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For the most current version of this Note, see Background Notes A-Z.
Area: 513,115 sq. km. (198,114 sq. mi.); equivalent to the size of France, or slightly smaller than Texas.
Cities: Capital--Bangkok (population 9,668,854); Nakhon Ratchasima (pop. 437,386 for Muang district and 2,565,685 for the whole province), Chiang Mai (pop. 247,672 for Muang district and 1,595,855 for the whole province).
Terrain: Densely populated central plain; northeastern plateau; mountain range in the west; southern isthmus joins the land mass with Malaysia.
Climate: Tropical monsoon.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Thai.
Population (2009 est.): 67.0 million. (Data based on the Thailand National Statistic Office and the National Economic and Social Development Board.)
Labor force (2009 est.): 38.24 million.
Annual population growth rate (2009 est.): 0.5%.
Ethnic groups: Thai 89%, other 11%.
Religions: Buddhist 93%-94%, Muslim 5%-6%, Christian 1%, Hindu, Brahmin, other.
Languages: Thai (official language); English is the second language of the elite; Malay and regional dialects.
Education: Years compulsory--12. Literacy--94.9% male, 90.5% female.
Health (2008 est.): Infant mortality rate--18.23/1,000. Life expectancy--70.51 years male, 75.27 years female.
Type: Constitutional monarchy.
Constitution: Thailand adopted its current constitution following an August 19, 2007 referendum.
Independence: Never colonized; traditional founding date 1238.
Branches: Executive--King (chief of state), Prime Minister (head of government). Legislative--bicameral, with a fully-elected House of Representatives and a partially-elected Senate. Judicial--composed of the Constitutional Tribunal, the Courts of Justice, and the Administrative Courts.
Administrative subdivisions: 76 provinces, including Bangkok municipality, subdivided into 877 districts, 7,255 tambon administration, and 74,944 villages.
Political parties: Multi-party system; Communist Party is prohibited.
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory at 18 years of age.
GDP (2009 prelim.): $264 billion. (Data based on the National Economic and Social Development Board)
Annual GDP growth rate (2009 prelim.): -2.2%.
Per capita income (2009 prelim.): $3,940.
Unemployment rate (2009 prelim.): 1.5% of total labor force.
Natural resources: Tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite.
Agriculture (8.9% of GDP): Products--rice, tapioca, rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans.
Industry: Types--tourism, textiles, garments, agricultural processing, cement, integrated circuits, jewelry, electronics, petrochemical, and auto assembly.
Trade (2009 preliminary): Merchandise exports--$150.7 billion. Products--automatic data processing machines and parts, automobiles and parts, precious stones and jewelry, refined fuels, rubber, electronic integrated circuits, polymers of ethylene and propylene, rice, iron and steel and their products, rubber products, chemical products. Major markets--ASEAN, EU, U.S., Japan, China, and Hong Kong. Merchandise imports--$131.4 billion. Products--crude oil, machinery and parts, electrical machinery and parts, chemicals, iron and steel and their products, electrical circuits panels, computers and parts, other metal ores and metal waste scrap, ships and boats and floating structure, jewelry including silver and gold. Major suppliers--ASEAN, Japan, China, the Middle East, EU, and U.S.
Thailand's population is relatively homogeneous. More than 85% speak a dialect of Thai and share a common culture. This core population includes the central Thai (33.7% of this population, including Bangkok), northeastern Thai (34.2%), northern Thai (18.8%), and southern Thai (13.3%). Ethnic Malay Muslims comprise a majority in the three southernmost provinces.
The language of the central Thai population is the language taught in schools and used in government. Lao, or "Isaan dialect" is spoken widely in northeastern Thailand; several other Thai dialects are spoken among smaller groups, such as the Shan, Lue, and Phutai.
Up to 12% of Thai are of significant Chinese heritage, but the Sino-Thai community is the best integrated in Southeast Asia. Other groups include the Khmer in border provinces with Cambodia; the Mon, who are substantially assimilated with the Thai; and the Vietnamese. Smaller mountain-dwelling tribes, such as the Hmong, Mein, and the Karen, number about 788,024.
The population is mostly rural, concentrated in the rice-growing areas of the central, northeastern, and northern regions. However, as Thailand continues to industrialize, its urban population--31.6% of total population, principally in the Bangkok area--is growing.
Thailand's highly successful government-sponsored family planning program has resulted in a dramatic decline in population growth from 3.1% in 1960 to less than 1% today. Life expectancy also has risen, a positive reflection of Thailand's public health efforts. Thailand's model intervention programs in the 1990s also averted what could have been a major AIDS epidemic. Even so, today, approximately 1.4% of the adult population lives with HIV/AIDS.
The constitution mandates at least 12 years of free education; however, the Abhisit administration in early 2009 started to provide 15 years of free education (3 years in preschool and grades 1-12). Education accounts for approximately 18.0% of total government expenditures.
Theravada Buddhism is the major religion of Thailand, practiced by about 90% of its people. The government permits religious diversity, and other major religions are represented, with Muslim communities scattered throughout Thailand. Spirit worship/animism and Hindu-Brahmic rituals are widely practiced.
Southeast Asia has been inhabited for more than half a million years. Archaeological studies suggest that by 4000 BC, communities in what is now Thailand had emerged as centers of early bronze metallurgy. This development, along with the cultivation of wet rice, provided the impetus for social and political organization. Research suggests that these innovations may actually have been transmitted from there to the rest of Asia, including to China.
The Thai are related linguistically to Tai groups originating in southern China. Migrations from southern China to Southeast Asia may have occurred in the 6th and 7th centuries. Malay, Mon, and Khmer civilizations flourished in the region prior to the arrival of the ethnic Tai.
The Thai date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. According to tradition, in 1238, Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai and established a Thai kingdom. After its decline, a new Thai kingdom emerged in 1350 on the Chao Praya River at Ayutthaya. At the same time, there was the equally important Tai kingdom of Lanna, centered in Chiang Mai, which for centuries rivaled Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, and still defines northern Thai identity.
The first ruler of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, King Rama Thibodi, made two important contributions to Thai history: the establishment and promotion of Theravada Buddhism as the official religion--to differentiate his kingdom from the neighboring Hindu kingdom of Angkor--and the compilation of the Dharmashastra, a legal code based on Hindu sources and traditional Thai custom. The Dharmashastra remained a tool of Thai law until late in the 19th century. Beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century, Ayutthaya had some contact with the West, but until the 1800s, its relations with neighboring kingdoms and principalities, as well as with China, were of primary importance.
After more than 400 years of power, in 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies and its capital burned. After a single-reign capital established at Thonburi by Taksin, a new capital city was founded in 1782, across the Chao Phraya at the site of present-day Bangkok, by the founder of the current Chakri dynasty. The first Chakri king was crowned Rama I. Rama I's heirs became increasingly concerned with the threat of European colonialism after British victories in neighboring Burma in 1826.
The first Thai recognition of Western power in the region was the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Kingdom in 1826. In 1833, the United States began diplomatic exchanges with Siam, as Thailand was called until 1938. However, it was during the later reigns of Rama IV (or King Mongkut, 1851-68), and his son Rama V (King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910), that Thailand established firm rapprochement with Western powers. The Thais believe it was the diplomatic skills of these monarchs, combined with the modernizing reforms of the governments, that made Siam the only country in South and Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization.
In 1932, a bloodless coup transformed Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) initially accepted this change but later surrendered the kingship to his 10-year-old nephew. Upon his abdication, King Prajadhipok said that the obligation of a ruler was to reign for the good of the whole people, not for a select few.
Although nominally a democracy with a constitutional monarchy after 1932, Thailand was ruled by a series of military governments interspersed with brief periods of democracy. Following the 1932 revolution that imposed constitutional limits on the monarchy, Thai politics was dominated for a half-century by the military and bureaucratic elite. Changes of government were effected primarily by means of a long series of mostly bloodless coups. Thailand was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War until Japan's defeat in 1945.
Beginning with a brief experiment in democracy during the mid-1970s, civilian democratic political institutions slowly gained greater authority, culminating in 1988 when Chatichai Choonhaven--leader of the Thai Nation Party--assumed office as the country's first democratically elected Prime Minister in more than a decade. In 1991, yet another bloodless coup ended his term. After a year-long largely civilian interim government and inconclusive elections, former army commander Suchinda Kraprayoon was appointed Prime Minister. The military violently suppressed demonstrations in May 1992, with at least 50 protesters killed. Reaction to the violence, including a televised meeting with King Bhumibol, forced Suchinda to resign, leading to new elections in September 1992.
Political parties that had opposed the military in May 1992 won by a narrow majority, and Democrat Party leader Chuan Leekpai served as Prime Minister until May 1995. The Thai Nation Party won the largest number of parliamentary seats in subsequent elections, with party leader Banharn Silpa-Archa serving as Prime Minister for little more than a year. New Aspiration Party leader Chavalit Youngchaiyudh formed a coalition government after November 1996 elections. The onset of the Asian financial crisis caused a loss of confidence in the Chavalit government, led to a new constitution, and returned Chuan Leekpai to power in November 1997.
In January 2001, telecommunications multimillionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and his new Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party won a decisive plurality victory on a populist platform of economic growth and development. Thaksin's premiership was marked by a confident foreign policy, implementation of his populist policies, and accusations of anti-democratic actions, including undermining independent bodies, limiting freedom of the press, and a 2003 war on drugs which led to 1,300 unsolved murders. In February 2005, Thaksin was re-elected by an overwhelming majority, sweeping 377 out of 500 parliamentary seats for Thailand's first-ever single-party outright electoral victory. Soon after Prime Minister Thaksin's second term began, allegations of corruption emerged against his government. Peaceful anti-government mass demonstrations grew, and hundreds of thousands marched in the streets to demand Thaksin's resignation. Prime Minister Thaksin dissolved the parliament in February 2006 and called snap elections in April. The main opposition parties boycotted the polls, and the judiciary subsequently annulled the elections.
