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Let me start this post off by saying I got the idea to post this after X (the creator of the best Minecraft LP) posted something similar, I have not read the entire post as it is truly a wall of text, but feel free to check it out here. (It is much better than this post)
My History in Minecraft
Minecraft is a truly amazing game and I can still truthfully say that I love it, even after purchasing it (in Alpha) about 7 months ago, the same is not true for something like Call of Duty: Black Ops (which I got about 4 months ago), though I can say I am started to be a little bored by it. The game has lost a lot of its excitement for me, but the path I have taken while playing this game is a bit different than most, I started my own Multiplayer server less than a week (about 4 days) after buying the game. Now this was way back, and I mean before redstone and minecarts worked (they actually made the whole server miserable and often crashed it), but it was fun none the less. One thing I didn't play until fairly recently, meaning about 2 months ago, is Single Player, the core part of Minecraft. When I first entered the world of Single Player I had a very hard time adapting, no people to talk to, no spawning item, but also less glitches. I have nothing against single player, but I will say I prefer multiplayer as it has other people to play with.
How I Play
I honestly don't think I enjoy the game as much as many other players, I love knowing EVERYTHING! Now this is great in school and most things related to computers and gaming, but it isn't the best for Minecraft. Now I am not saying you should be clueless and not know how to move your character or make a pick, but the way I used the wiki, the forums, and a variety of YouTube videos to learn everything about the game took away the excitement of the game for me. If someone doesn't know why something is happening or is wondering how to do something on a video, I know, and it can be irritating to me not being able to explore. That said, I have not lost all the enjoyment in the game, but I can't make it past making a house and gathering materials. I am a fairly creative person, but I don't know what to do in Minecraft, exploring used to be pretty cool, but now everyone has seen it all, so why would you venture off in a direction for an hour?
The Nether (and the Halloween update)
It sounded awesome! Another dimension to explore! Ghasts, zombie pigmen, portals, lanterns and more! Now people rarely use the nether. Why? It is a place to die, there is almost no reason to use it! But, this could have been different had lanterns actually made it into the game and required that you visit the nether to get materials for them. This is easy, most likely notch still has some of the code for lanterns and he could implement them into the game and give the nether some use.
The Lag
While this isn't exactly about Minecraft being boring, it has definitely made a lot of people leave the game (myself almost included). Minecraft has become near unplayable on my laptop (which got about 60-80 fps when I bought the game) as it gets between 6-18fps and nearly none when recording. Luckily it was about time for me to get a new computer, but the thing is, my laptop isn't really underpowered, in fact it was one of the best ones you could get when I bought it 3 years ago. My new desktop can get as much as 400fps with settings adjusted accordingly, but it gets around 60-90 maxed out on any resolution texture pack, tested up to 128x. The thing is though, I got an amazing deal on my desktop at $650 (plus $80 for a monitor) but it has about $900 of components in it (if you were to build it) or about $1,500- $2k if you bought a mac with similar or lower specs. Minecraft needs to be optimized for less powerful computers (more mainstream ones like my laptop) if it wants its players to remain loyal. I do understand that Minecraft does do a lot of stuff and is more advanced (believe it or not) than a lot of games, but there are mods that optimize it (even for integrated graphics!) and Notch should seriously think about adding some of them to the game.
Wrapping up
Minecraft is an awesome game and I plan on playing for a long time, but it will definitely need some things added to improve gameplay. I know that the game is still in Beta and I am truly grateful that the Mojang team (notch in particular) has allowed us the play the game while it is till being coded and I think that it will be the best it can be by the time it is released on 11/11/11, though I do not like that they set a "due date" for it to be done as I do not want them to rush through it or compromise the quality of the game just to get it out on a specific date. Finally, I would like to thank Notch, for making the game, Skullflag44 and Conrad12, for introducing me to the game, X, for convincing me to buy the game, and all the people (especially those with British accents) who have played with me on my server!
Wow! Thanks for reading my post and I hope you enjoyed it. Please remember this site is still on a subdomain but it will be up on a top level domain shortly!
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As Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the arrest of the country's president on corruption charges, protestors gathered calling for the resignation of members of the government. ITV's Jonathan Rugman reports from Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan was plunged into a fresh political crisis Tuesday after its judiciary ordered the arrest of the prime minister over corruption allegations amid ongoing public protests.
The country's Supreme Court ordered the detention of Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and others accused of involvement in kickbacks over the construction of power stations -- a surprise development in an ongoing investigation.
It comes as tens of thousands of protesters occupy streets in the capital, Islamabad, demanding the resignation of the entire government.
Muhammed Muheisen / AP
Images of daily life, political pursuits, religious rites and deadly violence.
The demonstrators have pledged to remain on the streets in support of a populist cleric, who some allege is backed by the military.
The court's decision is likely to underline the demands of of Muhammad Tahirul Qadri, who is seeking a crackdown on corruption and other reforms.
Thousands of of his supporters marched on the city Monday, promising to join the local demonstrators to establish a local version of Cairo's Tahrir Square in a bid to oust the government.
Ashraf is nicknamed 'Raja Rental' by local media because of his alleged involvement in corruption over the introduction of so-called 'rental power plants' - independently-owned plants that sold energy to the state in a bid to close a growing demand-supply gap.
Ashraf was the water and power minister at the time of their introduction. The schemes were ruled illegal by a court 12 months ago because of a lack of transparency,
He is the second prime minister installed by the regime of President Zardari - and the second to face a court order. The first, Yousuf Gillani, was removed by the Supreme Court last year for his failure to investigate corruption allegations against Zardari.
Leading Pakistan constitutional lawyer Salman Raja told NBC News he believed Ashraf would remain prime minister, "even in jail."
"He is not likely to be convicted anytime soon," he said."With his arrest the entire democratic project will suffer. And Mr. Qadri's theme will get underlined, conveniently."
He also questioned the timing of the court's announcement, coming amid the major public protests. "They could have done made this order next week. or three months ago, but they chose to pass it here, today."

