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MASSACHUSETTS -- My husband and I recently (June 2016) returned from a European vacation which included three segments in Italy offered and organized by Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT): Sicily (main trip) plus a pre-trip in Puglia and a post-trip in Calabria.
We were very satisfied with the OAT segments in terms of the itineraries, accommodations and content of the various days. But, we are very, very disappointed with the fact that OAT billed us an additional $800 for an "adjustment for Internal Flights", apparently because we booked our own flights from the USA to and from Italy. This is despite the fact that OAT's pre-trip brochure stated clearly that Airfare is included for the flight from Puglia to Sicily, independent of how we got to Italy. We wrote and spoke to OAT representatives at length about this issue but they have refused to refund these fees, each time citing a different reason why they "had" to charge us these fees.
We doubt that we will ever use OAT again because of these added "hidden" fees. We advise anybody planning to use OAT as an organizer for their trip to carefully inquire about these additional fees for "airfare included" before they book a pre or post-trip. If you don't use their air booking services for the main trip, you will be ripped off. BUYER BEWARE. If you do use their flights, beware of poor departure and connection times. And don't buy their travel insurance. It's not very good.
THE WORST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE EVER. My mother was so upset by her customer experience that she told me in tears that she wanted to cancel the trip - a once-in-a-lifetime trip that she has been excited about for months. Numerous customer service agents told her that they were working on an issue and would get back to her, including supervisor ** - but none of them never did.
When I called to find out what had happened, I received the exact same treatment - I was transferred, told that people would call me back, and the issue was never addressed. When I asked to speak to the manager of the supervisors, I was told I could not speak to them.
It's the same experience you get from a mega corporation like Verizon or Capital One, except you are paying them thousands of dollars to guide you through a foreign country. Save yourself time, exasperation and money, and RUN to another agency. They don't care enough about their customers to even call them back, even when they are paying over $20,000 for the trip. Would you trust a company like this?
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS -- OAT now requires a signed agreement that gives them the right to do anything and you have the right to complain in vain. The tour guide for the Jewels of Bohemia May 3, 2014 to May 22, 2014, maybe be the reason for the NEW agreement. A racist, denigrated Roma at the memorial for the (Gypsies) Roma who died during the Holocaust.
Forcing people to walk hours 2 to 3 after a long day just to find an ATM and place to eat by lying saying the walk would be 15 minutes. Lost people, usually 2 or 3 out of a group of 14 because he only cared about himself and never turned around or walked slow enough for everyone to keep together. Also he hired the cheapest, smallest transportation available, making travel uncomfortable. Most of the Hotels were 2nd or 3rd class, but the prices were 1st class.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS -- Attention Travelers. Thinking about booking a trip with Overseas Adventure Travel or Grand Circle? Warning!!! Think twice and check them out on the Better Business Bureau. There record is filled with complaints including action taken by the office of Mass Attorney General.
My wife and I and two friends have recently returned from a 19 day trip to Kenya and Tazania. The trip was a disaster. The problems arose long before departure. Despite booking a year in advance the seating could very well have been the worst on the plane. At one point my wife and I were in different rows. All the seats were in the very back of the planes near the toilets with constant traffic and very cramped.
We tried in vain to change our travel bookings to things offered in the brochure (Upgrade to business and overnight stay in Amsterdam) We were told they were not available. They have since told us that these were the only seats available and seating was not there responsibility. This did not bode well for the remainder of the trip. After our extremely uncomfortable trip we arrived in Kenya with half our duffel bags missing. We got them a day later.
Then the real problems started. We were to spend 7 of the next 15 days traveling in cramped uncomfortable and aging vehicles. This was bad but not as bad as one disruptive individual who had us all believing that we somehow had mistakenly been booked on her private Safari. Without going to all the disturbing details I will say That this disruptive and most disagreeable member of our tour made for countless hours of frustration and anger preventing the four members of our group from enjoying a quite expensive trip. We were told at the outset that members of the two vehicles would be rotated daily so as to allow all to meet and become friends.
This never happened. We were always inn the same vehicle as the disruptor. On two occasions My wife and our friend left the group in tears because stress and tension. The women rooming with the disruptor was often in tears and did not even want to go to her room and at one point shared our room. We constantly complained to our group supervisor and requested he do something to ease the situation, which could have been made tolerable by moving people in vehicles.
When asked why this was not done we were told the other individuals did not want the disruptor in their vehicle and would not switch. We were stuck. Even the driver requested she not be allowed to sit behind him and was moved to the back of the vehicle were she cold yell her communications to the rest of the group.
Another disturbing point occurred that showed just how ill equipped or guide, an employee of OAT / Greand Circle, was in handling group problems. There were tented camps were one is not allowed to leave tents. We had an occasion when my wife and another group member were very ill perhaps food poisoning, and had been forced to stay in there tents during a group meeting at which we were first informed that leaving the tents after dark was not allowed due to the danger of animal encounter.
We would need a guard to travel to and from tent and lodge. The ill members knew nothing and darkness had already fallen. Our guide went on and on in his talk and despite my expressed concern did nothing to inform the other members in the tent. I became very angry with his lack of concern (danger real or not) I left the meeting and got a lodge guard and went to inform my wife and the other member. I could go on and on but the bottom line is the trip was long and uncomfortable, physically and mentally. It could all been easier had our guide been better equipped to handle group dynamics. He did nothing.
Believe me the details of this trip are far more expansive and could fill pages. When we returned home we tried to get some satisfaction from OAT / Grand Circle Co. And have been informed that the take no responsibility for our experience and were told they were oh so sorry that what happened put a damper on our trip. DAMPER!! Ruined a very expensive Vacation. Essentially, Customer Satisfaction is not in their business hand book. We are pursuing this complaint with the Office of Consumer Affairs.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS -- OAT, the Tour Guide ** and the tour was excellent. There was nothing that could be improved upon. Well organized, educational & ** was the best tour guide any of us had ever had. I would highly recommended this tour, this tour guide & OAT.
In March 2011, I booked a December trip to Kenya and Tanzania with OAT after seeing that it was listed as travel & leisure magazines top travel companies in 2010. In Sept, OAT called to cancel my trip. I asked to have my deposit refunded, which they were reluctant to do... They asked me 5 times whether I wanted to book another trip instead. I told them I just wanted my money back because I might have to choose another destination instead, one where I wouldn't need a guided tour.
After thinking about it for a day, I decided that I still wanted to go to Africa and called them to ask about other trip dates. I was told that there was only 1 space available on a November trip and that they would not hold it for me. Then I was told that I would have to pay the current price ($300 more than my December trip, which was scheduled only 1 week after this November trip). I told them I shouldn't have to pay the difference since they were the ones who canceled my trip. Finally, after much discussion, the supervisor said they would match the price, but would not hold the November trip for me.
It took me 2 days to get approval from work for the new dates. When I called back, I was told that the November trip had filled up. I then asked them if they had any December trips in 2012 and they said it could cost $400 more. I know that often prices change from year to year so I didn't ask for a price match but I did ask if I could get a $100 discount for being inconvenienced and postponing my trip for an entire year. They told me no. It really seems like all they care about is getting as much money out of you as possible and not about customer service.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS -- My husband and I booked a tour on-line with OAT for a trip to Thailand with a pre trip to Ankgor Wat in Cambodia and a post trip to Vietnam. OAT does some group travel, no more than 16 people. At the time of booking we were told that we were the 15th and 16th clients and that the selected tour was the only one available during the winter that included the pre and post trip.
We put a deposit down on the tour. We received confirmation of the booking and paid the full amount within 14 days. Subsequently we were sent applications for visas for Cambodia and Vietnam. We also made our own air arrangements with Thai Air to avoid the two changes of plane and the 27 hour trip offered by OAT.
Just a few days after receiving our visa forms from OAT we sent them to their recommended Visa service with a check. Three days after that we heard from a representative from OAT who informed us that the Vietnam portion of our trip was being canceled due to only 4 people signing up. We questioned this because before we made our deposit we had been told that we were taken the last two places. In addition friends who had traveled with them had found that they had only 5 people on their tour. OAT said that the decision to cancel the Vietnam portion was not negotiable. We decided to cancel the trip because of their change of itinerary.
When we told them that our air tickets included our time in Vietnam, they said they weren't responsible because we arranged for our own air. We had to pay a penalty to the airline to cancel the tickets. We were told to call the Visa service immediately which we did. OAT said that they would pay for any the cost of already processed visas. To date we have received $50 from the Visa service company and are still waiting for OAT to refund the remainder of $315.
OAT charged my charge account for the travel insurance two weeks before I authorized them to do so. In the small print, sent in a booklet with the confirmation, I found out that any insurance refund would be in travel vouchers for their company. In addition we would be charged a $300 administrative fee because we canceled. We canceled only because they changed the trip by eliminating the Vietnam portion It is absolutely necessary to read ALL THE FINE PRINT because everything is stacked against the consumer.
We would never travel with this group again as they do are totally uncaring and manipulative. Several friends who have traveled with them have said that will not do so again either. Like a previous correspondent I checked with the Mass. BBB after my troubles and found that OAT and Grand Circle have an unsatisfactory rating. CONSUMER BEWARE.
Before traveling with this company be warmed! A recently traveled with a group of friends which I formally traveled with and except to enjoy a long awaited African Safari. The trip itself was good but the service received left me very disappointed. While in a OAT camp - Baobob Lodge in Chobe - we were advised in OAT literature that several campsite did not have individual safes in the campsite but had canvas lock bags which we were assured that we could put our personal belongings and these bags would be locked in a central safe, there was no need for worry - our belongings would be in safe hands.
While, these bags can easily be open without a key, and myself and several other travelers monies were stolen out of the bags after being given to the staff to lock in the safe. We filed a report and a police report but was told that no one had a copy machine to give us a copy. SO we used carbon paper to assure ourselves that we would have a copy when we returned home.
The tour guide was more than willing to extend himself to take us to an ATM to get more money so we can have funds to TIP him and everyone. Again, we were told not to worry, it would all be taken care of by OATS when we returned to the states. Between three of us there was approximately $1500.00 stolen while in the hands of their employees.
Went I returned home a called OAT and was advised to sent the reports to a PO BOX in Boston. I did my letter and was ready to mail to OATS, I again called only to be told I had the wrong address. It took three days to get a real person to speak with - that was after I advised them that I would be filing a complaint with the Attorney Generals Office. Well we all mailed our letters and reports to Quality Management - only to receive a letter from OAT advising us that they are not responsible for our loses because we did not follow the directions given to us.- this was what their African office told them.
This is an outright Lie IT appears that both the Tour Guide and Manager were involved with the other staff in the thefts. IT WAS A SCAM- We will all be filing a formal complaints with the Attorney General Office and Boston Mass and seeking legal advise from an attorney. BEWARE!!
Along with two friends, I was scheduled to leave Dec. 30, 2008 on a 3-week trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with Overseas Adventure Travel. This was to be my third trip in four years with OAT, chosen in part for its good value without expensive fringes. Since I've never had to cancel travel -- whether for business or pleasure -- I did not purchase trip insurance which would have added another 10 percent onto the trip cost.
Unfortunately, on Dec. 1, I had emergency retina surgery. My surgeon advised I not take this trip because of airplane cabin pressure vis a vis my eye pressure. Once there, I put myself at risk of infection as health care facilities in Third World countries could be questionable. I made several calls to OAT to see what options I might have. OAT reps lectured me about my failure in not buying trip insurance. On Dec. 16, I wrote a letter to the Chairman and CEO of the parent company, Grand Circle Travel, informing them the reasons I could not make the trip, asking for some customer consideration.
Their response from a Quality Management representative repeated yet again that I should have purchased trip insurance. Meanwhile, OAT is offering huge discounts to future -- and new -- customers. They obviously were able to make a profit in my not joining the tour: rooms not slept in; meals not consumed; an add on trip not taken and more. Legally, I realize the company did not have to send me a voucher toward a future trip. That said, in this perilous economy, shouldn't a company make some gesture of good will?
OAT purports to be a company with a strong customer focus. They market themselves in a folksy, friendly manner. Yet the cold formality and dismissive tone once they have received your full payment belies their advertising and marketing. Indeed, OAT is truly a huge corporation with the bottom line in mind. The customer is no longer valued once the customer has paid for the trip. Buyer beware!