Before new elections could be held, in September 2006 a group of top military officers overthrew the caretaker Thaksin administration in a non-violent coup d'etat, repealed the 1997 constitution, and dissolved both houses of parliament. The coup leaders promulgated an interim constitution and appointed Surayud Chulanont as interim Prime Minister. In a national referendum in August 2007, a majority of Thai voters approved a new constitution drafted by an assembly appointed by the coup leaders. The interim government held multi-party elections under provisions of the new constitution in December 2007 and the pro-Thaksin People's Power Party (PPP) won a plurality of 233 of the 480 seats in the lower house of parliament. PPP leader Samak Sundaravej formed a coalition government and formally took office as Prime Minister in February 2008.
Samak was forced from office in September 2008 by a Constitutional Court ruling that he had violated the constitution's conflict of interest provisions by hosting a televised cooking show. His successor, Somchai Wongsawat, PPP leader and brother-in-law of former Prime Minister Thaksin, also was forced from office by the Constitutional Court when it dissolved the PPP and two other coalition parties on December 2, 2008 for election law violations in the December 2007 elections. A split among ex-PPP members of parliament paved the way for parliament's election of Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as Prime Minister on December 15, 2008.
Efforts by the two PPP leaders to amend the 2007 constitution and provide amnesty to banned politicians, including ex-Prime Minister Thaksin, led to a renewal of street protests in mid-2008, some of which resulted in violence between security forces and protesters and between pro- and anti-government demonstrators. In 2008, anti-government "yellow-shirt" protesters occupied Government House from late August until early December; blockaded parliament in October; and occupied and forced the closure of Bangkok's airports for several days in late November through early December. "Red-shirt" protests against the Abhisit government commenced in early 2009, leading to the disruption of a major Asian summit in Pattaya and riots in Bangkok in April 2009.
The "red-shirts" continued to hold short demonstrations through 2009 and into 2010 and intensified their protests on March 12, 2010, two weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that the government seize $1.4 billion of Thaksin's assets. Demonstrators occupied an area near Democracy Monument and Government House; a few weeks later they established a second protest site in the heart of Bangkok's shopping district. The tense standoff between government security forces and protesters came to a head on April 10; 21 people were killed in street clashes, 5 of them security personnel. The protesters subsequently consolidated their presence around the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok, effectively shutting down the commercial heart of the city.
Government efforts to negotiate a settlement with "red-shirt" leaders ultimately failed, and on May 14 troops began to seal off the protest site. A week of street battles ensued, climaxing on May 19 when the "red-shirt" leaders surrendered to police and in the aftermath several buildings, including Thailand's largest shopping mall, were torched by elements of the "red-shirt" demonstrators. Protesters also set fire to government offices in several provinces. Ninety people were killed and over 800 injured in the fighting. Most of the core leaders of the "red-shirts" were arrested or surrendered; several of the hard-core leaders, however, evaded authorities and were presumed to be hiding in Cambodia.
Thailand's southern border provinces have long been host to an ethno-nationalist Malay Muslim separatist movement rallying around a regional "Patani" identity. Since 2004, separatists have conducted an increasingly violent insurgency in the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla against symbols and representatives of central government authority, as well as against civilians, both Buddhist and Muslim, which has resulted in thousands of deaths.
Since the end of the Second World War in 1945, Thailand has had close relations with the United States. Threatened by communist revolutions in neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos during the Cold War, Thailand actively sought U.S. assistance to contain communist expansion in the region. Thailand also has been an active member in multilateral organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. From 1992 and until the 2006 coup, the country was considered a functioning democracy with constitutional changes of government. Generally free and fair multi-party elections held in December 2007 subsequently restored democratic governance one year after the coup. The King has little direct power under Thailand's constitutions but is a symbol of national identity and unity. King Bhumibol (Rama IX)--who has been on the throne since 1946--commands enormous popular respect and moral authority, which he has used on occasion to resolve political crises that have threatened national stability.
Under the 2007 constitution, the National Assembly consists of two chambers--the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is a non-partisan body with 150 members, 76 of whom are directly elected (one per province). The remaining 74 are appointed by a panel comprised of judges and senior independent officials from a list of candidates compiled by the Election Commission. The House has 480 members, 400 of whom are directly elected from constituent districts and the remainder drawn proportionally from party lists.
Thailand's legal system blends principles of traditional Thai and Western laws. Under the constitution, the Constitutional Court is the highest court of appeals, though its jurisdiction is limited to clearly defined constitutional issues. Its members are nominated by a committee of judges, leaders in parliament, and senior independent officials, whose nominees are confirmed by the Senate and appointed by the King. The Courts of Justice have jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases and are organized in three tiers: Courts of First Instance, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Justice. Administrative courts have jurisdiction over suits between private parties and the government, and cases in which one government entity is suing another. In Thailand's southern border provinces, where Muslims constitute the majority of the population, Provincial Islamic Committees have limited jurisdiction over probate, family, marriage, and divorce cases.
Thailand's 76 provinces include the metropolis of greater Bangkok. Bangkok's governor is popularly elected, but those of the remaining provinces are career civil servants appointed by the Ministry of Interior.
Principal Government Officials
Chief of State--King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Prime Minister--Abhisit Vejjajiva
Minister of Foreign Affairs--Kasit Piromya
Ambassador to the U.S.--Don Pramudwinai
Ambassador to the UN--Norachit Sinhaseni
Thailand maintains an embassy in the United States at 1024 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington DC 20007 (tel. 202-944-3600). Consulates are located in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
The Thai economy is export-dependent, with exports of goods and services equivalent to over 60% of GDP in 2009. Thailand's recovery from the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis (which brought a double-digit drop in GDP) relied largely on external demand from the United States and other foreign markets. From 2001-2006, the administration of former Prime Minister Thaksin embraced a "dual track" economic policy that combined domestic stimulus programs with Thailand's traditional promotion of open markets and foreign investment. Real GDP growth strengthened sharply from 2.2% in 2001 to 7.1% in 2003 and 6.3% in 2004. In 2005-2007, economic expansion moderated, averaging 4.9% real GDP growth, due to domestic political uncertainty, rising violence in Thailand's three southernmost provinces, and repercussions from the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Thailand's economy in 2007 relied heavily on resilient export growth (at a 18.2% annual rate), particularly in the automobile, petrochemicals, and electronics sectors.
Political uncertainty and the global financial crisis in 2008 weakened Thailand's economic growth by reducing domestic and international demand for both its goods and services (including tourism). Due to minimum exposure to toxic assets, Thai banks experienced limited direct impact from the global financial crisis. Nonetheless, Thai economic growth slowed to 2.5% in 2008, with fourth-quarter growth dropping below zero. In 2009, the contraction continued. Over the first three quarters, GDP contracted by 5.0% year-on-year on average and hit bottom in the first quarter. To offset weak external demand and to shore up confidence, the Abhisit administration introduced two non-budgetary stimulus packages worth $43.4 billion focusing on key sectors such as mass transit and transportation, irrigation, education, public health, and energy. The Thai economy reversed to positive growth in the fourth quarter (5.9% year-on-year), improving the 2009 full-year average to minus 2.2% year-on-year.
In the first quarter of 2010, the Thai economy surged by 12.0% year-on-year, the highest quarterly growth since 1995. The uptick was mostly due to strong exports (up 32%) from continued global growth; however, growth continued through the second quarter of the year despite the political protests in Bangkok. The government projected that the Thai economy in 2010 would grow between 5% and 7% year-on-year.
The Royal Thai Government welcomes foreign investment, and investors who are willing to meet certain requirements can apply for special investment privileges through the Board of Investment. U.S. investors may qualify for additional privileges under the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations. To attract additional foreign investment, the government of Prime Minister Abhisit has promised to look for ways to expand investment opportunities, focusing more on green technology/manufacturers.
The organized labor movement remains weak and divided in Thailand. Less than 2% of the total work force is unionized, although nearly 10% of industrial workers and more than 59% of state enterprise workers are unionized. In 2009, efforts to restructure the State Railway authority met resistance from the powerful railways union, including a short strike that halted trains nationwide, showing that organized labor still has potential political clout. As a result of the global financial crisis and business restructuring, employers have hired large numbers of short-term contract workers. While employers claimed to have done this in order to maintain business flexibility for greater competitiveness during financially uncertain times, labor advocates viewed these actions as reducing job security and attempts to weaken the organized labor movement.
Roughly 40% of Thailand's labor force is employed in agriculture (data based on the Bank of Thailand.) Rice is the country's most important crop; Thailand is the largest exporter in the world rice market. Other agricultural commodities produced in significant amounts include fish and fishery products, tapioca, rubber, corn, and sugar. Exports of processed foods such as canned tuna, canned pineapples, and frozen shrimp are also significant.
