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Russian skaters Maria Mukhortova and Maxim Trankov, who came fourth at the World championships in Turin among pairs, will no longer skate together. This was reported to RIA news by Trankov himself, who was the initiator of the breakup.
The 24-year-old athlete plans to continue his career with a different partner and a new coach. I dont see a point in continuing my career with Masha and Oleg Vasiliev given the circumstances, said Trankov. Right now, you can say for sure that the team Mukhortova-Trankov is no more.
Backstage at Worlds, everyone was discussing the possible pairing of Trankov with Ukrainian Tatiana Volosozhar. However, according to Maxim, its hard to say anything for sure given that the current Russian figure skating Federation (RFSF) president Valentin Piseev is stepping down.
Valentin Nikolayevich Piseev wanted to see the team Trankov-Volosozhar, said the skater. However, right now its unclear who will replace him and how the new president will like the proposal. However, Id be happy to team up with Volosozhar given the chance.
We would only represent Russia, emphasized Trankov.
According to him, he and his new partner would need financial help to get ready for the Sochi Olympics. It wouldnt have to come from RFSF, but could come from a regional federation of either Moscow or Saint Petersburg.
Im not from the capitals, Im from Perm, and so I need support to train in Moscow or Saint Petersburg. Im not asking for much, but Id at least need to have an apartment rented for me, he noted.
Oleg Vasiliev in turn, according to RIA News, will look for a new partner for Mukhortova.
Mukhortova and Trankov came seventh at the Vancouver Olympics.


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Understanding What's on MyPlate
Ever wonder what foods you should be eating and how much? Well, the ChooseMyPlate website from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) may have the simple answer you are looking for. The USDA created MyPlate as a way to illustrate the relative amounts of different types of food people should eat daily to achieve a healthy, balanced diet. There is also an interactive website containing a wealth of information, including explanations of food groups; common foods in each group; detailed guidelines for good nutrition; and personalized tools for tracking eating habits.
What's on MyPlate?
Each colored area on the plate represents a different food group as well as an idea of how much food from that group should be on your plate:
|Food Group
|Protein foods
The Keys to a Healthy You
On the main page of the MyPlate website you will find the MyPlate symbol, along with these key message tabs:
The MyPlate tab highlights all the food groups. First, you get an overview. Once you get comfortable, dive in and read about each group individually.
Food Groups
If you need a starting place, check out the food groups page. Here you can learn how to boost your vegetable intake, or find low fat alternatives to common dairy products. Are you confused about portion sizes? Don't worry, all the information can be found here. In general, you'll want to remember these nutrition basics:
- Half your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables.
- At least half your grains should be whole grains.
- Use fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
Weight Management and Calories
Under the weight management and calories tab, you can find ways you to reduce your calorie intake. Sometimes, easy substitutions can make a big difference. For example, eat less foods that are high in sodium. To find out how much sodium is in your food, check the Nutrition Facts label . Often, there are low sodium options available.
If you want to cut back on sugar, consider switching from soft drinks to water. If you aren't ready to make that jump, switch to sugar-free soft drinks, then slowly increase your water intake while you decrease your soft drink intake.
Physical Activity
You can't lose or manage weight without physical activity. The MyPlate website can also help you find ways to increase your activity level, even if you think you're destined to be a couch potato. Head over to the physical activity section and learn about the benefits of regular exercise. This section will also give you pointers on how to slowly increase your physical activity level.
Now that you're on your way to a better you, how do you log your diet and physical activity achievements? With SuperTracker of course. SuperTracker is a place where you can set your goals, personalize your plans, and track your progress. Not only that, you can find helpful tips while getting support from other people who are doing the same thing.
MyPlate has lots of information for people of all ages, from preschoolers to college students. If you pregnant or a new mom who is breastfeeding, MyPlate has something for you too. MyPlate and SuperTracker are useful tools to put you on the right track for a healthy lifestyle.
- Michael Woods, MD
- Reviewed: 03/2015
- Updated: 03/06/2015
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subset: commoncrawl


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Perkolations: The American road trip
Pack it up, load it in and hit the road — that was the morning routine for two weeks in which I embarked on the American road trip, composed of eight states, three national parks, five various other parks and monuments, more than 4,000 miles and countless slushies (due to no air conditioning in the car).
I find this sort of road trip to be an American classic, touring national parks and making the classic journey of the land-locked to the edge of the continent to see the ocean.
Road trips require several things: You must eat fast food at least once. The purchase of ice for the cooler is a never-ending task. No matter how cold, an inland dweller must get into the ocean. The art of packing tent and sleeping bags will be down to a science by the end of the trip.
I will proudly say I accomplished all of these things.
The iconic American road trip would not be complete without a visit to Yellowstone National Park. This is my perception of the place following my first visit: It is a beautiful test of patience.
Buffalo are fascinating at first, and then they quickly become the cause of road blocks in which tourists park their cars in the center of the road to walk up to the 2-ton animals and take photos — reckless behavior.
Driving around the park proved good for the endless photo ops of scenery, geysers, distant spots one can be fairly sure are animals and other natural wonders, but it is horrible on everyone's patience.
Nonetheless, I'm glad I saw it. I heard the whole thing might blow its top one day (it is a volcano, after all) and then Old Faithful would be given a less endearing name.
I think it is an amazing quality of the United States to have the space and road system to see the countryside while making good time to your next destination. There is so much to see here in one country.
Which brings me to our next major location: the redwood forests of northern California. They are everything they are cracked up to be, from the mossy branches to the gigantic tree trunks. The fairytale nature of the forest leads one to believe that every nook and cranny could be the home of a gnome, and every flower could be a fairy's hat.
One finds herself standing a bit straighter among the example left by the trees, some of them 1,500 years old.
And that's the goal of road trips, isn't it? To see something new and, even better, to find yourself standing a little taller by the end?


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U.S. Department of Labor Announced Availability of Nearly $98.5 Million in Workforce Innovation Fund Grants
On Dec. 22, 2011, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced the availability of approximately $98.5 million through the Workforce Innovation Fund (the Fund) to support innovative approaches for the design and delivery of employment and training services. The fund invests in programs that support, evaluate and enhance workforce investment strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations. Approximately 20 to 30 grants ranging from $1 million to $12 million are expected to be funded. A solicitation for grant applications (SGA) was published in the Dec. 23, 2011 edition of the Federal Register. Applications under this announcement must be received by no later than 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on March 22, 2012.
The Fund is one of several new federal grant programs (including the Department of Education's Investing in Innovation Fund [I3] and the Corporation for National and Community Service's Social Innovation Fund) in which grantor agencies fund projects to use evidence to design program strategies. Grants made under the Fund will support state workforce agencies, local workforce investment boards, and entities eligible to apply for WIA Section 166 grants, as well as consortia of each of these to a) retool service delivery strategies and/or policy and administrative systems and processes to improve outcomes for workforce system customers and b) evaluate the effectiveness of such activities. Through the Fund, the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) seeks to support changes in structures and policies that enable a closer alignment and integration of workforce development, education, human services, social insurance and economic development programs.
The grants will be administered by ETA, working closely with the U.S. departments of Education and Health and Human Services. In addition to providing technical assistance to grantees throughout the life of the grants, ETA will share program evaluation results with grantees as well as stakeholders in workforce, education and human services systems.
Interested parties focusing on adult education are encouraged to review the full SGA–particularly sections I. B and I. C. These sections detail strategies in which the funding opportunity is seeking to invest and provide examples of types of service delivery and system reform strategies that are considered innovative under the Fund, such as: 1) Implementing comprehensive career pathway approaches that align and bridge training, education, employment and supportive services at the local and state levels; partner with employers; and enable individuals to move beyond adult basic education and succeed in postsecondary education, earn industry-recognized credentials, and advance along a career path; 2) Integrating adult basic education and occupational skills training to enable individuals to increase their educational learning gains and earn industry-recognized credentials while completing basic skills training; 3) Connecting the multiple systems and structures that serve individuals with limited English proficiency through mechanisms such as coordinating Workforce Investment Act funding for Titles I and II to support effective contextualized programs that result in increased fluency in the English language and the attainment of credentials that are relevant to employers; and 4) Partnering with and leveraging resources from other federally funded programs, such as Adult Basic Education.
For detailed application information, eligibility requirements, review and selection procedures and other program requirements governing this solicitation, please review the full SGA. Applicants are encouraged, but not required to view the pre-recorded webinar. Interested parties also may wish to register for the Administrative Flexibility Webinar, which details how applicants may explore the use of existing flexibilities that are embedded within several federal programs and explore waivers that may be needed to remove statutory and regulatory barriers that would enhance innovations applicants propose. Please continue to check the Workforce Innovation Fund site for news, information, and updates on the Fund.
Patricia S. Terry Is California's New Administrator for Adult Education
Patricia S. Terry has been appointed as administrator of the Adult Education Division of the California Department of Education. Terry previously served as the Administrator for the Educational Options Office in that department. During her nine-year tenure there, she also served as an education programs consultant in several divisions. Terry has been an educator since 1970, with over 27 years as a classroom science teacher, including teaching part-time for two years in adult education. Her district-level work includes curriculum development, professional development and providing technical assistance to teachers of science and mathematics under the National Science Foundation-funded Memphis Urban Systemic Initiative Program. She holds bachelor's and master's of science degrees in biology, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership.