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forum: Everything else
Pages: 1 | Home » Everything else » Paris
#1 Thu 19 Apr 07 11:45pm
- Member Occupation secretary
- From Belgium
- Member since Sun 13 Aug 06
We're planning a weekend trip to Paris in May .
Any suggestions on nice restaurants, places to be, places to see ... ?
#2 Fri 20 Apr 07 5:19pm
- Forum champ Occupation Secretary
- From Dublin - Ireland
- Member since Sun 01 Apr 07
Re: Paris
Hey Sanneke,
Plenty of nice little bistros in paris.. sure you'll enjoy them!
Montmartre is great.. and get the "paris visite" card to travel cheap in bus/metro etc.. check with tourist office on the champs-elysees...
Loads of little boutiques (dont tell boyfriend his visa has made it some way into your wallet!)... but anywhere around "opera" is very central and touristic... go to Boulevard Haussman for the serious shopping trip though..
and try "la villette", it's like a science museum... very interesting..
#3 Fri 20 Apr 07 5:41pm
- Member
- From Shanghai ;-)
- Member since Thu 07 Apr 05
Re: Paris
Have a look at David Lebovitz web site. He is an American living the sweet life in Paris, and his site is full of information regarding Paris. Scroll down and click on the link that says Paris.
There is a lot of things to do and see in Paris! Kind of depends on what you are interested in...Montmartre is a must! And a stroll in the Marais...The Eiffel tower, Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame, the Opera, Eglise Madeleine...Girl-you are gonna be busy!!!
Also have a look at;
Paris is my favourite city and there is always something to do and see.
If you have a sweet tooth;Pierre Hermé: 185, rue Vaugirard (M: Pasteur)
And there is Berthillon 31, rue St. Louis-en-Î'le (M: Point Marie)
For more sweet stuff: http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/fr/
E. Dehillerin is an excellent cooking utensils outlet located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. http://www.e-dehillerin.fr/index.php
Another foodie heaven: http://www.lagrandeepicerie.fr/index_en.asp
Also have a look at this blog: http://chocolateandzucchini.com/
Clothilse is living in Paris and is sharing her favourite places in Paris with her readers.
Well this should be enough to get you started! Have a wonderful trip!
#4 Sat 21 Apr 07 1:03am
- Member Occupation secretary
- From Belgium
- Member since Sun 13 Aug 06
Re: Paris
Hey French_vanilla and Confused, thanks for the suggestions
One weekend probably won't be enough to try them all out, but I'll do my best
Keep you posted
Pages: 1 | Home » Everything else » Paris

subset: commoncrawl


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Warriors of Rock: Vince Neil, Queensrÿche & Slaughter
Freedom Hill Amphitheatre • Sterling Heights, MI
Friday, August 23
What you get
- $13 for One Reserved Pavilion Seat
- Lineup: Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche, Slaughter, Artificial Agent
What happens when some of rock's biggest stars collide? Find out for yourself with this offer for a ticket package to 106.7 The D presents Warriors of Rock at Freedom Hill Amphitheater on Friday, August 23. Featuring performances from Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche, and Slaughter, this night of rock will have fans singing along to all the hits -- and doing their fair share of rocking out, too.
Find out more about Warriors of Rock.
Fine printREFUND POLICY: This event is nonrefundable. No full or partial refunds are given to customers who miss an event. In the event of a cancellation, your voucher will be fully refunded. • Each voucher is good for 1 person • The deal is valid on August 23, 2013 only • Purchaser must pick up ticket(s) at Will Call prior to show • Must be 21+ with valid ID to consume alcohol • Groups wishing to sit together must have 1 person purchase all tickets • Purchaser may change the name of the individual retrieving tickets up to 24 hours in advance of event via the LivingSocial website event details section; no name-changes or alternate pick-ups permitted without notice at venue • LivingSocial is pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase this deal to be fulfilled by the entity indicated on the voucher and/or by Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates ("AEG"). By purchasing this deal, you agree that your name, email, zip code and other information related to the deal you purchased will be used by LivingSocial as well as provided by LivingSocial to AEG and/or the entity indicated on the voucher to assist in fulfilling the deal you purchased and, subject to LivingSocial's privacy policy [livingsocial.com/privacy_policy
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Warriors of Rock: Vince Neil, Queensrÿche & More!
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The Lost and Damned/Features
< The Lost and Damned
11,743pages onAdd New Page
this wiki
this wiki
- New storyline featuring Johnny Klebitz and The Lost Brotherhood
- The ability to call for backup from brothers
- The ability to call a brother for bike delivery, weapons delivery, or to leave a weapon for you at the Clubhouse
- A "Toughness" statistic for brothers
- When riding in formation with the gang, a "The Lost" logo appears behind Billy Grey. Riding within that logo restores Johnny's health, repairs his bike, and begins conversations with the other brothers.
- New Multiplayer modes
- Motorcycle Races
- Bike Theft missions
- More achievements
- A clubhouse - The Lost's headquarters and a safehouse for Johnny
- More TV shows, including a sequel to A History of Liberty City
- New radio content, which includes additions to Liberty City Hardcore, WKTT, Beat 102.7 (including new original songs made for the game), Liberty Rock Radio 97.8, and Radio Broker
- A new stand-up comedian at Split Sides
- Mr. Fuk's Rice Box open for business (Johnny can eat there)
- Pizza This, another new restaurant
- Fan Dang, a new drinking venue
- 50 Seagulls (similar to Flying Rats)
- New weapons, including an automatic shotgun and pistol
- New vehicles, including a tow truck and several motorcycles.
- Gang Warfare, defending territory from other gangs
- Arm Wrestling, card games, and Air Hockey with brothers
- TLAD-themed clothing for Xbox Live avatars
- More websites available