Thailand's increasingly diversified manufacturing sector is the largest contributor to growth. Industries registering rapid increases in production have included computers and electronics, furniture, wood products, canned food, toys, plastic products, gems, and jewelry. High-technology products such as integrated circuits and parts, hard disc drives, electrical appliances, vehicles, and vehicle parts are now leading Thailand's growth in exports. With stronger exports and a rise in inflationary pressure, the Bank of Thailand started to tighten its monetary policy in mid-July 2010 after having followed a low interest rate policy since April 2009. Large surpluses in both the current and capital accounts contributed to the Thai baht's appreciation relative to the dollar in 2009, and through the first half of 2010. Machinery and parts, vehicles, electronic integrated circuits, chemicals, crude oil and fuels, and iron and steel are among Thailand's principal imports.
Through 2009, the United States remained Thailand's largest single-country export market and third-largest supplier after Japan and China. Thailand's traditional major markets have been the United States, Japan, Europe, and ASEAN member countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam). Growing export markets include China, Hong Kong, Australia, the Middle East, South Africa, and India. Due to the global economic crisis, Thai exports in 2009 contracted by 14% from 2008. After exports surged by more than 30% during the first six months of 2010, the Thai Government expects export growth to be close to 20% for the year. Thailand is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Cairns Group of agricultural exporters.
Tourism contributes significantly to the Thai economy (about 6%). As a result of political protests that closed Bangkok's airports from late November to early December 2008, tourism figures declined significantly at the end of December, a time when tourism is normally at its peak in Thailand. The contraction continued in 2009, recording minus 3% from 2008. Tourism is expected to rebound in 2010, despite the political turmoil in April and May, but the convention trade may take longer to recover.
Bangkok and its environs are the most prosperous part of Thailand, and the seasonally barren northeast is the poorest. An overriding concern of successive Thai governments has been to reduce these regional income differentials, which have been exacerbated by rapid economic growth in and around Bangkok. The government has tried to stimulate provincial economic growth with programs such as the Eastern Seaboard project and various populist and crop price support policies.
Although the economy has demonstrated moderate positive growth in recent years, future performance depends on moving up on the value-added ladder away from low-wage industries where regional competition is growing. Key reforms are needed to open the financial sector; improve the foreign investment climate, including updating telecommunications capabilities; and stimulate domestic investment and consumption to balance reliance on exports. Logistics networks and electricity generation increasingly run the risk of bottlenecks and may pose a challenge to growth. Thailand's relative shortage of engineers and skilled technical personnel may limit its future technological creativity and productivity, even as the government is pushing for an increase in the proportion that creative industries contribute to GDP from 12% to 20% by 2015.
Thailand's foreign policy includes a close and longstanding security relationship with the United States. It also strongly supports ASEAN's efforts to promote economic development, social integration, and stability throughout the region. Relations with China are steadily increasing across the board. Thailand served as the chair of ASEAN from July 2008 to December 2009 and served as host to the ASEAN Summit (heads of government meeting) in February 2009, as well as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, Post Ministerial Conference, and Regional Forum in July 2009. At the July 2009 meeting in Phuket, the United States acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation with ASEAN.
Thailand participates fully in international and regional organizations. It has developed increasingly close ties with other ASEAN members--Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, and Vietnam--whose foreign and economic ministers hold annual meetings. Regional cooperation is progressing in economic, trade, banking, political, and cultural matters.
On the international stage, Thailand contributed troops and UN force commanders to the international peacekeeping effort in East Timor. As part of its effort to increase international ties, Thailand has reached out to such regional organizations as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Thailand has contributed troops to reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. In May 2010 Thailand was chosen to serve on the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year term; in June 2010 Thailand was elected as chair of that body for one year.
On March 20, 1833, the United States and Thailand, then Siam, signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, the United States' first treaty with a country in Asia.
Since World War II, the United States and Thailand have developed close relations, as reflected in several bilateral treaties and by both countries' participation in UN multilateral activities and agreements. Thailand and the U.S. became treaty allies in 1954 (Manila Pact). The principal bilateral arrangement is the 1966 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, which facilitates U.S. and Thai companies' economic access to one another's markets. Other important agreements address civil uses of atomic energy, sales of agricultural commodities, investment guarantees, and military and economic assistance. In June 2004, the United States and Thailand initiated negotiations on a free trade agreement which, if concluded, would reduce and eliminate barriers to trade and investment between the two countries. These negotiations have been on hold since 2006.
The United States and Thailand are among the signatories of the 1954 Manila Pact of the former Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). Article IV(1) of this treaty provides that, in the event of armed attack in the treaty area (which includes Thailand), each member would "act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional processes." Despite the dissolution of the SEATO in 1977, the Manila Pact remains in force and, together with the Thanat-Rusk communiqué of 1962, constitutes the basis of U.S. security commitments to Thailand. Thailand continues to be a key security ally in Asia, along with Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. In December 2003, Thailand was designated a Major Non-NATO Ally.
Thailand's stability and independence are important to the maintenance of peace in the region. Economic assistance has been extended in various fields, including rural development, health, family planning, education, and science and technology. The formal U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) bilateral program, ended in 1995, was rejuvenated in 2010. There are also a number of targeted assistance programs which continue in areas of mutually defined importance, including: health and HIV/AIDS programming; refugee assistance; and trafficking in persons. The U.S. Peace Corps in Thailand has approximately 100 volunteers, focused on primary education, with an integrated program involving teacher training, health education, and environmental education. In late 2003, the Peace Corps also established an organizational development program aimed at promoting sustainable rural development in Thai communities. The United States and Thailand, through programs with USAID, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medial Sciences (AFRIMS), cooperate closely on a range of public health initiatives, including efforts to fight malaria, tuberculosis, dengue, HIV/AIDS, and avian/pandemic influenza.
Thailand has received U.S. military equipment, essential supplies, training, and assistance in the construction and improvement of facilities and installations for much of the period since 1950; since then more Thai have been trained under the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program than any other country. Over recent decades, U.S. security assistance included military training programs carried out in the United States and elsewhere. A small U.S. military advisory group in Thailand oversaw the delivery of equipment to the Thai Armed Forces and the training of Thai military personnel in its use and maintenance. As part of the mutual defense cooperation over the last three decades, Thailand and the United States have developed a vigorous joint military exercise program, which engages all the services of each nation and averages 40 joint exercises per year.
Thailand and the U.S. have longstanding cooperation in international law enforcement efforts. The large-scale production and shipment of opium and heroin shipments from Burma of previous years have largely been replaced by widespread smuggling of methamphetamine tablets, although heroin seizures along the border continue to take place with some frequency. The United States and Thailand continue to work closely together and with the United Nations on a broad range of programs to halt illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activity, such as trafficking in persons. Thailand cooperates fully in efforts to return felons fleeing justice to the U.S. The U.S. supports the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok, which provides counter-narcotics and anti-crime capacity-building programs to law enforcement and judicial officials from a number of regional countries.
Trade and Investment
The United States is Thailand's third-largest single-country trading partner after Japan and China; in 2009 merchandise imports from Thailand totaled $19.1 billion, and merchandise exports totaled $6.9 billion, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the U.S., and the European Union are Thailand's largest foreign investors. U.S. investment, concentrated in the petroleum and chemicals, finance, consumer products, computer components, and automobile production sectors, is estimated by the American Chamber of Commerce at over $35 billion.
Many U.S. businesses enjoy investment benefits through the U.S.-Thailand Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations (AER), originally signed in 1833. The 1966 iteration of the treaty allows U.S. citizens and businesses incorporated in the U.S., or in Thailand that are majority-owned by U.S. citizens, to engage in business on the same basis as Thai companies, exempting them from most of the restrictions on foreign investment imposed by the Foreign Business Act. Under the treaty, Thailand restricts American investment only in the fields of communications, transport, fiduciary functions, banking involving depository functions, the exploitation of land or other natural resources, and domestic trade in agricultural products. Notwithstanding their treaty rights, many Americans choose to form joint ventures with Thai partners, allowing the Thai side to hold the majority stake because of the advantages that come from familiarity with the Thai economy and local regulations. In recent decades, Thailand has been a major destination for foreign direct investment, and hundreds of U.S. companies have operated there successfully.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--Eric G. John
Deputy Chief of Mission--Judith B. Cefkin
Management Counselor--Gregory Stanford
Political Affairs Counselor--George Kent
Economic Affairs Counselor--Robert Griffiths
Public Affairs Counselor--Kenneth Foster
Consul General--Ronald Robinson
Commercial Counselor--Cynthia Griffin
Chiang Mai Consul General--Susan Stevenson
The U.S. Embassy in Thailand is located at 120/22 Wireless Road, Bangkok (tel. 66-2-205-4000). There is a Consulate General in Chiang Mai, 387 Wichayanond Road (tel. 66-53-107-700).


