPS
|Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyroscope
|2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, 4G Network LTE LTE 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600
|SIM Card Type
|Non-removable Li-Ion 3050 mAh battery
|Standby time of up to 820 hours, Talk time of up to 16 hours, Music Play of up to 120 hours
|Value-Added Features
|IP55 and IP58 certified to be dust and water resistant, massive 6.4 inch display, first handset from Sony to flaunt a Triluminos display, supports hand-writing on screen using pencil or supported pen and stylus, Battery Stamina mode, LTE connectivity support
|Shanghai: June 25, 2013
|TP Guesstimate: Php 39,500


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Mark Shuttleworth: Ubuntu 11.04 Mission Is Users First
"Users first, on free software," says Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth in an Ubuntu 11.04 reflective blog post today.
According to Shuttleworth putting the user first has always been part of Ubuntu's mission as it set out to bring the Linux platform to a consumer audience. "And yesterday marked the biggest leap forward in that mission that Ubuntu has ever taken, ...we brought something new to the very core of the user experience of the free platform: Unity," said Shuttleworth.
Shuttleworth praises and thanks the community, "Ubuntu's killer feature remains that community. ...So to everyone who has helped bring Ubuntu 11.04 to fruition: thank you, and well done."
Shuttleworth acknowledges that Ubuntu is more than just Unity and admits the needs of the Ubuntu community and its users are much greater than what one desktop UI—Unity—could address.
Shuttleworth is proud of the fact that the Ubuntu community publishes the whole expression of software freedom across its archives and concludes his post by welcoming everyone, encouraging all to find ways to celebrate the differences and achieve "something that's bigger than all our individual dreams."
Issue 189/2016
Buy this issue as a PDF
Fedora 24 Released
The whole distro gets rebuilt on glibc 2.3
Canonical Announces Cross-Distro Support for Snaps
Ubuntu Vendor tries to solve app packaging and distribution problem across distributions.
ownCloud Forked
Founder of ownCloud launches the Nextcloud project.
HP Enterprise Unveils a Futuristic Computer
Will The Machine change the way future programmers think about memory?
CoreOS Announces Distributed Storage System
The new Torus distributed storage system is available under an open source license on GitHub
Google Beats Oracle in the Android Lawsuit
Juries decides Google's use of Java APIs Was Fair Use
Linux is the Largest Software Development Project in History
But if you are not using the latest Linux kernel, your system is insecure.
Linksys Says Yes to Open Source Firmware
Home routers will give room for custom firmware but still comply with FCC rules
OwnCloud Founder Resigns
Frank Karlitschek will continue to lead the open source ownCloud project
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS released
"Xenial Xerus" comes with a new packages format and several improvements for the enterprise.


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Return to Top
Admissions · Advising · Catalog · Financial Aid · Registrar · Scholarships
Fitness Management
This degree does not certify an individual to teach in the public school system. This degree lends itself towards rehabilitation programs, corporate or fitness center programs, personal fitness training. This degree requires a 300 hour approved internship prior to graduation.


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I'm receiving 404 Page Not Found errors (80% of the time) on any links off of http://doubleabody.com/, but only for IE browsers, and only if "Friendly Error Messages" is turned on. Go into IE settings and turn off "Friendly Error Messages", and the problem doesn't come back. Turn "Friendly Error Messages" on again, and the problem comes right back, but only 80% of the time. No other browser except IE has this problem. So far we see this problem in IE8 and IE9.
When I say 80% of the time, I mean that I click a link after clearing browser history and cache and get the 404 message in IE. But then refresh like 4 times, and suddenly the page comes up fine. Turn off "Friendly Error Messages", and the problem comes back. We are seeing this on multiple types of Windows (XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 in a VM on Ubuntu Linux).
Also, this is only a recent problem of about 2 weeks ago. For several months this website ran just fine on a2hosting.com. So far, a2hosting.com is still troubleshooting and they can't figure the problem out either.
This is a WordPress site that's been loaded up with Pods CMS. It has no other plugins besides Pods CMS. I built a custom WordPress theme and then use the Pods CMS API to pull in content to display. This converted this from a blog into a small business website.
The .htaccess of this site is also the normal WordPress variety.
Per a request from @JeffAlbert, I am showing what the error logs say when I encounter the 404 from an IE8 browser. This was when I clicked a link called "/map" off the homepage. (Note that I have changed the IP addr for my workstation protection.) Note on the first attempt, it failed. On the second attempt, it went through.