text:
Town Square
Is PA majority against attacking Syria? Let's find out.
Original post made by Chris Zaharias, Crescent Park, on Sep 5, 2013
Outside PA, it's both perplexing and comforting that the anti-war sentiment unites Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians.
Because it is the Executive Branch that is pushing for intervention, we must let our elected congressional representatives know how strong our desire is that they vote 'No' on this war.
Because it's probably the only time this will be possible, I'd like to link to Ann Coulter, with whom many Palo Altans may agree this time despite generally abhorring her:
Web Link
Comments (9)
a resident of Midtown
on Sep 5, 2013 at 7:18 am
[Post removed.]
a resident of Crescent Park
on Sep 5, 2013 at 7:23 am
We are there, Syria is a chronic problem in this area in many ways and now would be a great opportunity to nudge some progress along. When a government kills thousands of its own people it really has no legitimacy, and Syria and Iran both are the last holdouts of a toxic dysfunctional order that has hurt this region and its people as far back as we can look. It's a good time for Assad to go.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Sep 5, 2013 at 8:21 am
[Post removed.]
a resident of Midtown
on Sep 5, 2013 at 8:35 am
[Post removed.]
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on Sep 5, 2013 at 8:56 am
First, the quickest way to bankrupt a country is to have one or more long-term military involvements overseas. Remember the British? Throughout their history, their government was bankrupted many times by wars, both civil wars ( they had four of them) and wars overseas ( too many to count). Their times of prosperity occurred when they had kings who inherited bankrupt kingdoms (Henry I, II, VII, Elizabeth I) and turned the economy around by avoiding wars as much as possible ( in Henry VII's case, that was completely), and cutting way down on ceremonial events. Also, look,at England after the Crimean, Boer, and Great War--they essentially went into WWII bankrupt, and that was one war they could not avoid out of necessity.
Obama should get a clue, read history, and avoid unnecessary military involvements It isn't just the financial waste, though. Why punish civilians for the misdeeds of their leaders? That is what always happens in the end!
a resident of Midtown
on Sep 5, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Marie is a registered user.
IMHO, the Syrian government should be punished for gassing its own citizens, contravening long established international law. My understanding from reading the news is that Pres. Obama is trying to get a multinational agreement on a response to Syria's heinous crime. I think unilateral action is not what is being proposed. Even Putin agreed there should be a response, if it can be proved that Assad is behind the gas attack. I approve of Obama's caution in establishing that Assad is indeed guilty, and trying to get as much international backing as possible. For Assad to get away with his barbaric attack, with no response, is unacceptable to me. The US and the rest of the world have a responsibility to respond to serious violations of international law. They also have a responsibility to make sure it is Assad that suffers, not innocent civilians, which makes formulating a response so difficult. I have confidence that Obama will find that balance.
This is very different from unilaterally invading another country on flimsy pretenses, that turn out to be wrong such as Bush's invasion of Iraq. To compare the two situations as equivalent is specious.
a resident of East Palo Alto
on Sep 6, 2013 at 1:09 am
Hmmm is a registered user.
Chria, Coulter is a vindictive tool. You know that right off the bat by reading the headline, even if you previously knew nothing about her. She's also wrong: "It would be different if instead of killing a few hundred civilians" she says about the sarin attacks. You can only call more than 1400 people "a few hundred" if you can't count.
Among other things, she fails to mention her party's POTUS' alliances w/Saddam. She also fails to state the cogent point that if action had been taken against Saddam early on after chemical weapons attacks, the later mess may have been avoided. I'm not saying that since we all know hindsight is 20/20, I'm saying it because I recall arguments for & against back then. And her party was responsible- military & intelligence communities knew about - & even helped with one, but did nothing to stop the series of nerve gas attacks. Reagan didn't want Iran to win.
Further proof that she's a tool: "Obama's "plan" to shoot blindly into this hornet's nest." Shoot blindly? That's not his intention. He's not stupid. She is, but he isn't. She's blinded by her hatred of him and the failings of her own party - her spin about Saddam & the Iraq war would be laughable if it wasn't so detestable.
She also likes to claim the victory of Libya's disarmament in late 2003, but it's arguable. Many more detached experts argue that years of sanctions and diplomatic efforts were more important than Bush's invasion.
I do understand your point that so many people are against taking action & there are many good reasons not to take action. I also think that Marie's excellent post, stating the opposite, is well worth considering. And perhaps an editorial by someone balanced, intelligent, informed & honest is a better way to go.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Sep 6, 2013 at 10:26 am
Chris Zaharias is a registered user.
Rep. Anna Eshoo's statment on Syria, dated Aug 31: Web Link
Key quote: "We welcome the opportunity to listen to the facts of this matter in the most public forum. While a review of the evidence, both classified and unclassified, as to the use of chemical is important, we are already inclined to believe that these horrific weapons were used based on public and social media accounts. We believe that the question before the U.S. Congress is not "can the Obama Administration prove that the Syrian government used chemical weapons?" Rather, the paramount question is, if that is true, "what is the best course for the United States to take, and why?"
It's hard to tell if she's for or against intervention.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Sep 6, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Crescent Park Dad is a registered user.
$1mil. per cruise missile.
I have to believe there are more effective ways to punish Syria than to spend $20+ mil. and essentially do nothing but momentarily slow down the Syrian government.
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Cherries and Berries
By Laura Stec | 3 comments | 1,477 views
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength . . .
By Chandrama Anderson | 2 comments | 915 views
Meeting Other New Parents
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One more week to vote!
Don't forget to cast your ballot online. Voting ends May 29th. Stay tuned for the results in the July 21st issue of the Palo Alto Weekly.


text: Good choices all Scotty. I like the lift gauge too. As long as you are going with the front fenders I have seen extra lights mounted out there. That might be worth considering. The trailer can get pretty spendy. The 8,000 lb torsion axle under a tilt bed is awesome. A good machine shop could probably make you one for around 5 grand. A&O gets 6500 last I checked.


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text:
"Daddy, Where Do Babies Come From?"
Brandon Hay | Posted 06.25.2013 | Canada Living
Read More: Black Fathers, TV Canada, Parent, Dad, Brandon Hay, Toronto, Fathers Day, Sex, Junior Burchall, Ontario, Tough Questions, Black Daddies Club, Mothers Day, Parents, Kids Asking About Sex, Telling Kids About Sex, Having the Talk, Where Do Babies Come From, Canada Living News
Sooner or later, and usually at the most inappropriate time, some version of The Question ("Where do babies come from?") will emerge from your child's lips. Whatever the inspiration, our responses as Black Daddies tend to oscillate between evasion and deliberate vagueness ("Go ask your mother....").


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Our company is a growing business offering wide range of services We carry out domestic and commercial cleaning. For domestic cleaning We can assign a personal cleaner to you whether it be weekly, fortnightly or monthly Commercial cleaning we can offer enough cleaners to ensure the property is cleaned to perfection We carry out work for estate agents also, end of tenancy cleans As part of our service we can offer professional oven cleaning, professional fridge cleaning, carpet cleaning and window cleaning We also offer power washing and We are always happy to help, we will quote for free, there is no obligation but we are more than happy to meet with you and discuss your needs and offer you a professional service; facebook http://www.facebook.com/MaloneCleaning
Chem-Dry Northern
We have been carpet cleaning in Northern Ireland since 1990. We also clean upholstery, leather, curtains, rugs and kilims. We re-finish wood floors and treat fabrics to make them flame retardant. Independantly owned and operated by Cliff Frampton.
M&P Licensed Cleaning Company
1) General cleaning: full cleaning of: - bedrooms - bathrooms - kitchen - reception rooms 2) Deep cleaning 3) The end of tenancy cleaning 4) Freshen up the whole house 5) Steam cleaning of rugs, carpets, sofas and stairs 6) Carpet cleaning Full description of our duties you can find on our website.
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text: Diesel fuel is actually a light oil, and most oils will run in an older diesel. Many fleets, before the low sulfur diesel crap hit, actually filtered their used oil from the PMs and mixed it back in with the diesel fuel. before they started dying "off road" fuel red, a can of ATF every other fillup was considered a great injector cleaner. The only drawback to running it straight is thickness, in colder weather especially getting it to flow and pump well is a problem. Older diesels designed to run on high sulfur fuel, many owners dump 2 cycle oil in the tank to compensate for the lack of sulfur. Usually gets them a bit better mileage as well. About the only common fuel a diesel chokes on is gasoline, although a gallon or two mixed in a full tank of diesel was the old timer's "anti gel" solution before Power Service and others became readily available.


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Hello ,
I am pretty much a newbee to Beekeeping and to Top-Bars . After going to a class at the local library, the wife and I took the plunge and bought all the necessary equipment and a lang full of bee's . I saw a Top-Bar demo at the Washington state fair back in September and have been hooked on the natural aspects of the KTBH . I have been reading on the net, checking out books and videos from the library and watching loads of YouTube vid's on KTBH's. I do have a couple of questions on design though.
* In Les Crowders book he builds his TBH's wide and shallow. 20.1/4" wide at the top, 9.1/4" at the bottom and 10" deep. and with Top Bars being 1 3/8th wide
* Philip Chandlers book and plans call for his TBH's to be narrower and a bit deeper @ 15" wide with 17" bars , 12 inches deep and 5" wide at the bottom and Top Bars being 1 1/2. wide
I live just south of Olympia Washington . Right now it is 22* F outside and last night it got down to 6* F. Our summers and growing seasons are short and the high temps rarely get into the 80's. so which design do you think would be best for my climate? Wide and shallow or tall and narrow?