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An image from the distance:
A close up with one happy bee: ( So many flowers and not much competition.)
It was 72 degrees F today!
An image from the distance:
A close up with one happy bee: ( So many flowers and not much competition.)
It was 72 degrees F today!
sure rub it in while were still in a freezer in north . nice pics you son of a
Wow! My wisteria has no leaves. I usually get blossoms in late May. *dreaming*
The keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams. -Henry David Thoreau
I wanted to hide the service pole!
Mocking Birds make a nest in the top.
Hey COMB,
It gives you something to look forward to like a harbinger of Spring.
yes cant wait just havin fun
What is your first pollen supply.
I haev one about that size and the blooms come in May, but I never seen mine like that. Do you fertillize, if you do with what?
what's the trick to making it look like that??
Is awesome looking
Beeanonymous-Melbourne,FL - Bees give a natural buzz......
We have a few wisterias as well. We never fertilize them, but they are always beautiful. Perhaps the flowers are not that dense on ours, but they are also in dappled shade. They grow up the trunks of tall locust trees.
Good Pics Ernie!. Your getting good with that camera. Nice green grass there too.
Chuck Norris has a grizzly bear carpet in his room. The bear isn't dead it is just afraid to move.
thank you,
I really enjoy the camera because it is so easy to use. I just pick it up point and shoot.
willow it is
loves to be cut back ,the more you cut it the happier it is
cut in late fall to early spring
the flowers grow on the new groth
I use I think its called (root tone )it comes in a white bag with flower on it it is made by the same people who make holly tone. if you use it this year you will see the diff next year
for my tree it made the flowers larger and darker blue
when i get my scanner working i will post a pic of my Wisteria
Good luck


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"The one thing is he'll have this tendency where sometimes if something's working, he won't stick with it," continued Wilson. "That's a little bit of a drawback because (it makes you think) if they can't stop it then stick with it. But he sort of tries to outsmart himself a little bit by saying 'I need to adjust or I'm going to adjust because they don't have the personnel to adjust.'"
some option football
The one thing is he'll have this tendency where sometimes if something's working, he won't stick with it,"
He had an argument with John Harbaugh and wasn't listening to staff input maybe as much as he should have been
"The offense by itself," Wilson said, "I don't think there's any reason why at the collegiate level Les needs to do anything other than tell Cam, 'Hey, this is my vision. This is my take. Let's talk about it. You execute it and I trust you.'
many on the Bayou will want to see it to believe it.
quote:Wait a minute, I thought the Rant said it was the passes instead of killing the clock.
All year long, LSU ran the ball up the gut with two or three TEs on 3rd and short and all year long people stop us. 3rd down conversion and redzone offense probably cost LSU all three losses. It was pitiful against Towson and it was pitiful against Clemson. It never got better.
I do think he is the one guy who will tell les to shove it if he tries to call the offense.
Asked what the biggest downside of Cameron is, Wilson responded he can over-think the game and playcalling from time to time.
People might say, "I don't trust a guy who has a similar philosophy to Miles."
This is the only thing I don't like in that article. Paralysis by analysis with Crowton was absolutely maddening at times.
truth crowton was way guilty with this. remember the infamous tenn game with the extra play crowton was bringing in a 3 wr set on almost the goal line.
miles/stud can be guilty of it too. clemson = throwing three times late. once again, the calls weren't insane if that first or second pass (can't remember which one) wasn't dropped.
good execution makes play calling rather easy. we didn't see bama do anything special against ND, they just lined up and ran them over because they executed the hell out of their plays.
Yes. I see posts here all the time about the "playbook" this year. It wasn't that the plays were bad, it was the plays that were called in specific situations that were bad.
Throwing at the ends of the TAMU and Clemson games with a lead are two examples that stick out to me.
if you honestly believe this, i'v got beach front property i'd like to sell you, and a bunch of other shite as well.
Harbaugh and Cameron, according to the sources, were involved in a heated exchange on the sidelines that carried over into the locker room after the game. After Harbaugh conferred with Bisciotti and several others in the organization, according to the sources, a decision was made to release Cameron.
clemson = throwing three times late. once again, the calls weren't insane if that first or second pass (can't remember which one) wasn't dropped.
1st pass was caught. 2nd down was the boot action where Mett overthrew an open Jarvis. 3rd down got batted down. looked like a slant and Vadal missed the memo about getting his man's arms down.
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Couple files suit against Colo. gay marriage ban
BRIGHTON, Colo. - A Colorado gay couple has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriages.
Dr. Rebecca Brinkman and Margaret Burd filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Adams County District Court after they say they were denied a marriage license earlier the same day. Colorado voters outlawed gay marriage in 2006.
This year, Colorado passed a same-sex civil unions law. But Brinkman and Burd's attorneys argue civil unions are inferior to marriage and more like a business relationship. The attorneys say Colorado's ban is unconstitutional and cite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling from June that invalidated part of the Defense of Marriage Act
Brinkman and Burd have been in a relationship for 34 years.


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When I guy doesn't wipe good after taking a dump and then tit fucks a girl leaving a bit of shit residue around the girl's stomach region.
Those rum-dums last night gave me the shits, but Sharon wanted to go at it so I ended up Titty-Fucking her and leaving a little resi-screw near her belly button.
by Jefe1 August 30, 2008


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LIU Hosts Career and Academic Planning Day for Students and their Parents
The Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18 is organizing "Looking Forward," a free all-day career and academic planning event for students and their parents on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. This event, being offered in partnership with WVIA Public Media, is open to all northeastern Pennsylvania students, grades 8 through 12, and their parents.
Students will attend concurrently running workshop sessions covering a variety of career clusters, and the steps leading to informed career preparation and choice. Parents will have opportunities to explore ways in which they can assist their children with academic and career planning.
Bill Kelly, president and CEO of WVIA Public Media and host of the "Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal" which airs on WVIA TV and FM, will open Looking Forward with an interview of Kris Jones, investor, author and founder of KBJ Capital.
Information booths will also be on-site for students and parents to interact with local colleges, universities and other members of our educational and business communities.
To register for Looking Forward and for more details on the event please visit http://www.liu18.org/index.php/lookingforward.


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When a guy goes down on a girl and discovers there's some reminants of toilet paper still in/on her vagina, essentially killing the mood.
"Dude, I went down on her and I encountered some serious sticky tp. Even if she was just trying to clean herself up, it totally weirded me out!"
by Capri Girls November 02, 2009


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One of the greatest professional Street Fighter players in the world. He is known for playing the character "E. Honda" in Street Fighter 4. He's also appeared in "The Excellent Adventures of Mike Ross and Gootecks" and his own feature Documentary coming out in Spring 2011. Also goes by the name Mike "Mike Ross" Ross.
I believe in Mike Ross.
by DrPringles April 08, 2011


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Its no secret that many beekeepers use systematic low-level, low tech, selective propagation measures to raise and maintain resistance to unwanted predatory organisms. The 'no-treatment' systems of management manage the varroa problem by utilizing longstanding traditional techniques; chiefly, making selection for mite resistance their highest selection criteria.
That this works, and it what accounts for their success is well evidenced, and the mechanisms are becoming well understood.
I'd like to be able to talk with other beekeepers about these techniques, to share and improve my understanding of how they are done and how they work; and to explore the informative parallels between natural selection and traditional animal breeding. Many non-treaters describe one of their aims as beekeeping 'naturally', so its good to understand just how nature keeps bees healthy and vigourous.
One of the aims of gaining a better understand of the techniques available to beekeepers, and the basic reasons why they work, is to be able to predict what will be likely to work in any given circumstances.
I would like to see discussions grounded in the well established but basic evolutionary biology and animal husbandry sources. While it will be good to look at the deeper nature of the mechanisms involved, I don't want high-level technical discussions or pet theories to drown out the simple foundations of non-treatment beekeeping.
The idea is that anything we learn here will be accessible to all beekeepers. The focus is practical non-treatment beekeeping.
Mike Bispham


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You are hip, live in the city, you go to all the cool shows, wear plaid shirts, ripped jeans, oversize coats and insist on drinking the cheapest shit beer you can find. Yes your cloths may be from a thrift store but not out of necessity, the toque that never leaves your unwashed head is a fashion accessory and that smell, well that you can't fake.
You're not from small town Canada you POSER HOSER!
by smilygrl December 07, 2009


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OCALA, FL- The eve of yet another Ocala Speedway Winternational event has arrived and anticipation is high that this will be the best Winternational season yet at Florida's oldest speedway. The O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions will open the 2011 festivities tomorrow, Friday, February 5th, with a wild night of alcohol fueled 410 sprint car action on Ocala's D- shaped layout. And as was the case in 2010, the Florida Mini Sprint Association will join the All Stars, providing their usual brand of competitive competition. An affordable admission price coupled with a weather forecast for little to no chance of rain and warmer temperatures, make this year's Winternationals at Ocala Speedway THE event to see in the state of Florida this weekend.Speedway owner Mike Peters has made it his mission over the past three years to make the Winternationals at Ocala Speedway the most affordable chance that race fans will have to see the best of the best in 410 sprint car racing all in one place on one fantastic weekend of racing. Friday night's grandstand admission is a mere $20 for adults, and for that $20 every fan will get to see personalities from both the O'Reilly All Stars and the World of Outlaws compete together on the most challenging racetrack in the region. Saturday's admission is only $25 for adults, still well below what other venues are charging for practically the exact same show.
Fans who have come to Ocala's last two Winternationals events will remember that the elements are as much a part of the memories as is the racing and the personalities. Cold weather has been the norm so far in two previous Winternationals, but that will change for 2011 as temperatures are expected to be quite moderate. According to Weather.com, Friday's high temperatures will be up to a full 10 to 12 degrees higher than the high temperatures recorded on Thursday. In addition, the showers and overcast skies that have been in the area for days are predicted to move out for Friday, allowing the warmer temperatures and letting the sun bathe the clay before rubber hits the dirt on Friday night.
On top of the drama and excitement created when the top names in sprint car racing all converge on Ocala Speedway on Friday, fans will also get a chance to witness what is called the "best kept secret in Florida racing." The Florida Mini Sprint Association is back for the second Winternationals weekend in a row, after thrilling the crowd last year with hard fought, competitive racing action. The mini sprints may be small, but they are capable of ripping down Ocala's backstretch at close to 120 mph before blasting into the very tight and unforgiving turns 3 and 4.