188.8.131.52 - - [25/Mar/2011:00:56:51 -0400] "GET /map HTTP/1.1" 404 9082 "http://doubleabody.com/" "Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 6.0; Trident/4.0; SLCC1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET CLR 3.0.30729)"
126.96.36.199 - - [25/Mar/2011:00:56:59 -0400] "GET /map HTTP/1.1" 404 9216 "-" "Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 6.0; Trident/4.0; SLCC1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET CLR 3.0.30729)"
And now this is what happens when I click /map again with "Friendly Error Messages" turned off in IE8, where it consistently comes up just fine:
184.108.40.206 - - [25/Mar/2011:01:03:19 -0400] "GET /map HTTP/1.1" 404 9216 "http://doubleabody.com/liftgates" "Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 6.0; Trident/4.0; SLCC1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET CLR 3.0.30729)"
And here's the result when I use Google Chrome from Ubuntu Linux, where it works consistently:
22.214.171.124 - - [25/Mar/2011:01:07:20 -0400] "GET /about HTTP/1.1" 404 11801 "http://doubleabody.com/map" "Mozilla/5.0 (X11; U; Linux i686; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.16 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/10.0.648.151 Safari/534.16"


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College Hockey:Ruegsegger, Mannino Lead Pioneers To Sweep Of Black Bears
DENVER — The Denver Pioneers completed an impressive opening weekend sweep of the Maine Black Bears with a 3-1 victory before a crowd of 6,048. Tyler Ruegsegger continued his strong play, and Peter Mannino made stops at key times to preserve the lead.
Fans barely had time to sit down and settle in after the national anthem before sophomore Brock Trotter, the Pioneers' leading scorer last season, struck to put the Pioneers up 1-0. Right off the opening faceoff, Trotter split the Maine defense at the blue line and picked up the puck behind them, crashed the net and beat Maine goalie Ben Bishop five-hole.
Bishop argued the goal with the referees, seeming to feel that Trotter crashed into him and possibly knocked the net off before the puck crossed the goal line, but after a lengthy review, the call stood.
"From where I saw it on the bench, Bishop did make the initial save," said Black Bears' coach Tim Whitehead. "We felt that the Pioneer player carried the puck in by sliding into the goal. Having said that, I thought the officials did a great job this weekend. I like the 2-2 [two referees and two linesmen] system; it puts them in a position to succeed at both ends of the ice."
A quick strike like that could have built momentum for the Pioneers and crushed the Black Bears before they had a chance to get into the game, but the Black Bears started to get some pressure in the offensive zone and sloppy defense by the Pioneers resulted in two quick penalties, giving the Black Bears a five-on-three power play for 1:35. The Black Bears made the Pioneers pay when Bret Tyler, stationed on the right point, took a pass from Matt Duffy and rifled a slapshot low that beat a screened Mannino five-hole.
"'Trots' got us off to a good start there, and when you're down five-on-three you've just got to kill it off, but we were able to regroup and get going again," said Ruegsegger.
Both teams were able to get quality scoring chances after that. During a Maine power play, Keenan Hopson and Rob Bellamy were on the doorstep with Mannino sprawled on the ice, but the puck trickled wide of the left post.
As the period wore on, the play tilted more towards the Maine end, and the Pioneers got the lead back when Ruegsegger made a nifty, spinning backhand pass from the right faceoff dot to feed linemate Jesse Martin in the left circle. Martin, a freshman, got his first college goal, firing the puck inside the left post at the 13:34 mark of the period.
"We had crossed previously and I knew he was back-door there," said Ruegsegger. "I was just trying to get it over and it got through two sticks and he made a great shot."
The second period dissolved into a penalty-fest, with both teams taking undisciplined penalties. However, neither team could capitalize on the power play. At one point, right after Tyler's shot from the point skipped wide left of Mannino, Tom May picked up the puck off the boards behind the Black Bears' defense and broke in alone on Bishop. He tried to shift to his backhand, but Bishop wasn't fooled and made the save.
"I thought last night was the most energy I've seen Tommy expend in a game in his career, and it's a good thing," said Pioneers' coach George Gwozdecky. "He has to play a physical game. Tommy's always had a difficult time putting back-to-back shifts or back-to-games together. This weekend, for the first time, I saw him evolve into the kind of player we're going to be able to count on, the kind of player that's going to get more and more ice time in different situations."
Pioneers' freshman Anthony Maiani, playing on a line with Ruegsegger and Martin, had several good chances at the midway mark, including a spinning wrister that hit the outside of the left post. Maiani's hard work paid off late in the period. Ruegsegger, coming out from behind the Black Bears' net after racing down the ice, lifted Bishop's stick as Bishop tried to play the puck and stepped into the left circle, then backhanded the puck towards the net.