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Colourful and Spacious Apartment in Centre
Size70 m²
Floor No.(with elevator)
- Family/child friendly
- Internet/WiFi
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Washer/dryer
- Towels
- Balcony/terrace
Accommodation summary
|Calle de Lavapies, 28012 Madrid, Spain
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
|2 days ago
The apartment features a master bedroom with a comfortable double bed and a large wardrobe. The second bedroom contains twin beds. The lounge contains a double sofa bed, a dining table and a flat-screen TV. The kitchen is fully fitted.
Lavapiés Metro Station is just 150 metres away, and provides access to line 3. A supermarket is located opposite the station, making it easy to stock up on essentials.
The vibrant Plaza Mayor Square can be reached within a 10-minute walk. In the surrounding area, guests will find a wide selections of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
House rulesNo parties.
Pets may be allowed on request.
Smoking is permitted on the balcony.
A refundable security deposit of €100 is required in cash on check-in.
Late check-in after 10pm can be arranged for an additional fee of €30.
|Weekly rate for up to 4 guests
|Monthly rate for up to 4 guests
|Price for > 4 guests
|$ 14 CA per guest/night extra
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
The apartment is in the heart of Lavapies, so you should inform yourself about he neighborhood. It might not be to everybodies liking, although it was to ours. Ana was really nice and uncomplicated, and everything worked really well. She allowed us to keep the room until the afternoon on our departure day since our flight only left in the evening. The apartment is on calle lavapies, right next to the subway and walking distance to downtown. The streat is full of (mostly indian) restaurants and you smell an hear that.
Pleasant apartment, or 3 high with no elevator. Located in a neighborhood where all the sights to be doing on foot. Cozy environment with lots of terraces so too much noise. With the windows closed we had not much affected. It is suitable for 4 to 6 people, but there we have doubts.
Communication was fine.
Prettig appartement, wel 3 hoog zonder lift. Ligt in een buurt waarbij alle bezienswaardigheden te voet te doen zijn. Gezellige omgeving met veel terrasjes dus ook veel lawaai. Met de ramen dicht hadden we daar niet veel last van. Het is wel geschikt voor 4 personen maar voor 6 daar hebben we twijfels bij.
Communicatie was prima.
Reviews for this host's other properties
This is a great place. We stayed here for 4 days with 6 people.
They appartment is fully equipped and is located perfectly in the heart of Madrid; everythig in wlaking distance.
Ana is a lovely host and supplied us with some nice tips for the city.
I can highly recommend this place.
Thank you Ana. We'd love to come again sometime.
We would highly recomend this comfortable appartament to any friend and family.
our hostess was Ana,,very competent person who attended to any request in a timely fashion.Everything was in order.
Me and my family had a great cnd comfortable stay .The location was fantastic,right at the center of everthing and at the same time it is a very quiet appartment.We would like to repeat the experience !Thank you for everything.Manfred and family
Bright, clean and spacious apartment with well equipped kitchen and everything we needed for our stay - exactly as described. Easy to find from the Callao metro and very well placed for travelling around by metro or an easy walk to Plaza del Sol, the old town and the palace. Can be noisy when the streets are being cleaned, but this means it is a nice clean area and you can't hear outside when the air con is on. And a bit of noise is to be expected in a vibrant area with lots of young people around until late. We really enjoyed our stay which was excellent value.
Very central location, but quiet apartment. Big enough for 6-8 people, ideally clean with 2 large bathrooms, everything uncomplicated keys, apartment would book again.
Many thanks to Ana.
Sehr zentral gelegene, aber ruhige Ferienwohnung. Ausreichend groß für 6-8 Personen, idealerweise mit 2 großen Bädern, alles sauber, unkomplizierte Schlüsselübergabe, würden Wohnung erneut buchen.
Vielen Dank an Ana.
Very pleasant apartment, especially the large balcony has done well during the disengagement. Everything is there, what you need, excellent location for exploring the city.
Check in and out were problems, Ana & Co friendly and helpful.
Any time!
Äußerst angenehme Wohnung, vor allem der große Balkon hat beim Ausrasten gut getan. Alles da, was man braucht, sehr gute Lage für die Erkundung der Stadt.
Ein- und Auschecken waren problemlos, Ana & Co freundlich und hilfsbereit.
Jederzeit wieder!
The apartment is as described on the web. Ana has been available whenever we needed. The only problem is water, which sometimes does not come off properly dispersed or out.
To ask him to let us leave our bags after handing the keys shown prepared from the beginning.
El apartamento es tal y como se describe en la web. Ana ha estado disponible siempre que la hemos necesitado. El único problema es el agua, que a veces no sale de forma adecuada y sale dispersa o no sale.
Al pedirle que nos dejara dejar las maletas después de entregar las llaves, se ha mostrado dispuesta desde el principio.
Ana is a host extraordinary and I have only praise for her. The apartment had some defects immediately rushed to mitigate. I can not be more pleased with her, although he has not been 100% of the apartment. The "balcony", incidentally, is a beautiful terrace with an excellent view to this that allows you to enjoy a beautiful sunrise in Madrid.
Ana es una extraordinaria anfitriona y solo tengo elogios para ella. El apartamento tenía algunos defectos que se apresuró a paliar inmediatamente. No puedo estar más satisfecho con ella, aunque no lo haya estado 100% del apartamento. El "balcón", por cierto, es una bonita terraza con una excelente vista al este que permite gozar de unos hermosos amaneceres en Madrid.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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Stay connected with us to get the latest health and fitness news, innovative workouts, healthy recipes and wellness tips.
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ACE Fit Share
Stand next to a cable / band with your feet together. Hold the cable / band handle close to the your body, just below chest height, with your hands at the midline of your body (not illustrated). Engage your abdominal / core muscles to brace your torso. Keep the torso vertical to the floor. Pull your shoulder blades down and back without arching your low back.
Starting Position: Slowly lift the leg closest to the machine off the floor. Balance on your standing leg and maintain your vertical posture. Do not lean.
Movement: Exhale. Slowly rotate your torso away from the cable / band anchor. Keep your upper arms close to your sides, elbows bent and hands positioned at the midline of your body. Your chest and torso should move together as a single unit. Do not allow the torso to lean in the direction of your movement. Try to stabilize your lower body to reduce movement in this region as your torso rotates. Hold the end position briefly before rotating in the opposite direction (if possible) or returning to your starting position. Perform a prescribed number of repetitions then turn to face the opposite way and repeat this movement in the opposite direction.
Exercise Variation: To increase exercise intensity, repeat the same exercise, but fully extend your arms to shoulder height and keep your arms in this position throughout the exercise (illustrated). This creates a longer lever and increases the loading on the spine, requiring the core muscles to work harder.Engage your abdominal / core muscles throughout this exercise to stabilize and protect your spine. This single-leg torso rotation over the standing leg mimics part of our walking pattern and helps develop stability in the knee if performed correctly. Try to avoid twisting or moving your foot or knee during this rotation.


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Auckland Transport representatives have been out in force this week at the city's Ferry Building, handing out leaflets touting the long-awaited AT HOP swipe card, which ferry travellers will be able to use from the end of this month. The leaflets promise discounts of at least 10 per cent on single-trip cash fares, which sounds appealing. But further reading takes the gloss off the high-tech payment system - the card doesn't yet work with other tickets, such as the discount monthly passes used by many commuters. Regular travellers, says the leaflet in slightly crestfallen tones, "may find it better value right now to continue using these products". It's a hard road finding the perfect transport system.
Scary spectator sport: watching shareholders quiz Fletcher Building chairman Ralph Waters during this week's annual meeting at Eden Park. Only a few brave souls stepped forward to grasp the microphone and incur the master's wrath at their apparent inability to grasp the facts. But one shareholder battled on when Waters told him the pay for the company's eight divisional bosses was in the annual report, and it wouldn't be too hard to work out who got what.
Persevering, he asked a supplementary question: could Waters take a rough stab at how much they collectively received? Eventually he got the answer - about $14 million.
Kiwi retailers, fighting for market share against their online rivals, could borrow a tactic from Britain's bookshops. Members of the Booksellers Association have taken to displaying posters declaring "We pay our taxes" - a reference to claims that Amazon, and other multinationals, use various cunning schemes to avoid paying tax on their sales in Britain.
Former Rotorua boy Mark Wilson has been named chief executive of British insurance giant Aviva. In a 2009 interview with The Business, Wilson enthused about the education he received at Waikato University and the early support he received from another Sulphur City native, Theresa Gattung. In his new job, the 46-year-old Wilson will get a base salary of £980,000 ($1.91 million) and an annual bonus of up to £1.5 million.
Some ministers are muttering about last week's report on "green growth", and the bonanza awaiting New Zealand if we invest wisely. The report was prepared for Pure Advantage, a lobby group backed by top business leaders. It is not that the authors and their sponsors are not well intentioned, nor that their ideas are bad, it's just that the whole campaign raises a question, as summed up by one minister who moaned: "Some of these guys are so rich, if the ideas are so good and such certain winners, why don't they just invest in them?"
The appointment of Sir Peter Gluckman and Belinda Milnes to the Families Commission comes as the commission undergoes restructuring to reflect its slimmed down budget. The commission will definitely become more focussed in its role - Gluckman does not suffer fools gladly, and Milnes is a savvy political operator to whom National ministers often turn when they are in trouble. Opponents, not surprisingly, say it is just more jobs for the boys and girls.
Anti-trade deal campaigners are getting their knickers in a twist at the prospect of New Zealand being part of two significant trading blocs. Academic and activist Jane Kelsey has lectured John Key, saying he needs a "reality check" if he really believes New Zealand can remain "best friends" with the United States and China as the two powers tout trade deals. Kelsey is referring to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and New Zealand formally joining the Asia focused Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership at the East Asia Summit. The contrary view is that New Zealand does not need to be "best friends" with anyone; it just needs the best possible trade deal, or deals. The fact that New Zealand is allowed to sit at either table when we have such a small market to offer, and pose threats to all countries' agricultural producers, speaks volumes about how trade talks have progressed. It also may be a sign that countries need cheap food.