text:
huh, I wonder who did that
Another territory conquered
First, Cosmo Forums.
Soon, the whole Web.
Not happy about this.
And someday, PD will redirect to Google.
Well, I open my eyes and I see things. I've seen spirits moving through the walls. I've seen a vortex coming through the wall. I've seen amorphous little balls of light bouncing all around in the front yard through the window. I've seen giant bugs on the floor. I was in a hotel room in Amarillo, Texas, and all I remember is standing on the bed and seeing the whole wall in front of me filled with lights that were [makes popping sound] popping like popcorn out of the wall. Then I'll wake up and I go "Wow, I was standing on my bed and staring at this wall."
i just realized that today hence why i'm here lol. guess ascaris got tired of watching over that place.
lol thats how i ended up here! at least its not godaddy
true... but sad face
Leo 3DS friend Code: 0344 - 9299 - 0936
We can make it a reality!! Leo we need your military pension!
i'm poor
Leo 3DS friend Code: 0344 - 9299 - 0936
leo being irresponsible with his government paycheck is basically the reason cosmo's dead. thanks man.
jurassic park saurus rex

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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All Comments (22)
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think these r scottish girls


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When traveling, the perfect vacation photo preserves a memory for a lifetime. As baggage restrictions become more vigilant, multiple cameras and lenses to capture a beautiful photo is difficult. Luckily, many smartphones offer quality pictures. The biggest difficulty was the inability to have varied lenses. With the iZZi slim, all the lenses are easily assessable to create many picturesque images.
The iZZi Slim is for the iPhone 5/5s. This case offers quality protection for the iPhone with enhanced photo lenses. This case is for the avid photographer that wants portability. It has four interchangeable lenses that easily switch photo angles. In addition the photo lenses, the case offers easy access to charging ports and headphones. With a lightweight design, the iZZi slim fits in a small purse or back pocket for picture taking at a moments notice.
The biggest selling point to the iZZi slim is the lenses. The 4 in 1 lens solution offers a 180 degree fisheye lens, 0.67x wide-angle lens, 2x telephoto lens, and a macro lens. The varied lenses work for a wide range of photo opportunities. For the traveler, this device works for any type of vacation photo. From wide angle scenic landscapes to delicate close-up nature shots, there is no need to carry a big camera bag. Whether sitting on the beach capturing a sunset or gazing on a panoramic city scape, a photo memory is a click away.
As a parent and a blogger, the iZZi slim is the perfect way to capture all the special kid moments. From zooming in to then key moment on the school performance to capturing the finishing line moment, each and every event will be captured on my iPhone. Plus, in an instant, these memories can be shared with family, Facebook and Instagram. The ease of use if perfect for the novice yet offers the performance for the more seasoned photographer.
The iZZi Slim retails for $99.99 and can be purchased at http://www.izzigadgets.com/store/izzi-slim.


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Setting the stage: West Virginia at No. 23 OU
- Details
- Source: Sooners Illustrated
(by Bob Przybylo) Four weeks ago West Virginia bested OU in overtime in Morgantown. Now the Sooners look to even up the score. Last game: In front of one of the best crowds of the season, the Sooners took care of business against Texas in a 77-65 victory. West Virginia snapped a...Read more


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|Mottled Orpington
|Don't forget to recommend us on Google!
|Hi Nellie,
I have been talking to a lot of American breeders on facebook recently, and they are receiving some really bad advice regarding just this. I'm afraid now
they have crossed the spangleds to jubilees, you will never get rid of the red feathers. The females carry it, the males present with it, it can even skip a
generation, or two, and then re-appear!
When you were told to outcross, what they should have told you, was that will improve your jubilees, and is how to do it, you can only outcross a jubilee to a
spangled, nothing else, But, and it's a big but, you must cull any spangleds that come out from the results of that mating because they will all have the red
The only thing you can outcross a spangled to to improve them would be a pure black, not a black from BBS lines, a pure black, and it's usually the second
generation when bred back together, that will show spots, the first gen will have spots, but they will disappear as the chicks moult out into adult feathers.
Because to keep them, both parents must have the mottling gene, only one copy is passed on in the first mating, which is why offspring need to go back to
pure spangled, or it takes until generation 2 to lock them in, if bred back together.
Back to jubilee. You can out cross a jubilee to a spangled, but only once every 3 years anymore, and you will loose the mahogany, because jubilee is
a tri-band gene, and a spangled is a double band gene. So by outcrossing more often, you'll loose the tri-band eventually, once outcrossed, and it really
doesn't matter whether you use a spangled female, under a jube male, or the other way round, you MUST cull any spangled chicks, and the jubilee chicks,
MUST go back to a pure jubilee to lock in that all important tri-gene. The first lot of jubilee chicks, may appear a little darker than usual, as the black band is
a little broader from the outcross, this is also why they need to go back to a pure jubilee.
Hope that's the information you needed. I'm really sorry, but the bottom line is, the spangleds you got from the jube outcross, should really all be culled,
unless you can use them to improve your jubilees further down the line, if they are better in type and size, that's really the only thing you can do with them.
Yours Faithfully,
|Mottled Orpingtons
|Jubilee Rooster
|The biggest visual difference is that the Jubilee is a mahogany base bird, and
the Mottled Orp with red feathers is still a black base bird. It is especially
apparent in the chest area, the Mottled Orp rooster is completely black with
white feather tips, but has red through in the hackles and saddle area.
|This variety is not available
This page is for information only


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Cleanest City Contest to roll through town
Published: Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 12:10 a.m.
HOUMA — Looking at the trash-strewn streets of Houma following this weekend's Mardi Gras parades, it might be hard to believe, but the state's Cleanest City Contest is right around the corner, and local officials are readying a campaign they said will help the city win.
The contest's judges will roll through town March 30, said Terrebonne Garden Club Cleanest City Chairwoman Linda Brashier.
Judges will tour Houma starting at the Terrebonne Waterlife Museum on Park Avenue, and they'll be escorted along a pre-determined route through Houma that includes local hospitals, libraries, schools, government buildings and the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.
Brashier said the route will likely include Bayou Black Drive to show off some of the parish's large and beautiful cypress tress, Terrebonne General Medical Center, the Downtown Marina, historic homes on Wilson Avenue and the new bayouwalk.
"We're going to work hard to win it," said Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet.
To prepare for the visit, local garden-club members are asking residents to take time to spruce up their yards, pick up trash and build community spirit.
"What people can do, especially individuals along the route, is to just police their yard. Trim the sidewalks, pick up any litter, it's the overall feeling of cleanliness we're trying to promote," Brashier said.
Scores are based on the appearance of public buildings, parks, recreation areas, cemeteries, businesses, neighborhoods, streets, sidewalks, neutral grounds and vacant lots.
Local garden clubs participate in the annual contest, which is sponsored by the state group. It began in 1958 and is still the only contest of its kind in the nation.
The judges' visit is part of the district contest. Cities are judged in categories based on population size. If Houma wins the district contest, it will be up for a state title.
Houma, which competes in the 32,000-population category, won the state's Cleanest City contest in 2009. It was one of nine winners statewide. Last year, Hammond won the title.
Houma's parade route can be filled with an epic amount of trash during Mardi Gras. But Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois said trusties, jail inmates who through good behavior earn the ability to carry out special tasks, will be fanning out across the route after parades to clean debris.
Brashier said the Terrebonne Garden Club shows the judges pictures of what the streets of Houma look like after a parade to give the them an idea of how much work goes into cleaning up after Carnival.
Trusties will also be trimming trees, picking up garbage and clipping grass in anticipation of the Cleanest City Contest, Bourgeois said.
The sheriff also asked residents to cut down on their littering.
"We ask people to help us by not throwing things out their car windows. They can also check the backs of their trucks to make sure there isn't trash that can fly out," Bourgeois said.
He added that deputies do issue tickets for littering, but it's rare for someone to litter in front of an officer.
Brashier acknowledged that the contest has been criticized in the past for focusing on cleaning up before the judges roll into town.
"I know people say, 'You're just cleaning up one day, and what does that prove?'" Brashier said. "We're hoping to make people proud of their community. Maybe it will become something people want to do all the time. Education has got to start from the bottom."
Litter can be a major cost to the parish, Brashier said, especially when it washes into and clogs storm drains during the rainy months, which can cause flooding headaches for locals.
"After Mardi Gras, we can all turn our attention to cleaning up," she said.
Staff Writer Nikki Buskey can be reached at 857-2205 or
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Tonight was the Jigsaw Renaissance board meeting. It was one of the longer meetings, clocking in at well over an hour. Many decisions were made, foremost among them a few minor proposed changes to the membership agreement (members keep an eye out for these proposed changes so you can comment on them) and a reshuffling of the board. Strand stepped down as treasurer and Ryan was voted in as treasurer. Strand was then voted into a new position 'Community Evangelist' which, I am reliably informed, will not involve neither Bibles nor streetcorners.
Willow, the director of Jigsaw Reniassance, was unable to attend the meeting. She's out on a tour of hacker/maker spaces (for more details, click here). However, we were not entirely devoid of her presence. Ladies and gentlemen, I present unto you RoboWillow:
And, lastly, a reminder to all of you out there: Jigsaw board meetings are open to the public.