subset: commoncrawl


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Looking to the futureDecember 03,2012Few of us are prepared, by education or disposition, to fully grasp the arguments waged between those who urgently warn us that global warming is a clear threat to our future and those who insist either that the threat doesnt exist or, if it does, that it isnt caused by human behavior and therefore shouldnt be addressed by legislation designed to change that behavior.
But all of us should be able to understand one aspect of the debate: If the scientists (and especially the politicians) who genuinely believe global warming is caused by or even seriously influenced by human behavior are correct, then the consequences of not confronting that behavior could be disastrous for future generations. Just ask Bill McKibben.
On the other hand, if the skeptics and there are plenty of them right here in Vermont are correct, what harm will have been done if steps are taken based on the belief that the threat is indeed urgent and, in fact, scientifically provable?
Politics aside, the basic argument of critics of those who fret about global warming is that the solutions being advanced, such as a carbon tax (which has even gained at least some support from political conservatives), will cause unwarranted financial harm to utility companies and their investors. To find an arresting array of these arguments, simply go online and write global warming in the subject box.
In the meantime, those of us who understandably remain uncertain about this hot-button issue might want to consider the observations of British novelist Henry Porter (Brandenburg Gate) published Saturday in The Guardian, a London newspaper that is respected for its reliable journalism.
Two years ago, just 57 (percent) of Americans believed climate change was happening, he observed. By March this year, the number had risen to 66 (percent) and by September to 70 (percent). That survey was taken a month before tropical storm Sandy hit New Jersey and New York, but after a series of heatwaves and wildfires, the Oklahoma dust storm, crop failure and the unprecedented drought, it is clear that the penny has dropped about extreme weather events.
It would be interesting to know if these figures have changed since the widespread human and financial costs associated with Sandy generated new discussion of the possibility that indeed global warming is accelerated by human behavior. Here in Vermont, weve experienced our own miseries because of extreme weather unlike that typical for our state.
There are always those who sense a conspiracy and therefore scoff at the cries of global warming, but the more logical opposition is based on the financial calculations that would be part of any measures proposed to minimize the problem; they seldom acknowledge the financial damage droughts do to farmers, to those that insure the farmers and even to their consumers.
This is essentially a political confrontation between those who see global warming as a clear and present danger requiring governmental intervention, regardless of cost, and those who insist that it is a political ploy designed to punish the businesses that would pay the highest prices for any remedies enacted.
Yet Porter sees a silver lining: The most surprising fact is that the ultra-conservative American Enterprise Institute is prepared to contemplate the idea (that global warming is real) and Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, has murmured that a carbon tax would not violate his principles.
Norquists influence may be waning but lobbyists for the oil and coal industries wont timidly oppose any legislation that would impact their bottom lines. Let them be heard, but lets never forget our children and grandchildren.MORE IN Opinion
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"We're all neighbors and partners. If one of us is successful, it all trickles down," Martinez said.
She said, rather than spend time talking to politicians, more time can be spent visiting neighbors and talking about jobs.
Bob Haueter, district director for U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, was on hand to represent the representative.
Victor Garza, executive director for the Refugio County Community Development Foundation, said he is expanding efforts to keep business in Refugio County. As a result, he is going to visit each and every business to see what the needs are.
He added that he hopes to visit all individuals in the community, as well.
And he said he is also working on attracting businesses to the county, and that includes improving housing across the county.
"We are trying to get actual numbers together," Garza said.
He added that the goal is to get everyone together and working on the same page.
"We want to improve the quality of living across the county," he said.
President of the Refugio County Chamber of Commerce Lenny Anzaldua, speaking on behalf of County Judge Rene Mascorro, noted that there are 1,786 drilling rigs and 848 of them are in Texas.
"A rising tide lifts all ships. What's good for Corpus Christi, is good for Refugio," Anzaldua said.
Amy Villarreal, Workforce contract manager, said there were 266 job openings within 30 miles of Refugio.
"We know there is a need for jobs – maybe not in Refugio where the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent – and lots of openings are available for men and women," she said.
And Janet Cunningham, who has a doctorate in education, said Coastal Compass is a clearing house for the workforce.
"There are jobs in this area, jobs coming to this area, and we need to match the people to the jobs," she said.
Cunningham, the executive director of Citizens for Educational Excellence, said the place to start is Coastal Compass located in La Palmera Mall in Corpus Christi.
"Two-thirds of the jobs coming will require post secondary education," she said.
Coastal Compass offers information and resources to help those interested get jobs.
Help in filling out forms and applications, connecting with potential employers and more is available.
A workforce panel also presented job information at the Town Hall meeting.
Maury Hudson, with Cheniere near Gregory, said his company is trying to get a liquefied natural gas plant constructed in the Gregory area.
He said his company was trying to get a market for gas to be shipped overseas. And regulations approval was being worked on currently.
He said construction would begin in 2015 that will require 3,000 jobs.
When the plant starts up, 155 permanent jobs would be available, including operators, maintenance schedulers and others.
He said the plant will cost $10 billion to construct.
Hudson said his company is working with the school district to get curriculum added for process technology because some 35 engineers will be needed.
Ward Dudley, of Roywell Services, said his company has been around for 20 years in Refugio.
He noted that his company had grown from 75 employees to 250 in the past five years.
He said his company now has 144 commercial driver's licensed truck drivers.
"We are always hiring hazmet drivers," he said.
"Refugio houses about 25 sand haul trucks. We are looking to expand on that," he said.
Paul Labat, of Supreme Services, said his company is always looking for truck drivers.
"We need as many applications coming through our door as possible," he said.
He said his company – Louisiana and Texas based – has grown from 250 to 600 people.
He noted his company is not hiring currently but wants the applications in so they can hire when ready.
Amanda Brisbin, of Watco companies, said she was a recruiter out of Pittsburg, Kan. for her company.
She noted that her company is a railroad/transport company and it celebrated its 30th anniversary a couple of weeks ago.
"We believe in customer first foundation," she said.
She said her company which is in Canada, Australia and the United States, has 3,300 team members.
She said 45 of those workers were in Refugio at the EOG plant.
She added that Watco needs operators who are willing to work outside, maintenance personnel and electricians.
In addition, she said her company has Watco U., an inhouse training program.
Also, Terri Howe, associate director at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Leonard Rivera of Del Mar College's off campus programs, talked about educational opportunities.
Both said resources for getting jobs were available, as well as the post secondary education one might need to get a job.
Anzaldua returned to speak to the 50 or so in attendance as a business services representative for the Craft Training Center.
He said crafts such as plumbing, electricians, carpentry and welding were available at the center.
He noted that there are 88 scholarships available today with 12 more to be added soon.
He said scholarship information is available at cbcFoundation.org.
"The story is there aren't any jobs. We busted that myth," Anzaldua said.
Quoting Dr. Suess, Anzaldua said, "The more you read, the more you learn. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
In her closing remarks, County Commissioner Ann Lopez recognized Mayor Martinez for her passion to achieve togetherness.
"God bless you. We wish you great things in Refugio County," Martinez said.


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The Three Rivers city council reviewed possible rate increase options with Raul Gonzalez, operations management specialist for the south Texas field office of the Community Resource Group, as part of the Rural Community Assistance Program at their monthly meeting on April 8.
According to Gonzalez, the USDA asks communities to pursue rate studies that provide for depreciation of value and emergency reserve funds.
"I know we need to do something because every year the CPA (certified public accountant) says we need to do something," Mayor James Liska said.
Gonzalez noted three factors influencing the city rate structure for Three Rivers; an outstanding debt of $118,929, a 2012 operations and maintenance budget of $984,709, and aligning base charges with the American Water Works Association's meter equivalent ratios.
"If you think this is the fair way, then this is the way we want to do it," Liska said.
Gonzales also said that much like Three Rivers, the rural areas west of town, referred to as the Certificates of Convenience and Necessity, also has an outstanding annual debt note of $174,481, a 2012 operations and maintenance budget of $358,378 and a need to align their meter rates with AWWA equivalent ratios. In addition, a $1.4 million capital improvement project is planned for the CCN area.
Three Rivers has 845 accounts at 3/4 inch and 5/8 inches, 28 one-inch accounts, 49 two-inch accounts, two accounts at three-inches, and five accounts at four inches.
Three Rivers customers use an average of 11,715 gallons per month and CCN customers use 43,902 gallons per month according to Gonzalez. During the meeting it was pointed out that the accounts with larger connections skew those averages.
Alderman Tim Strolemy said taxpayers have been carrying the financial burden for CCN customers. The council approved two different rate options, one for Three Rivers, and one for the CCN.
The council opted for Gonzalez's second rate proposal for Three Rivers. Under this rate, larger connections would see larger fees but typical residential accounts with 3/4 inch and 5/8 inch connections would not see a base rate increase, which is currently $15.
"It is based on demand, and they demand more water production, more storage, and more pumping; this is the standard that is used," Gonzalez said. "By going to this, the residential customers would not be impacted."
Base charges for usage in Three Rivers will remain the same, $15 for 2,000 gallons per month or less with the same increasing charges based on amount of water used.
For the CCN, existing monthly water usage fees will increase to the tune of about $20 overall. For most residential accounts, the ones using under 2,000 gallons per month, the current $20 rate will increase to $36. This increases incrementally based on usage up to 15,000 gallons, which has a current rate of $46 that will go to $69.80.
Those impacted by the Three Rivers rate change would be the ones with larger connections. The following are the new rates for each connection size:
• One inch: $37.50
• 1 1/2 inch: $75
• Two inches: $120
• Three inches: $240
• Four inches: $375
• Six inches: $750
• Eight inches: $1,200
In the CCN, there are 271 accounts at 3/4 inch and 5/8 inches, three accounts at one-inch, two accounts at 2 1/2 inches, eight accounts at two inches, one account at four inches, and one account at six inches.
The following are the CCN's new rates for each connection size:
• 3/4 inch and 5/8 inch: $36
• One inch: $90
• 1 1/2 inch: $180
• Two inches: $288
• Three inches: $576
• Four inches: $900
• Six inches: $1,800
• Eight inches: $2,880


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Select your color/finish:
KOHLER Biscuit
US List Price:
(based on selected color/finish)
Product Components: Bowl (404210)
The distinctive styling of the Riverton toilet, with it's ridged tank and rounded edges, fits both traditional- and contemporary-style bathrooms. Vitreous china construction provides durability in a variety of colors.
- Uses only 1.6 gallons of water per flush; meets today's strict water conservation standards
- Crafted of Grade A vitreous china to provide a durable, non-porous product with a hard, glossy finish
- Distinctive tank styling
- Elongated bowl has an extended rim length for comfortable use by adults
- Three-bolt quick-connect installation system
- Optional liner minimizes condensation on the outside of the toilet tank (402512-U)
- One flush performance limited guarantee
- Limited 5-year warranty
- Conforms to ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1 National Consensus Standards
- Toilet seat not included. Please visit http://kohler.com/seats for coordinating toilet seats.
Riverton™ Round Front Toilet with Pro Force® Technology
List Price: $208.95
Riverton™ Elongated 2-Piece Toilet with 1.28 GPF and Pro Force® Technology
List Price: $237.30
Riverton™ ADA Luxury Height® Elongated Toilet with Pro Force® Technology
List Price: $330.00
Riverton™ Round-Front Toilet
List Price: $177.00
Riverton™ ADA 2 Piece Toilet with 1.28 GPF and Elongated Bowl
List Price: $298.05
Riverton™ Elongated Toilet
List Price: $205.35
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*Due to the differences in monitors, technical factors, and characteristics of some of our finishes, the colors shown here cannot be represented with all their true qualities. The color tiles should only be considered a guide *All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested List Prices in U.S. dollars. The price you pay at your local supply outlet may be different than the Manufacturer's Suggested List Price. These prices supersede previous prices and are subject to change without notice. These prices do not include shipping. Any sales tax applicable will be added to the prices.