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(n) From a kid's point of view, a vacation where you do things that your parents think are educational and fun, but you think and really torture.
Torcation is vacation where you tour museums, walk from historical landmark to historical landmark in sweltering summer heat, eating weird food in far away lands, etc.
by phatmanparker August 19, 2009


text: I'm getting mixed opinions online on what speaker sizes will fit into my 2012 Silverado Extended Cab Non-Bose... I'm looking to replace the Front & Rear Speakers, and the tweeters. Crutchfield says the following: Front: 6.5" or 6.75" Rear: 5.25" (with a "modified fit"), 6.5"(with a "modified fit"), or 6.75" (with a "modified fit").. and they don't know what a "modified fit" means Tweeters: You're not going to find anything to fit in the stock locations Then Metra Online says 6.5"s front & rear with 1" tweeters.. There's another post on another forum where the user uses 6" for the front, 5.25" for the rear. But someone further in the post says he was able to use 6.5"'s.... Has anyone had any experience with this??


text: I've been living with this problem for over 10 years. Time to FIX IT! When I turn on my overhead map light(s) and then open the door, the map light turns off. The map light sort of dims off rather than turning off instantly. Or if the door is open, the map light will not turn on. The rear dome light exhibits the same behavior. The door panel and under dash lights come on fine and are not affected in any way. Does this sound like a grounding problem or a fuse problem? (I checked all fuses already but perhaps i missed one) If this is a grounding problem, where do i start?


text:
Kathryn Schulz:
Don't regret regret
We're taught to try to live life without regret. But why? Using her own tattoo as an example, Kathryn Schulz makes a powerful and moving case for embracing our regrets.
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- Culture
- Decision-making
- Failure
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The goal of the Census Bureau's Partnership and Data Services (PDS) Program is to expand data dissemination among the widest breadth of customers, including traditional and nontraditional data users, in order to educate partners on how to access, use and apply census data to meet their organization (including business) or community needs. The data dissemination staff are a critical component of the Bureau's data dissemination outreach efforts in communities across the country. While the program is designed to reach out to all segments of the population, special emphasis is placed on working with the hard-to-count populations, as they are often not considered traditional data users and generally have not recognized how the data can be used to achieve their community, business or personal needs. The program will also provide support to enhance community awareness of and participation in current and ongoing surveys and other censuses, and work collaboratively with partners and others to support census activities through public awareness campaigns. For a map of the PDS regions, visit: http://www.census.gov/regions/
Learn More: http://www.census.gov/
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text: Lifted this picture from another thread (thanks silverbear!) How many of these Cowboys from the 1967 team picture can you name? No looking it up folks - that's no fun! Do it from memory. Don't list the names just yet. Just post how many you can attach a name to. We'll make you prove it a bit later. I think I can name 18 or 19 right now.


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How do you know when to stop feeding the bees in the spring? First year for me.
How do you know when to stop feeding the bees in the spring? First year for me.
I stop feeding mine when I put Supers on. I don't know if this is correct, but you don't want the bees to put sugar sryup in the super.
Sorry about the first reply, didn't realize it was your first year.
In that case I fed mine from april 15 ( when I hived the bees)thru sept 1 they had drawn out 2 brood chambers each full.
Thanks for the reply. Should I wait until there are two full brood Chambers? Did the bees have any honey stored in with the brood?
Some beekeepers say as long as the bees are drawing out comb to keep feeding, that's fine it just depends on if there is any natural nectar available. I just stop when I put supers on. And yes, the Top 3rd of some frames were capped with honey in both brood chambers.


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Bright Apartment well Located
Size75 m²
Floor No.4(with elevator)
- Internet/WiFi
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Washer/dryer
- Parking available
- Elevator in building
- Towels
Accommodation summary
|Pietrapiana, 50121 Firenze, Italy
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
|A month ago
In the apartment there is a living room with sofa bed , tv and a well equipped kitchen. 2 bedrooms, one room with king size bed and other one with two single beds. 1 bathroom.
House rulesServices not included in the price:
Wi Fi - 5 euro per 24 hours;
Parking - 20 euro per night.
The city tourist tax - 2.5 euro per person, per night(except children under 12 years old).
Please communicate your arrival time.
Check in time: 2 pm;
Check out time: 11 am.
Front desk scedule is:
Monday - Friday from 9 am till 9:30 pm,
Saturday from 9 am till 9 pm
Sunday from 2 pm till 7 pm.
Additional fee for late check in is 40 euro at arrival.
|Check-in After
|Check-in before
|Check-out Before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
Good location, but the apartment, while clean, was not comfortable - beds were hard and there was not good seating. Furnishings were sparse. Some of the folks who manned the desk were not only not helpful, but rude as well. Would not recommend this apartment
Apartment spacious, clean, quiet, bright and well served. Practically in the center. Possibility to park (ZTL) at an acceptable price.
Appartamento ampio, pulito, silenzioso, luminoso e ben servito. Praticamente in centro. Possibilità di parcheggiare (ztl) ad un prezzo accettabile.
Spacious apartment with very good location.
View over the rooftops of Florence, the walls, however, noisy, could pose a problem with infants.
Geräumiges Appartment mit sehr guter Lage.
Blick über die Dächer von Florenz, die Wände allerdings hellhörig, könnte mit Kleinkindern ein Problem darstellen.
Very nice apartment, located in a beautiful building. nice reception.
When booking, you must specify the use of parking in the building and reserve a seat if the car parks are expensive.
Very pleasant stay!
Appartement très agréable, bien situé dans un bel immeuble. accueil sympathique.
Lors de la réservation, il faut préciser l'utilisation du parking dans l'immeuble et réserver une place sinon les parkings sont hors de prix.
Séjour très agréable!
Reviews for this host's other properties
Very clean, nice, spacious. Friendly service people working there. I would recommend this to anyone.
NIce place to stay! I do recommend this flat
Great location in wonderful firenze.
My Family and I enjoyed our stay very much.
Thanks a lot.
We hope to come back!
Fantastic apartment! This is truly spacious and beautiful. We had only a one night stay here, but when our group of 7 people entered the apartment we all wished we could stay for one week! High ceilings and beautiful furniture gives this apartment charm. The staff at the front desk was very helpful with contacting our rental car company and making us feel very welcome.
Apartment very spacious and with everything you need. Very well it located, 500 meters from the Duomo.
Apartamento muy amplio y con todo lo necesario. Muy bien ubicado, a 500 metros del Duomo.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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I think we can all agree that carrying a flashlight with you on a daily basis comes with more benefits than not. The only problem is that not everyone always has the room in their pockets, bags, or what have you. Or, more commonly, just end up leaving the house having forgotten it until you
Happy Holidays from Olight!
Here's to a safe and happy holiday season to all!


text: so i got looking at pictures of my old 1985 gmc sierra with a carbed 4.3l and i noticed the exhaust manifolds look a hell of a lot nicer flowing then whats on my 01 4.3l. what do you guys think the chances are of swappin them over and getting any gain from them? obviously the head pipes on my 01 will need to be reworked but thats minor. compare the two pics


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If you decide to make any information on this available to the "Mere Mortals" out here, I would surely like to see it. I recently converted 4 of my 1919s to 762X54R. One of these would fit nicely into the group. However since I didn't even know there was a VZ59, wouldn't have a clue where to start, might well be more of a hill than I am climber!! But I sure do LIKE IT anyway!!!
Emory Jones


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I know there is nothing new under the sun but I have not seen this so thought I would share it. I was trying to think of a way to hold comb and after seeing what is in use now I came up with this idea.
Plumbers strapping
Cut the strapping to length (I use 8 holes making sure the small hole is on one end)
Bend 2 holes down and use a small metal stud screw to hold it on
Make another bend at the bottom to attach the comb
Use 2 on one side facing one way
Use 1 in the middle if needed facing the other way for more support
The strapping is thin enough that it does not leave a large gap between the bars and I space one bar with strap one without and so forth.
When the bees have attached the comb to the bar take the screw out slide it out of the comb and you are good to go.
I just used this for the cutout posted in swarms and it seemed to work good.


text:
My E-250 beeps 5 times then stops for 5 seconds, then repeats 5 times every time I open the door... does anyone have any idea what this could be? there are no lights on the dashboard alerting me about anything.
Did this just start to occur or is this a new vehicle purchase? I find beeps when doors are open to be usually either warnings about not forgetting your keys inside or your lights are still on.
It's attempting to write a rap song!
Robot ghosts trying to escape through the speakers, they see the open door as their chance out of the car. Don't worry, any run of the mill electrical exorcist should be able to banish em. But on a German car it'll cost ya probably about $250. Hope that's helpful.
_________________________________________________________________________Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand.