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Updated March 22, 2012 @ 5:07 p.m. ET
The Bears beefed up their backfield Thursday, agreeing to terms with RB Michael Bush on a four-year contract.
Reports indicate the ex-Raider's contract is worth $14 million, with $7 million guaranteed.
Bush, who turns 28 in June, was drafted by the Raiders in 2007 and he rushed for a career-high 977 yards on 256 carries (3.8 average) in 2011. He also set career highs in receiving, making 37 catches for 418 yards (11.3 average) and a touchdown.
Bush has a career average of 4.2 yards per carry.
He started nine games for Oakland last season but will serve as the complement for Matt Forté with the Bears. Bush could get a shot to become the primary back if the Bears do not keep Forté, who has yet to sign his franchise tender, beyond next season.
The way we see it
The Bears have spent a significant chunk of money over the past three seasons in trying to find a capable complement for Forté. It didn't work out with Chester Taylor, and it appears likely that Marion Barber will be released following the addition of Bush.
Chicago also tendered restricted free agent Kahlil Bell. He has not signed his tender, and teams have until April 20 to sign him to an offer sheet. If Bell returns and Forté doesn't hold out, the Bears will have solid depth at the position next season.
The Bears also could use the addition of Bush as leverage in their negotiations on a long-term deal with Forté. At every level of the organization, the Bears have consistently said that they want Forté in the fold in '12 and beyond.
Fantasy spin
Michael Bush did everything he had to after suffering a devastating broken leg while at Louisville that destroyed his NFL draft value. After proving himself fantasy owners were salivating at his potential as a No. 1 fantasy back. Disappointment is sure to follow as he has agreed to terms with the Bears for $14 million with $7 million guaranteed.
The Bears not only strengthen their depth but are preparing themselves if Matt Forté doesn't sign his contract after getting the franchise tag, and he could hold out. However, if Forté doesn't hold out he will be the No. 1 back with Bush spelling him with about 8-12 touches per game. That's not enough to make fantasy owners happy, including Forté owners.
At 6-1, 245 pounds, Bush is the perfect goal-line and short-yardage specialist and that will dramatically hurt the value of Forté. Last season, Forté had four only total TDs in 12 games, which fell far short based on elite expectations. Last year, Marion Barber vultured five TDs from Forté and you should expect the same in 2012 with Bush. However, unlike Barber, Bush has soft hands so he could spell Forté on some passing plays as well. While not much more, it will further devalue Forté.
Last year, Bush had two seasons. The first six games, he totaled 43-138-3 rushing and 7-99-0 on eight targets — an average of 8.3 utilizations for 39.5 yards from scrimmage and 0.5 TDs. He had career-highs in rushing and receiving yards and matched his career high in total TDs.
Once Darren McFadden went down with a foot injury early in Week Seven, Bush totaled 213-839-4 rushing and 29-319-1 on 39 targets in the next 10 games — an average of 24.2 utilizations 115.8 yards from scrimmage and 0.5 TDs.
As you can see, he made a big jump in production but he won't see that potential in Chicago sharing time with not only Forté but also Kahlil Bell. Tendered a $1.26 million contract, Bell hasn't signed his contract but in a soft market for backs he probably will not find any takers and will re-sign with the team. He probably will get a handful of touches at best but when you're already sharing time with another back, a third back, even for a few carries or receptions, hurts.
Look at Forté as a No. 2 fantasy back unless you're in a PPR (point-per-reception) league, as he's one of the best dual-threat backs in the league. Bush becomes the necessary handcuff and will be a week-to-week matchup play depending on how he gets used. He could see enough touches and goal-line opportunities to be an injury or bye-week fill-in. Bell loses all his value unless Forté or Bush goes down with an injury. Barber will be released after a disastrous season that saw him lose a game to the Bears and struggle to hold on to the ball. In fact, the only player who gains from this signing is Darren McFadden in Oakland.
- Michael Bush
- Marion Barber
- Kahlil Bell


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AAA baseball continues to be a hit in Indianapolis as the Indians Celebrate their 15th season at Victory Field.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Indians are also offering fans a special $15 ticket package for Thursday home games. Fans can get a reserved seat ticket, hot dog, soft drink and their choice of a souvenir item for just $15/person ($29 value).
Regular ticket prices of only $9-$14, the Indians offer several regular promotions that help fans maximize their entertainment budget. They include Monday Dollar Menu – Fans can purchase hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn and potato chips for just $1 each, Fazoli's 2-for-1 Tuesdays – Fans can obtain a buy-one-get-one free ticket voucher, good for any Tuesday game, at a central Indiana Fazoli's restaurants and Thrifty Thursdays – In celebration of the 15th season at Victory Field, fans can purchase a package that includes a reserved seat ticket, hot dog, soda and choice of a souvenir item for just $15/person ($29 value).
The Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates plays at Victory Field in White River State Park, which has been called the best minor league ballpark in America by several sports publications (including Sports Illustrated and Baseball America).
This season (2010), the Indians installed a new digital video scoreboard that spans the left field wall. The digital board measures 6-1/2' tall by 120' wide and is the only video display of its kind in the International League. Only four Major League teams have a larger outfield wall digital display.
Visit the teams' Web site for a complete schedule with dates and times.


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Doctors aren't perfect. But sometimes, patients unknowingly do things that may sabotage successful treatment. Are you doing certain things in the doctor's office that prevent you from getting the quality care you need?
Most doctors see their relationship with their patients as a partnership, where both of you need to work together.
Here are the top 10 things doctors want you to either stop or start doing, so that they can take better care of you.
Like what you're reading? Then LIKE us on Facebook!
Stop talking on your cell phone while you're in the exam room. Your health is an important thing…the phone call can wait.
Stop lying. From sexual practices to bad eating habits, many patients choose not to disclose the full truth to their physicians. Unfortunately, the only way a doctor can treat you to the best of their ability is if they have as complete a picture as possible about your particular health needs. Stop being so afraid that your doctor will judge you, and start telling them the truth.
Start describing what you're feeling as accurately as possible. Is your pain sharp or dull? Is your headache more in your temple or towards the middle of your head? These details may not seem important, but they can help your doctor make the right diagnosis for you to start feeling better.
Doctors agree that if possible, you should describe the exact location of your problem, how intense the pain is, what may have provoked it and how long it's lasted. To help you remember, write down your symptoms, as well as any questions that you may have for the doctor during your appointment.


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Quick View
Tomme Chevre AydiusDon't bid us adieu until you've tasted this complex and peppery goat tomme from the town that sounds like goodbye. Similar to its popular regional neighbor, Pyrenees Brebis, but offering a uniquely goaty tang and a sweet, musty departure. Read More
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Cellars at Jasper Hill
HarbisonThe baby of the Jasper Hill family, born from the marriage between Winnimere and Moses Sleeper. A cradle of spruce bark imparts a pine-y flavor to the oozy, floral paste. Read More
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ChallerhockerNEW! Translating to ''sitting in the cellar'', Challerhocker is washed in wine and spices and then aged for a minimum of 10 months, providing a remarkable depth of flavor. Read More
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- Cave Aged Quick View


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Sept. 27, 1999
PULLMAN, Wash. -- Jennifer Dodd (Portland, Ore.), Jenny Ballou (Portland, Ore.), and Shanelle Roberts (Tacoma, Wash.) are all in the top 20 individually and Washington State is third in the team standings after the first 18 holes at the Oregon Invitational at the Emerald Valley Resort in Creswell, Ore.
Dodd finished the day tops among Cougar golfers, carding a five-over-par 78, good for 11th place. Ballou (40-39-79) and freshman Roberts (41-38-79) tied for 18th. Junior Donna Bell (Prince George, B.C.) shot an 80 and is currently 26th.
Oregon (306) and California (306) are tied for the team lead heading into the final day of play. Washington State is ten strokes back at 316. The Cougars are on pace for their best team finish since they finished third at the Lady Lumberjack Invitational in October of 1997. Idaho (322) and McClennan Community College (323) round out the top five.
California's Vikki Laing (39-34-73) was the individual leader on the first day. Three Oregon Ducks, Kylie Wilson, Pam Sowden, and Anika Heuser, shot first round 74s and are tied for second.
T11) Jennifer Dodd 39 39 78
T18) Jenny Ballou 40 39 79
T18) Shanelle Roberts 41 38 79
T26) Donna Bell 40 40 80
T49) Tasha Browner 41 44 85
WSU ROSTER: Jenny Ballou, Sr., Portland, Ore., Donna Bell, Fr., Prince George, BC., Tasha Browner, So., Tarzana, Calif., Jennifer Dodd, Jr., Portland, Ore., Shanelle Roberts, Fr., Tacoma, Wash.