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Healani Farm: Third Place Winner in Kona Coffee Competition
Until 2006, Gary Williams combined all of the coffee harvested from his scattered Kona farms—regardless of quality—and sold it in bulk to a mill. Then, through an enlightening conversation with Paul Thornton, Coffee Bean International's Master Roaster, he realized that farms surrounding his Healani Farm were winning awards, and by blending coffee of exceptional quality with that of average quality, he might be missing out on an opportunity to offer some even better qualities and receive payment at the upper end of the market price range, for this improved quality. Healani Farm is blessed by an ideal elevation at 1200 feet and deep, rich soil protected by lava flows and tall silver oaks, not to mention amazing panoramic views. On a clear day, one can see the curvature of the earth in three directions!
Paul committed to purchase from Gary's crop if he changed his philosophy from amassing volume and driving down price to improving quality. In 2007 and 2008, Paul and his team cupped the coffee, shared their impressions with Gary, and gave tips for improvement, including sending pickers through twice as often and only harvesting ripe cherries. (Careful picking weeds out the unripe and overly ripe cherries from the mix.) While this practice costs twice as much, it dramatically improves the quality and increases the chances of fetching a higher price per pound. Paul spent time with Gary sample roasting properly and cupping his coffee to help him better understand the potential of his crops.
Gary took a chance by making an investment in quality, but his risks were rewarded this year when he won third place in the very competitive Kona Coffee Competition. Gary is thrilled because this award puts him on the international coffee radar. He says, "I could never been successful in the coffee competition without your suggestions throughout the year. I appreciate your continued input and encouragement. You have put the focus on the cupping and the final taste. Other buyers have been more focused on low price." With the additional funds that Gary has earned from the higher-quality coffee, he is building a new dry mill for next year's harvest. This investment will continue to improve quality year-over-year.
And, Paul is thrilled because Coffee Bean International's customers directly benefit from the process improvements. By establishing a long-term partnership between roaster and grower, jointly we can influence the cup quality. This year, Coffee Bean International purchased 10 bags from Gary's 80-bag lot.


text: Hey everyone, names Kyle and just bought my third Chevy truck 2 days ago and I look forward to sharing my input and absorbing all of yours! Well my first Chevy was when I was in high school my dad came home with a beat up but strong running 1981 K10 single cab short bed with a 350 and a 3 speed manual, nothing excites a 16 year old more than that low range gear haha. Then a couple of years ago I bought a 1994 K1500 extended cab when I was stationed out in South Georgia and loved every minute of it! Had to move to California and there was nothing that even remotely looked like emissions control on that truck so I had to part with it. I went through a few projects since then but the other day I found a 1980 K10 Suburban and the price was right seeing that it came with a ready to bolt in spare 350! I've been going through it the last two days doing basic maintenance; plugs, oil, air cleaner, bulbs ect. And I cannot get over how much space is in the rear behind the second row seat! Well that's the extended version of my story, hope I didn't bore everyone to death! I look forward to hearing from everyone! Kyle - - - Updated - - - I will post a couple of pictures soon.


text:
Bird song
Field marks
*See glossary for definations
Arkansas backyard birds mini field guides
Bird identification cards
Bird song recordings or Identiflyer with song cards
Coloring sheets of five common birds
Tongue depressors, five per participant
Wood glue or hot glue
Optional: AGFC backyard birds poster
Anyone who has watched the activity at a birdfeeder or birds of prey soar has participated in birding. Those who often take notice at an early age develop a lifelong interest. Birds are diverse and beautiful, and while watching them can sometimes be quite challenging, many species are easy to view. Learning a few viewing and identification skills can enrich the experience.
Back from the Argentine and 65290 tasks cards from the Leopold Education Project.
Binoculars – two identical telescopes mounted side by side and aligned to point accurately in the same direction, allowing the viewer to use both eyes (binocular vision) when viewing distant objects; also known as field glasses
Bird song – vocalizations that are melodious to the human ear; in ornithology, bird "songs" are often distinguished from shorter sounds termed "calls"
Birder – a person who studies birds in their natural habitats as a hobby, usually from a distance using binoculars; also called birdwatcher
Field marks – distinguishing marks or coloration on a bird
Identification – assigning a pre-existing individual or class name t an individual organism
Species – biological classification of plants and animals immediately below the genus level
*Note to teacher: Due to various presentation techniques by different staff, if you want to make sure a certain framework is discussed, or tie in one not mentioned, please make that request when reserving your program.


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Bridges awarded $248,000 grant from Otto Bremer Foundation
On Thursday, May 30, the Otto Bremer Foundation announced the award of a $248,000 grant to the Bridges Career Academies & Workplace Connection.
This significant grant will strengthen the development of Bridges Career Academies, expand the Career Exploration Day and Educator in the Workplace programs through the Bridges Workplace Connection, and explore the development of new career immersion camps.
Each activity seeks to fundamentally change the way students explore and determine their future careers.
The Bridges Career Academies & Workplace Connection was developed to better integrate work-based learning between schools and business. The Bridges Career Academies, coordinated by Central Lakes College, are a sequence of high school courses that focus on career pathways. Curriculum is developed by high school teachers and each course includes technical skills, foundational skills and workplace experiences.
The Workplace Connection, coordinated by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber is an intermediary between schools and business to integrate work-based learning through Business Tours, Speakers Bureau for the Classroom, Educators in the Workplace and a Career Exploration Day.
Thanks to the support of the Otto Bremer Foundation, the Bridges Career Academies will expand the Academies to new high schools, develop additional Academies with existing high school partners, hold a faculty workshop, develop online resource materials and provide financial support for special projects.


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Does a color change in the worker bees mean they have changed their queen?
Early this spring, the very first bees were striped and looked like Italians. (They are feral bees). Then, they changed to mostly gold, with just a little black near the stinger end of the abdomen.
Well, now they have stripes again! It started out with just a few having stripes, now they all do! I saw a few drones not too long ago, they are black or mostly black.
Do you think they changed queens TWICE this year???? I have never been able to find the queen, so I cannot just look at her and see if she is different! I know she is in there somewhere, because of the young bees and brood, but she sure is hard to find!