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Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Celebrate Halloween With Costumes and a Cover
Getting in the spirit of the holiday season, Vermont-bred badass singer, songwriter and strummer, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, took to the Exit/In stage in Nashville on Halloween. Complete in country regalia (from l-r in the below image they are Billy Ray Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings), the band played to a sold out crowd and Potter even led the troupe in a solid cover of Parton's Jolene.
Keeping in fine tradition as they do at most every live show, GPN wowed the crowd with their rendition of the classic country cut, which you can watch below.
Additionally, check out this clip of Grace and Co. live from the Artists Den earlier this summer in NYC's Bryant Park, as they perform the rousing and instant classic, Paris (Ooh La La).
One of my favorite covers of theirs after the video. Sweeeeet emooooootion!
mp3: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith Cover)


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Cottage by the Sea
Get the look: Architects Charles Myer and Don Knerr, Charles R. Myer & Partners, Ltd. Interior designer Andra Birkerts, Andra Birkerts Interior Design. The home's front door is painted Clipped Grass by California Paints.
Some things are worth the wait—like a corner cottage in Rockport, Massachusetts, that Anne Kubik had eyed since childhood. "When I was a little girl, we lived up the street, and we'd walk and bike past it," says Kubik, who grew up spending summers in the beach town about an hour from Boston.


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I'd like to hear from people who are managing at least part of their apiaries treatment free.
I'd like to know how many colonies your running treatment free, (and by that I mean in the truest sense - if you use some method of mite control please include it), and how long have the colonies been treatment free.
How are you doing overall?
For myself, I had 11 colonies as of last Fall, and I'm presently down to 6. I feel that one really has to maintain a larger number of colonies to be able to handle the dips. So I began rearing queens this season, and I hope to create additional colonies as nucs in July. At the moment, it really feels like reaching my goals with treatment free bees is not going to be easy. It's daunting, but I am still determined to stick with it.
I'm determined to figure it out; to keep trying things and approaches until I reach a sustainable population of bees without treatments. That, as opposed to "giving treatment free a try". I understand people taking that approach, but I feel like more of us have to commit ourselves to actually getting there, or it will never happen.
To quote Arthur C. Clarke:
"The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible. "
I'm feeling somewhat discouraged at the moment, and I found Clarke's quote inspirational. I'm interested in hearing from others.


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PLC's / Control Networks Info
I am new to the business and i am looking to gain some knowledge specifically about exploiting PLC's and industrial control networks, i am a PLC programmer in the control systems industry and i have been tasked with identifying/exploiting vulnerabilities in our control systems.
I have already discovered several problems mainly dealing with UDP communication protocols.
I want to dig deeper and focus on two things, Buffer overflows on PLC's and exploits regarding crafting EIP/CIP messages. (Ethernet/IP)
What books/reading in general would you recommend? Any suggestions are welcome


text:
|GTA V Latest News | #GTAV | #GTAOnline
2008 GTA IV Millionaire's Club launches
Grand Theft Auto IV - General News | @ 01:49 PM MDT | By Neil
Continuing the trend of GTA IV's online content being updated even months after its release, Rockstar Games today lifted the lid on a new feature at the Social Club, the Millionaire's Club.
To enter, you must have amassed a fortune of over $1,000,000 in game, but once you do you'll be treated to the ability to compare your earnings with others. To make things a little easier, the figure isn't based on your current balance but instead relates to the total amount of money you have made since you first entered Liberty City.
Social Club: Millionaire's Club
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to see the answer.
What is my role as a parent while my child plays at Monkey Joe's?
While your children "monkey around", our trained staff will observe all play areas to enforce the rules of Monkey Joe's. While we offer an adult area for parents to take breaks in, we strongly encourage all parents to monitor their children at all times during play.
What is the age limit for my kid to play at Monkey Joe's?
Only kids 12 years-old and younger are permitted to play on the equipment. We have a Mini Monkey Zone, a separate play area for toddlers 3 years-old and younger. For the safety of your kids, we do not allow anyone over 12 years-old to bounce or play at Monkey Joe's.
Some locations may also have height restrictions for children 12 and younger. See specific location site for additional information.
How long can my kids play at Monkey Joe's?
Your kids can stay and play as long as they would like during your local Monkey Joe's hours of operation.
Once you leave the Monkey Joe's facility, there is no re-entry.
Can we walk-in and play any time?
Yes, you can walk-in and bring your kids to play at any time during your local Monkey Joe's hours of operation.
What is the SACCS Safety Access Child Control System?
Safety is our top priority. In order to provide a safe environment for your kids to play and for your peace of mind, we have created a "Safety Access Child Control System" (SACCS).
Our SACCS includes:
- Properly trained staff
- Certified jumps with safety mats at all jump entrances and exits
- Video monitoring and identity bracelets that tell us who is in our play centers
- Age appropriate play centers with separate jumps for toddlers, 3 years-old and younger and kids 2-12 years-old
As an adult, can I play in the Monkey Joe's play areas?
For the safety of your kids, we do not allow teenagers and adults to play on any of the jumps, slides, and obstacle courses. You are welcome to assist kids 4 years-old and younger in the play areas, but you may not bounce or play. Some locations may limit the jumps adults may assist on. Please see specific location site for additional information.
Is outside food allowed at Monkey Joe's?
We do not allow outside food or drinks at any Monkey Joe's location. We do have a concession area with a variety of refreshments (varying by location) for you and your kids, which include dairy free and nut free options. If you have a dietary restriction, please contact your local Monkey Joe's.
Are there group or discount rates?
Yes, we offer group rates for daycares, religious organizations, moms group play dates, camps, school groups and other large parties. Please contact your local Monkey Joe's location for more information.
We also offer a Frequent Jumper Card that reduces the price of regular admission up to 40 percent. However, this is only available to walk-in customers and does not apply to groups.
What is a Frequent Jumper Card and how do I get one?
You can get a Frequent Jumper Card from your local Monkey Joe's location. Your card can be used for walk-in play, reducing the price of regular admission up to 40 percent. This card cannot be applied for groups.
Can I order food in advance for our kids or group?
Yes, call your local Monkey Joe's location in advance for pizza and other concession items to be ready when you arrive or when you want to have lunch.
Are socks needed to play at Monkey Joe's?
Yes, all kids are required to wear socks in the play areas. If your kids do not have socks, we have them available for purchase at our concession area.
Can we book a party at our local Monkey Joe's location?
Yes, we have a reservationist at your local Monkey Joe's who can assist you in booking your party. If you did not find your answer please feel free to contact us.
What is Swisher Hygiene?
Monkey Joe's has partnered with Swisher Hygiene Inc. to provide sanitized conditions for customers throughout all of our facilities. Swisher's SWAT germicidal shock treatment is used on all inflatables at Monkey Joe's on a routine basis. The treatment eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, fungi and viruses on contact with a safe, non-toxic solution through a micro-misting device. SWAT provides a deep clean while disinfecting and deodorizing our inflatable surfaces. The sanitizing treatment performed by trained technicians at Swisher helps create the cleanest, healthiest environment possible for our number one priority, our customers.