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Baseball's Comeback Falls Short At Lamar, 4-2
March 8, 2013
BEAUMONT, Texas - The UMass baseball team out-hit Lamar and had the tying runs on base with one out in the ninth inning, but the comeback fell short as the squad fell, 4-2 on Friday night at Vincent-Beck Stadium. Following the setback, the Minutemen are 1-3 to start the year, while the Cardinals improve to 12-2.
After a pair of scoreless innings to open the contest, Lamar took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third. V.J. Bunner drew a leadoff walk in the third, moved to second on a wild pitch, went to third on a ground ball and scored on an RBI single through the right side by Darian Johnson.
The Cardinals then increased their advantage to 3-0 in the fifth. Zach Luevanos dropped a leadoff single into center and Bunner drove him in with a one-out double to right center. Bunner came in for the squad's second run of the frame on an RBI single up the middle by Johnson with two away.
In the team's next turn at bat, though, UMass pulled within one with two runs on three hits. Redshirt junior Ryan Cusick, senior Anthony Serino and junior Rob McLam began the inning with three straight singles, while junior Nik Campero drew a bases loaded walk to force in Cusick. Serino then scored on a double play ball to cut the gap to 3-2.
Lamar added an insurance run in the seventh as Jude Vidrine was hit by a pitch, went to third on a double by Johnson and came home on a wild pitch.
The Minutemen put the tying runs on first and second with one away in the ninth courtesy of a single and a walk, but David Carver induced a game-ending double play to earn the save (2) in one inning on the hill. Carver allowed one hit and walked one.
Senior D.J. Jauss (0-2) took the loss for UMass as he let up three runs on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts over 5.1 innings. Eric Harrington logged the win (3-0) for the Cardinals. He tossed eight innings and allowed two runs on eight hits, walked two and struck out nine.
Offensively, UMass' 1-2-3 hitters Cusick (2-for-4), Serino (2-for-3) and McLam (2-for-4) had six of the Minutemen's nine hits, going a combined 6-for-11 in the contest. Cusick and Serino both scored runs, as well.
Johnson finished with three of Lamar's seven hits with a 3-for-5 day and two RBI.
The teams will continue their four-game weekend series with a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.
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A seventy-six-year-old man called me and said, "You work with senior citizens; my wife died a year ago, and I am lonely. I am just looking for someone my age to talk to, and go to McDonalds with. What do you know about the Internet dating sites for senior citizens?"
He made me think; I know nothing about senior citizen dating sites; and I work with senior citizens, it is time I became informed.
Here are five of the top rated dating sites for senior citizens:
· Match.com: The biggest Senior Dating user base in the world!
· eHarmony: Search for mature singles by taking a personality compatibility test.
· OurTime.com: Senior daters looking for love and companionship.
· LOVEagain.com: Single seniors looking for long term, romantic relationships.
· Golf mates: Where golf fans ages 50+ can find like-minded people.
There is also a Senior Citizen dating community page on Facebook that is a good place to start and get informed.
Senior Dating
The dating reasons and goals are different for the seniors than the younger crowd, and that is why dating sites have been formed for their needs. The youthful dating crowd often looks for someone to build a marriage, and family with. The seniors, have been there, done that; they are looking to meet new people, and have companionship. Navigating a dating site may seem overwhelming to seniors at first. The following shares some tips when joining a senior on-line dating site.
1. Find a good senior dating site: Read the reviews and research it before you get involved with it.
2. Do not commit to long term services. Join one that lets customers terminate service at any time. Subscription-based sites tend to offer better results than the free dating sites.
3. The important things to include in your profile are who you are, what you are looking for, and to use a recent photo.
4. The senior generation grew up when they could trust people, keep in mind, the Internet is global, and can be dangerous. If a person sounds too good to be true, beware.
5. Have your first date in a public setting, which is not near your home.
6. Never give out your bank account details or any other financial information. If asked report that person immediately.
7. Do not let anyone pressure you into giving more information about yourself than you are comfortable with.
8. Beware of anyone asking for charitable contributions.
According to the dating sites for seniors, their biggest growth area is the 50-plus generation. The reason stated is, their adult children are leading them to it.
If you are a senior citizen, and want to try your luck at on-line dating, the best piece of advice is to stay true to yourself. Don't sacrifice your morals, or your opinions for someone you meet on-line. The right match is out there somewhere, sometimes you just have to kiss a lot of toads to find your match, but with the right attitude, you can make a lot of new friends, and have a lot of fun doing it.


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You may have reached this page due to new security upgrades that have been implemented regarding multiple user logins. For security reasons, only one user is able to be signed in to an account per session. If multiple users at a single site need online access, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com for firm access reduced pricing. If, however, you believe your login information has been compromised, please call customer service at 1-800-451-9998 to determine how to reset your password. Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here.
Abigail Jennings, Lake Norman Realty
Abigail Jennings didn't intend to work for Lake Norman Realty, a company her father started in 1978. Raised in a family of real estate agents, she studied fine arts at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. But after graduation in 1990, she found it difficult to find a job, so she reluctantly took a part-time job under her father's wing, "doing all of the things no one else wanted to do," she said. Today, she's the company's president.


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A Nebraska toddler has been taken from his home and put into child protective custody after a video appeared online of him repeating profanities that were told to him. The Inquisitr reported on Jan. 9, 2014, that the swearing toddler video didn't bring about any type of criminal charges, but it was enough for the child to be removed from the family's home.
In the video, a toddler is in diapers and walking around. Numerous adults begin hurling obscenities, profanities, and racial slurs out, all the while laughing and getting the small child to repeat what they are saying to one another.
At one point, the child knocks over a chair and laughs. While laughing, the toddler shows a raised middle finger and says "Shut up, b*tch." The adults laugh and get him to repeat other profanities.
Authorities have said that there was nothing criminal in the video, but Nebraska Child Protective Service and Omaha police's Child Victim Unit took the swearing toddler and three other children out of the home and into custody.
The Omaha Police Officers Association has been under scrutiny lately from the city's police chief, ACLU, and at least one community leader. Sgt. John Wells, the union's president, said the video was both "offensive" and "disturbing."
"The focus here isn't on any particular ethnic group. The focus here is on the troubling behavior towards this child," Wells said. "This behavior is going to potentially lead this child down a path that is completely unhealthy."
The video had been posted on a website where the union said the clip came from "a local thug's public Facebook page."
Becki Brenner, Executive Director of the Nebraska ACLU, has condemned the showing of the video and said that the situation "has done nothing but further erode community trust."
For e-mail updates whenever a new article is posted, please subscribe at the bottom of the page and follow me on Twitter, GoogleBuzz, or join my group on Facebook and Celebrity Buzz.
Suggested Links
- Marijuana overdose hoax: First legal day in Colorado, weed didn't kill 37 people
- Atomic wedgie murder: Oklahoma man kills stepfather with high school prank
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- Cop shoots, kills schizophrenic teen: Says 'we don't have time for this'


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Mrs. Martha Lee Tillery Bobo, age 69, of 312 Persons Road, Cedartown, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at her sister's residence.
Mrs. Bobo was born in Floyd County, Georgia on August 12, 1942, daughter of the late William Monroe Tillery and the late Mattie Hartley Tillery. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank Andrew Bobo, on June 30, 1988, by a sister, Ruby Alice Pegg, and by a brother, James Tillery. Mrs. Bobo worked for a number of years at Pet Bakery and was of the Holiness faith.
Survivors include two daughters, Ms. Frankie Bobo Collum, Forney, AL, and Ms. Mary Lois Suttles, Cedartown; a sister, Ms. JoAnn Bobo, Cedartown; 5 grandchildren, Tony Jeromy Reddish, Jamie Denise Dabbs Short, Joshua Aaron Reddish, Ashley Nicole Dabbs Royer, and Adam Andrew Dabbs; 9 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at 2pm in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Bobo Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home on Saturday from 6 until 8pm. At other hours they may be contacted at the residence of a sister, Ms. JoAnn Bobo, 294 Persons Road, Cedartown.
Both active and honorary pallbearers are asked to assemble at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home on Sunday at 1:30pm and include: Active: Stephen Royer, Adam Dabbs, Darrell Dabbs, Craig Baker, Cole Burke, and Tony Reddish. Honorary: Daniel Rampley and Dartanyon Bayless.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home has charge of the funeral arrangements.


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My organisation required login before you can use internet. So, I have to login before I can use TOR. Can the andministrator see my TOR traffic ?
The administrator(s) can certainly see that you are connecting to a TOR network –– specifically, they will be able to see what TOR server you are connecting to, although that might be randomly determined and periodically, randomly changed –– and will be able to see how much traffic you're sending and receiving (so they may be able to guess whether you're uploading, downloading, or just browsing). If they have found a security vulnerability in TOR and kept it a secret, then all bets are off; but that's unlikely. Otherwise, they won't be able to see the content of your TOR activity simply from network monitoring. But be aware: if you are using an organization-owned computer, they might have installed spyware on their machines. If that's the case, they can potentially see everything you see and everything you do.
TOR encrypts your traffic between every nodes. Your network administrator will see encrypted traffic to a TOR node but he won't be able to see what this traffic contains.


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Email Distance Training
If you do not serve ME in the flesh, I give you permission to serve ME via EMAIL training.
I offer different email training for different types of slaves. Each instruction is written by Me, personally, to suit your requirements and interests. I also permit online messenger chats with Me, while you are under My instruction.
I, very much, enjoy distance training as it allows Me the freedom to express My kinky imagination! No matter where you are located, you will feel My control and power and find yourself reduced to a very submissive state indeed!
I hope to achieve an integration of fantasy and fetish in a virtual, online world. Let's face it, with the use of the internet, most of us, live in a world driven by technology and modern means of communication. As you will notice, this site not only offers virtual online services, but also the opportunity to visit Me in person.
Make no mistake, I am very real. I am a world-renowned and professional Dominatrix and after many years of my involvement in professional BDSM services, as an experienced, Senior Mistress, I believe that it is possible to have enjoyable experiences via email exchange.
Email training over the internet allows us the opportunity to enjoy bdsm in a 'virtual online world' ... and over the years, I most certainly have collected quite a following. Some of My devoted followers are located in different parts of the world. Others may never visit Me in person for various, different reasons. In any case, for what ever reason you are here ... I encourage you to be adventurous and try email training with Me.
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I am putting together a Family Emergency Preparedness kit. One thing I would like to buy is some sort of communication equipment, a radio of some soft. I am pretty ignorant when it comes to this kind of stuff. I have been looking around, but the more I do the more confused I become. There is GMRS / FRS / CB / etc.
Can someone please steer me in the right direction. What is what? What is best for different situations? Do I need an FCC license?