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Nintendo and Sony unveiled their next generation gaming hardware this week. Matt Greenop takes a look at both and the new crop of game titles.
Nintendo updated its hugely successful Wii console this week at the E3 gaming expo in Los Angeles, with a unique new control system.
There's a hardware star every year, and while the Wii has only been around since 2006, it wasn't at the cutting edge of technology when it was first released.
But the cheesily named Wii U does forge some new ground, and while it will likely be priced at the pointy end of the console market initially, it's got a lot of potential. Whether core gamers will put down their 360 controllers and switch sides is another story.
Following up a ridiculously successful, but obviously obsolete, product like the Wii was always going to be hard for the Japanese gaming giant.
While it has still been innovating in the portable world, with a 3D version of its market-ruling DS portable - which didn't need stupid glasses to see the multi-dimensional effects - Nintendo's Wii has gone stale.
The Wii pioneered motion control well before Microsoft or Sony could hit back effectively and, for a while, it ruled the gaming world.
But in the past two years Sony has released its Move system, similar in concept to the Wiimote controllers but far more accurate, and Microsoft has launched Kinect, which does away with buttons entirely and maps body movement for control.
Xbox and PlayStation both pumped out high-definition video to the flat-screen TVs that everyone has, while the Wii was still giving us chunky, standard def graphics.
It was generally considered that aside from the rapid hordes of Nintendo fanboys, the Wii was the family console, but core gamers stuck to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or PCs.
Nintendo will surely stick to its modus operandi with the Wii U and continue to pile up titles and build on its universe - Mario being the obvious, with the 25th anniversary version of Super Mario Bros shipping last year.
But titles like Zelda, Bowser, Princess Peach, Metroid and all of the others still sell games, and consoles. Bear in mind that Nintendo is the great survivor in the gaming industry, still producing both hardware and software while its original real rivals, Sega and Atari, are now making games for other consoles.
The new Wii features an impressive-looking, very unique controller that sports a large 6.2-inch touch screen in the middle with two analog circle pads and the usual host of buttons (A, B, X, Y, L, R and ZL, ZR tucked away underneath).
There's a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, as per the previous generation wand controllers, plus a stylus, player-facing camera, microphone and stereo speakers.
Aside from the very welcome news that titles from the Wii will be very much playable on the high-def machine, Nintendo also announced that existing controllers will also work.
This includes the pricey Balance Board that helped turn fitness game WiiFit into an absolute stormer, including WiiFit classes appearing in gyms around the world.
The proprietary 12cm Wii U discs, obviously, won't play on the old Wii.
But looking at the slick new controller, and considering that there's been no pricing announcement about the Wii U - and its technical spec is quite impressive - you can't help but wonder just how hefty a beating the wallet will face when it releases.
One awesome trick - that will have parents the world over rejoicing - is that when Mum and Dad want to watch the news, little Johnny can simply start playing his game on the controller's screen.
This makes it like a DS (despite needing to be near the console proper) with a bigger screen than the XL.
One can easily imagine the no-glasses 3DS screen type being used in a future - or perhaps even the full production - version.
While it's not an HD screen per se, word from the floor at E3 is that it looks very good - and the controller is light enough that kids won't be suffering from RSI, or whatever it is that Team OSH calls it these days.
Under the hood it looks pretty tasty - multi-core IBM processor, support for resolution up to the 1080p, HDMI with six-channel PCM linear output, AMD Radeon-based graphics processing unit, four USB ports and component, S-Video and composite outputs. There's internal flash memory, with SD card support as per the Wii, but the option of using an external USB drive.
Just how much flash storage will be standard on the device also remains unannounced, and it is not clear whether the USB drive support will be reserved for Nintendo-badged storage only, or if any old external drive will do.
Showpiece "games" - basically technical demonstrations of exactly what the Wii U is capable of - were equally well-received by most game press. The general consensus is that if priced well, and with a good mix of Nintendo's bread-and-butter titles and third-party titles that might haul pasty core gamers out of the shadow of Xbox Live, it will do good things.
That said, the Japanese stockmarket didn't exactly turn flips at the announcement, with Nintendo shedding around 5 per cent of its stock value early this week as analysts doubted the new console's credentials to rival the highly successful Wii or DS - both market leaders soon after release.
As sweet as the new controller and console is - will it be able to compete with the no-controller option of Microsoft's Xbox 360 Kinect that squarely suits the very un-tech family market?
Vita's statistics
While Sony execs at E3 quickly addressed the elephant in the room - the fact that its PlayStation Network, and several of its other networks have been hammered by hackers over the last two months, costing tens of millions of dollars - the big news was "Vita".
Vita is the replacement for PSP range, its portable gaming device. Already pimped by Sony as the Next Generation Portable, Vita - meaning "life" - looks to be an impressive device.
Early pricing indications are terrifying, though - a 3G version (meaning a data plan with Telecom or Vodafone) will sell in the United States for US$299 ($360), and a Wi-Fi-only device will sell for US$249.
It has a five-inch multi-touch OLED screen with a rear touch control pad for gesture-based control, a la iPhone, plus front and rear facing cameras.
It apes Nintendo's 3DS "street pass" with software that finds other Vita users in the vicinity.
Sony also demonstrated a US$500 24-inch 3D television that allowed two players, wearing 3D glasses, to play two-player mode on the same screen without "split screen".
E3: games to watch for
Battlefield 3: EA's first-person shooter is back to battle with Activision's Modern Warfare 3 - both will release in November.
Forza 4: Flashier graphics, car walk-arounds with Kinect, plus voice control and head tracking for the Xbox flagship racer.
Rise Of Nightmares: Behead zombies with your bare hands using Kinect. Looks like a real charmer.
Gears Of War 3: Is that a chainsaw attached to a massive gun or are you just pleased to see me? Most polished GoW yet - awesome.
Batman: Arkham City: Darker and nastier than the Batman of old, this follow-up to Arkham Asylum looks stunning with frantic and well-scripted gameplay.
Rocksmith: More gameplay info on the guitar game that uses your electric guitar rather than a weird plastic fake. Must-have for musos.
Tekken: The classic PSX fighter finds its way to Nintendo 3DS - and Wii U, when it appears.
Dance Central 2: Update to popular Xbox game is backwards-compatible with the 100-odd tracks already available.
Uncharted 3: Drake is back in PlayStation's exclusive blockbuster series - one of the best adventure games you'll ever play.
Resistance 3: It's a few years since the Chimera took over the US - now its time to fight back, again. Will ship in bundle with Move Sharpshooter for motion-based mayhem.


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The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is the state agency representing the interests of residential, commercial and industrial utility customers.
Our attorneys and technical experts are actively involved in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Indiana Court of Appeals, and Indiana Supreme Court.
You can find helpful consumer education tips on our site, along with updates on key utility regulatory cases.
Learn more about us by clicking here. We're also on Twitter & Facebook. Thanks for visiting!
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
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812 Area Code: Changes are coming. Our Sept. 19 news release has details on how you can comment.
Vectren Dense Pack case: New surcharge denied.
Indiana American Water rate case: Final order a win for consumers.
I&M rate case: OUCC recommends substantial cut in utility's request.
Duke Energy IGCC project: Agreement to save customers millions.
Utility Line Protection Plans: Questions to ask.