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Hi all, I am new here but hoping someone might be able to help me. My baby girl will be three weeks old on Monday, she has BF pretty well since the beginning but over the last couple of days has become quite fussy and won't settle as well as normal. The problem that I am noticing is she isn't feeding as well from my left breast, she never settles after feeding from this side. I have tried putting her back on the left side when she becomes fussy but with no avail, she will only settle again after another feed from her fav right boob!! What am I doing wrong? Is this normal??
Any advice gratefully recieved!! x


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At last night's United School Board meeting, it was announced by Steve Horrell of GM McCrossin that the High School renovations are complete. The elementary school still has work that needs to be done, but students are now back in their proper rooms.
The board approved a change order that will add fourteen lights along the outside wall of the the elementary school, costing approximately $14,000.
In other business, the board approved a preliminary budget or the 2013-2014 school year. As it stands now, there is a two-million dollar deficit that the district will work on paring down. Board president Donald Davis said that they asked administrators to plan as if there would be no tax increase and the board would try their best to limit the tax increase if one is needed. The final budget is due on June 30th
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Hover Boarding Prohibited Metal Sign - 14" x 24"
The exclusive metal Eureka sign Hover Boarding Prohibited from the breakout sci-fi series lets everyone know your favorite show is filled with humor and sci-fi thrills, and tells them they should catch it, too. In the town of Eureka, where just about everyone is a super-genius, Hover Boards are like bikes, and you're sure to find a terrific place to post this iconic and playful play on the show. The Eureka Hover Boarding Prohibited metal sign makes a great gift for the Eureka-worthy fan you know.
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- Color: Multi-colored
Availability: In Stock
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When you give to World Concern, your gift reaches into the farthest corners of the world to help those beyond the end of the road … forgotten by others. Your gift shows them they are not forgotten.
You provide practical, life-changing care to children and families in some of the poorest, hard-to-reach places in the world. Your gift helps meet critical needs, including:
Your generous gift transforms lives. Thank you.
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World Concern is part of CRISTA Ministries a 501(c)(3) charity, World Concern's specific administration and fundraising costs are 14.4%, with 85.6% going to our programs that transform lives around the world. Wise stewardship matters at World Concern, and when donations exceed program needs or when local conditions prevent program execution, we will direct funds to similar activities.
Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law. Here is our latest Audited Financial Statement and Form 990. Your personal and financial information is confidential and secure.
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March 2012 Online & Absentee Only Petroliana & More Auction
Date: Wednesday March 7, 2012
Time: 4:00pm CST
Location: Online Only, Nokomis, IL
Auctioneer's Note
Click Here to View CatalogThis auction will be absentee bidding only, either though Proxibid.com, phone calls, faxes or emailing. There will be No On-site Auction.
The live online broadcast through Proxibid will start at 4:00 pm cst, March 7th, 2012.
Buyer's Premium for online bidder is now 16%.
Terms & ConditionsTerms & Conditions
1) 16% Buyers Premium for all absentee or internet bidders. (absentee & internet bidders must pay with Visa or MasterCard only.)
2) Please bring a bank letter of guarantee for purchases over $10,000. Information is subject to change. All lots are sold as is, where is, with all faults, imperfection and errors of description. Due diligence is the responsibility of the bidder/buyer.
3) All sales are final.
4) Purchase maybe removed upon receipt of payment in full. Buyers assume complete responsibility for care of each purchase at time of sale.
5) We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. All statements made prior to the sale of any item take precedence over written material and any prior verbal statements.
6) Not responsible for accidents, thefts errors or omissions.
Online Bidding & other terms of the auction:
1. For Live Internet and Absentee Bidding there is a 16% Buyers Premium added to the total.
2. Matthews Auctions LLC (Auctioneer) has put forth very effort in preparing the catalog for this auction to provide accurate description of all items. All property is sold "as is" and it is the bidder's responsibility to determine the exact condition of each item. Printed statements or descriptions by staff are provided in good faith and are matters of opinion. Absolutely NO refunds after a 10-day inspection period.
3. All accounts must be settled at the conclusion of the auction. We accept Visa & MasterCard only. Your credit card will be charged for your purchase, plus buyer's premiums, and any taxes. A pre-auction authorization will e performed to establish available credit. Debit cards may show a hold on funds for a short period of time. Nothing will be charged to your card until a purchase is made.
4. In order to better serve our customers, all bidders must provide their name, address, daytime phone number and email address at which they can be contacted. This is to insure good communication between Auctioneer and the bidder through out and transactions.
5. All sales are final.
6. By bidding on any item, the bidder shows acceptance of the terms of the auction & Auctioneer.
7. The auctioneer reserves the right to refuse service to any person or persons.
8. All announcements made day of auction take precedence over any and all written or verbal statements.
9. The Auctioneer has the sole discretion to advance the bidding and may reject a nominal advance, should it in his estimation prove injurious to the auction. The auctioneer shall be the final judge in all bidding disputes and shall name a bidder as the purchaser.
10. The Auctioneer shall not be held responsible for any missed bids or bids unseen by the auctioneer or any of their agents.
11. Online auction move quickly. If you are interested in an item, bid quickly. If you win and item in the auction you will be notified by email, In order to have enough time to conduct authorization, registration must be completed at least 24 hours in advance of the auction. If it is multiple day event, 24 hours prior to the first day of the auction. If the day before an auction falls on a holiday or weekend, the deadline is the day before the holiday or the Friday prior to the auction.
12. The purchaser agrees to pay all reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred by the Auctioneer in the collection of funds. The purchaser also agrees that a fee of 2% per month be added to the balance of any unpaid balance due the auction company and any other cost or losses incurred by the purchaser failure to adhere to these terms. Any debt collection or dispute proceedings will be heard in Montgomery County, Illinois.
13. Shipping: The Auction Company ships through the United State Postal Service, or Federal Express. Packing and shipping cost is the responsibility of the buyer and may be quoted before shipping. Fragile or large items may or will be shipped by a professional shipping company and may result in higher shipping cost. All items will be insured for the purchase price. Our first priority is to deliver your new purchase in excellent in condition. All items won online are automatically packed and shipped, unless the auction company has indicated otherwise.


