text:
Bride Fatme Inus emerges to present herself to villagers towards the end of her two-day wedding to Mustafa Sirakov in Ribnovo, Bulgaria. The practice of painting the bride's face white and decorating it with sequins and coloured paint called gelena in Bulgarian, is a tradition unique to Ribnovo, dating back centuries. Ribnovo weddings only take place in the winter and the entire village participates with group dances on the main square. Ribnovo, located in the mountains of southern Bulgaria, is predominantly inhabited by Pomaks, a Muslim ethnic minority who are the descendants of Christian Bulgarians who converted to Islam during the Ottoman rule.
© The Financial Times Ltd 2016 FT and 'Financial Times' are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.


text:
U.S. women push back against stigma, cost of menstruation
By Barbara Goldberg
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (Reuters) - Sixteen-year-old Emma Joy and her younger sister Quinn recently spent an evening stuffing bags with a full year's supply of tampons or sanitary pads for women who often miss work or school because they cannot afford menstrual products.
The South Orange, New Jersey, residents got the idea for their charity, Girls Helping Girls Period, when Emma learned that federal assistance programs for the indigent do not cover menstruation products, leaving many low-income and homeless women to cope with their cycles on their own.
"We found out a lot of people don't know that," Emma said. "That's the point: to educate the public and to eliminate this issue of being afraid to talk about it. It shouldn't be a thing we hide."
The project, Girlshelpinggirlsperiod.org, is part of a growing national movement to address the inequities that have sprung up as a result of the stigma that still surrounds menstruation.
Some prisons, for example, force female inmates to buy pads at the commissary, and public restrooms rarely provide them free of charge for emergencies.
New York and 39 other states impose sales taxes on tampons and sanitary napkins, while exempting the Rogaine hair regrowth treatment, condoms and other products mostly used by men. Advocates have sued in New York, citing a double standard.
Women's advocates say budgets for homeless shelters, schools, prisons and public restrooms should provide free tampons and sanitary napkins, just as they do for soap, toilet paper and other essentials.
In a country where erectile dysfunction ads fill television commercial slots and jokes about flatulence and bowel movements have inspired entire books, the bodily function of menstruation endures as a taboo subject. Continued...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The US District Court for the Central District of California has hired Karen Stevenson as a magistrate judge.
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Lawyer moves; Karen Stevenson;; US District Court for the Central District of California; cybersecurity;


text:
Copy your site, more search options, better announcements and Start Page for all editions in Google Sites
August 28th, 2009 | Published in Google Apps
The following updates have been made in Google Sites:
– The ability to copy an entire site.
– The "recent announcement" gadget now allows you to control how much text is shown in the post summary. You can also configure the gadget to show a thumbnail of the first photo in the post.
– More control over the search box to do things like search across multiple sites.
– The Start Page is now available in all editions of Google (previously available in Premier Edition only).
Editions included:
Standard, Premier, Education, Team and Partner Editions
Languages included:
All languages supported by Google Sites
How to access what's new:
To copy your entire site, click 'More actions', select 'Manage site', then 'General' and then 'Copy site'.
To configure the search box, click 'More actions', select 'Manage site', then 'Site layout' and then 'Configure search'.
To create a Start Page, click 'Create new page' and select the 'Start Page' template.
For more information:
Get these product update alerts by email
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text:
Cara Delevingne, Karl Lagerfeld and Lily Allen strike a pose, Michael Buble poses for a selfie with his son Noah, Hugh Jackman meets 'Breaking Bad' star Bryan Cranston, Kelly Osbourne gets a purple mohawk and Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon celebrate their sixth anniversary.
The pair were joined by Mel C, Heart's Emma Bunton, Coldplay's Chris Martin and Gordon and Tana Ramsey. Picture: Rex
Get exclusive news, competitions and have your say on the music we play