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The Visa Prepaid Debit Card is the new way for you to receive your unemployment insurance benefits. Your benefits will be directly deposited into your personal card account, a Visa prepaid debit account. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development will post your weekly deposits to the account for your convenience. You are not allowed to spend more than the amount of funds posted to your account. Your card can be used to withdraw funds from either ATMs or bank tellers, and it can be used for purchases directly from retailers (grocery, department store, pharmacy, etc.) everywhere Visa Debit Cards are accepted.
Yes. You must call each week that you would like funds transferred. If you don't want to use the transfer by phone option, you can always withdraw your funds from a participating ATM or teller window, or use your card for point-of-sale purchases.
You must call to initiate the transfer each time you would like to transfer funds by phone. With each transfer you must specify the amount you would like transferred. Direct deposit programs generally only allow you to set up the deposit for certain amount, which will repeat on its own. Indiana does not offer direct deposit for unemployment insurance claimants. Indiana does offer the option of funds transfer by phone.
You get 1 free bank transaction each time a deposit is made on your card. This free transaction can be EITHER an ATM transaction or a bank teller transaction, but these transactions are only free if they are made at certain banks. The same bank that offers a free teller transaction may not offer a free ATM withdrawal. Free transactions can be made at the following locations:Free ATM withdrawal (1 per deposit) only at the following locations:
Free bank teller transaction (1 per deposit) only at the following locations:
ANY Visa Member bank
IMPORTANT: You can only get a free ATM withdrawal at the above listed ATMs. If you are using a Visa Member bank that is not one of the banks listed above (National City), only bank teller transactions will be free, not ATM transactions.
Yes. You can do this by phone or by visiting your bank.
To transfer by phone:
To transfer by visiting your bank:
Verify that you are at a VISA bank and then call 1-888-393-5866 and report the bank location.
You may check your ATM balance at ATMs for $0.40 (plus an additional surcharge if you do not use a surcharge-free ATM)
Follow these steps.
A surcharge is a fee charged by the bank or entity that owns the ATM. This fee is not charged by your Visa Debit Card account manager and you will be charged this surcharge fee in addition to any fees you may be charged by your debit card account manager. To avoid this fee, make all of your ATM withdrawals from surcharge-free ATMs.
An ATM denial occurs when you try to withdraw more money than you have available in your account. You get one free ATM denial per deposit, but your free denials expire at the end of each month. An incorrect PIN entry is not an ATM denial.
Read all of the ATM messages carefully. You will not be charged a surcharge unless you agree to it. You may cancel any transaction to avoid incurring the surcharge fee. Press "Enter" to accept the surcharge fee and continue with your transaction.
The following ATMs will never charge you a surcharge, though you may incur transaction fees when using these ATMs. ATMs at these locations may still ask you to agree to pay a surcharge, but you will not actually incur this fee. You must agree to accept the surcharge in order to complete your transaction, but the surcharge will not actually be subtracted from your account balance.
The ATM surcharge message will still appear even if you are using one of the surcharge-free ATMs. Accept the surcharge if you want to make the transaction. You WILL NOT actually be charged the surcharge amount as long as you're using a surcharge-free ATM. Surcharge-free ATMs include the following:
Click here for printable fee information
Each month, you are allowed two (2) free calls to the customer service integrated voice response (IVR) plus one additional call each time money is deposited into your card account.
You can use the IVR to check your balance, hear your transaction history, or discuss your account information and transaction history with an operator.
After you have used all of your free calls, your account will be charged $0.40 for each additional call made during the calendar month.
There is never a charge for reporting a lost or stolen card or to question a transaction posted to your account.
Use of the EPPICard website for monitoring your account activity is always free. The site is located at http://www.eppicard.com/ .
No. The Department of Workforce Development will no longer issue checks.
You may choose to receive electronic notification that funds have been deposited into your account. You can request the notification to come via telephone or email. You may request telephone notification using the IVR at the time you activate your card or at any time after card activation. Follow the prompts to set up your phone notification preference.
For email notification of deposits to your account, go to http://www.eppicard.com/ Set up your web ID and password and enter your email address. Each time a deposit is made on your account you will receive an email notification.
Funds are available for withdrawal at 5:00PM (Eastern) the day they are deposited into your account.
Funds are not available until 5:00PM (Eastern) the day they are deposited into your account.
After you have used your one free ATM or Visa bank teller withdrawal per deposit you will be charged $2.10 for additional teller transactions or $1.05 for additional ATM transactions. When you make these transactions after your one free transaction, the card processing system will add that fee to the amount you want to withdraw. So if you try to withdraw $100 at a teller and your balance is $100, the system will try to withdraw $102.10, which will result in an insufficient funds situation.
To avoid this, try to withdraw $2.10 less than your total balance (at a teller) or $1.05less (at an ATM). This will prevent your transaction from being denied due to insufficient funds.
The call center is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
This number is also printed on the back of your card.
You should select "checking" or "savings" when making a withdrawal at an ATM.
No. Only the state can deposit funds to the card.
No. The account does not earn interest.
No. For privacy reasons, your debit card account manager will not share card account numbers or transaction details with the State of Indiana or the Department of Workforce Development. Only the cardholder will have access to that information.
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. The Department of Workforce Development does not have access to your PIN. PIN issues must go through the Indiana Debit Card Customer Service Center.
Call the toll-free Indiana Debit Card Customer Service Center, 1-888-393-5866, to report a lost or stolen card. A new card will be issued and any remaining balance will be transferred to the new card. If you report the missing card immediately and have not compromised your PIN, you will not be responsible for any confirmed fraudulent activity that occurs on your card.
Call the Indiana Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1-888-393-5866 to change the address on the account.
For security reasons, you should never share your PIN or allow anyone else to use your card.
No. The card does not help establish credit history since no credit check is required to receive the card, and it is not tied to a bank account or a credit line.
Keep it. We'll use it to pay you the next time you draw unemployment benefits.
Call 1-888-393-5866 and they will help you figure it out. If you are charged a fee that you shouldn't be charged, you will be reimbursed.
Call 1-888-393-5866 and let them know that you have not received your card. Make sure your mailing address is accurate. Look at your junk mail and make sure it's not in that pile. In order to protect you from potential card theft, your card will arrive in a white windowed envelope that does not display the Department of Workforce Development name or logo.
Unlike paper checks, debit cards are not shipped from the department's central office, so it may take an extra day or two for card to reach you. Once you have your card, you will no longer have to wait for a card or check to arrive in the mail. Your deposits will be available on your account the morning after the department processes your voucher.
In order to protect you from potential card theft, your card will arrive in a white windowed envelope that does not display the Department of Workforce Development name or logo.
No. Only the person approved for unemployment compensation benefit payments will receive a card.
After receiving the card in the mail, you must call the Indiana Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1-888-393-5866 to activate the card and choose your PIN. You cannot use the card until it has been activated. Cash withdrawals at ATMs require use of your PIN. Again, for security reasons, it is important that you pick a PIN that only you would know. Do not share your PIN or the card with anyone. You should never write your PIN on your card.
No, not currently.
No. Your card will be a prepaid Visa Debit Card, not a credit card. You will only be able to spend the amount that is stored on the card. You will not be able to purchase anything with your card that you do not currently have the funds in your account to cover. Use of the Visa Debit Card will have no effect on your credit rating.
No. Your card is a prepaid Visa Debit Card, not a credit card. You will only be able to spend the amount that is stored on the card. You will not be able to purchase anything with your card that you do not currently have the funds in your account to cover. Use of the Visa Debit Card will have no effect on your credit rating.
You may be required to have your debit card balance verified before making purchases at certain retail establishments such as gas stations. This is the policy of these establishments to ensure purchasers have adequate funds on their debit cards to cover desired purchases. This might prevent you from using the pay-at-the-pump feature at gas stations, but you will still be able to use your card to purchase gasoline at these establishments by simply taking your card to the cashier for verification.


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text: I just dug out these fog lights I ordered off amazon and well... Lets say the reviews have dropped drastically since I last checked. 1. The light are missing key bolts an washer to mount! 2. They are not bright. 3. They are missing some wiring also. i ordered these and it had 4star rating but I look now and it's like 2 stars(if that) and horrible reviews same as mine. Only reason I kept them is cuz I didn't open them till now (yr an half later) so I can't return and I guess I won't use them much so they will be more for looks. But I think they look kinda small. So any opinions(good or bad:happy::grrrrrr::rofl tell em. I will be ordering a Carr lightwing soon, as due to my order was bumped and then cancelled as to unknown reason the seller will not tell me.. Anyways here's the rough pic(they are 30' apart)


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250 college supporters were on hand as the Pulaski Technical College Foundation honored North Little Rock artist Amy Hill-Imler and businessman Greg Hatcher, president and CEO of The Hatcher Agency in Little Rock on March 14 at the annual Business of Art event.
Nearly $100,000 was raised. Money raised from the event funds scholarships for student in arts and business programs and the capitol campaign benefitting the new Fine and Performing Arts Building. The event included a reception, silent auction and live art exposition.
More than 100 pieces of original art were featured in a silent auction, including an acrylic painting donated by Hill-Imler. Local artists Tod Crites and Gabriel Solis painted and auctioned their works on-site.
Click here for photo highlights.
Pulaski Technical College


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Hey Guys,
It's been quite a while since I posted anything. I am still s-l-o-w-l-y progressing towards Jango. With my Asok helmet out of the way, I decided to work on a blaster. Since I can't find any MRs, and I am not a machinist, I figured I would try to mod a Rubies and see how it turned out. here are a couple pics. Basically I replaced the barrel with a piece of PVC and added the brass rod and some weights in the handle to balance it out. I still need to weather it. Not sure I like the color of the grips either. Might redo them. Any feedback is appreciated.
More progress pics are located here:
Jango Blaster pictures by king_ninja1 - Photobucket


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Apr 16, 2004
Draft Ron Paul!
I was actually digging around, compiling materials for "Conservatives on Bush and DeLay," and one name kept coming up: Ron Paul (R-TX14). Ring any bells? Well he gained some fame last year for a very long, and very abusive floor statement entitled "Neo-conned", which had a section on "what neocons believe" that included: They agree with Trotsky on permanent revolution, violent as well as intellectual. They are not bashful about an American empire; instead they strongly endorse it. They …Read More »
Apr 16, 2004
Fundraising Looking Good
FEC Reports are out: Democrats appear to be keeping pace financially with their Republican rivals in crucial Senate races, including those in Florida, North Carolina and South Dakota, according to first-quarter campaign reports filed on Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission. The new data also showed that House races considered too close to call reflected aggressive fund-raising on both sides, particularly in a handful of contests in Texas, where redistricting has given Republicans a chance to reverse the 17-to-15 …Read More »
Apr 16, 2004
Farrel Outraising Shays
Watch your back Shays: Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell, a Democrat campaigning for Congress against U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, raised more money than the incumbent did in the last quarter, according to documents filed yesterday with the Federal Election Commission. Farrell's campaign raised $370,000 between Jan. 1 and March 31, while Shays' campaign raised $249,000 in the same time period, the FEC documents show. [edit] Farrell, a two-term first selectwoman, said she did not expect the fund-raising success her …Read More »
Apr 15, 2004
DeLay the Populist
We mentioned earlier today Tom DeLay's plan to scrap income and corporate taxes in favor of a national sales tax. Now it appears DeLay is taking it to the streets: HOUSTON—More than 100 people rallied Thursday in Houston in a push to eliminate federal income taxes. The move came on the deadline to file taxes—April 15. Members of Americans for Fair Taxation were joined by U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Sugar Land. The legislation would eliminate all …Read More »
Apr 15, 2004
The Ugly
The San Antonio Current put out it's "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" today: The ugly: Depending on your viewpoint, the Democrats, self-imposed exile to Oklahoma and New Mexico to protest Congressional redistricting was either courageous or infantile. (With news of Tom Craddick's and Tom DeLay's financial hanky-panky, the Dems are starting to look courageous.) Civil liberties came under siege, even in San Antonio, where you could be arrested for protesting against President Bush, profiled for driving while …Read More »
Apr 15, 2004
RNC Partisan?
Say it Ain't So: The GOP chairman of the Federal Election Commission gently admonished the Republican National Committee for declining to testify yesterday at a hearing about proposed rules to restrict fundraising and spending by independent political organizations. Chairman Bradley A. Smith said "it would have been useful" if the RNC had sent a representative to answer citizen complaints that the GOP is "seeking merely to silence criticism of President Bush" by attempting to limit the "527" organizations. "It …Read More »
Apr 15, 2004
The GOP Leadership has produced such a steady stream of offenses that there has hardly been time to explore their close relationship to some serious crazies on the super-hard-Jerry-Falwell-Christian Right. To get thoroughly acquainted with their relationship, People For the American Way is generally the place to go. Another very good place is Kevin Drum's series of posts on the Texas Republican platform. But if TV is your game, check out 60 Minutes this weekend. This is from their …Read More »
Apr 14, 2004
One Good Month
From The Stakeholder Graphics Department (aka our intern, Helen), here is a snazzy graphic to help you rebut claims about Job Growth from the GOP. It is pretty tough to read here, due to the size of the blog… but you can Click here to see fullsize imageRead More »
Apr 14, 2004
Chris Matthews Punches John Fund in the Face
This was very funny, from last night's show after the press conference: FUND: No, because, Chris, I think he went on offense tonight. One of the most interesting things here was his formulation that, if you compare Iraq to Vietnam, it's not only wrong, but it leaves some support to our enemies. That was a direct shot against the bow of Ted Kennedy. MATTHEWS: Exactly. FUND: And his best friend in the Senate, John Kerry. MATTHEWS: Oh, John McCain's …Read More »
Apr 14, 2004
The Widgetry Continues
I have also added a feature below each entry that allows you to see other blogs' posts about our posts. The link is entitled "other blogs" and is next to the "trackback" link. Thanks to Brad DeLong and MaxSpeak for the heads-up.Read More »
Apr 14, 2004
Why One Stonewalls
Here: By the time a CIA briefer gave President Bush the Aug. 6, 2001, President's Daily Brief headlined "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US," the president had seen a stream of alarming reports on al Qaeda's intentions. So had Vice President Cheney and Bush's top national security team, according to newly declassified information released yesterday by the commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. In April and May 2001, for example, the intelligence community headlined some of those …Read More »
Apr 14, 2004
Bush Loses CATO
Bye-bye: Trust, once squandered, is hard to regain. That is why the administration risks losing its high-stakes showdown with Clarke—and the election in November.Read More »
Apr 13, 2004
DCCC TIP School - Tonight!
Right now the DCCC is hosting a political training seminar called TIP, which stands for "Training People in Politics" here at the Democratic National HQ. The free 4-night program helps to get Democrats trained now so that they can be even more effective at fighting the GOP when elections roll around. Students learn about political targeting, organizing canvass operations, phone banks, online organizing, campaign finance law, and other subjects. Just thought you would like to see what we …Read More »
Apr 13, 2004
Actionable Intelligence
With Ashcroft about to take the stand, I just got around to reading this AP article explaining why "The Aug. 7, 2001, Senior Executive Intelligence Brief didn't mention the 70 FBI investigations into possible al-Qaida activity that the president had been told of a day earlier in a top-secret memo titled 'Bin Laden Determined To Strike in U.S.'" The senior executives' memo "is not used as a way to transmit actionable (raw) intelligence," an administration official said. Is it …Read More »
Apr 13, 2004
Money Laundering
The Dallas Morning News comes through again, making the connection between the recent NRCC fine and the apparent money-laundering in DeLay's Texas TRMPAC scandal: The Federal Election Commission has levied a hefty fine for a scheme that illegally used corporate money for 1999 political ads and resembles another transaction a Travis County grand jury is investigating. Both situations involve Jim Ellis, a top aide to U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, and political committees in which Mr. DeLay played …Read More »