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Drug companies brought on scourgeMay 08,2014After watching the film The Hungry Heart Wednesday evening at Otter Valley High School, I came away feeling as hopeless and helpless about the opiate addiction in Vermont as the addicts in the film. I am outraged that the prescription drug industry has developed highly addictive drugs without adequate medical oversight and the industry also cashes in on subsequent methadone and suboxone treatments. The drug industry preys on unborn children, innocent youth, young adults and working people.
Watching the film and listening to the guests who participated in the film/discussion afterward tapped into my own family experience during which prescription drug use turned into heroin abuse.
My grandson lost his mother to a drug overdose when he was 9 years old. She was a beautiful young woman who could never recover and live a normal life even after many attempts in rehab treatment. She was addicted to oxycodone and heroin, and she had two other children born addicted and she was unable to care for them.
I have members of my family who are in recovery and take suboxone daily to beat off the cravings. They have good jobs and are able to pay for their own health care. It is a struggle for them every day.
All of the people close to me who fight this opiate addiction are burdened with emotional and financial pain for years to come. They could have never seen it coming. All of a sudden the pain reduction turned into an uncontrollable addiction. They needed the drug just to feel normal. My family continues to pay the pharmaceutical industry for its daily dose of suboxone.
I live in Rutlands Northwest neighborhood, and I see the suffering everyday. I see drug dealers and I report them. I pick up drug paraphernalia from the street.
I try to be supportive by attending meetings and listening to others talk about how to solve the drug problem. I havent met one person who doesnt want to help make this a better place to live.
We all care about our neighbors and want the safest place for our families, but we cant have a healthy community until the drug industry is held accountable for the reckless consequences of the successful marketing of its pain products. The drug industry has created this opiate epidemic in Rutland. The drug industry needs to pay for rehab treatment of its customers. They need to pay for as many rehab treatment facilities as it takes to educate and heal the people it has addicted. The drug industry is the only winner in this war against drugs because it supplies the drugs. The drug companies are legally and morally culpable for this epidemic. They have a moral responsibility to the people whose lives they have disrupted and sidelined.
I am a retired Vermont teacher. I am concerned that our young people and their families are not given a chance at a healthy and happy life because the addiction has changed the chemistry in their brain so much that pleasure can only be associated with the pain-relief medication. The pleasure elicited by the pain medication is so strong that it is difficult to eradicate, and even years after abstinence, there are triggers that may cause the person to relapse. To be burdened at a young age with addictions and lifelong struggles of recovery is tragic. Just saying no to drugs is not acceptable. The perpetuator of this human bondage for profit has the responsibility to pay for the drug addiction treatment because the health insurance industry wont pay for it, and the drug industry created the problem.
I am a mother against drug companies profiting from my childrens addiction.
Marilyn Griffith is a resident of Rutland.MORE IN CommentarySure, you can buy your uncle a necktie that he wont wear, or your niece an Amazon certificate... Full StoryA lot of serious long-term national issues simply werent addressed in the recent national election. Full StoryI have written on the anomaly of the separation of the private and public sectors in our society,... Full Story
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Training in Swaziland
|Training in [[{{#explode:Training in Swaziland| |2}} {{#explode:Training in Swaziland| |3}} {{#explode:Training in Swaziland| |4}}]]
|Pre-service training will probably be the most intense period of your Peace Corps service, as you will need to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully serve as a Volunteer in just 10 weeks. While the training period will be extremely busy, it should also be a time of excitement, discovery, and self-fulfillment. The effort and challenges of adapting to a new culture will draw on your reserves of patience and humor but will be handsomely rewarded with a sense of belonging among new friends.
|[[Image:Flag_of_{{#explode:Training in Swaziland| |2}}.svg|50px|none]]}}
See also:
For information see Welcomebooks
Training is an essential part of Peace Corps service. Our goal is to give you enough skills and information to allow you to live and work effectively in Swaziland. In doing that, we build on the experiences and expertise you bring to the Peace Corps. We anticipate that you will approach your training with an open mind, a desire to learn, and a willingness to be involved. Trainees officially become Volunteers after successful completion of training.
The nine-week training program will provide you with the opportunity to learn new skills and practice them as they apply to Swaziland. You will receive training and orientation in language, cross-cultural communication, development issues, health and personal safety, and technical skills pertinent to your specific assignment. The skills you learn will serve as the foundation upon which you build your experience as a Volunteer in Swaziland.
At the beginning of training, the training staff will outline the training goals that each trainee must reach before becoming a Volunteer and the criteria that will be used to assess achievement of those goals. Evaluation of your performance during training is a continual process based on a dialogue between you and the training staff. The training director, along with the language, technical, and cross-cultural trainers, will work with you toward the highest possible achievement of training goals by providing you feedback throughout training. After successful completion of pre-service training, you will be sworn-in as a Volunteer and make the final preparations for departure to your site.
Technical Training
Technical training will prepare you to work in Swaziland by building on the skills you already have and by helping you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. Training places great emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer.
Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment in Swaziland and strategies for working within such a framework. You will review your technical sector's HIV/AIDS goals and will meet with the Swazi agencies and organizations that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You will be supported and evaluated throughout the training to build the confidence and skills you need to undertake your HIV/AIDS project activities and be a productive member of your community.
Language Training
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during your service. These skills are critical to your job performance, they help you integrate into your community, and they can ease your personal adaptation to your new surroundings. Therefore, language training is the heart of the training program, and you must successfully meet minimum language requirements to complete training and become a Volunteer. SiSwati language instructors teach formal language classes five days a week in small groups of four to five people.
Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic social communication skills so that you can practice and develop language skills further on your own. Prior to being sworn-in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language studies during your two years of service.
Cross-Cultural Training
As part of your pre-service training, you will live with a Swazi host family. This experience is designed to ease your transition to life at your site. Families have gone through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the purpose of pre-service training and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Swaziland. Many Volunteers form strong and lasting friendships with their host families.
Cross-cultural and community development training will help you improve your communication skills and understand your role as a facilitator of development. You will be exposed to topics such as community mobilization, conflict resolution, gender and development, nonformal and adult education strategies, and political structures.
Health Training
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical training and information. You will be expected to practice preventive heathcare and to take responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to attend all medical sessions. The topics include preventive health measures and minor and major medical issues that you might encounter while in Swaziland. Nutrition, mental health, safety and security, setting up a safe living compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.
Safety Training
During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for coping with unwanted attention, transportation safety, and your individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service.
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service
In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace Corps has implemented a training system that provides trainees and Volunteers with continual opportunities to examine their commitment to Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and cross-cultural skills. During your service, there are several training events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows:
- In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, and project development skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served for three to six months.
- Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps service and reviews their respective projects and personal experiences. The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the training system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation through the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.


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Mocha Chocolate Cake
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Ready Time: 120 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
- 2 tablespoons Folgers Classic Roast® Instant Coffee Crystals
- 1 cup water
- 1 package Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Devil's Food Premium Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Folgers Classic Roast® Instant Coffee Crystals
- 1 teaspoon hot water
- 1 (16 oz.) container Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Chocolate Fudge Flavored Frosting
Preparation Directions
- HEAT over to 350°F. Coat two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans with no-stick cooking spray. Stir 2 tablespoons coffee crystals in water until dissolved.
- BLEND cake mix, coffee mixture, oil and eggs in a large bowl until moistened. Beat with mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Spread evenly in prepared pans. Bake 27-36 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely before frosting.
- For Mocha Frosting: DISSOLVE 2 teaspoons coffee crystals in 1 teaspoon water. With a table knife, make a well in center of frosting in container. Add coffee mixture. Slowly stir until well blended.
- PLACE 1 cake layer, top side down, on serving plate. Spread with frosting. Top with second layer, top side up. Frost sides and top of cake with remaining frosting.
- Line muffin pans with paper baking cups. Prepare batter as instructed above. Fill muffin pan cups 2/3 full. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely. Prepare frosting as directed above. Use to frost cupcakes. Makes 24 cupcakes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Serving Size (1 slice, 1/12 of cake), Calories 410 (Calories from Fat 170), Total Fat 20g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 2g), Cholesterol 55mg, Sodium 450mg, Total Carbohydrate 57g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 40g), Protein 4g; Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 8%, Iron 15%.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
* Ensure all recipe ingredients are gluten free by referencing the ingredient labels, as products may vary. If uncertain, contact the ingredient manufacturer.


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"Internet Purchases Only"
"Not a Retail Store Stock Item"
This item is viewable at our retail store in LEXINGTON, KY. It may be on display and is
available for immediate purchase and pick-up.
*Please Note!! Many of our pictures are stock photos provided to us by the manufacturer and do not necessarily represent the actual item being purchased. Please verify this picture accurately reflects the product described by the title and description on this page before you place your order.
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The Multilayer Switch Feature Card (MSFC2) For the Catalyst® 6500 Series delivers high performance multilayer switching and intelligent network services for both service provider and enterprise environments. The MSFC2, in combination with the Policy Feature Card (PFC), provides IP, IPX® and IP Multicast switching.
The MSFC2 is a Cisco IOS® router in a compact package and, when used in combination with the PFC, provides intelligent multilayer switching for the Catalyst 6000 Family in a single slot solution.
Key Features:
- Delivers a broad array of Cisco IOS software services
- Provides intelligent services with Cisco IOS software
- Provides hardware based layer three switching for IP, IPX and IP Multicast; improved control plane performance; and support for large routing tables
- Provides multimedia services such as CGMP, IGMP, and PIM, security services such as access lists and encryption, and CoS enablers such as RSVP and WFQ
- Supports redundancy when redundant MSFC2 equipped supervisors are deployed


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City Center Apartment with WiFi
お部屋の大きさ45 m²
Floor No.(with elevator)
- ファミリー/子供と一緒に泊まれる
- キッチン
- 洗濯機/乾燥機
- テレビ
- 喫煙可
- 建物内にエレベーター有り
- ベランダ/テラス
- タオル
Accommodation summary
|Calle Capuchinos, 29013 Málaga, スペイン
|< 50%
I let several guides of Malaga and its province so you can make the most of your trip, and an update of the museums nearby.
The Capuchin neighborhood is very close to the University of El Ejido and 5 minutes walk from the central areas of the city. Picasso´s birthplace, Picasso Museum, Thyssen Museum, Cathedral, Alcazaba, Paseo del Parque and Larios Street. There, you can find many clothing stores and restaurants.
You can take the Malaga Tour Bus that travels through the most important city places. You can discover the Castle of Gibralfaro, Malaga´s Bullring and the Port of Malaga. The nearest stop is at the Church of Victoria to five minutes.
If you want to visit the surrounding neighborhoods, there is a bus stop in Capuchinos Square which is at 170 meters from the apartment. It is a stop for two lines, line 1 and the circle C1.
If what you want is a beach day, you can take the bus line C1 Capuchin Square and you'll be in 20 minutes on the beach Malagueta.
If you want a guide to the most interesting parts of the city, ask us without obligation.
Here you will be very close to the historic center in order to know in depth, both in the environment and in night day. While you benefit from not being in its heart, for your best night's sleep and car parking if you bring.
It's a small community so we pray to the silence at night.
|¥ 34522
|¥ 120186
|1 ヶ月あたり
|Check-in before
the stay in the apartment was very nice. everything was like shown on the fotos, there was a little terrace which I liked personally very much. the host had also prepared shower gel, sunscreen and after sun lotions for us as well
as little croissants and water. we walked about 5-10 minutes to the tapas bars in the evening and could find them easily. the welcoming was very nice, she explained everything and showed us some sights to visit etc.
all in all I would recommend staying there!
Nice apartment with good service by Virginia. The flat looks just like the pictures and is kept clean. The only minus is the bed, which is a bit hard.
A very nice, bright and clean apartment. It is just a 2 minute walk to the supermarket and a 5 minute walk to the historic centre. Also you can find several bus stops nearby to get around in Málaga. The only thing missing was an air conditioner since it was pretty hot (even in september) - but I guess that would be much more expensive. So all in all an excellent price-performance ratio ;)
Virginia took good care of everything. When the boiler in our kitchen started leaking, she immediately had it repaired - perfect service!
A tip for all of you coming by plane: There is a train (route C2) directly from the airport to the central station of Málaga (María Zambrano). It takes about 10 minutes and costs less than 2€ per person.
The apartment from Virginia is a nice apartment. It's about 15 min walk from the center and the neigberhood is nice and quit. Supermarked is 5 min away and also other shops like bakery are very close. Kitchen is okey but basic. Bed is clean and good (middle hard) In the summer i would miss a airco. The communication i had with Virginia before and during our stay was perfect. I can recoment this apartment to anybody
Nice and very well equipped apartment in a new building, small separated terrace at the backside with walls around so you have no view around. Even I found a bottle of red win and beer as a welcome. Some basics for kitchen and washing were also prepared. If you go by car you may face some parking problems there but on the other hand you can easily walk to the center in less then 15 minutes. There is no aircon, but that was not necessary in June.
All in all I was quite satisfied.
Thanks to Virginia
It is a good appartment for two people to stay. It is in walking distance to plaza de la Merced en Centro. thanks for the small details as welcome candy/wine and suggestions for things to do in Malaga. Yes, it is definitely recommended.
Thanks for the beautiful appartment and the little drinks and candys . The place was really great for 2 people , near from the centre of Malaga . Goodbye and thank you again for all .
El piso es exacto a las fotografías. La atención es fantástica. Virginia es muy atenta, incluso nos preparó cosas para el desayuno, una botella de vino y unas cervezas. El único defecto que puedo encontrar es que no estaba totalmente limpio, aunque lo básico (baño, cama, etc) si estaba genial. Muy recomendable.
Todo perfecto! El piso es tal y como aparece en las fotos, todo limpio y ordenado, con todo lo necesario para pasar unos días de vacaciones. Muy cerca del centro andando, unos 15 minutos, y con muchos autobuses cerca, fácil de encontrar y bien comunicado. Virginia nos dejó una botella de vino y cosas para el desayuno, todo un detalle. Lo recomendaría 100%. Y si volvemos repetiría, sin duda!
- すべてのお部屋はチェック済み
- どのホストともお電話で直接お話いただけます