text:
The MKZ is a tarted up FWD Ford Fusion. Nice car for a grocery getter with a comfy interior, but not even in the same league as cars like the ATS, 335i and E350.Rest in Peace, J.D. (aka Dirt_Cheap_Fleetwood)
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- 07-25-12 12:33 PM #19Cadillac Owners Master
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Posts
- 5,630
Re: Prices Added to ATS Configurator
Isnt the MKZ more of a competitor to the Lexus ES and the XTS?
Re: Prices Added to ATS Configurator
IMO, the ATS is a bit too expensive compared to other Caddys. The 2014 CTS will be the sweet spot. Maybe $2-3K more than the ATS - but much better equipped.
- 07-25-12 07:05 PM #22Originally Posted by CaddyFanFL
The MKZ has always been more than kissing cousins with the Fusion, sharing everything from the length, width, height, FWD powertrains, chassis, wheelbase, interior switchgear, track, and more.Rest in Peace, J.D. (aka Dirt_Cheap_Fleetwood)
2013 brings a new MKZ and new Fusion. Coincidence? No. They'll still be on the same FWD platform, and the Lincoln will have a softer suspension and more toys on the inside. Not even close to an ATS competitor.Rest in Peace, J.D. (aka Dirt_Cheap_Fleetwood)
Re: Prices Added to ATS Configurator
I still don't see a reason why an ATS should cost as much as a CTS or an XTS. It is a small car with limited features and options. Just bumping up the price-level to match that of a 3-series but ignoring the fact that you can get an XTS for the same amount of money is going to cause some problems. I certainly don't see a reason why a small sport-sedan should cost as much as a better equipped luxury-sedan (XTS).
BMW or Mercedes aren't selling their 3- or C-series at 5- or E-series prices, either..
- 07-25-12 08:33 PM #26Cadillac Owners Enthusiast
- Automobile(s): 2017 ATS-V Sedan, Vector Blue/Black, 6MT
- Join Date
- Aug 2008
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
- Posts
- 886
Re: Prices Added to ATS Configurator
The ATS is a compact sport sedan which is aimed at the BMW 3 series. That's pretty obvious. They used the previous editions as their benchmarks, as the current F30 was not available until recently, and size-wise, it's very close to the previous 3 series in interior room, which didn't seem to hurt that car's sales at all.
I had a chance to sit in a 3.6 Premium at Atlantic Station this past weekend, including with the engine running. It was Black Diamond, with the Black leather/aluminum trim, and it had the cold weather package. MSRP on that car should be about $49k, including $1000 for the paint. While that seems like a lot, I priced against a BMW 335 Sport, similarly equipped, and that car would be about $55k. The M Sport might be more equivalent, due to it's adjustable suspension, but I didn't price that yet, and that would cost even more. Bear in mind that the premium is quite loaded; to be fair, though, we should add $1000 for the sunroof that is standard on the BMW, which makes it approximately $5k more expensive, comparably equipped. The equipment is not exactly comparable, but pretty close.
So far, all of the initial tests have shown the ATS to be at least as good overall as the BMW. There have been no direct comparison tests, though I am sure they will be happening quite soon. Driving impressions show great handling and brakes with a firm but smooth ride, and good acceleration. Steering feel has been praised, and may be better than the BMW, which has been criticized for being somewhat numb. Only a back to back test will reveal the truth, however. The brakes have been widely praised, and that is another BMW weakness, as they are prone to fade, even on the M cars. The BMWs are probably a bit quicker, due to the 8-speed transmission, which I have read is coming in the ATS, but not yet available. Perhaps the closest match will be between the 2 liter turbo sticks; the ATS is rated as more powerful, but many think the BMW is way under-rated. The BMW gets great mileage, thogh the stop/start feature has been widely criticized as rough and jerky, and many will turn it off because of that. The BMW 4 has also been criticized for it's uninspiring soundtrack, while the ATS reportedly sounds great. The 3.6 may not be quite as quick as the 335, due to the relative lack of low-end torque compared to the 335, but it should be lighter, and takes regular gas, compared to all of the BMWs.
Styling-wise, I prefer the BMW and the CTS, though the ATS is handsome enough that it would not deter me from a purchase. THe interior of the ATS is quite a bit nicer than the 3 series, and more comfortable, though just slightly less roomy. The BMW is now possibly the roomiest car in it's class, and definitely roomier than previous editions. When I sat in the F30, the car was notably roomier than before, but I didn't find any of the seats to be particularly comfortable. The interior styling was an improvement overall, but not great by any means, and build quality wasn't all that great, either (the 3 was never really meant as a luxury car). As to the ATS, after I adjusted the front seat properly, I entered the back seat, and was pleasantly surprised by the room! I really expected less. Now, I'm 5'9", so I'm sure with the seat all the way back it would be tight, but that's true for every car in the class. Moreover, there was adequate headroom( a bit better than the CTS), and good foot room under the seat. There was also more foot clearance in the rear door than the CTS. Comfort, both front and rear, was great, and quite surprising. The front Sport Seats were very comfortable, and the side bolsters could be felt, though I can't tell how well they would work on the track yet; I suspect not nearly as well as the Recaros in my CTS-V. The rears were also very comfortable, especially sitting behind my seating position, and these seats were much more supportive than the rear seats of the F30. The interior was very attractive and well built, though not quite as plush as the CTS. For instance, the CTS dash and door tops are padded as well as sewn, whereas the ATS is just hand sewn. The trim in the ATS is way better than the CTS, however.
The car does have a high price, but a less well equipped model would be substantially cheaper. The premium model has some equipment that more corresponds to the CTS-V, like the MagnaRide, Brembos and forged wheels, and then all the extra tech items such as CUE, front parking sensors, and the fancy safety equipment that's not yet available on the CTS. Comparable CTS models usually cost about the same as a 3 series, so a comparable ATS should really be about $5000 cheaper than a CTS, too.
I anxiously await the arrival of the ATS, especially the stick turbo. If it drives as well as or better than the BMW, I might even consider it to replace my CTS-V. I wouldn't mind a smaller car for the city with better gas mileage, as long as the handling, steering, and brakes are good, and if it's decently quick and fun to drive.
Re: Prices Added to ATS Configurator
Just to be perfectly clear: I think the ATS is a great car and it was on my list as well - it might still be because I don't know as of today what the 2014 CTS is going to deliver. Even when I used the configurator and came up with the relatively high price, I also said to myself "well, at BMW, you wouldn't pay less, either - and the rebates/incentives on the ATS are probably higher, too."
Then - just for fun, I decided to build an XTS Premium AWD - and found out that it was just about the same price. I couldn't believe it. I mean, the XTS Premium is certainly well equipped...
So I decided to wait for the new CTS. that will probably deliver the best of both worlds.
Re: Prices Added to ATS Configurator
I've owned an '04 and '09 V. Neither are cavernous. The ATS won't be drastically smaller while the new CTS should be lighter, and thus, more "bad ass" with better room.
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text:
73Will Ofenheusle
Full name:
William Louis Ofenheusle ... Born: May 18, 1980.
HONORS - 2002 AP All-America (3rd), 2002 All-SEC Associated Press, Coaches (2nd); 2001 Academic All-SEC
2002 - Games/Started
13/13 ... Third-team All-America by Associated Press, which named him to the
All-SEC first team ... Also a second-team All-SEC by the coaches ... One of
three Vol captains and had the most game experience on the offensive side ...
Played in every game of his collegiate career, capping that milestone with his
50th game at the Peach Bowl ... Started every game the past two seasons at right
tackle ... Used his size well and added technique to become a solid blocker
in both the passing and running games ... Spent time on the Vols' field
goal block unit.
2001 - Games Started: 13/13... A vital performer on the offensive line ... Had his most productive year as a Vol as injuries forced him to move to right tackle ... Showed versatility by quickly adapting to position.
2000 - Games/Started: 12/5...Made his first start, at right guard, against Southern Mississippi in season opener...Hurt his shoulder during the Georgia game and didn't start in the next game, against Alabama...But he returned that game in reserve role behind Bernard Gooden...After Alabama game he underwent MRI and surgery for broken right wrist...Returned to action despite having a cast to protect his wrist ...
1999 - Games/Started: 10/0 ... A reserve at right tackle who played in all games except Arkansas and Nebraska ... Served as blocker on field goals and punts in addition to performing with offensive line ...
1998 - Redshirted ...
HIGH SCHOOL - National
Recruiting Advisor All-America ... Two-time 2A All-State, All-West Tennessee,
All-Region and All-County ... Finalist for Mr. Football in Tennessee ... Selected
for Tennessee-Kentucky All-Star game ... Started three years at defensive tackle
and two at offensive tackle ... Didn't allow a sack during prep career ... Averaged
six pancake blocks per game ... As a senior made 40 tackles and two sacks ...
Team reached playoffs three straight years and finished 11-2 his senior season
... Coach at Westview High School: Don Coady.