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The energetic production is directed by Bob Colonna, who trimmed the second- lengthiest play of the Bard (Hamlet is longest) to two hours, including two brief intermissions. All the mayhem has been retained, though, especially that which establishes and clarifies the dark psyche of Richard, which explains why the play in its early years often was billed as a tragedy.
Bobby Casey is a dynamic portrayer of Richard, and convincingly so, for the most part. He extracts twisted humor from the role without letting the man's brutal nature fade from view. The only moment of flagging plausibility I noticed was when Richard has to flatter Lady Anne (Leann Heath) to marry him even though she despises him for murdering her husband and son. Authentic sincerity was not evident.
In his opening monologue, Richard enthuses over his capability for evil, the ambitious Duke of Gloucester's way of feeling empowered. He is downright gleeful in Casey's depiction, leaving a strong enough impression to contrast nicely with King Richard's guilty remorse at the end. He calls himself a villain and murderer then, saying he hates himself "for awful deeds committed by myself!" Before the Battle of Bosworth Field, in which his bloody two-year reign ends with his death, Richard says he had imagined the souls of his murder victims coming to his tent, and they gather, as if in a dream.
A questionable decision was to depict the humpbacked Richard erect and straight-shouldered, without even a token stoop, as his deformity is sometimes finessed (contemporary accounts mentioned one shoulder as being higher than the other). The playwright found that convenient, allowing him to associate outer deformity with inner. After all, he had Richard describe himself at the very beginning as "rudely stamp'd," saying that "dogs bark at me as I halt by them." Unnecessary alteration. Political correctness was satisfied by one of the best actors here — Meryn Flynn portraying violent Queen Margaret, skulls decorating her like jewelry — performing from her wheelchair.
Director Colonna appears briefly as Richard's brother, King Edward IV, furious and despondent that his brother, the Duke of Clarence (Mike Daniels), has been executed because a reprieve arrived too late. But most of the political deaths occur without hope of delay. At the king's death, before the young Prince Edward (Jonah King) can be crowned, Richard has the boy's accompanying protectors arrested and killed. When the prince and his younger brother, the Duke of York (Jasper Summers), impress Richard with their intelligence by bantering cleverly with him, he fools them into staying in the Tower of London, has rumors spread that the princes were illegitimate, then has them killed.
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Discussion in 'Off-topic Zone' started by Sam I Am, Oct 19, 2011.
It's pretty ugly. I wouldn't give you 30 bucks for it.
Busted! :laugh2:
Either you get this, or you don't. If not, I'm not going to explain it.
Blackberries are now considered "basic phones". :laugh2:
it is the iron throne from game of thrones
Does not mean a thing to me.
Holy crap, that girl on the left at the beginning looks just like my daughter.
Oh yeah? Hi, I'm Ryan. I'm an outstanding citizen. I have always made good grades, and I hold the door open for everyone. Please to meet you....SIR.
Science and logic of physics are are something I live for. What in hell!?!?!
Tornado in Colorado
La Luna
That is amazing. Wish I had the coin to buy it.
Sorry, that's hilarious.
Not sure if the context is referring to sexual.....assuming it is......but that's not funny at all.


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A Taste of the Dominican's Coconut Coast: Punta Cana
Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro • Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Escape Kit
- A Four-Night Stay for Two Adults and Two Children Under Age 12 in a Junior Suite Superior Room with an Automatic Upgrade to a Club Hacienda Room for the First 50 Purchasers
- Round-Trip Ground Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to the Hotel
- All-Inclusive of Meals, Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Non-Motorized Sports, and Children's Activities
- Combine Unlimited Vouchers for an Extended Stay
The Destination
Deserted island vacations are nearly impossible to come by, but the expansive shores of the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana come dangerously close—more than 60 miles of wide, coconut tree-lined beaches are so vast that they seldom experience overcrowding, despite the region's rising popularity with the jet set. Crystalline blue waters, verdant golf courses, lush tropical rain forests, and year-round temperatures that hover in the mid-80s make the island's "Coconut Coast" a Caribbean paradise you'll want to lose yourself in.
The Digs
All-inclusive and netting a five-star rating, the Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro boasts 1,296 rooms, each outfitted with king or queen beds with pillow-top mattresses, a fully fitted bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, and a pool- or garden-facing balcony or open terrace—Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and mini bars are all standard. Visit the buffet for breakfast and lunch, indulge in a snack and a couple drinks any time at the resort's 16 bars, and reserve ahead for dressed up à la carte dinners featuring international menus from Italy, Spain, France, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. Spend the day under a beach umbrella with a book, pamper yourself with a Caribbean massage at the spa, or experience the ocean with a complimentary hour per day of water activities including snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and more. Water parks and included kid-centered activities make the vacation a family affair.
The Diversions
• Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
• Isla Catalina
• Manati Park Bavaro
• Mi Amor Pirate Rum Tour and ChocoMuseo
• Included Water Park and Kids Activities
"Deservedly popular because its beaches do rival those anywhere else in the Caribbean, both in terms of their soft, white texture and their warm aquamarine waters, a trip here nevertheless involves as much a love for swim-up bars and [suntans]."-- Lonely Planet
escapes 30-day promise
LivingSocial gives you up to 30 days to return your unused voucher for a full refund. Once you've made a reservation, you are subject to the merchant's cancellation and refund policy. If you want to secure your preferred dates of travel, we strongly recommend that you complete reservation with the merchant within 30 days of your purchase—after that, LivingSocial will not issue any refunds.
the fine print
- Vouchers may be combined to extend stay
- Only valid for stays between May 1 - October 31, 2013
- Reservations required and subject to availability
- Not valid toward existing or room block reservations
- Merchant cancellation/rescheduling policy and fees apply once booking is made; voucher subject to forfeiture
- Voucher is all-inclusive of meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, non-motorized sports, and children's activities
- Airfare not included
- Taxes included
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text:
The Field Proven Double Shot Poly Double Reed Duck Call is a smooth blowing double reed duck call that is hand tuned to be very realistic and extremely user friendly. Its built-in rasp and wide range of tones give you ultimate control of volume and pitch. Making the Double Shot great for timber or open water.
This call is made of a special quality material blended specially for Field Proven Calls. Life Time Warranty.
Field Proven calls is a family owned company that has over 49 combined years of hunting, guiding and call building experience. Every call they produce they trust and believe in which is why there is a life time warranty on every call Field Proven builds. They love hunting as much as you do and deliver the best products on the market.
Mack's Prairie Wings is not responsible for typographical errors in pricing or product specification inaccuracies in our web site. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2017 - Mack's Sport Shop LLLP - All rights reserved. Site Developed and Maintained by Ability Commerce
Copyright © 2004-2017 - Mack's Prairie Wings, Inc. - All rights reserved. Site Developed and Maintained by Ability Commerce