text:
The 1957 American Scientist article, reproduced in full
B. F. Skinner
Not so long ago the expression "a science of behavior" would have been regarded as a contradiction in terms. Living organisms were distinguished by the fact that they were spontaneous and unpredictable. If you saw something move without being obviously pushed or pulled, you could be pretty sure it was alive. This was so much the case that mechanical imitations of living things—singing birds which flapped their wings, figures on a clock tolling a bell—had an awful fascination which, in the age of electronic brains and automation, we cannot recapture or fully understand. One hundred and fifty years of science and invention have robbed living creatures of this high distinction.
Science has not done this by creating truly spontaneous or capricious systems. It has simply discovered and used subtle forces which, acting upon a mechanism, give it the direction and apparent spontaneity which make it seem alive. Similar forces were meanwhile being discovered in the case of the living organism itself. By the middle of the seventeenth century it was known that muscle, excised from a living organism and out of reach of any "will," would contract if pinched or pricked or otherwise stimulated, and during the nineteenth century larger segments of the organism were submitted to a similar analysis. The discovery of the reflex, apart from its neurological implications, was essentially the discovery of stimuli—of forces acting upon an organism which accounted for part of its behavior.
For a long time the analysis of behavior took the form of the discovery and collection of reflex mechanisms. Early in the present century, the Dutch physiologist Rudolph Magnus [1], after an exhaustive study of the reflexes involved in the maintenance of posture, put the matter this way: when a cat hears a mouse, turns toward the source of the sound, sees the mouse, runs toward it, and pounces, its posture at every stage, even to the selection of the foot which is to take the first step, is determined by reflexes which can be demonstrated one by one under experimental conditions. All the cat has to do is to decide whether or not to pursue the mouse; everything else is prepared for it by its postural and locomotor reflexes.
To pursue or not to pursue is a question, however, which has never been fully answered on the model of the reflex, even with the help of Pavlov's principle of conditioning. Reflexes—conditioned or otherwise—are primarily concerned with the internal economy of the organism and with maintaining various sorts of equilibrium. The behavior through which the individual deals with the surrounding environment and gets from it the things it needs for its existence and for the propagation of the species cannot be forced into the simple all-or-nothing formula of stimulus and response. Some well-defined patterns of behavior, especially in birds, fish, and invertebrates are controlled by "releasers" which suggest reflex stimuli [2], but even here the probability of occurrence of such behavior varies over a much wider range, and the conditions of which that probability is a function are much more complex and subtle. And when we come to that vast repertoire of "operant" behavior which is shaped up by the environment in the lifetime of the individual, the reflex pattern will not suffice at all.
In studying such behavior we must make certain preliminary decisions. We begin by choosing an organism—one which we hope will be representative but which is first merely convenient. We must also choose a bit of behavior—not for any intrinsic or dramatic interest it may have, but because it is easily observed, affects the environment in such a way that it can be easily recorded, and for reasons to be noted subsequently, may be repeated many times without fatigue. Thirdly, we must select or construct an experimental space which can be well controlled.
These requirements are satisfied by the situation shown in Figure 1. A partially sound-shielded aluminum box is divided into two compartments. In the near compartment a pigeon, standing on a screen floor, is seen in the act of pecking a translucent plastic plate behind a circular opening in the partition. The plate is part of a delicate electric key; when it is pecked, a circuit is closed to operate recording and controlling equipment. Colored lights can be projected on the back of the disk as stimuli. The box is ventilated, and illuminated by a dim ceiling light.
We are interested in the probability that in such a controlled space the organism we select will engage in the behavior we thus record. At first blush, such an interest may seem trivial. We shall see, however, that the conditions which alter the probability, and the processes which unfold as that probability changes, are quite complex. Moreover, they have an immediate, important bearing on the behavior of other organisms under other circumstances, including the organism called man in the everyday world of human affairs.
Probability of responding is a difficult datum. We may avoid controversial issues by turning at once to a practical measure, the frequency with which a response is emitted. The experimental situation shown in Figure 1 was designed to permit this frequency to vary over a wide range. In the experiments to be described here, stable rates are recorded which differ by a factor of about 600. In other experiments, rates have differed by as much as 2000:1. Rate of responding is most conveniently recorded in a cumulative curve. A pen moves across a paper tape, stepping a short uniform distance with each response. Appropriate paper speeds and unit steps are chosen so that the rates to be studied give convenient slopes.
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text:
What do those in dairy production prefer to be called?
By Patti Hurtgen, Hoard's Dairyman Online Media Manager
As the landscape of the agricultural farmstead has changed from red barns with a variety of livestock and two-story white farmhouses to more single-focused livestock operations, have the words we use changed as well?
A little while ago, an Iowa State University rural sociologist conducted a survey about what those in the state's production agriculture fields (food, feed, fiber and fuel) wanted to be called.
They were given the choice of:
- farmer
- producer
- farm operator
- grower
- rancher
Then they were asked to select the one that they felt best described them. The top answer from 60 percent of those polled was "farmer." "Producer" and "farm operator" tied for second with 18 percent. Three percent of the respondents preferred "grower," while one percent selected "rancher."
While this poll was taken from broad-based agriculture in Iowa, would the dairy industry have similar word choices?
Farmer. Many of us learned as students in school that a farmer was the guy who grew crops and fed animals. The portrait, American Gothic shows a couple, he's dressed in work clothes with a pitchfork and she's in a proper dress. While present, the female was rarely thought of as the farmer. She was the farmer's wife.
My grandfather milked cows, raised sheep and grew crops. He was a farmer and lived on a farm. One generation later, my dad has a dairy operation and purchases all of the feed for the animals. It is just the cows and calves, no crops and no other enterprises. Growing up and still today, it feels odd to call my dad a "farmer." He is a dairyman and I was raised on a dairy.
As times have changed, more females have taken prominent roles in dairy production. As owners, are they dairymen? Most would argue that they are not "men" and therefore are dairy "women." Collectively, those who are owners and operators of dairy cattle could be called dairymen, but maybe "dairy producers" is a better way to characterize them all as a group.
As men in the industry on the same ownership and decision-making levels as their female counterparts, do they use different vocabulary than others to describe the females in the industry? In an attempt for the public to be politically correct, does the respect women have earned in the workplace get diminished when someone has to be cognizant of using the gender-specific descriptor to describe an equal? Is the female who leads a committee addressed as a chairman or chairwoman?
As a female in the industry, I would be comfortable being called a farmer, a dairy farmer, a dairyman, a dairywoman or a dairy producer when my only employment was the dairy. But that is probably due to the close association I have with my earlier generations and the respect for their livelihoods. Maybe it is because I was raised in the West, where "farms" are less common. I am not writing this to change people's word choices, but more so to better understand them. I am not, and cannot, speak for all.
We have a short poll of our own to see what terms you use for today's dairy industry people. While not scientific, it might shed some light on current jargon use.
Please answer the two questions that apply to you: No.1 and 2 for men in dairy production, No. 3 and 4 for women in dairy production, and No. 5 and 6 for allied industry working in the dairy industry. Question No. 7 is for consumers who are not involved in production agriculture.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.
In advance, thank you for your input and look for the results in an upcoming blog.
Click the icon to subscribe to HD Notebook and get the blog sent to you.
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"ABCs of alfalfa harvest" is the topic of the noon (Central time) webinar on Monday, March 11 presented by Ev Thomas, William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute. Alfalfa harvest recommendations vary widely, including when to take the final cutting of the season. Increasing herd averages and high forage rations both require top quality forage, and this starts with proper harvest management. Register for the free webinar at www.hoards.com/webinars. The March webinar is brought to you by W-L Alfalfas (www.wlresearch.com).