text:
|Always working.
In my dad's situation, the problem with paying workers a living wage, who are in a field that normally doesn't get a living wage, is that they get used to a standard of living which isn't at extreme poverty level, and the way it should be. So my 73 year old father feels as though he can't retire, because what will happen to his guys? How will they support their families when wages are so low everywhere else? His has a unique business that offers knowledge in unique skills. Not transferable to anywhere which will come even close to the same pay scale.
He will also tell you that he's working because he doesn't want to quit. Which is total bullshit. He doesn't know HOW to quit, because he can't leave people hanging.
This HAS to be his last summer working. My codependency can't handle it another year.


text:
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Seventeen Years
Features of This Tracksynth rock arranging
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BTY: I <3 followers and people who read my BIO ;)
It's spelled the same way you spelled it
What are you on about?
I don't write my stuff anymore - I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that.
No disrespect, but that's how I am!
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text:
"We were told to stop because we did not submit our requisition to register to stage such a large-scale, organized activity."
Related quotes
"I can not submit this on behalf of the board of directors, but am submitting it as a concerned citizen. People really need to write their Congressman if they don't want to end up paying an even larger tax increase of some sort, just to support the fire departments. We really do count on these grants to assist in our needs."
"This problem did not start with the Minner administration but I submit that it can stop in the Minner administration,"
"He told them that they needed to submit to full scrutiny and they needed to make their proposal safer and more secure for America's ports."