text: Factors that may cause such differences include, among other things: future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions; new product introductions; demographic trends; intellectual property; litigation; financial market conditions; and future business decisions made by us and our competitors. All of these factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond our control. For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operations, see Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we may update in Part II, Item 1A – Risk Factors in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file hereafter. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.CONTACT: Peter Lucht508-650-8796 (office)Global Media RelationsBoston Scientific Corporation firstname.lastname@example.com Ryan Davenport763-494-2664 (office)Global Media RelationsBoston Scientific Corporation firstname.lastname@example.com Michael Campbell508-650-8023 (office)Investor RelationsBoston Scientific Corporation email@example.com SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation


text:
Skyview football grateful for support
As the Skyview Football season comes to a close with a fantastic banquet last week, the coaching staff and booster club would like to thank the entire Soldotna, Sterling, and Kasilof communities for their support. With your support and the hard work of the parents and players we have hit program highs in participation, academics, and fundraising. With your continued support we hope to new highs in the 2012 season. Thank you for all your support.


text:
I've got some hives loaded with SHB's. I've tried the sandwich container traps and they work really great, but I've still got lots and lots of SHB's (they seem to call to all their friends to come join the party).
So, as I'm grasping at straws and anything that might work, I tried sumac berries in my smoker because they work on varroa mites (I've used sticky boards to count the mites before and after smoking with sumac berries, and to count the mites in non-smoked hives as a control).
The bees hate the smell, and the berries burn a nice white smoke, acrid, with a tinge of yellow. I smoked my infested hives and the bees fan their wings with a low roar. The SHB start evacuating through every crack and opening.
Now, will they return? Will I send them to another location?
Jackson, MO


text: Nope, have you seen a single 26 inch cantilever in any of my fresh finds lol. Its just crazy you would think that would be the easiest frame to find. looked at just getting like a Cranbrook to use but I dont like how their welded, and it just wouldnt be the same


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SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (September 09, 2005) ' SEGAí'® of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced the development of Sonic Riders ' for the PlayStationí'®2 computer entertainment system, the Xboxí'® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube'. Developed by SONIC TEAM, Tokyo , Sonic Riders integrates Extreme sports, high-speed racing and head-to-head battles, offering a new racing experience with Sonic unlike any before in other racing games. Sonic Riders is slated to ship in Winter 2006.
In Sonic Riders , Dr. Eggman challenges Sonic and his friends to a Worldwide Grand Prix, and the prize for coming out on top is an ultra-rare Chaos Emerald! Gliding on air boards ' which are performance-oriented for each playable character ' gamers will experience a heightened sense of sports-style racing tension as Sonic and his pals perform tricks and stunts over treacherous wide-open terrain.
" Sonic Riders epitomizes what fans love about the series: fast action, attitude, and multiplayer challenges," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President Marketing for SEGA of America. "The Sonic franchise has sold more than 38-million units worldwide, and we are thrilled to offer longtime fans and newcomers alike a brand new racing experience with Sonic Riders ."
Sonic is dubbed the speediest on the ground, but will he be able to outrun all the others on his air board? Could Dr. Eggman and his legendary air rider group, The Band of Thieves: Babylon , have a shot at winning the Chaos Emerald this time around?
Now, gamers will have the chance to play as one of their favorite Sonic characters or compete against three other friends to determine the champion of the Worldwide Grand Prix!


text: The use of social-networking websites like Facebook and Twitter has soared in the past five years. The sites let users create areas where they can display personal information and build networks of friends. Most sites have minimum-age requirements, but not all of them strictly enforce the rules. Many sites, like Everloop and imbee, are designed especially for kids. But even so, are they a good idea? Vote now in our poll below!


text: http://www.kp.ru/daily/26024/2944513/ translating from his website: http://evgeni-plushenko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6&start=2090 Director of the clinic where Plushenko is being treated Igor Pyatigorski: Our clinic has a department specialized in sport trauma, so Evgeni Plushenko was advised to come to us for examination. During the examination, his physician, a surgeon, the one who is treating him, Dr. Ilya Pekarski (a very good man and a wonderful spinal surgeon) examined Evgeni, checked his MRI that the patient brought with him, ... checked his foot functioning, and recommended the surgery. His MRI clearly stated that his disk is destructed, his foot was weak. This means that the nerve is pinched, therefore the leg will be always weak and in pain. If it' just pain, we usually choose to treat with medication, injections, etc. But if the nerve is compressed, then we offer the surgery. When yesterday the operation began, he saw that the situation is actually much worse than it could have been predicted by MRI. It turned out that he had an old hernia (which he had treated several times, by the way) and a new hernia, the one that compresses the nerve. It is in the lumbosacral spine. This department is responsible for the strength of legs, and exactly there he had a hernia that was compressing the nerve. It was not only the pressure, but the disk was completely destroyed. It was destroyed to the point that there was the second hernia that was also pressing on the nerve. In such situation it was necessary to do the surgery. The operation was supposed to be for two hours, but in fact it lasted more than three. During the operation they removed the destructed disc and put the disc from the polymeric material. I got furious when today I read that the disk was plastic. In fact, it is a very complex polymer material, very strong, and it is no worse than our natural disk given us by God. So he replaced it completely, put the polymer material, moreover, he also put a dynamic silicone clamp. Why do we need that clamp- it's like a spring that took some certain function: since Evgeni's disk was worn out and we had to replace it with the artificial one, we had to keep the height of the spine that Zhenya had before the injury. So, with the new disk and the clamp we brought Evgeni's spine in its primary state, as if he was born just yesterday. Igor, please could you tell us how Eugene could skate on the ice, not mentioning his results and wins. We are all Russian people, Russian-speaking people, I do not need to quote what Doctor Pekarski said, I don't think newspapers will write that. We believe that even every day routine in the gym was hard, it was hard to live with such pain. How could Zhenya skate and achieve such success in the sport with his back condition? Well, I guess it is because he is not an average man, he is the Olympic champion. When you talk about these people, keep in mind that they are not ordinary people. Evgeni suffered too much, he basically lived on painkillers all the time. That was bad. When the initial examination was taking place (I again jump to the pre-op period), he almost did not feel his leg. This indicated that the nerve was pinched and it didn't give the full feeling, so, perhaps, ironically sometimes Evgeni felt less pain. But it also resulted in a weak foot, the foot wasn't strong enough. But last night after the surgery Doctor Pekarski told me: look, immediately after the surgery Evgeni felt the power in his toes - that's why Dc. Pekarski believes that the operation was successful. This means that the nerve is completely released. And after he is healed (his back - everything is on the screws there now), the pain will end and in 6-8 weeks Evgeni will be able to train. I think he will be able to fully realize that he is finally a healthy person. And to feel strength in the leg. He will feel much better and we hope that he will win the Sochi Olympics with honour! Is Evgeni the first figure skater who got the polymeric disk? Pyatigorski: I do not know. In our clinic Zhenya is indeed the first skater who went through this surgery. In fact, this is not some know-how, we have been using this method for five years. We had basketball players such as brothers Lavrinovichi, Smodis, ice-hockey players who went through such operations, they all have returned to their active sport career and playing now. In principle, this operation is not some top ones. Another thing is this particular one was quite a difficult thing because the disk was very badly damaged. This shows just how hard it was for him to skate. Now he's one hundred percent recovered, he now walk already!