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Petite Button Hem Colored Jean Skimmer Pant
Style: 570115214
Out of Stock
Soft and sleek navy denim pant that is easily dressed up or down— go day to night in stylish ease. Rhinestone and studded touches at front and back pockets along with snap buttoned hem.
- Our universal fit. Eased through the hip and thigh, sits just below the waist.
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- 5-pocket style.
- Three silvertone snap buttons at hem.
- High polished silvertone logo hardware with crystal rhinestone rivets.
- 98% cotton, 2% spandex. Machine wash, cold. Imported.
- Regular inseam: 28"
- Petite inseam: 26"
Read more… Read less…


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Age: 33
Residence: Columbus
Occupation: freelance designer
Q: How often do you dine out?
A: My husband, Nathan Sampson, and I probably dine out three or four times a week.
Q: What's a good place for breakfast?
A: We go to Tommy's Diner (914 W. Broad St.). I'm a biscuits-and-gravy kind of person, and my husband usually gets a Greek omelet. It's open early, and a lot of breakfast places don't open that early.
Q: What's your latest find?
A: We went to Wolf's Ridge (Brewing, 215 N. 4th St.). The environment was fun, with big communal tables, and the food was pretty good. My husband got the lamb-and-beef burger, which was delicious. I like the duck confit melt, with cheese and pickled onions, and the baby-back ribs, marinated in a stout barbecue sauce.
Q: What's an old favorite?
A: L'Antibes (772 N. High St.). The food is delicious. Their avocado salad is just amazing: You get half an avocado with some fennel and microgreens. It's simple and elegant. They have a nice patio menu in the summer that's less expensive.
Q: Any favorite neighborhood spots?
A: Bakersfield Short North (733 N. High St.) is a new taco place that's fun and vibrant. Their tacos are delicious. They have fish and short-rib tacos.
Q: Where do you go often for affordable fare?
A: We're regulars at the Rossi (895 N. High St.). My husband always gets the burgers, which are pretty good there, but I get the rotating special: fish or pasta. The chef there has different preparations. Their Caesar salad comes with romaine that's grilled and wrapped in prosciutto. One time I had a salad with Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, roasted butternut squash and hoisin sauce.
Q: Where do you skip the menu because you know the place so well?
A: I always look at the menu.


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Reversal of Fortune
Setting aside for now the debate in my December 21 post about the wisdom of the Mark Teixeira trade, I want to look ahead to the consequences of the Angels' failure to retain Teixeira via free agency.
The Angels have several directions they can go. One would be to simply bank the savings and go with the farm system in 2009. They can turn over first base to Kendry Morales, find a way to get Brandon Wood into the lineup on a full-time basis, expect more production from Howie Kendrick and Juan Rivera, and hope for the best.
That's the scenario with the most risk, but might make sense in the long run. Neither Morales or Wood are rookies — they have too many at-bats to qualify — but they've never been given the opportunity to play full-time. Tampa Bay showed this year you can field a championship ball club with some young players in the lineup.
If Brandon plays shortstop or third base, that clouds the future for Maicer Izturis, Erick Aybar and Chone Figgins. Izturis, Aybar and Kendrick have suffered frequent injuries in recent years, so infield depth remains important. Figgins used to be the free-floating-agent-of-chaos, playing almost any position on the field, so manager Mike Scioscia can certainly move him around.
The Angels are unlikely to face any significant challenge within their division in 2009, so they can afford to go through some growing pains with Wood and Morales. It might be worth it if, come post-season, they've both passed the test and demonstrated they're legit big leaguers.
But owner Arte Moreno may feel he needs to satisfy his customer base with a "name" player — the main reason for the Teixeira trade — so they'll likely look at other free agent options and/or pursue a trade.
The so-called "big bats" out there on the free agent market include Manny Ramirez, Adam Dunn and Pat Burrell.
Many on the fan boards have been clamoring for Manny because he's a "name" but the Angels rightly have been reluctant. Whether or not he's a clubhouse cancer isn't the issue. The issue is he turns 37 in May, hasn't been in the best of health the last two years, and wants a nice fat contract. Oh, and let's not forget his agent is Scott Boras. Even on his best days, Manny is terrible in left field and really should be a DH — except the Angels anticipate easing Vlad Guerrero into the DH role.
It's not my money, but I'd have no problem signing Manny to a two-year contract for $30 million. Manny won't sign for that. And as we saw with Teixeira, if the Angels wait on Scott Boras then they're going to miss other opportunities.
Dunn and Burrell are second-tier players in comparison to Teixeira/Ramirez. One nice thing is that both have first base experience, Burrell in particular, mostly in the minors. But the "big bat" market isn't going to settle down until Teixeira signs and defines "big bat" value this winter. He'll be the top of the scale, and the price for Dunn/Burrell will adjust accordingly.
Either might take playing time away from Rivera or Morales, although Scioscia can juggle the lineup by rotating them through the DH slot. Rivera can also play right field and Morales has a little exposure to the outfield corners, although he's best suited for first base (and don't have any delusions that he'll be much better than Ramirez in the outfield).
If the Angels go the trade route, it will probably mean losing some of their top prospects. Let's not forget they still need a fifth starting pitcher. Trading for a starter and a bat will pretty much deplete the upper tier of young talent in the system.
Rumors — and let's be clear, rumors are not facts, they're just somebody's speculation or wet dream — have suggested the Angels remain interested in Paul Konerko, inquired about Adrian Gonzalez as part of a Jake Peavy package, and might want Reds' first baseman Joey Votto. I can't see Cincinnati giving up a talented and affordable young first baseman in a small market, but you never know.
Losing Teixeira forced the Angels into considering these less palatable scenarios, but that was the risk they took last July.
Some have pointed out that the Angels will reap draft picks galore for having lost Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez and Jon Garland to free agency.
I'm all for draft picks — this is, after all, FutureAngels.com — but let's not think that five or six draft picks in the first two rounds are going to make any difference in the foreseeable future.
A 2003 study by Baseball America of the 1990-97 drafts attempted to measure the success of draft picks, both by round and by education level. The picks were subjectively ranked as flops (never made it to the majors), coffee (made at least one appearance), fringe, regular, good and star.
For first round draft picks, the results were:
|First Round
|Regular or Better
|High School
|Junior College
This validates what I've posted before, that about one-third (34.9%) of first-round draft picks don't even make it to the major leagues (flops). And only about one-fourth (26.6%) will have a substantive major league career (regular or better).
As you might suspect, the numbers are worse in latter rounds. In Round #2, 52.9% are flops and only 9.4% are regulars or better. In Round #3, 68.2% are flops and only 6.2% are regulars and better.
Under former Scouting Director Donny Rowland and current Scouting Director Eddie Bane and their staffs, the Angels have done a great job of using latter-round picks to find prospects such as Jordan Walden, Mark Trumbo, Peter Bourjos, Will Smith and Ryan Chaffee. Their track record with first-round picks is pretty good too — Joe Saunders in 2002, Brandon Wood in 2003, Jered Weaver in 2004 — but even so it still takes a good three to five years at least to get a handle on whether a draft pick will make good on his promise. By then, circumstances at the major league level may have changed entirely.
Trading Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek for Teixeira created a nexus. If they lost Teixeira, it created alternate timelines for the Angels, none of which seem particularly palatable at this point in time. A year from now, the Angels might be world champions, Kendry Morales is the A.L. MVP, Brandon Wood has hit 40 homers and Nick Adenhart is firmly entrenched in the Angels' rotation. Who knows. But the impression I have right now is that the Angels will be left scrambling to make up for a short-term decision with long-term consequences.
UPDATE December 23, 2008 11:30 AM PST — Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Angels have closed the door to both of Boras' clients, Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez. "We're going to give our kids an opportunity to play," GM Tony Reagins said.
2 Comments
But what real alternate timelines? They've lost a first baseman who was producing in the bottom third of all qualified first baseman when he was traded. And they plug that with Morales and Trumbo essentially takes Morales' place.
Nobody is arguing draft picks are guaranteed successes expect message board dopes, which is like listening to your drunk uncle. Life's too short. I actually figured those numbers to be a tad lower. With five picks in the first 40, they shouldn't have to be in an either/or situation and should get a decent haul from their top-15 board.
But with an ever-so-slight depletion in organizational talent over the last year and a half, the glut of draft picks is a nice little bonus, nothing more and nothing less. It's not a direct correlation w/r/t the Teixeira deal, as if that makes it all fine and dandy. Just helps a bit.
And it's not like the new guys have to explode onto the scene. If Wood actually plays regularly, hits .260/.340 and hits 20 hrs, drives in 75. Not bad. Progress. Morales could contribute similar numbers with a higher average and…not bad, part deux. Adenhart could go 8-10, have an ERA in the mid 4s and keep his WHIP under 1.30 and hey, that's progress. Not unreasonable projections.
The simple fact is, if they go into spring training with this team as it stands now, they have Figgins, Kendrick, Aybar, Wood, Morales, Napoli, Lackey, Weaver, Santana, Saunders, Shields, Arredondo and Adenhart as guys directly from our farm system that will be significant contributors. That's 13 guys. Alternate timelines…because we lost one guy named Kotchman and another guy who hasn't pitched above double-A, especially since the system is loaded with power (and younger) arms?
I just don't know how that warrants a "They blew it up! D#mn, dirty apes!" mentality.
I agree with nardtwopper.
Having talent in the farm system is a good thing, but you have to "use it or lose it." I will be interested in seeing how Morales compares to Kotchman. He may (or may not) be as good a player, but I don't expect to see a major drop-off in performance at first.
I also believe it is time to give Wood a real chance to start this year (and move Figgins to his super utility role). Is it possible that he will be the "big bat" that the Angels have been trying to add to the team? He could be a better version of Adam Dunn since he can actually play defense.
I also believe that the added draft picks for the unsigned free agensts (K-Rod, Teixeira and Garland) have significant value. Sure, not all of the picks will pan out and it is even possible than none of them will. In recent years, however, the Angels have done very well with their first round picks–the last five were Kotchman, Saunders, Wood, Weaver and Conger.
Stephen seems to question the value of first round picks. He notes that only 40% of the "star" players are first round picks, with roughly 20% coming from the second round and 40% from the remainder of the draft. I look at the same numbers and draw a differnt conclusion. Using the same percentages, two first round picks and three sandwich picks (which are worth more than a second round pick) have a value equal to 140% or more of an entire draft (40% + 40% + 20% + 20% + 20%). Who wouldn't be happy when (the player draft) Christmas comes twice a year!