text:
Use this tip to freely convert any of your Word or Excel files to a PDF document. Continue reading
Use this tip to freely convert any of your Word or Excel files to a PDF document. Continue reading
This tip explains how to prevent Firefox from displaying a list of your previously typed web addresses when you use the address bar. Continue reading
Use this tip to enable pop-ups permanently for one specific web page, while still keeping pop-up ads blocked for all other sites. Continue reading
Drive letter gone missing? This tip shows how to restore a drive letter so you can access your programs. Continue reading
This tip helps you turn off features that prevent Outlook email links from working properly. Continue reading
Text too small on your computer? Check out this article to see how to set your own custom text size in Windows. Continue reading
This tip explains how to fix Firefox if it has stopped using the form auto fill feature. Continue reading
This tip explains how to automatically log into Windows 7 without having to click an account icon first. Continue reading
The Windows operating system includes several options for changing the size of icons, images, and fonts on the screen. While this can be helpful, if you need text to appear larger, it may also cause problems if words and images become stuck in a setting that is too big or small. Continue reading
If your laptop's webcam and built-in microphone were working previously for chatting with video programs like Skype, Ovoo, or Facebook video chat, but have since stopped functioning, the issue is likely caused by a simple software glitch that is easily resolved. Continue reading
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text:
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We can add a customized sticker to the top box
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text:
Home theater electrical idea, Behind the wall wiring?
I want to run all my wire behind the wall for my tv. I know extention cords and other non-rated wires are not safe. I do not want to run another box to the middle of the wall because i want to have an APC/surge protector on my TV. There are units like this( http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=12319 ) on the internet for sale but i rather just buy something local. I can not find a Male inlet receptacle at home depot or other stores. So here is my idea.
1. Run one female receptacle at the top. Run a second female recepltacle at the bottom. With correct 14/2 NM-B Wire.
2. Buy a 6ft extention cord and cut the female end off and install male end.
3. Plug it to surge protector and the bottom female recepticale.
4. Plug surge protector into the wall.
Is this a bad idea or will this work?
Think about this for a second, you want to make a male to male extension cord. What do you think is going to happen to the second male end after you plug the first one in. Think about it for a few minutes.
You will have a male plug with 120V on it just waiting to shock someone who grabs it.
Please do not do this, this is would be very dangerous. When i I worked in a big box store i had a few people ask for this adapter and I still can't beleive they actually wanted to do this.
Ahh thanks. My gut told me it was a bad idea. I will just find or order a male inlet recepticale then. That way it will not have juice to it unless it is covered up. Thanks again
A male to male extension cord is called a suicide cord for a reason.
Find the proper male inlet receptacle. You will need to go to an electrical supply house if they don't carry them at HD.
Got another idea, hopefully not as dumb as the last. In the picture below the bridge would be from the top female oulet receptacle to the bottom which would be a cord adapter male. It would be inside the junction box and attached to an extention cord all locked insid the box. This way there will never be any juice running though the wire unless it was plugged into the surge protector. Let me know if this is another dumb idea. Thanks for your help.
Why not use a circuit breaker surge protector or one of these?
Saw a few of these at HD but if the surge tripped the outlet i would have to remove the tv and reset the outlet. Seems like a lot of work.
Thank you. I was going to recommend this. I actually picked up a few hospital grade TVSS outlets on Ebay.
To the OP, I've never had to reset my outlets. I think the male cord end idea is just terrible.
I have wall mounted 2 TV's in my house since I bought it, and I too, have faced this dilemma.
For my first TV, I installed a real slim wall mount, and there was no room behind the TV, so I just installed a recessed outlet with no surge protector. I've thought about how to wire in a surge protector in line to it..
For my second (and much more expensive TV), I used a Leviton Blue surge protector outlet and mounted it in a recessed structured media box behind the TV.
You can buy it for $30 from home depot.
Lowe's sells something similar that comes with the surge outlet and recessed structured media center.
Here's an "outlet relocation kit" that you can use if you don't want to tie in to the home wiring to wire up a receptacle.. it's along the lines of what you were mentioning earlier in this thread. It has a recessed female plug for behind the TV, but it also has a "male" plug that you'll wire below the TV and just plug an extension cord into. With this, you can use any surge protector you want.. But I don't recommend this option. It's kinda chintzy, and won't add value to your home like a professionally and permanently wired system will do.
Let us know what you end up doing.
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text: SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Chris Culliver, cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, recently made hurtful, hateful, homophobic comments about gay athletes playing in the NFL. Chris immediately issued both a written and publicly communicated apology for his remarks; however, Chris recognizes these apologies neither excuse his statements nor sufficiently convey Chris' remorse for the situation he created, and the people he offended. Regardless of what has been and what undoubtedly will be said about Culliver's comments and his subsequent mea culpa, the simple fact remains: action expresses priorities. It is with this concept in mind that Chris has unilaterally reached out to The Trevor Project to seek guidance and education about the LGBTQ community through The Trevor Project's renowned Trevor Lifeguard Workshop LGBTQ Training Program. Rather than attempt to downplay the severity of the issue at hand, or shy from the situation in the interests of mitigating damage to his reputation, Chris intends to embrace this ordeal as an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. The Trevor Project is the nation's leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, ages 13-24. The Trevor Project, however, is not only a resource for LGBTQ youth in crisis, but also for the adults who care about the LGBTQ community. Surprisingly, Chris has gay family members and close friends for whom he cares deeply. Chris's cousin, Andrew Brown is one of the celebrated directors of Word Is Out, the first feature-length documentary about lesbian and gay identity made by gay filmmakers; an iconic film for the emerging gay rights movement in the 1970s. Brown has come forward in support of Chris and his efforts to educate himself about the true impact of his commentary. The Trevor Project offers age-appropriate education programs to help people of all ages learn more about the unique challenges faced by youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and those who question their sexual orientation, gender identity. Lauren McGinnis, Communications Director for The Trevor Project, expressed the following sentiment: "We really feel that education about LGBT youth and the challenges they face is a great way to get [Chris] started on the right path, especially since he's a role model and there are kids all over the country with his poster on their wall, his jersey - his fans that take his words and actions to heart." The Trevor Project in no way condones, accepts, or attempts to validate Chris' comments; however, The Trevor Project looks forward to working to help Chris become a better role model for his fans and the general public. Both Chris and The Trevor Project recognize it will be a long road to genuine understanding, but both are eager to use this experience as an opportunity to take steps towards eradicating this type of ignorance in the NFL and in society as a whole. In Chris' own words, "As an African American male, I should know better. Hate and discrimination have a lasting effect, and words matter. I also have a responsibility to myself, and especially to my young fans to be a better role model. The kids who look up to me and other athletes are the future of our country, and our future deserves better than fear, hate and discrimination... I was wrong, and I want to learn how to make it right. That's why I reached out to an organization called The Trevor Project... No child should ever feel like they are less than anyone else, and God has put me through this storm so I can learn from my mistakes and help make sure no child has to feel that way, again."