Bishop made a save, but just as Duffy got ready to clear the puck, Maiani streaked through the crease, reached out with his stick and poke-checked the puck back behind Duffy, picked it up and lifted a backhand past Bishop glove side, scoring his first college goal.
"It's always nice to see freshmen come on the team like that and make big contributions," said Ruegsegger. "I'm really proud of them and I know our team is too."
Gwozdecky was also pleased with the performance of his freshmen this weekend. "I think like everybody else I didn't have any idea as to the kind of team we were going to be. Knowing full well that quite a few freshmen were going to have to play a lot and contribute, I like what I see right now. They're smart players, and the more they play the more you can see that the older players trust them."
In the third period, Maine finally got sustained pressure, outshooting the Pioneers in a period for the first time. However, every time the Black Bears kept the puck in the zone, Mannino came up big.
"He was very, very impressive," said Whitehead. "He made big stops, and timely ones too. He made lots of different types of saves too; saves through traffic, saves on the rush, saves going across the net. I'd agree we were trying for too much at times. We should have put more pucks at his feet from a wide angle and go for the second shot, but perhaps we were trying to pick corners and we shot high and wide too many times."
Mannino's best saves came with Maine on a power play in the final period. First, he closed the five-hole on Tanner House's tip-in attempt from right in front, and then he made the save of the series on Billy Ryan moments later. Ryan, standing on the right post, grabbed a rebound and had an open net to shoot at, but Mannino slid over at the last minute and got his pad on it, stopping a sure goal.
"That save, there was just that moment of quiet, because, OK, Maine's just scored, and all of a sudden Pete's pad comes out of nowhere and it was like, oh my goodness, how the hell did he make that save?" said Gwozdecky. "That's not technique; that's just the will to compete as hard as you possibly can. I think it's very noticeable how hard our team competes."
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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University of Arizona men's tennis coach Tad Berkowitz announced Friday that Arron Spencer has assumed the role of assistant coach.
"It is an honor for me to work alongside and learn from Tad as he has an incredible reputation amongst the coaching community," Spencer said. "I can't wait to get to work with him and our student-athletes to put the team in the best position we can to take the next step as a program."
Spencer was previously an assistant coach at the College of Charleston, working with both the men and women's teams. He saw both teams attain the title of Southern Conference champions in 2012 with the women repeating in 2013.
"I am very excited that Arron has joined our program," said Berkowitz. "He is extremely competitive and committed to helping our team achieve greatness in the classroom, in the community, as well as on the tennis court. With his experience as a coach as well as a student athlete in the conference he is the perfect fit for our program."
Prior to coaching, Spencer played at the University of Oregon from 2002-06, a tenure which included a NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004. The once team captain accomplished a No. 9 ITA doubles ranking and left his mark in the Oregon school record books, finishing third all-time in single-season doubles victories and fifth all-time in individual doubles victories.
"While meeting with people in the athletic department, I was amazed with the excitement and the passion that everyone has for this athletic department," Spencer said. "The atmosphere is very contagious and I was instantly hooked. I am looking forward to my wife and I to get settled in and becoming a part of the Wildcat family."


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Acesulfame Potassium, also known as Ace-K, is a calorie-free sweetener and healthy alternative to sugar. Ace-K is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is commonly used for sweetening delicious, low-calorie foods and beverages. It can also be used for cooking and baking because of it's has a clean, sweet taste with no funky after taste.
- Diabetic safe
- Does not promote tooth decay
- Very long shelf life
- Helps with weight loss and weight management
- Sodium free
- pH stable
This is the highest quality Acesulfame Potassium powder on the market. We have several size options for individual use and have it available in volume at wholesale pricing.
Comparing Ace-K Sweetness to Sugar:
|Sugar | Ace-K Chart
|Granulated Sugar
|1/4 cup
|6 grams
|1/3 cup
|8 grams
|1/2 cup
|12 grams
|1 cup
|24 grams
Servings-Price Breakdown (shipping calculated in):
Serving Size = 1 gram
Size Option: 1 lb = 454 servings
6 cents per serving
Size Option: 5 lb = 2,270 servings
5 cents per serving
Size Option: 25 lb = 11,350 servings
4 cents per serving
Estimated retail price for 1 serving is 8 cents.


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We can now see the coffee war is only just beginning, but outside the lucrative profit margins to be claimed in cocoa beans, the question remains: why? Why is McDonald's pursuing Starbucks like an awkward Star Wars nerd chasing the slim, progressive, theater girl, who's way out of his league? Back up for just a second. Why did that metaphor seem to work?