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February 2, 2012: A team of astronomers aimed Hubble at one of the most striking examples of gravitational lensing, a nearly 90-degree arc of light in the galaxy cluster RCS2 032727-132623. Hubble's view of the distant background galaxy, which lies nearly 10 billion light-years away, is significantly more detailed than could ever be achieved without the help of the gravitational lens.
This observation provides a unique opportunity to study the physical properties of a galaxy vigorously forming stars when the universe was only one-third its present age. The results have been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.See the rest:


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Bells are jingling, carolers are singing, and you and Santa are both making your list and checking it twice. The holiday shopping season is well under way, and if you didn't scoop up all your gifts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you may be feeling the pressure to choose gifts for your friends and loved ones.
Online gift cards are an easy and fun way to show your gift recipients that you know what they like. A gift card isn't just a one time present; it offers your loved ones the chance to have an experience that they wouldn't have had without your thoughtfulness. No matter who is on your list this year, surprise them with an online gift card!
Gifts that Relax
The holidays can be a stressful time, and whether it's your boss, your mom, or anyone else, the gift of relaxation is a meaningful one. Give a gift card to Spa Week or SpaFinder to that person on your list who never treats themselves, but deserves a day or two of pampering. » Read more: Tis the Season! Online Gift Cards for Everyone On Your List
About Katie Erbach
Katie is GiftZip's newest team member. She currently lives in Chicago with her fiance, Jim. Katie's passions include blogging, hiking, reading (but nothing sad), listening to music, and baking anything with chocolate in it!
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TICA has accepted a Preliminary New Breed: the Khaomanee. Effective May 1st, as a Preliminary New Breed, the Khaomanee is eligible to be shown at TICA sanctioned shows but do not earn titles or points towards Annual Awards and must follow specific rules to be eligible for the next step in achieving championship status.
The Khaomanee, also known as the Diamond Eye cat, is a rare breed of cat originating in Thailand. Its ancestry dates back hundreds of years, and is even mentioned in the Tamra Maew, or Cat Book Poems.
Its short, white, close-lying coat, and its blue, gold or odd eyed colored eyes makes it attractive to cat lovers. The Khaomanee is a moderate build but very muscular, and has a very active and intelligent personality.


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Jaclyn KellyDirector, Corporate Relations firstname.lastname@example.com 1-630-590-7793
Nate WicksSales Manager, Corporate firstname.lastname@example.com
Your commercial will be hard to miss on our two-sided media wall. Situated in a high-traffic area in the Grand Concourse, this eye-catching display allows you to present your message in a dynamic video format, as a static ad, with or without sound.
Space Deadline - 10/19
Material Deadline - 11/7
Construction:Video File Format
Size:7'-4" x 11' 9"
Spots should be submitted as "ready to air" in the following resolution and format: Full Screen – 16:9 (1280x720).
NOTE: The actual resolution of the media wall is 576x324. Please do not use small fonts as they will be difficult to read.
Windows Media files (.wmv) or QuickTime files (.mov) with an H.264 codec, deinterlaced and square pixel aspect ratio.Submit final spots to Mary McDonnell
E: Mary McDonnell


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For all state tax incentives: 50% of capital investment in the eligible project
Up to 100% of sales and use tax
Companies may receive a sales tax incentive of up to 100% of the Kentucky sales and use tax paid (on or after the activation date) on materials, machinery and equipment used to construct, retrofit or upgrade an eligible project.
Approved companies may also require that employees whose jobs were created as a result of the associated project, as a condition of employment, to pay a wage assessment of up to 4% of their gross wages. Employees will be allowed a Kentucky income tax credit equal to the assessment withheld from their wages.
The maximum recovery for a single project from all incentives, including the income and liability entity tax credit, sales tax refund and the wage assessment, may not exceed 50% of the capital investment.
Prior to making any capital investments in a project, each eligible company must submit an application ($1000 fee) for incentives to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. Each incentive contract is negotiated on a case-by-case basis to determine the conditions and termination date of the project, not to exceed 25 years from the project's activation date.


text: My daughter is almost 16 mo old and her latch is getting worse and worse . . . she pulls back very hard on the nipple and keeps her mouth tight and pinchy. We then have a "tug of war" where I try to keep her from pulling her head back too far and she tries to push away. Not sure exactly when this happened . . . must have been very gradual . . . but it is getting really uncomfortable. I have tried detatching and relatching and making sure her lips are flanged (which they usually are) but it doesn't improve much. I really need her to open her mouth wider but not sure how to get her to do this. She is also teething (her eyeteeth are coming in) but the latch issue has been going on for longer than that. Anybody have any advice on how to improve a poor latch at this "advanced" age ?