text:
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text:
Last Monday, Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Jeff Flake and Marco Rubio emerged with an offer of a Republican surrender to Barack Obama.
We will accept amnesty for 11 million illegal aliens, said the four, but you must get serious about securing the border against yet another invasion. Only after an independent commission agrees the border has been secured will the 11 million be given green cards and put on a path to citizenship.
The next day in Las Vegas, Obama, reveling in victory, instructed the four waving their white flags that the defeated do not dictate terms.
Get cracking on comprehensive reform now, Obama instructed Marco and John, or I send my own bill to the Hill, granting amnesty to every illegal alien, with no preconditions. Putting the 11 million illegal aliens on a path to U.S. citizenship should begin not after the border is better secured, but the day the bill is signed.
In a pointed lecture to Rubio, the Great Hispanic Hope of the GOP, Obama said, "We have done more on border security in the last four years than we have done in the previous 20."
A graduate of the Saul Alinsky school, Obama can smell the defeatism in the Republican Party. And he knows how to treat supplicants begging for a fig leaf to cover the nakedness of their capitulation.
But why are the Republicans surrendering their "no amnesty" stand, which has been party policy since America rallied to the GOP's opposition to amnesty in 2007, when a national grass-roots uprising routed McCain, Teddy Kennedy, Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush himself?
McCain fears the future. We got 27 percent of the Hispanic vote in 2012, and the reason is our position on illegal aliens, he argues. Until we get this behind us, we will never again get the 40 percent of the vote Bush got. Either we capitulate to Obama and La Raza, or we are doomed.
Why is McCain wrong?
He is wrong on principle. Should a majority of women tell pollsters they are against overturning Roe v. Wade, does the party abandon its pro-life stand and cease calling for Supreme Court justices who might overturn Roe?
What kind of party is that? What kind of people do that? Who thought in 2007 we could rout the establishment of both parties?
Washington is not invincible. But you cannot rally the people if you are not prepared to lead and fight.
Republican capitulation on amnesty is not going to win Hispanic votes, but it will demoralize the party base. McCain, the amnesty champion today and in 2007, got 31 percent of the Hispanic vote against Obama.
Why is he an expert on what the party should do?
When those 11 million illegals have completed their path to citizenship and become voters, why should they, or the millions more family members they will have brought in by then, vote for the GOP? Hispanics are not small-government people. They believe in and benefit disproportionately from Big Government.
Some 53 percent of Hispanic children are born out of wedlock, and 52 percent of Hispanic families are headed by single women.
Big Government provides their kids with Head Start before school, free K-through-12 schooling, Pell Grants and student loans for college, and two or three free meals a day at school for the kids.
Big Government provides food stamps, welfare for mom and earned income tax credit checks should she work. Big Government subsidizes her housing and provides free health care for the family through Medicaid.
A Pew Hispanic poll found that by 3-to-1, Hispanics would favor a big government with more services to a small government with fewer services.
Why would these folks vote for a Republican Party that promises to downsize the Big Government upon which they depend for sustenance, security and survival? Why would they vote for a party that is going to cut capital gains, income and inheritance taxes they don't pay?
The 11 million illegals, who came with nothing, are poorer than the Hispanics who are already citizens.
When we make citizens of them and the family members they bring in, our welfare state will explode and the social safety net will sag under the weight of millions of new beneficiaries.
Republicans win between 27 and 40 percent of the Hispanic vote. Add 10 million new Hispanic voters, and Democrats will realize a net gain of 2 to 4 million new voters.
There goes the Southwest, and there goes the presidency, forever.
Amnesty would be the greatest victory for mass lawbreaking in U.S. history. It would reward those who broke our laws and make fools of those who waited in line back home to come to America.
And this is about more than economics. It is about our sovereignty, our security, our national culture and our national identity.
This fight is not yet lost, and even should we lose, is it not better to go down fighting than to ask for terms from Barack Obama?
Pat, Shhhh .... "Amnesty would be the greatest victory for mass lawbreaking in U.S. history." ... Funny thing that, I guess the Tea Baggers heads would explode if they knew Reagan, the Right Wingers Patron Saint, gave illegals amnesty around 30 years ago. Thats not all St. Ronny did that the Baggers are against. Have to wonder about those TeaBaggers, are they stupid or simply ignorant?
I encourage Faux "News" to continue calling these immigrants "illegals" because it will drive the immigrants away from Right Wing Idiocy.
As MSNBC gave directives to their employees, don't call them illegal aliens. That makes it sound like they are breaking our laws and getting away with it. Call them undocumented workers...so much nicer sounding and easier to get sympathy for them. If people realize they are breaking the law and not getting punished, the people might stop paying parking fines and speeding tickets.