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Volvo FH series
Volvo FMX
Volvo FM
Volvo FE
Volvo FL
Volvo is a leader in diesel engine technology. If you're a transport operator, you'll notice it in your bottom line. If you're a driver you'll feel it as soon as you step on the pedal. And with our solution for Euro 6, you don't have to compromise on performance.
Learn more about Volvo diesel engines
Of all Volvo inventions, few things have been so widely appreciated as the I-Shift. Just let go of the gear selector, and every gearshift is carried out quickly and fuel-efficiently.
I-Shift is available with the clever I-See function and has now been reinforced for severe-duty applications operating in very hilly and very rough terrain.
Learn more about I-Shift
Learn more about I-See
We drew inspiration from the racing world and created a new gearbox – the I-Shift Dual Clutch. With the dual clutch you will experience power shifting with no
interruption in torque and power delivery.
Learn more about I-Shift Dual Clutch
Want to save even more fuel? We've bundled our most fuel-saving features into two packages. They contain both nifty hardware features, such as I-See and engine idle shutdown, and helpful services such as Dynafleet and Fuel Advice.
Learn more about the fuel deal
Every Drop Counts is the philosophy we practice at Volvo Trucks to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and environmental impact.


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Text Size
New Americans
Annual Flu Vaccinations
Financial Empowerment Center
eBid Nashville
Development Services Center
The Parthenon
Ford Ice Center
Nashville B-cycle
Streaming on Metro Nashville Network
Video Gallery Archive
Broadcast Schedule
Citizens' Guide to the Metro Budget
Look up your Trash, Recycling, & Brush Collection Info
Receive & Pay Your Water Bill
Review & Pay Your Electric Bill
Renew Your Vehicle Registration
The Metro Police Canine Unit consists of over 18 teams. The teams are trained in patrol work as well as cross trained in narcotic or explosive odor detection. The Canine Unit is part of the Tactical Operations Section of the Special Operations Division.
Canine handlers are generally chosen from patrol and then are trained with their dog for fourteen weeks to meet the requirements to be a certified street dog team. The Metro Nashville Police Department purchases their dogs from vendors throughout the United States after being imported from Europe. The canine teams train for fourteen weeks or a minimum of 490 hours, in order to meet the standards set forth by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA).
Metro Nashville Police Canine Teams are trained in voice and hand signal obedience, building searches for felons, man-tracking, article searches, and pursuit/apprehension techniques. Our canine teams make hundreds of arrests and answer thousands of calls for service each year.
Once the team has passed their test for patrol dog work they are trained in odor detection techniques. The Canine Unit trains detector dogs for the purpose of locating either narcotics or explosives. The canines which are cross trained in explosive detection assist in security sweeps for many large high profile events as well as responding to calls for suspicious items or packages. The teams that are cross trained in narcotic detection are utilized to search for drugs by all elements of the police department. Each canine team is tested annually to meet the continuing proficiency standards of the USPCA in addition to their regularly monthly scheduled eight hour training sessions. The teams are very successful and their efforts have resulted in seizures of drugs, currency, and property with a value well over ten million dollars.
The Canine Unit uses:
German Shepherds
Belgian Malinois
Labrador Retrievers
The canines are trained at the Metro Police Canine Facility by USPCA nationally certified trainers. After the fourteen week of patrol training and the tenth week of detector training, the teams are ready to be placed into service.
The patrol canine teams are used to locate dangerous suspects, search for evidence, and clear buildings.
The detector canines are used to locate drugs or conduct security sweeps for explosives.
© 2016 Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee


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Melissa Kalarchian, PhDAssociate Dean for Research, School of Nursing
Associate Professor, School of Nursing
and Department of Psychology
Fisher Hall 544B
Phone: 412.396.6552
Education:Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 1998
Psychology Internship, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 1998
M.S., Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 1996
B.A., Dartmouth College, 1989
Melissa Kalarchian, Ph.D., joined the School of Nursing as Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research in September, 2013. She graduated cum laude with High Honors in Psychology from Dartmouth College and earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers University. Dr. Kalarchian completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and subsequently joined the faculty there. Prior to coming to Duquesne, she served as Co-Director of the Psychology Internship Program at WPIC, nationally recognized for its high quality training based on a clinical science model.
Dr. Kalarchian is a psychologist specializing in behavioral medicine. Her research interests focus on adapting evidence-based lifestyle interventions to meet the needs of vulnerable populations such as individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, obese children, patients taking antipsychotic medications, pregnant women, and smokers. She regularly collaborates with colleagues in nursing, psychiatry, public health, statistics and surgery. Dr. Kalarchian has been instrumental in securing over 5 million dollars in research funding. Most recently, she has been Principal Investigator on several National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Foundation funded studies geared to helping patients achieve maximal weight loss and optimal psychosocial functioning after weight loss surgery. She has published extensively in her field and lectures both locally and nationally. Dr. Kalarchian is a standing member of NIH and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) study sections and serves as a peer reviewer for numerous biomedical journals. She has been an active member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the Obesity Society (TOS), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Eating Disorders Research Society (EDRS).
Dr. Kalarchian brings a strong research background, passion for teaching, and creative leadership to her role. She is ideally positioned to lead Duquesne University School of Nursing's mission for research, scholarship and innovation.
Site Principal Investigator, "Psychosocial Issues and Bariatric Surgery," NIH/NIDDK Grant Award, $1,339,289, 9/1/14-6/30/18.
Nolfi, D., & Kalarchian, M., "Systematic Reviews in Health Sciences Education and Research: Increasing Collaboration between the Schools and Library", NIH/NLM Grant Award, $13,418, 2015-2016.
Recent publications:
Elliott, JP, Gray, EL, Yu, J, Kalarchian, MA. Medication use among patients prior to bariatric surgery. Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care, in press.
Courcoulas, AP, Belle, SH, Neiberg, RH, Pierson, SK, Eagleton, JK, Kalarchian, MA, DeLany, JP, Lang, W, Jakicic, JM. Three year outcomes of bariatric surgery vs. lifestyle intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment: A randomized trial. JAMA Surgery. Published online July 1, 2015.
Kalarchian, M, Marcus, M, Courcoulas, A, Cheng, Y, & Levine, M. Preoperative lifestyle intervention in bariatric surgery: A randomized clinical trial. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. Published online May 8, 2015.
Elliott, JP, Cherpes, G, Kamal, K, Chopra, I, Harrison, C, Riedy, M, Herk, B, McCrossin, M, Kalarchian, M. The relationship between antipsychotics and weight in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Pharmacotherapy. 2015;35(3):260-268.
Kalarchian, M, Turk, M, Elliott, J, Gourash W. Lifestyle management for enhancing outcomes after bariatric surgery. Current Diabetes Reports. 2014;14(10):540.
Turk, M, Kalarchian, M. What makes a good qualitative research article? Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care. 2014;9(1):1-3.
Kalarchian, MA, Marcus, MD, Courcoulas, AP, Cheng, Y, Levine MD. Self-report of gastrointestinal side effects after bariatric surgery. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 2014;10(6):1202-1207.
- 2015 - First Place Integrated Health Research Award sponsored by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment Options, Standing Panelist - 2013-2015
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), Digestive Diseases and Nutrition C Sub-Committee (DDK-C), Standing Member - 2011-2017
- Heath Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Ad Hoc Reviewer
- Essel Investigator, Research Partners Program, National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression - 2000-2001


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Phone Orders
10am - 4pm
mon to fri
1300 304 924
Safe and Secure Shopping
Space Invaders Coasters
Space Invaders was easily the most addictive video game of the 80's and now you can relive some of that Space Invaders fun with the fully licensed cool looking retro Space Invaders coasters.
Bright colourful Space Invaders Coasters in a set of 4.
Wipe clean coasters.
Style number: FF4COAXL
Price AU$17.95
gst AU$1.63
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Delivery Information
The Gifted Man offers shipping at a flat rate for your entire order to any location in Australia within the Australia Post delivery network.
Orders received prior to 1pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) will be shipped the same day. All orders received after the 1pm cut off will be sent out the next day.
An Australia Post article tracking number will be provided to you by email when we notify you that your order has been sent out.
For aprox shipping times from Melbourne please see the Australia Post website. Those times may vary slightly during peak times.


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Bismarck Ave
From Grand Theft Wiki
Revision as of 05:43, 14 April 2011 by Vermicida47 (talk | contribs)
Algonquin, Liberty City. It's probably based on Park Avenue, being a two-laned street in its central run and stopping in front of the GetaLife Building, and continues after the Grand Easton Terminal. It stretchs for 19 blocks, from East Holland in Uptown Algonquin down to The Exchange/Castle Gardens borders in Downtown Algonquin. It passes through the neighborhoods of East Holland, Lancaster, Middle Park East, Hatton Gardens, Lancet, Easton, Lower Easton, Chinatown and The Exchange. The street is not used in any mission, however, an NRG 900 can be stolen for Stevie's Car Thefts.
- The name of the street could be named after numerous things:
- Otto von Bismarck, the first chancellor of Imperial Germany.
- The WWII German war ship, the Bismarck Bismarck.
- RMS Majestic, commonly known as SS Bismarck.
- Numerous towns and cities across the USA, including the state capital of North Dakota.