text:
Town Square
The great water war of California Avenue?
Original post made by Jay Thorwaldson, editor emeritus, on May 30, 2008
That is whether to save a middling-old fountain or replace it with a blockish sculpture by famous sculptor Bruce Beasley. The sculpture would be dry unless some funds materialize to redo the plumbing so it can be a fountain -- as Beasley originally conceived it to be. Web Link
For years I have followed the fate of the old fountain, believed to have been installed in the 1970s -- I thought it was a bit older -- because of the proclivity of local kids (one presumes) to dump soap, sometimes laced with food coloring, into the fountain to create a huge pile of suds.
"If you get rid of the fountain, where can local kids then go for some good clean fun?" I asked Ronna Devincenzi, who heads up the California Avenue Area Development Association, a kind of local Chamber of Commerce for the area. The association board went on record officially last week favoring *either* a new sculpture or (preferably) a new fountain if funds can be found for re-doing the old plumbing system, for which cost estimates are being updated.
Ronna explained that the old fountain is cracked and has had to be supported by steel pipes to keep it from falling over. Seems it has been bumped into a few times by vehicles, possibly including local delivery trucks trying to negotiate a tight turning circle around it. People for some reason seem reluctant to report a solo-vehicle collision with a large fountain. Perhaps some were customers of a local nightspot or other who had other reasons for not reporting whacking a local monument.
Longtime Palo Altan Ellen Wyman, with a history of community activism on various issues, usually relating to slowing growth, likes the old fountain and circulated a petition to save it, getting 2 to 1 support from the three-score or so people she contacted.
Well, I like the old fountain, too. I like its "Classic Birdbath" design. Even the support bars are pretty much hidden by the falling water. Pretty much.
But it is hardly historic, unless us short-memory Californians are shortening our definition of that often-vague term.
And Beasley has a worldwide reputation for his sculptural works. This isn't another large running doll with a face in her stomach.
Yet without water, it also seems a bit blockish and barren -- the image, with local buildings removed from the background, makes it look a bit like a surreal scene out of a sci-fi movie. I can't imagine going to it on a sunny, or hot, day to sit on a hot block of stone to look at a 12-foot high pile of equally hot blocks.
Yet if water were flowing out of them in some creative fashion. ... Well, water has a kind of magic, a softening, cooling, inviting sense and its flow can be both soothing and entertaining -- as well as turbulent and exciting in a different design. A fountain is something to look at, to feel, to appreciate -- in short, to visit.
Without water, how long would it be before kids swarm all over it, climbing it, falling off of it? The sculptor believes it's not climbable. I wouldn't touch a bet on that with a 30-foot rope. Has he seen some of our youthful rock climbers in action? Liability? I suppose we could put handholds on it and make it an official climbing block.
But a pile of wet, slimey, blocks would discourage the climbers -- even if it wouldn't touch the midnight sudsers.
Comments (16)
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 30, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I tend to agree with you Jay. The old fountain is an old fountain, but the blocks's sculpture is ugly. Maybe if water could be included in the design, it might work. Otherwise, it is just as you say, plus another obstacle for drivers. Question, will they be lit up or will drivers have to depend on their own headlights to spot them at dusk or nighttime?
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 30, 2008 at 9:18 pm
We were watching TV yesterday (Catching up on European soccer news)and a new sculpture was unveiled at the big football (soccer) stadium in London, and guess what! It was a wonderful sculpture featuring three famous British soccer players from history. So - this is "sports art." I immediately noticed how much BETTER this sculpture was compared to the awful public art on California Ave. in Palo Alto. And that includes the proposed new blocklike scupture. Keep the fountain or else get something decent in there. It isn't rocket science. And thank you, Ellen Wyman for your community service.
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on May 31, 2008 at 12:24 am
My family moved to the area in 1961. The fountain has been there since the early '60s, 1961 or 1962 at least. It is a neighborhood institution, soap suds and all (the suds aren't vandalism, they make the fountain more festive!). There are lights in the fountain itself which probably fell into disrepair years ago. Proper traffic lights and signs are needed to hopefully divert tipsy drivers around it. It's sad to see the old thing propped up with crutches now.
Tearing down everything old in Palo Alto is not necessarily a good thing. You wouldn't tear down the community theaters or St. Thomas Aquinas, would you? Palo Altans can either rehabilitate the existing fountain (or build a new one like it) or they can build a monument to the enclave for effete silicon- and real estate-wealthy yuppie millionaires that Palo Alto has become. Or remove the fountain altogether, creating an empty void where a landmark used to be. Take your pick.
a resident of Stanford
on May 31, 2008 at 12:46 am
Nora Charles is a registered user.
I vote for keeping the fountain, or installing a new fountain. Water is calming, pleasant to look at, and nice to listen to. Alas, one cannot say the same of the dreadful Go Momma. Why can't the fountain simply be fixed? I realize this is Palo Alto and that is easier said than done. But Europe has had fountains for hundreds (thousands?) of years, happy streaming away seemingly without problem. Surely great minds in this area can figure this out.
But please, no more public "art."
a resident of College Terrace
on May 31, 2008 at 1:50 am
First, thanks to Ellen Wyman's activism, and her willingness to walk the walk and deliver the results showing that our citizens want the fountain to *remain*, as do I.
Second, nobody really knows why the fountain is in need of support. There seems to be an urban myth out there about how cars have bumped into it. When did this happen? If it *did happen*, why hasn't our city simply put up a few small concrete "car posts". Any car heading toward the fountain - and people sitting nearby - would hit a post. Simple,, cheap solution.
Third, I don't care if Alberto Giacometti himself designed the proposed new sculpture. If it doesn't include water, I'd rather see a small circle of daisies there. Mr. Beasley is a good artist, and knows his way around the public art scene. That doesn't make his proposal something we should be giving fawning support to.
Fourth, City Council should be able to find a way to add $50K or so to make Mr. Beasley's sculpture one that emits water. So that the sound, light, and other kinetic effects of water are experienced by onlookers. California Ave. is a gateway; it deserves something more than a stone monolith at one of its gateways.
Fifth, Water IS a part of a long-standing *tradition* on that spot.
Sixth, I like Jay's idea of something other than an stone needle. Mr. Beasley has many more exciting ideas. I'm sure he's up to it.
editor emeritus
on May 31, 2008 at 7:54 am
Jay Thorwaldson is a registered user.
Actually, I don't have a problem with the block sculpture design, just with the idea of it being a dry, barren sculpture. It looks as if it should have a large melting pocket watch oozing off one of its ledges in homage to Salvador Dali. -jay
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 31, 2008 at 8:15 am
Let's talk about public art in general. Is it worth the cost in a time when we can't fix the potholes? Most of the recent public "art" is ludicrously bad. What does it cost the city to continue this program? What else could we buy with the money?
a resident of Midtown
on May 31, 2008 at 9:49 am
We already have heard protests about the austere cold fountain and the
whacko art that already makes California Avenue funky. Yet DeVincenzi insists on combining the sculpture with the fountain, even though many merchants on California Avenue have spoken of the hodge-podge character of "art" already selected for the avenue. Who needs a modernist, edgy sculpture, when simply fixing the fountain will please kids, dogs. pedestrian strollers who like water sounds, birds, people who like refracted light, those who appreciate the dynamic changes of water surfaces, and so on. Why does something so simple have to be wrought with such complexity? If it's controversial it must be "ART"???
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 31, 2008 at 9:57 am
Mary has a great point.
I have nothing against public art if it is appropriate and pleasing. However, money spent on public art should be spent only if the public feel that they are getting their money's worth. I have nothing against a small amount in the City budget being allocated to art each year and if it is not spent this year, then it can be put into reserve until such time as it can be allocated. But, I am not sure that this is what happens in PA. We have many everyday needs eg potholes, and bigger needs eg libraries and police hq, which are higher up the list of where our money should be going. Granted, if a truck backed into the fountain and caused an immediate problem which had to be fixed, the money would have to be spent. Otherwise, the general repair fund should be able to repair and maintain the fountain. I like the idea of concrete pillars protecting the fountain from absent minded drivers, but spending all this money on "art" when we have other pressing needs is truly questionable.
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on May 31, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I seriously doubt a vehicle has ever struck the fountain. There would likely have been serious damage to the "bowl" which is now propped up with crutches. I think the thing is simply getting old and wobbly.
a resident of Palo Verde
on May 31, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I have everything against public art. It means some bureaucrat is spending my money on art works that I undoubtedly won't like.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 31, 2008 at 7:42 pm
European fountains with sculptures in them last for centuries. Ours can't last 50 years?
Why was it so incompetently built and worse yet, not protected from damage?
A structure that is 50 years old is called decrepit whether it is a school or a library or a plaza or a fountain. Really, what is wrong with this town?
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jun 1, 2008 at 8:21 am
This is America where no one likes to keep old things because the prevailing philosophy is everything new must be better. The fountains in Trafalgar Square in London are centuries old; the Trevi fountain in Rome is even older.
Unfortunately, our Art's Commission has a huge budget, so they love to waste money on ugly things for California Avenue. I'm for putting the Art's Commission on a severe diet or even a moratorium "no more unnecessary sculptures or exterior art work for five years". Then donating their budget to our decaying infrastructure. Well, that's what I'd do if I was on the City Council.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jun 2, 2008 at 8:28 am
Council Watcher and Keep the fountain,
Good observations. Why is it that we build homes in this country with 1000 year old tree lumber, in such a shoddy way that they have little more than 50-100 years life in them? I stayed in a friend's home overseas that had a foundation dating to Roman times, and a main structure that was about 600 years old. (Beautiful, but so worth preserving, even the old door frames had to be kept intact, as originally built for the much shorter people of the era...)
I am a lot more concerned about why it is we do not invest the money in updating California Avenue the way Castro Street was renovated in Mtn Vw. Am I the only one who remembers what a huge boon to business and livability that was? Who cares about a sculpture when the street is cracking, is unfriendly and too wide in the same way Castro used to be.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jun 2, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Last Saturday there were ducks wandering up and down California Avenue. Since the city isn't going to fix potholes, how about turning the fountain into another duct pond (hole). Same basic idea but less plumbing than a fountain and a little landscaping. The ducks and turtles are very entertaining to little kids and maybe not as entertaining to the soap suds crowd.
a resident of Midtown
on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:37 pm
If they can build a brand new fountain in Lytton Plaza, Downtown, they can repair and upgrade the fountain at the East end of California Avenue.
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Shredded leftover turkey tops homemade tostadas in this Tex-Mex favorite. Making your own tostada shells from fresh corn tortillas is easier than you might think—crisp them up in the oven while you prepare the toppings. Choose either regular petite diced tomatoes or those with added jalapeños, depending on your inclination for spicy food. Serve with black beans, rice and extra salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Nutrition Profile:
Diabetes Appropriate
Healthy Weight
Heart Healthy
High Calcium
High Fiber
High Potassium
Low Calorie
Low Cholesterol
Low Sat Fat
Serves 4
Prep Time 35 min
Total Time 35 min.
Step 1
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 375°F.
Step 2
Bring tomatoes and their juice to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Add turkey (or chicken) and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, coat tortillas on both sides with cooking spray. Divide the tortillas between 2 large baking sheets. Bake, turning once, until crisped and lightly brown, about 10 minutes.
Step 4
Mash avocado in a bowl. Stir in salsa, sour cream and cilantro until combined.
Step 5
To assemble tostadas, spread each crisped tortilla with some of the avocado mixture. Top with the turkey (or chicken) mixture, lettuce and cheese.
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Meghan Vaill, Emma Andrew, coach Douglas Waterman, Cassandra Sapp, and Andrew Reynolds.
After a 13 year hiatus (last contest win in 1998), the New York 4-H Dairy Judging team claimed top honors in the Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. The team, coached by Doug Waterman, placed first out of the 30 teams that competed in the competition. Team members included Andrew Reynolds, Cassandra Sapp, Emma Andrew, and Meghan Vaill.
Rounding out the top five were Michigan (5), Maryland (4), Wisconsin (3), and Pennsylvania (2).
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This year, a new award was introduced in the contest. The placings-only award winners were Andrew Kern, Minnesota, and Victoria Mischler of Virginia scoring 458 points on placings alone.
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text: I'm wondering if you would still need them on a heavier vehicle such as any GM truck because the hood will still be much bigger than that of a sedan or anything else and therefore heavier. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the weight difference between whatever true OEM hoods are made out of(steel or aluminum I'd guess) and CF. If I get a Suburban, I eventually want to get an OEM shaped CF hood and then paint it to the color of the car, but I REALLY hate the look of hood pins with with a painted hood. It would look especially ridiculous on an SUV hood.


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