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Bananas are the most popular fruit in the world. The banana is, in fact, not a tree but a high herb that grows up to 15 metres. It is believed that there are almost 1000 varieties of bananas in the world, subdivided in 50 groups. The most commonly known banana is the Cavendish variety, which is the one produced for export markets.
Bananas are grown in more than 150 countries, producing 105 million tonnes of fruit per year. The bananas grown for local consumption are generally grown in traditional, extensive systems. Dessert bananas account for 43 million tonnes per year and are of huge economic importance for many countries in the South. Cooking bananas (plantains and others) account for 45 million tonnes. Locally consumed bananas, which are a staple food in many tropical countries, play a major role in terms of food security.
It is believed that the earliest written reference to banana is in Sanskrit and dates back to around 500 BC. Bananas are suspected to be the first fruit in the earth by some horticulturists. Their origin is placed in Southeast Asia, in the jungles of Malaysia, Indonesia or Philippines, where many varieties of wild bananas still grow today. Africans are credited to have given the present name, since the word banana would be derived from the Arab for 'finger'. They started to be traded internationally by the end of fourteenth century. The development of railroads and technological advances in refrigerated maritime transport subsequently enabled bananas to become the most important world traded fruit.
Banana facts
- On average each person in the UK eats 10kg bananas a year – about 100 bananas!
- In Britain, we eat over five billion bananas every year
- The word banana comes from the Arabic word "banan", meaning finger
- The banana plant is not a tree, it is the world's largest herb
- The "trunk" of a banana plant is not made of wood, it is made of tightly overlapping leaves
- Bananas could help you to feel happier as they contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to promote relaxation and improve mood
- The inside of a banana skin can be used to calm an itchy mosquito bite - many people find that rubbing the bite with the skin helps to reduce irritation
- A medium-sized banana contains only 95 calories, and provides a quick-but-sustained energy boost in a natural, nutritious and easily digestible form with no fat, cholesterol or sodium
- British Banana supplier, Fyffes, received its first consignment of bananas 124 years ago, in September 1888
- A stem of bananas consists of "hands", which consist of 10 to 20 bananas. When a hand is split, the bananas become "clusters", which generally consist of between three to eight bananas
- The inside of a banana skin can be used to polish shoes!