What is it about McDonald's and its band of fast food chums that keeps them orbiting in a lower cultural galaxy than the Starbucks clique? What makes it socially acceptable, even a touch uppity to claim to go to Starbucks four to five times a week, yet abjectly humiliating to admit to the same frequency of visitation to Taco Bell? When we answer that question, we'll get better insight into a fast food push driven by much more than rolling out another product.
Focusing on America, the site of close to 50% of fast food consumption, there are two driving factors of differentiation: the clientele and the root drug.
The clientele of regulars is qualitatively different from those at McDonald's. The price gouging for something one can easily brew at home ensures this. And people see fast foodies as fatties. And that's bad. Not that one Starbucks drink can't contain upwards of 400 calories, but for its customers, that often serves as their whole lunch.
This ties into the root drug driving business. At McDonald's, it's fat (salt and oil), the after effects of which leave its patrons lethargic, and of little use to society. Meanwhile, Starbucks hops its customers up on caffeine, the lifeblood of capitalism, cultivating an atmosphere of wiry, bloodshot yuppies, yammering away on wireless headsets or whiny blogs. Either way, they give the appearance of grinding the gears of progress.
Will McDonald's take the Five Guys approach?


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The volcano that blew Santorini into history 3,500 years ago created a soil that produces the driest white wines and the finest dessert wine this chef has ever had moisten his palate. They ought to be on the list of every Michelin starred restaurant. Couple this taste sensation with iconic views of the Aegean overlooking that still active volcano and no IMAX movie can equal an afternoon at Santo Wines.
Founded in 1947 after the devastating effects of war on Greek agricultural production, the Santo brand means more than wine. The Union of Santorini Cooperatives is the largest farm co-op on the island with approximately 2,500 members and its biggest wine producer. Stela Kasiola, marketing manager for Santo Wines, emphasized that its mission is "to preserve the cultivation of land and overcome the challenge of rapid touristic development that leads to the abandonment of land cultivation."
To this end the cooperative has under its umbrella 3,200 acres of vineyard, 600 acres of Santorini fava beans and 125 acres of Santorini tomato farms comprising over 17% of the most tourist developed island in Greece. Santo Wines are committed to promoting ISO, IFS and PDO international standards holding European Union certificates in all areas protecting food safety, quality and indigenous agricultural products.
"Our main concern is the continuous improvement of quality," Stela insists. Research and development is carried out in the cooperative's nursery so that Santorini vineyards remain true to the native varietals and maintain traditional organic cultivation methods. The unique Santorini fava bean, the main ingredient in one of Greece's most famous mezedes, and the intensely flavored Santorini tomato are as precious as the island's indigenous 3,500-year-old assyrtiko and marvrotragano grapes.
There's evidence that the ancient island of Thira, as Santorini was known four millenniums ago when part of the legendary Minoan civilization, had always been an agricultural powerhouse. Archaeologists unearthing the remarkably preserved ruins of Akrotiri have documented evidence of the rich life on this island prior to the massive volcanic explosion that destroyed the first great Greek state. Approaching Santorini by ship a visitor is first struck by the sheer size and beauty of its cliffs with towns towering hundreds of feet above the Aegean and then by the dry volcanic landscape nearly devoid of trees.
Yet a combination of natural forces created ideal conditions for agricultural products that are sought after throughout Greece. Sitting on the expansive terrace at Santo Wines on the edge of a cliff, the hot dry daytime temperature shifts to cool as dusk settles over the island. Misty clouds suddenly form swirling up the cliffs and enveloping the terrace in a light fog. The rocky volcanic cliffs and soil exacerbate the hot daytime temperatures on Santorini. Surrounded by the Aegean Sea the humidity level rises considerably. At dusk and during the overnight the humidity condenses and rises up the nearly 1,000 foot high cliffs creating fog-like conditions that water plant life despite an average annual rainfall of only a few inches. "The humidity and mist keep the island from being a desert," says Stela Kasiola.
The Santorini tomato is small. Its thick skin protects a velvety firm flesh concentrating the natural sugars to produce a fruit with intense aromas and a sweet taste. The Santorini fava bean has a high nutritional value rich in proteins – 20% protein per 100 grams. Wild caper is a bush that grows in the gaps of rock walls and outcroppings. High in vitamins and antioxidants, both the berry and the leaves have intense flavor and are preserved. And the famous white eggplant of Santorini requires little water.
Terrace farming, pezoules, has been the method of choice in many Mediterranean climates. It conserves nutrient poor mountain soil from erosion while minimizing moisture evaporation due to wind. All of Santorini's climate limitations have maximized the quality of its vineyards. According to Stela, the dry volcanic soil's "intense minerality, low ph, high acidity and salinity" directly contributes to producing the dry whites for which the island is famous. The vineyards themselves look different from most others on Earth.