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Have you ever ask yourself your purpose why you're here? Many of us focus on their career, family, self-improvement, focus on inner-self, and we can go on and on. However, we seldom focus on God, the creator. He has a big purpose in us that we neglect to decipher and stop what it is?
Stop for a moment and ask ourselves … what is the driven power within me that my life is important? Why am I here? Do I have to contribute something out of my gift that God has given me? It is good to be a better person to my friends and family, and build my career. Is that enough?
We may read some uplifting books that are self-centered, i.e., to be a healthy person, good speaker, how to win friends, how to look with others, support and so on. Is this enough to reach its goal to suffice oneself?
Why God gave the number of 40 days? What is the significance of that number? God gives his task to anyone, and it takes 40 days to accomplish such assignments.
- Noah's life was transformed, when it rains and wiped out humanity, by 40 days.
- · Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sanai. When confronted by God.
- · The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land; when the Jews received Manna.
- · David was transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge; and defeated Goliath.
- · Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal.
- · The entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave the people 40 days to change.
- · Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness; when confronted by the Devil.
- · The disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection.The birth of the Church, Pentecost Sunday.
Let's begin this journey by focusing on God. It is very clear he gave his instructions through the Holy Scriptures … "It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his power."
Life is so precious in the eyes of God because he created us through the image of his likeness when Jesus came into being.
You have to know God in order to know your existence otherwise you'll never get the answer.
How long do you think you live on earth as God's creation? Thirty, forty, sixty, seventy, 100 years old? No one knows how long we're going to last? Therefore, if we do not know the time we're leaving earth then we have to know its purpose why we're here in order to align to God's purpose.
There was an Atheist, Bertrand Russell, said: "Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless."
"For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1:16
It is so clear we must attached ourselves to him in order to know the purpose that God's intends us to do. Humanity bound to failure because we are looking on our inner-self instead of searching for him.
It is in Christ that reveals the purpose of humanity in order to live our lives to the fullest.
Contemplate and meditate on God by asking this question: Despite the challenges of life that come my way … what is the purpose that you want me to do?
To be continued …
Reference: The Pupose Driven Life by Rick Warren


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The fans of "NCIS: Los Angeles" want to know what is in the box that NCIS Special Agent Kensi Blye and so does LAPD Detective Marty Deeks. Last week the fans watched as the first layer of the box was shared and it revealed there was another plain brown box inside. According to the Latino Post on Friday, the fans won't need to wait much longer before the contents of the box are revealed.
The story between Agent Blye (played by Daniela Ruah) and Detective Deeks (played by Eric Christian Olsen) has not been one of a romantic connection, but there have been signs of a budding relationship. First the massive hug in Afghanistan and other subtle hints. The box has been part of the story for weeks and viewers have seen it in camera shots almost every time there is discussion on the first floor between the characters.
Now the suspense of what is inside has many fans wondering. Of course when it comes to Kensi Blye and her sense of humor, the box could have almost anything. People have been guessing what it might be and there are hopes it will be simple item with an inside joke between the partners.
Will there be a romantic connection this season? Not before the season finale. The TV Guide is reporting that the fans will have the chance to see the two professionals spend some time together, but it won't be more than a friendly exchange.
And there's more drama coming between the two characters. During the season finale of "NCIS: Los Angeles" there is a moment where the two characters are talking and it is rumored to be ruined by the return of DEA Agent Talia. She was first met by the viewers in a case at the fish market and almost died after being injected with poison. Never too far from danger, it is a wonder what Agent Talia has in store next.
"NCIS: Los Angeles" airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on CBS.


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Drugs...In the Water!
Water providers rarely disclose results of pharmaceutical screenings, unless pressed, the AP found. For example, the head of a group representing major California suppliers said the public "doesn't know how to interpret the information" and might be unduly alarmed…Personally, I filter the HECK out of my water. Ever since living in a college dorm for four years, I look at public water with an elevated degree of caution—eek!
…People take pills. Their bodies absorb some of the medication, but the rest of it passes through and is flushed down the toilet. The wastewater is treated before it is discharged into reservoirs, rivers or lakes. Then, some of the water is cleansed again at drinking water treatment plants and piped to consumers. But most treatments do not remove all drug residue…
"…We recognize it is a growing concern and we're taking it very seriously," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, assistant administrator for water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


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Allen Klein, the world's favorite Jollytologist (worlds only Jollytologist?) has struck another chord in what's good for you. Thank you, Allen, for the Examiner.com article, "Why You Need to Say 'Thank You."
It is for good reason that you are annoyed by people's hardly ever saying "thank you" anymore. The fact that you are part of the older generation that values holding the door open for the person in front of you and men tipping their hats to women night be, as you say, passé, but that doesn't make it right. It does, however, mean someone should build a statue in your honor. Or, send you a barrel of love letters.
Thank you for pointing out that saying thank you has health benefits for the person who says it. Let's take that into one more direction, saying thank you not just out loud, but on paper. The thank-you note seems also to be a little passé; reports are that people do not even send thank you for wedding gifts, and if that does not give you a case of hives, I don't know what would.
Any graceful act sent your way, gift, dinner party, compliment, some man holding the door open for you, is a very golden opportunity for a love letter in the form of a thank you note. A long ago Love Letters Live guest said she wanted to write a thank you note to the bus driver who smiled at her on the worst day of her life. It helped her, gave her hope for a better day. Her heart filled with affection for this stranger, and she knew a thank you note was in order.
Yes, a good thank you note is definitely a love letter. Dive right in. As Brenda Knight points out in The Grateful Table, "God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?" You can certainly do that and then you can use 20 more of those precious seconds and put that thank you in writing to make someone else's life richer for the gratitude you have jotted down and mailed. Try it. So much fun. Chances are you will miss that 20 seconds, and you will still have 86,380 seconds left to do all the other things you need to do in the day.
From me to you with love in the air,
Be inspired at Love Letters Live Podcasts and Blog
Like Love Letters Live on Facebook
Listen to Love Letters Live on iTunes


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More New and Used
from Private Sellers
Note: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.
Practical Aviation Security
ISBN13:by Price, Jeffrey C.; Forrest, Jeffrey S., Ph.D.
Questions About This Book?
Why should I rent this book?
Renting is easy, fast, and cheap! Renting from eCampus.com can save you hundreds of dollars compared to the cost of new or used books each semester. At the end of the semester, simply ship the book back to us with a free UPS shipping label! No need to worry about selling it back.
How do rental returns work?
Returning books is as easy as possible. As your rental due date approaches, we will email you several courtesy reminders. When you are ready to return, you can print a free UPS shipping label from our website at any time. Then, just return the book to your UPS driver or any staffed UPS location. You can even use the same box we shipped it in!
What version or edition is this?
This is the 2nd edition with a publication date of 1/22/2013.
What is included with this book?
- The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any CDs, lab manuals, study guides, etc.
- The Used copy of this book is not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included.
- The Rental copy of this book is not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. You may receive a brand new copy, but typically, only the book itself.
- The eBook copy of this book is not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically only the book itself is included.
Practical Aviation Security is a complete guide to the aviation security system, from crucial historical events, to the policies and policy makers and the major terrorist and criminal acts that have shaped the procedures in use today, to the tip-of-the-spear technologies that are shaping the future. This text enables the reader to enter airport security or other aviation management roles with the proper knowledge to immediately implement the necessary security programs, to meet international guidelines and to responsibly protect their facility or organization, no matter how large or small. Using case studies and practical security measures in use at airports all over the world, readers learn the effective methods and the fundamental principles involved in designing and implementing a security system. This text covers commercial airport security, general aviation and cargo operations, threats and threat detection and response systems as well as international security issues. While not perfect, the aviation security system is comprehensive and requires continual focus and attention to be able to stay a step ahead of the next attack. This text provides the tools necessary to prepare practitioners to enter the industry, and if they are already in the industry to better understand it so they can prevent the next tragedy. * Understand the principles that underlie a topic of enduring importance in global commerce * Apply real-world aviation experience to the task of deflecting current and future threats * Reduce the vulnerabilities of cargo carriers and corporate jets as well as commercial airlines


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Several new Central Iowa concert dates have been added in the past several days. Here is an update on upcoming Des Moines shows from Bon Iver's S. Carey, Family Groove Company, and Delta Rae.
Bon Iver drummer S. Carey (born Sean Carey) brings his solo project to Des Moines' Vaudeville Mews on Monday, July 14 for a 9 p.m. show. The Eau Claire, Wisconsin native's current tour is in support of his third solo release, Range of Light, which came out on April 1. The concert will be a 21-and-over show, and tickets may be purchased in advance through Ticketfly for $12 or at the door for $15. Check out S. Carey's single "In the Dirt" in the nearby video.
Chicago jam band Family Groove Company returns to Des Moines for a show at Wooly's on June 13. The band has released three studio albums and one live album of their "groove-informed jazz rock", and they have plans for a fifth release later this year. FGC's 9 p.m. show at Wooly's will be a 21-and-up event, and tickets will be $10.
Durham, North Carolina Americana group Delta Rae (featured slideshow) will stop in Des Moines on July 9 for an 8 p.m. concert at Wooly's. The sextet started by the Hölljes siblings (Brittany, Eric, and Ian) released a new EP entitled Chasing Twisters in November of last year. The release's first single, "If I Loved You", features Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. Tickets for the all ages Des Moines show are $16.50 in advance through Ticketfly and $20 at the door.