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Diagnosis and Testing
What is Allergy?
When the term allergy was first introduced in 1906, it meant an adverse reaction to a food or other substance not typically regarded as harmful or bothersome.
For most people this is still what allergy means, although doctors use the word rather differently and this can be both misleading and confusing. Doctors use the word allergy to mean an adverse reaction of the immune system to a substance not recognised as harmful by most people's immune systems.
True allergies (for example allergies to pollens, dust mites, fish, shellfish or nuts) are typically associated with the formation of antibodies. Some people (doctors refer to these people as atopic) have an inherited tendency to this type of allergy and they tend also to be prone to asthma, eczema and hay fever; a condition known as atopy. In certain circumstances, and especially during the first few years of life, atopic people may develop immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies when exposed to an allergy-inducing protein in a process called sensitisation. When sensitisation has occurred, the allergy-inducing protein is referred to as an allergen and the resulting antibody (also a protein) as allergen specific IgE.
What is intolerance?
Whilst doctors use the term allergy when referring to an adverse reaction that involves the immune system, the term intolerance is preferred when an adverse reaction shows no evidence of immune system involvement. The scientific term for an intolerance is non-allergic hypersensitivity.
Food intolerance can occur when the body fails to produce a sufficient quantity of a particular enzyme needed to break down a food and aid digestion. For example if a person suffers wind and bloating every time they consume milk or milk products they may be suffering from lactose intolerance, a condition caused by lack of the lactose-digesting enzyme lactase.
If a person suffers nervous system symptoms because of an amount of caffeine in a mug of strong coffee that would be tolerated by most people, this person would be suffering from a drug-like or pharmacological food intolerance. These can occur either because of an intolerance of chemicals naturally present in foods (such as theobromine in chocolate or tyramine in aged cheeses) or an intolerance of food additives such as sulphites or benzoates.
Whilst enzymatic and pharmacological food reactions only affect some people, toxic food reactions affect 100% of the population provided that a sufficient amount of the food is ingested. A good example is the false food allergy type of reaction that can occur when sufficient histamine accumulates in the flesh of spoilt tuna (scombroid reaction).
None of the above examples of food intolerance involve the immune system and, for this reason, none can result in life-threatening allergy or anaphylaxis.
How Do You Know If You Have an Allergy?
The conventional allergy tests used by doctors depend on the presence of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The two most used are the skin prick test and the specific IgE blood test (previously called a RAST test). However, it is very important to realise that whilst allergy is unlikely when allergen-specific IgE is absent, the presence of allergen-specific IgE only indicates that sensitisation has occurred, it does not diagnose the allergy. When completely healthy and symptom-free people are tested for allergy, positive results are often found. These results are called false positives.
For this reason, reliable allergy diagnosis is dependent on an allergy focused history. A good allergy clinician can usually suspect the likely allergen(s) from the history alone, and allergy tests may not be needed. However, because a negative allergy test may point to a different allergy or a different explanation, allergy tests are very useful to confirm the diagnosis. This is especially important in the case of suspected food allergy when an inaccurate diagnosis might commit the patient to lifelong, but unnecessary, food avoidance. Allergy tests are also useful if there is any confusion as to whether symptoms are being caused by true allergy or whether some other process is involved.
This is why allergy tests need to be interpreted by a healthcare professional qualified in allergy, who will interpret the results in light of an allergy-focused history. It also explains why it is important not to test everybody for every known allergen, an approach that would inevitably lead to erroneous diagnosis.
Occasionally doctors may be faced with a situation where the allergy history points strongly in one direction whilst an allergy test points strongly in another. This is when a provocation challenge test may be useful. The test is only undertaken under specialist supervision in a hospital. The patient is exposed to tiny, but gradually increasing, amounts of the suspect item (typically a food such as peanut) until there is the tiniest hint of a rash, swelling, breathing difficulty or drop in blood pressure. This is the gold standard amongst allergy tests.
What Other Allergy Tests are Available?
Contact (or 'patch') testing is a conventional test that is used by skin specialists in cases of contact dermatitis. The test diagnoses a delayed, or cell-mediated (as opposed to antibody-mediated) type of allergy that mainly affects the skin.
Unconventional allergy tests that are considered to be of no value include applied kinesiology (based on measurements of muscle strength), auricular cardiac reflex (based on measurements of the pulse at the wrist), hair analysis (based on a pseudo-scientific concept called bioresonance), cytotoxic test (based on an examination of the white blood cells) and the Vega test (based on acupuncture theory and electromagnetism).
Are There Reliable Tests For Food Intolerance?
With the exception of lactose intolerance, for which a conventional test exists, no reliable forms of testing exist for the types of food intolerance described above.
However, recent scientific studies are beginning to point to a delayed type food allergy in which the immune system is involved even though allergen-specific IgE is not present. For this reason, the controversial view that certain medically unexplained symptoms might be related to a delayed form of food allergy rather than be due to an unexplained or psychosomatic mechanism may yet prove to have some scientific worth. Studies that have used food exclusion followed by blinded and placebo-controlled food challenge, have suggested that this kind of mechanism may apply in some cases of migraine, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
However, with the exception of dietitian supervised food exclusion and food challenge, no validated test for this type of food allergy has so far emerged. Whilst some practitioners (and especially unconventional practitioners) use IgG (as opposed to IgE) blood tests when investigating such cases, the data is not scientifically robust and most allergy specialists consider IgG blood tests to be unhelpful.
Last reviewed: October 2013 Next review date: October 2016
Version 3
Video on the Subject