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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/211908
- Title
- An HI survey of six local group analogs II: HI properties of group galaxies
- Author(s)
- Pisano, D. J.; Barnes, David G.; Staveley-Smith, Lister; Gibson, Brad K.; Kilborn, Virginia A.; Freeman, Ken C.
- Abstract
- We have conducted an H I 21 cm emission-line survey of six loose groups of galaxies chosen to be analogs to the Local Group. The survey was conducted using the Parkes multibeam instrument and the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) over a ~1 Mpc2 area and covering the full depth of each group, with an M H I sensitivity of ~7 × 105 M ☉. Our survey detected 110 sources, 61 of which are associated with the six groups. All of these sources were confirmed with ATCA observations or were previously cataloged by HIPASS. The sources all have optical counterparts and properties consistent with dwarf irregular or late-type spiral galaxies. We present here the H I properties of the groups and their galaxies. We derive an H I mass function (HIMF) for the groups that is consistent with being flatter than the equivalent field HIMF. We also derive a circular velocity distribution function, tracing the luminous dark matter halos in the groups, that is consistent with those of the Local Group and HIPASS galaxies, both of which are shallower than that of clusters or predictions from cold dark matter models of galaxy formation.
- Publication type
- Journal article
- Research centre
- Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Information and Communication Technologies. Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing
- Source
- Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, Vol. 197, no. 2 (Dec 2011), article no. 28
- Publication year
- 2011
- FOR Code(s)
- 0201 Astronomical and Space Sciences; 0305 Organic Chemistry; 0306 Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural)
- Keyword(s)
- Galaxy evolution; Galaxy formation; Group galaxies; Local Group; Luminosity function; Mass function
- Publisher
- Institute of Physics Publishing
- 0067-0049
- Publisher URL
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2011 The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. The American Astronomical Society does not allow institutions to archive either the accepted manuscript or the published version of the article. However, you can find an earlier version of the full text here: http://arxiv.org/abs/1110.3431
- Peer reviewed


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The 1st vid doesn't seem to work
Yeah, yeah. Another one of those "potential Knicks backup PG" threads.
I saw this guys vid and all I can say is WOW. I can't help but imagine him passing the rock to Amar'e or TC. The guy's passing skill and court vision is superb. He may just be the perfect backup PG for our Knickerbockers.
Signature created by AmareforPresident
The 1st vid doesn't seem to work
Signature created by AmareforPresident
Tough call, I agree with your assessment of "may just be" because it's difficult to say. Looks great, looks like he'd be real fun to watch especially with some of our current players, but I'm kind of sick of watching highlight vids to judge, too one sided, almost every 2nd round draft prospect looks like a stud based on highlight vids, when realistically I know we'll be lucky to get a top 9 rotation player. How will his game translate to the NBA? Speeds different? He likely makes more in Spain than we could offer, would he need to be bought out like Rubio... etc Lot of questions, could be a good fit but I just can't say
"Tough times don't last forever, tough people do"
My bad... as I see more about this guy he's 35, so I would guess his experience would translate halfway decent, can his body hold up to the schedule? Guess is he wouldn't be out of our price range though.
"Tough times don't last forever, tough people do"
Seems there has been a meeting with he and Grunwald also, MeloforMayor, you might well have had the jump on the first player movement news of the next season! Well done! Still no idea what to think or expect, and having dinner we clearly know from recent years doesn't mean pen to paper, but sounds like there is some seriousness anyhow, and I think a seasoned vet that knows how to win (regardless if in Spain) could be helpful, provided he isn't another oft-injured pg option
"Tough times don't last forever, tough people do"
Very timely thread MFM. Looks like Bibby won't be back next season, Knicks are pulling out all the stops trying to find talent with our cap issues.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Good morning, friends. Here's something that trickled out last night (I first saw it in [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] by way of [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]) and can be found in the usual sources this morning. It seems the [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] spent some time last week courting Pablo Prigioni, a 35 year-old Argentinean point guard in the twilight of a decorated career in Spain. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]this morning:Prigioni, who played last season in Spain for Unicaja Laboral, had a two-day visit, dinner with Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald and coach[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].
Prigioni, considered a good passer and clutch shotmaker, will square off against Team USA at the London Games next month.
His Spanish team, a source said, is offering him a one-year deal. The Knicks likely would want him for either the $2 million lower exception or $1.4 million veterans minimum.
Prigioni is open to the NBA after spending his entire career in Europe. He has been on the Knicks radar before. Back in 2009, then team president Donnie Walsh and Grunwald investigated signing Prigioni. But now hes three years older.I (and you, probably) have seen Prigioni play in international competition before, and I've been watching [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] this morning. He's a solid passer and a menacing pull-up shooter, and would probably be well out of New York's price range if he wasn't on year seventeen of his professional career. If the Knicks feel he's got the legs to play some back-up guard minutes for the veteran's minimum, I'd be totally cool with that signing. It'd be like having [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] around again, only better, less irrationally averse to giving high-fives, and with an accent (and, unfortunately, fewer [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]).
Most of all, I continue to be delighted by the Knicks' pursuit of talent from abroad. First we heard they were[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], then there was [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (which may or may not have actually happened), and now we've discovered that they went so far as to wine and dine Prigioni (and I hope and assume they actually took him to Clyde's Wine and Dine. Courting a point guard prospect without taking him to Clyde's, feeding him some catfish po' boys, dousing him in "Stumbling and Bumbling" ****tails, and introducing him to the legend would be a tremendous waste of resources). We all said at the beginning of the summer that Grunwald and company would need to get creative to improve the roster with scant funds (we're still waiting on the outcome of the arbitration, just to answer that question before someone asks it), and following up on some overseas scouting-- scouting that's been ongoing for years-- strikes me as a worthwhile and appropriately creative endeavor. I just can't believe they haven't tracked down [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]yet!
35 years old, well if were looking for an old PG i'd be more comfortable with a guy like Fisher who's a proven NBA player.
Iv'e seen clips of pablo prigioni, most of the clip is him passing, but how's his defense? and other parts of his game. If we win the bird rights case i wouldn't mind signing this dude to vet min as a 3rd string PG for us.
Signature created by AmareforPresident
I just don't see it. Euro PGs are something that would interest us if MDA were still coaching, but with Woody I think we should be looking around the NBA for some veteran ballers.
TommyBeer: Only if he promises to say thank you RT @NYPost_Berman: #Knicks still serious about PG Pablo Prieioni and probably will make an offer today
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Sport Newspaper Ole journalist just spoke to agents and says Prigioni has #Knicks offer and plans to accept it.
Last edited by MeloforMayor; Jul 11, 2012 at 11:11.
Signature created by AmareforPresident
This should be interesting, now they have replaced our Italian: Prieironi for Gallinari, now they will do the pizza shows again with Tina Cervasio.


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Well I posted in the toddler forum last week that my 16 month old LO bit me badly & it's made nursing painful. I wanted to wait to make any change until after this
weekend since we went away & I knew she would want lots of nursing time.
She only nurses in the a.m., sometimes before nap, and before bed.
My left side had a scab where she bit & now it's gone. We tried to nurse that side & Iwas bleeding!! I am not sure what else to do aside from wean right now.
Appreciate any help on weaning. I am thinking that Daddy is going to offer her milk
to replace the nursing sessions. I know she's going to be upset...I feel badly & sad
that our nursing relationship is going to end but I cannot see how it can continue.


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Gilmour Oscillating Sprinkler 7900PPEasily adjusts from 8 ft to 59 ft!
- Covers over 4000 Sq. Ft. (86' x 59')
- Control both width and length of area being watered
- Impact resistant, rustproof polymer construction
Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. If you are not satisfied with any item on this page, please return the item to us within 30 days of receipt. Items must be returned in new, unused and resalable condition, in its original packaging to get a full refund of the merchandise price. If item is being returned due to damage please include a note with the problem you experienced and if you would like a replacement or a refund.