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3DS XL headlines
Watch The Game Awards 2016 here – find out who wins, check out the game reveals
The Game Awards 2016 kicks off tonight, and continuing the tradition, we'll be covering everything that comes out of it.
Pokemon Sun & Moon guide: how to evolve every new Pokemon
Evolve 'em all.
Pokemon Sun & Moon beginner's guide: 8 quick tips for budding island challenge champions
Tips to get you up and running fast in the best Pokemon game for years.
Pokemon Sun & Moon's new 4-player multiplayer battle mode is quite brilliant
Pokemon's new Battle Royal mode is a hit.
Pokemon Sun and Moon looks to be a hit with critics - here's all the scores
In just a few days, you will be able to get your hands on Pokemon Sun and Moon. Critics already have, and today, you can find out exactly what they thought of the latest entry in the franchise.
Pokemon Sun & Moon's demo has accidentally leaked the game's Pokedex
Oops! Spoilers abound: You've been warned.
Pokemon Sun & Moon hands-on: a potent and timely reminder that Pokemon is so much more than Go
This might be the Pokemon game to properly drag me back into the fold.
Nintendo Direct: New Nintendo 3DS XL coming to US and Europe on February 13
During the first Nintendo Direct of 2015 a release date for New 3DS XL was announced along with a release date for Majora's Mask.
Black Friday sales: all the video game deals here
It's that time of year again, holiday shoppers: the dreaded Black Friday. The only good thing about it? Video game and console sales, which are usually the only honest to goodness deals on this particular day.
Super Smash Bros. 3DS reviews round-up - all the scores
Super Smash Bros. is out next week on 3DS., and the reviews have started rolling in. Head inside for the full critical response.
Nintendo's E3 2014: Zelda Wii U, Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros. - all news here
Super Smash Bros. Bayonetta 2. The Legend of Zelda Wii U. These were the big ticket items for the Nintendo's E3 2014 live stream. It's all broken down for you below. Head onward.
The Wii U Pokemon RPG: can we have it now, Nintendo?
Nintendo fans have been dreaming of a fully-3D Pokemon RPG for years now, and something company president Satoru Iwata said has Dave thinking that the time is probably right for gamers to get their wish.
Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire announced, coming November 2014
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire will launch worldwide in November 2014 on 3DS, Nintendo has announced.
Nintendo full-year financials below expectations with 6.17 million Wii U consoles sold to-date
Nintendo has published its financial report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. The company's final figures have come in below expectations, with 6.17 million Wii U console sold worldwide since the machine launched, along with a more-positive 43 million 3DS handhelds to-date.
NPD March: PS4 tops US retail chart for third month, Titanfall leads software
PlayStation 4 outsold Xbox One for the third month in a row in the US during March 2014, according to The NPD Group. Titanfall on Xbox One was the number one seller on the software chart with inFamous: Second Son landing in second place.
Disney Infinity 2.0 featuring Marvel universe characters coming in August - report
Disney Infinity 2.0 is heading out of The House of Mouse in August and will feature Marvel universe characters.
PS4 dominates Media Create hardware and software charts
PlayStation 4 launched in Japan over the weekend, and according to figures posted by Media Create, the console moved 309,154 landing in the top slot on the hardware charts. There were also 10 titles for the system in the top 20, with Knack selling the most due to being included as part of the PS4 […]
Nintendo Direct: Monster Hunter 4 confirmed, Mario Kart 8 dated, Little Mac for Super Smash
Mario Kart 8 release date confirmed, Bayonetta 2 trailer released, Monster Hunter 4 western release confirmed – today's three-territory Nintendo Direct was an absolute doozy.
Smash Bros. Wii U, 3DS add King Dedede to fight roster - images inside
Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS has received a new playable character. This time it's Kirby's arch-nemesis King Dedede and his wooden mallet of doom. That might not be it's actual name, mind you.
Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight is a freaking joy
Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight hits all the right notes. VG247's Dave Cook explains why the latest 3DS release from Pokémon studio Game Freak has made him a new man.
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3DS XL Latest
Switch sold over 280,000 units in April, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was top-seller for the month in US
Pokemon Sun and Moon – four Mega Stones now available to help evolve your Pokemon
Here's a look at Pokemon Sun and Moon's Midnight Form Lycanroc being distributed next week
The Fire Emblem Echoes season pass costs more than the game itself
Pokemon Sun and Moon players can grab the Midnight Form of Lycanroc at GAME UK and GameStop this month
Pokemon Sun and Moon has shipped 15.44M units, helped push 3DS sales to 7.27M during Nintendo's FY17
Resident Evil 7 may not have hit its sales target, but it still shifted 3.5 million units – Capcom financials
Pokémon Sun and Moon's Poké Bean harvesting Global Mission kicks off today
Pokemon Sun and Moon's next Global Mission tasks players with harvesting Poke Beans
Pokemon Sun and Moon's next Mythical Pokemon is Marshadow, details on how to catch it coming soon
Pokemon Sun and Moon distribution code hands out Mega Stones for Audino, Mawile, others
Pokemon Sun and Moon's fifth global mission needs you to hatch over 200,000 eggs [Update]
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+, World of Goo, others added to Switch eShop
Pokemon Sun and Moon players can grab a pair of Mega Stones for Mewtwo from today
Pokemon Sun and Moon's fourth global mission has both begun and been completed
Pokémon Go celebrates Pokémon Day with party hat Pikachu, Pokémon Center reveals new line of figures
Terraria has sold 20.5 million copies since its release in 2011
Resident Evil 7 was the best-selling game of January 2017, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, other heavy-hitters play musical chairs
Pokemon Sun and Moon missing Mega Stones distribution starts later this month with Mawilite and Beedrillite
Pokemon Sun and Moon's fourth Global Mission will take place at the Battle Tree
Pokémon Sun and Moon sold over 14 million copies last year and is hot on the heels of Black and White
Don't bring MissingNo into Pokemon Sun and Moon if you want to avoid this irreversible glitch
Pokémon Bank works with Sun and Moon at last thanks to latest update
Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL adds some high-viz glamour to your Pokemon habit as of February
For the next two weeks, Nintendo's knocking 30% off The Legend of Zelda titles on the EU eShop
Pokemon Sun and Moon has sold 4.5 million units combined in the US
Nintendo Switch isn't going to replace the 3DS because "at its heart, it's a home console"


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EPA believes Chevron was aware of pollution violation
Search warrants served on two Cook Inlet oil facilities last week were based on federal environmental regulators' suspicions that Chevron Corp. had knowingly violated its air pollution permits and made false statements, court filings show.
An Anchorage federal court magistrate on Jan. 7 authorized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division to seize computers, files, photos and other records at Chevron's Trading Bay Production Facility and Granite Point Tank Farm.
In an affidavit, EPA Special Agent Matthew Goers told the judge that his agency had obtained sufficient information to suspect that Chevron and possibly its subsidiaries, managers and employees had committed felonies, including Clean Air Act violations and false statements to the federal government.
The searches occurred Jan. 12 and 13, with federal investigators flying to the two remote, on-shore Chevron facilities on the west side of Cook Inlet in an Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter, according to state and federal officials.
Chevron on Thursday said it is cooperating with the investigation but declined to discuss the EPA's court filings.
"In May of 2008, we provided the government with voluntary disclosure relating to these issues and have been cooperating with the government's information requests since that time. We take such non-compliance allegations seriously," the company said in a written statement, provided by Chevron spokesman Mickey Driver.
At Trading Bay and Granite Point, Chevron subsidiary Union Oil Co. of California processes and stores crude oil from several Cook Inlet production platforms. The company then ships the oil to the Tesoro refinery in Nikiski.
The alleged violations began in 2006, when Chevron shut down a vapor control unit for two of its oil storage tanks at Trading Bay.
In 2007 or earlier, the company also shut down the vapor control units for oil storage tanks at Granite Point, according to Goers' affidavit.
The vapor control units were designed to capture vapor from the oil before it escaped the tanks and reuse the vapor as fuel. Shutting the units down allowed a significant amount of air pollution to escape from the tanks, Goers wrote.
Chevron had described the tanks to regulators in 2006 and 2007 as "insignificant sources" of pollution that emitted no more than 2 tons per year of volatile organic compounds and 2 tons per year of hazardous air pollutants. Both groups of chemicals are regulated as toxic pollutants that can cause health problems.
Instead, the Trading Bay tanks released more than 100 tons per year of volatile organics into the air from 2006 to 2008, according to Goers, citing Chevron estimates. The Granite Point tanks released more than 15 tons per year of crude oil vapors in the same time period, he said in the affidavit.
In 2008, Chevron sent a letter to state regulators saying it had potentially been violating its Clean Air Act permit at Trading Bay since shutting down its vapor control unit two years earlier. It requested that regulators invoke a federal policy that waives or reduces fines for companies that self-report their own violations.
In 2009, a state inspector visited Granite Point and pointed to its tanks, asking how its vapors were recovered. A Chevron operator told her that its vapor control unit "was not operating at the time because a necessary compressor was not operating." Regulators later learned that the unit had shut down in 2007, Goers wrote in his affidavit.
On the day of the state inspection, Chevron sent a letter to state regulators, asking to amend its previous filings about air pollution at Granite Point. The company said that it hadn't adequately described the air emissions at the tank farm when it applied for a permit in 2006, according to the affidavit.
The purpose for the search warrants was to seize documents and other evidence that might show whether the company knowingly withheld information and gave "material false statements" to environmental regulators, the affidavit said.
From 2006 to 2008, Chevron submitted documents to environmental regulators saying that its Cook Inlet facilities complied with their air permits. In 2007, company officials told regulators that they were still using the vapor control system at Trading Bay, and that the tanks were not venting to the atmosphere, Goers wrote.
Goers also interviewed current and former Chevron employees who described problems with the vapor control system at Trading Bay before its shutdown in 2006, he wrote.
"Problems attributed to the vapor recovery system by current and former Chevron employees include the following: fugitive vapors escaping from the roof of the tanks, improperly sized compressors, damaged and/or inoperable circuit boards, insufficient parts, repair requests which were unsupported by management, and various other problems with the system which tend to indicate that the vapor recovery system was not functioning properly, may have been out-of-service for extended periods of time, and then eventually led the vapor recovery system to not function," Goers wrote.
Chevron officials told state regulators that it deactivated the vapor control unit for its Granite Point tanks because the company wasn't producing enough natural gas to operate the compressor it used to guide the vapors into the unit, according to the affidavit.
U.S. Magistrate Deborah Smith signed the warrants to search and seize records at the two facilities, which are not accessible by road. The Alaska Army National Guard confirmed Thursday that it flew the agents to western Cook Inlet to conduct the searches.