The kouloura is the unique way of pruning the grape vines to keep the round shape of a basket-like circle. The grapes grow into the basket, protected from the strong winds and the hot sun. Hugging the ground, the vines absorb the night mist and draw more efficiently on the ground's precious moisture.
The winery, constructed in 1992, mimics the pezoule system taking advantage of the natural slopes of the cliffs. This allows the must and the wine to be transferred from one level to the other through gravity, minimizing the use of pumps. The volcanic cliffs maintain an ideal temperature for wine production making air conditioning unnecessary.
The dominant grape varieties are the indigenous white assyrtiko (85%) athiri and aidani (10%) and the red grape mandilaria (5%). The indigenous marvrotragano grape, a sweet red variety, nearly went extinct but is making a comeback. French oak casks, an expensive process that nonetheless imparts distinct flavor notes whether white or red, are used for aging.
Assyrtiko 2013 with a nose of honey and citrus peels continued the citrus notes in the mouth with a distinct hint of grapefruit. Its mild acidity was upfront leaving a pleasant dryness. It would pair well with fish and vegetarian dishes. The Assyrtiko Reserve 2010, aged in oak one year, had a floral nose with hints of honey and more body than the 2013. In the mouth it had a smooth dry herbal taste and would pair well with any food flavored with rosemary. Whereas the 2011 Assyrtiko Grand Reserve, aged in oak for one year and in the bottle for one year, had surprisingly light, almost undetectable aroma in the nose and yet complex citrus notes on the palate with the oak lingering in the back of the throat. It would be terrific with any grilled fish, seafood and mushroom or pork dish.
Santorini Nykteri, aged a minimum 3 months in oak by law, is a popular, dry, high alcohol blend of 75% assyrtiko, 15% athiri, 10% aidani. At first sniff there was almost no aroma and then citrus hit like a jolt. As the mouth savored the yellowish wine, hints of cloves, flowers and citrus were revealed in succession. The Nykteri Reserve 2011, aged in oak for nine months and in the bottle for three, continued the light nose but released a hint of pears. In the mouth mild grapefruit and oak notes were detected. Although slightly higher in alcohol content than most whites, both were light in acidity. They'd pair nicely with mezedes – Greek small plates – and mild cheeses.
Red varieties included Crescendo 2012, a blend of mavrotragano, voudomato and mandilaria grapes. Its smooth, semi-dry warm notes of mature late summer berries and its mild tannins make it a good wine for grilled meats, prosciutto and tomato sauced pastas. A 100 percent Marvrotragano, aged 18 months in oak, had a distinct nose of toasted wood that lingered in the mouth along with blackberries. It would pair well with roast game, grilled lamb and hard cheeses. Kamenh 2010 is made from sun drying mandilaria grapes for two days before crushing then aging 12 months in oak. It has a nose full of lightly charred oak, tar and coffee beans. In the mouth there were notes of oregano. Like the other reds, grilled meats, game, and strong cheeses would work well with Kamenh.
Santo Wines has produced the first sparkling assyrtiko. Santo Brut has a distinct nose of honey and a light but dry acidity that makes the back of the mouth salivate. The mouth detects notes of aromatic flowers, mild herbs then lemon peel. It makes a fine aperitif or would pair well with rich seafood such as lobster and crab.
For dessert, Vinsanto is one of the Mediterranian's premiere wines. An ancient wine that spread throughout the region during the medieval era of Venitian power, Vinsanto is a blend of 85% assyrtiko and 15% aidani grapes. But its unique flavor comes from sun drying the grapes for two weeks before mashing and then aging in oak from three to 20 years. The result is a rich, smooth, deep amber wine with a nose of raisins then lemons that continues in the mouth. The older the Vinsanto, the more intense the flavors with caramel and butterscotch notes in longer aged varieties. They pair well with honey and cream based desserts, nuts and cheese.
Santo Wines Oenotourism Center hosts over 300,000 visitors a year. Its shop carries Santo's food products plus all the wines. Tastings, while either sitting on the multi-level terrace or inside the attractive glass walled cafe, follow tours of the winery. Reservations can be made on line. It is a great way to enjoy the view, especially Santorini's sunsets.
Disclosure: The author was a guest of Santo Wines


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Graft Map
516 Grayson Hwy. (Rosebud Rd.)
770-338-9001 | Make Restaurant Reservations
Find Graft with this handy map to the restaurant. If you don't see a pop-up, click on the map's green arrow to get driving directions to and from Graft.
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