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ŌĆ£It doesnŌĆÖt appear the political stars are aligning themselves for this to pass,ŌĆØ said Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown.
The bill has faced a series of ever-changing, ever-mounting obstacles in the N.C. House. Despite half a dozen trips to Raleigh to make their case with legislators, leaders from Lake Junaluska and the town of Waynesville couldnŌĆÖt overcome the seeds of skepticism surrounding the bill.
Now, the legislature will soon be concluding for the year and time has simply run out.
Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, supported the bill and remains hopeful.
ŌĆ£It is not lost and it is certainly possible, it just may take a little more time and a little more patience,ŌĆØ Queen said. ŌĆ£I think this collaboration between the town of Waynesville and Lake Junaluska will eventually come to pass.ŌĆØ
The town and Lake will have another shot at getting the bill through next year. In the meantime, they could bolster their case that a merger is what the majority of residents want by holding an official vote.
Opponents to the merger bent the ear of conservative legislators with complaints that the merger was being foisted upon unwilling property owners.
ŌĆ£I just know mostly in my heart they do not need to be annexed. It will only be the thumb on Waynesville and not the Lake Junaluska Assembly,ŌĆØ said Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville.
Presnell said she thinks Lake Junaluska should incorporate as its own town instead of become part of Waynesville. However, in property owner surveys that option got fewer votes than merging with Waynesville.
RaleighŌĆÖs new Republican majority is generally opposed to the annexation of new neighborhoods by cities and towns unless a rigorous process is followed, including an official election to gauge the sentiment of residents.
But the town of Waynesville and Lake Junaluska didnŌĆÖt go through the official process. Instead, they tried to get a special bill passed, which made sense at the time.
ŌĆ£Our board has been very clear about not wanting to appear that it is undertaking a forced annexation process,ŌĆØ said Town Manager Marcy Oneial.
To Presnell, however, it seemed the town of Waynesville and Lake Junaluska tried to make an ŌĆ£end runŌĆØ around the official annexation process.
ŌĆ£It is the wolf at the door,ŌĆØ Presnell said.
In reality, the process used by Lake Junaluska and the town of Waynesville had more public meetings and more chances for public input than the statute technically requires. Audio and transcriptions, copious reports, pro and con assessments, and engineer studies filled web pages available for public viewing.
ŌĆ£We have gone way above and beyond what is required in the statute, but we are being taken to task for not following the statute. We were trying to be magnanimous and do it better than the statute,ŌĆØ said Mayor Gavin Brown.
But it didnŌĆÖt include an official vote.
There was, however, was a mail-in survey. Around 60 percent participated, and of those 60 percent favored merging with Waynesville.
But to Presnell and other opponents, a survey is not the same as an official vote.
It only included one ballot per household, for example. And it polled all property owners, while a formal election would only be open to full-time residents registered to vote at their Lake Junaluska addresses.
Presnell called the surveys ŌĆ£totally absurdŌĆØ because they used a sliding scale, allowing property owners to express ŌĆ£strongŌĆØ versus ŌĆ£mildŌĆØ support. They could also vote for more than one option if more than one future path was OK with them.
ŌĆ£It needed to be an up or down vote. Either a yes or no. But that is not at all what this was,ŌĆØ Presnell said. ŌĆ£Even when they got the surveys back, the only people opening up or handling the surveys are the people who were for annexation.ŌĆØ
Lake Junaluska and Waynesville are technically in QueenŌĆÖs political district ŌĆö not PresnellŌĆÖs. Typically, legislators defer to the hometown legislator on such local issues, putting aside their own personal views on a subject.
But in this case, PresnellŌĆÖs opposition as a member of the prevailing party apparently trumped QueenŌĆÖs position as the hometown legislator.
ŌĆ£When those people call you and say we need your help, Joe Sam isnŌĆÖt helping us, I canŌĆÖt just ignore them,ŌĆØ Presnell said.
A merger with Waynesville is viewed as a rescue package of sorts for the 765-home residential community with century-old roots as a summer Methodist retreat. Lake Junaluska is burdened by crumbling infrastructure and is over-extended in the level of services it provides. It offers amenities on par with a bona fide town ŌĆö water, sewer, police, trash pick-up, street maintenance and the like ŌĆö without actually being a town.


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Mary Jane Rickett of Redford Township, Michigan took home more than memories from yesterday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400. She was the winner of the custom-made ROUSH 2012 Stage 1 Pure Michigan Mustang!
We met up with Mary Jane and her husband following the announcement of their win to ask a few questions about their love of racing, past visits to MIS and how they plan to enjoy their new ride.
See Mary Jane's answers below and please welcome us in congratulating her on her win!
Q: Are you NASCAR fans?
A: Yes. We've been coming out here about 12 years. 12… 15… something like that. Since we've been married. 15 years. Yeah, we've been coming here about 15 years.
Q: Have you ever won anything before?
A: No. I won a lunch once before.
Q: So would you trade the car for what we have in the envelope?.. Just joking, there is nothing in the envelope.
A: (laughter)
Q: How did you find out about the contest and how did you enter?
A: On Facebook. There was a link to the MIS website and that's where I filled it out.
Q: Have you been in a MIS race before?
A: Yes.
Q: What do you love most about racing?
A: I love everything. The sound of the cars, the smell of the fuel. Just the excitement. The excitement of seeing who is going to win.
Q: Who do you think is going to win today?
A: I'm hoping Carl Edwards. I'm going to go with Carl Edwards.
Q: Other than driving home today in the new car, where is going to be the first place that you take it?
A: To work to show it off!
Q: Whose spot is not going to be in the garage?
A: Oh my spot is going to be in the garage. We already know that. (laughter from husband)
Q: Do you know how much horsepower it has?
A: No…
Whew! (after finding out it has 412 horsepower)
Q: Do you usually camp when you come out here?
A: No. We usually come out Friday for the time trials and then go home and come back out on Sunday. There is usually a tailgate, so we get here pretty early. It's a good time.
(her husband chimes in) We've been coming out with the people we tailgate with for a while. I brought them out on a Friday for the time trial, he had never been out here and he's been out ever since. I got him hooked.
Q: What is your favorite thing about MIS?
A: Just all the fans and the cheering in the crowd. It's super fun to be a part of it all.
Congratulations to Mary Jane on winning the Pure Michigan Mustang! Safe and happy travels in your new ride!


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Michael Haneke directs the French film "Amour," which tells of the love story between an elderly couple when their relationship is tested. Starring: Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva.
Directed by Ben Affleck, "Argo" tells the story of a 1980 CIA-Canadian operation to rescue American diplomatic personnel out of Iran. Starring: Ben Affleck, John Goodman and Bryan Cranston.
Benh Zeitlin directs the story of a young girl who learns about courage and love while coping with an ill father and threats to her bayou community. Starring: Quvenzhane Wallis, Dwight Henry and Levy Easterly.
Quentin Tarantino's latest film features a slave-turned-bounty hunter trying to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner. Starring: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio and Don Johnson.
The popular musical "Les Miserables" hit the big screen under the direction of Tom Hooper. Taking place in 19th-century France, Jean Valjean agrees to take care of Cosette, the daughter of factory worker Fantine. Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried.
Ang Lee directs "Life of Pi," which tells of a young man's journey and unlikely friendship with a tiger after he is cast away following a storm at sea. Starring: Suraj Sharma and Irrfan Khan.
Steven Spielberg's biographical film focuses on President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field
David O. Russell directs "The Silver Linings Playbook," which tells the story of Pat Solitano, a former teacher who recently spent time in a mental institution. He meets a girl who has problems of her own. Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert de Niro.
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this movie chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. Starring: Jessica Chastain, Chris Pratt and Joel Edgerton.
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Retailers' holiday ad spending falls
Retailers shift their ad spending from TV, radio and print ads to digital ads.
Retailers' holiday ad spending falls
Retailers shift their ad spending from TV, radio and print ads to digital ads.
Retailers rack up big holiday gains on online marketplaces
Sellers say they are faring particularly well on the marketplaces of Amazon and Wal-Mart so far this holiday season.
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Visa plan could ease security compliance costs and spur mobile payments.
Utter the acronym PCI to a retailer and you'll likely stimulate a conversation that could range from "What is it?" to "It's a pain in the keister."
PCI is shorthand for the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council and its data security standards. All retailers that accept payment cards must comply with the council's mandates to protect sensitive cardholder data. Compliance can be expensive, requiring annual and quarterly reporting in some cases and ongoing cost to maintain a secure payment system. The benefit is secure protection of cardholder data, ideally reducing the prospect of fraud or, worse, a major theft of that data.
Now, because of a desire to foster mobile payments, Visa Inc. will have an option to help retailers, especially those accepting mobile payments in their stores, alleviate some of the compliance requirements.
Visa's plan, closely tied to its announcement earlier this month to accelerate smart card acceptance in the United States, will eliminate the annual PCI compliance mandate for retailers sending at least 75% of their Visa transactions through a chip-enabled payment terminal. The caveat here, and the spur for mobile payment adoption, is that terminals must accept two types of chip-based payments. One is the conventional contact smart card chip embedded in many payment cards around the world. In some nations, a consumer enters a PIN into a payment terminal once the cardholder inserts the card into the terminal. In the United States, Visa says consumers may use a PIN or signature to verify the transaction. The second is the kind of contactless transaction in which a consumer taps on the terminal or holds close to it a chip card or smartphone with a contactless chip (such as those using Near Field Communication technology) near the terminal to communicate account information stored on the chip. Called the Technology Innovation Program, it is not slated to start until Oct. 1, 2012.
What I find interesting about this plan is how it differs from the card brands' efforts in the mid-2000s to spur contactless payments. Other than some clever advertising and a new symbol to affix to payment terminals, there was no incentive for merchants, especially smaller ones, to participate.
While some larger retailers were able to find the money to buy contactless readers, many smaller ones had little incentive to do so. There was no transaction price incentive. They received no money to buy the equipment. And despite some high-profile banks like JPMorgan Chase that splashed its Blink contactless card everywhere, the number of contactless cards was scarce. Why would a retailer buy equipment that might go unused on the countertop? In the past I saw contactless readers tucked out of the way to free up room to display impulse purchase items by the cash register.
Today, Visa has a different tack. Rather than leave mobile payment acceptance strictly up to the merchant, Visa hopes the carrot of reduced PCI compliance costs can persuade merchants to update their payment terminals. If merchants do that, Visa potentially gains a vastly larger number of merchants where consumers can make mobile payments and other mobile transactions, such as redeeming a coupon.
Fascinated as I am about the prospect of using my phone for more than phone calls and playing Angry Birds, I'm still going to wait and see.
Asked where they last used a smartphone or tablet to help them shop, 37% of ...
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Despite only moderate wireless speeds, rural consumers flock to m-commerce.
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Shoppers hit stumbling blocks when trying to buy on smartphones, leading them to abandon shopping ...
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A Q&A with Eido Gal, the CEO and cofounder of Riskified, a provider of fraud-prevent ...
Posted 11/28/16
Online retail is hard, grocery retail is really hard, so online grocery is, of course, really, really hard."


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