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Franchises now only available in South West England
Why a Magicman franchise can help you become a successful business owner.
- Massive customer appeal – Customers love Magicman – repairing on site costs much less than replacing damaged fixtures, fittings and furniture.
- Huge market – all property owners are potential customers; domestic, commercial, construction, municipal.ü
- Premium prices – It's a quality-focused service that commands a premium price.
- Low overheads – You can run the business from home, keeping overheads low.
- Customers from day one – You'd benefit from our base of established national customers – utilities, construction companies, insurers etc.
- Call Centre support – No need to worry about handling customer calls and booking jobs. We do that for you!
- Expert support and guidance – Our 21 years of knowledge and experience is available to support you all the way – effective marketing, on-going mentoring.
- Excellent earnings potential – those with drive and determination could achieve turnover in excess of £80,000 p.a.
Benefits of a Magicman franchise
Great Opportunity
Magicman presents a great opportunity to those with the drive, determination and ambition to run their own service business.
Proven Sales
With established specialist technology, brand, reputation and professional standards a Magicman franchise can consistently win customers.
Significant Rewards
Our franchise partners are able to build successful, profitable businesses, and enjoy the significant rewards this can bring
Expert Help and Support
As a Magicman franchisee you'll be fully trained as an expert technician and to effectively manage and develop your business, using the established methods that have enabled Magicman to become the recognised market leader.
We'll show you exactly how to deal with administration, look after customers and drive the business's growth, applying your organisational and people skills.
Success is enabled by the on-going business support available from Magicman. It's a dynamic partnership in which each partners' success depends on the success of the other.
The Franchise Package
- A 5 year franchise agreement
- A defined franchise territory
- A comprehensive initial training course
- Supply of tool and equipment package
- A bespoke IT system / Supply of a tablet PC
- Set of branded workwear / fully fitted van
- A comprehensive launch marketing campaign
- A dedicated and integrated web site


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Smaller group allows for better deliberations, vice-chair says

 By Richard Leitner, News Staff

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is creating a subcommittee to delve into program-related issues and monitor the success of a new secondary strategy that will let students attend schools outside of their area for specialty courses.

Vice-chair Todd White said he hopes trustees will approve the terms of reference for the new program committee by the end of this month, allowing for an inaugural meeting in April.

If so, it will become the fifth special subcommittee, joining those dealing with governance, policy, finance and human resources.

White, who pushed for the new subcommittee, said the board presently lacks a vehicle to address issues like French immersion and high school programming, which means they go directly to the board's standing committee of all 11 trustees.

That's too unwieldy to allow for the full discussion possible at subcommittees, which typically have three to five members, the Ward 5 trustee said.

"As trustees, one of the larger concerns we hear from parents are program suggestions," White said.

"To this point we haven't had much opportunity, except behind the scenes, to weigh in on programming, so this brings it to a transparent, democratic committee where parents can even come," he said.

"They can provide a public delegation, they can speak to us, we can receive correspondence, and we can actually speak as a trustee committee on what we want to do with that correspondence or request and move it through the proper channels."

Board chair Jessica Brennan said she supports the new committee, although she is concerned about adding to trustees' workload – an objection raised by Mountain trustee Lillian Orban, who cast the lone vote against the plan last month.

"It's pretty hard to have a lot of committees because you're using the same people over and over again and they get worn out," Brennan said.

"Having said that, there are large pieces of work that come directly to the board table that have great impact and implications in terms of programs," she said.

"It allows for some new ideas to be sought out and tested and some proposals to be considered, and then they can go to the whole group at the board level and the board can put its considerable thinking onto it as well."


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Product DNA
- UA Storm gear uses a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which repels water without sacrificing breathability.
- 100g Primaloft.
- insulation is lightweight, water-resistant, breathable, and can be compressed without losing warmth.
- Lightweight, dual-layer windproof fleece shoulders and arms provide a brushed interior for soft comfort.
- Smooth outer layer protects the insulation from excessive water and makes layering easy.
- UA CGI print technology on the interior traps heat without added weight.
- Secure side pockets with warm interior.
- Interior zip media pocket with audio loop.
- Polyester.
- Fit guidelines
Fit guidelines
Fit Guide:Loose
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- Fitted
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Fit guidelines
Fit Guide:Loose
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Once Rhymed About, Obama Finds Less Support from Hip Hop in 2012
Before the 2008 presidential election, hip hop stars like Nas, Young Jeezy and Sean "Diddy" Combs enthusiastically endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama through speech and song. But four years later, the hip hop community's support of President Obama's re-election has seemed somewhat muted. Hip hop writer and Soundcheck bullpen member Sowmya Krishnamurthy joins us to discuss how rappers like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco and Nicki Minaj have demonstrated their feelings of political support, apathy and disapproval leading up to election day.
In this episode of "What's Trending with Shira Lazar" from June 2011, rapper Lupe Fiasco talks about why he thinks Obama is the "biggest terrorist in the United States of America," and why he doesn't participate in presidential elections.
Rapper Jay-Z, on the other hand, has endorsed President Obama for re-election. Last month, the Obama campaign released this video of the hip hop artist, talking about what the president's 2008 election meant to the nation, and why he thinks voting is so important.


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- Home
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This handout will explain the functions of conclusions, offer strategies for writing effective ones, help you evaluate conclusions you've drafted, and suggest approaches to avoid.
Introductions and conclusions can be difficult to write, but they're worth investing time in. They can have a significant influence on a reader's experience of your paper.
Just as your introduction acts as a bridge that transports your readers from their own lives into the "place" of your analysis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. Such a conclusion will help them see why all your analysis and information should matter to them after they put the paper down.
Your conclusion is your chance to have the last word on the subject. The conclusion allows you to have the final say on the issues you have raised in your paper, to synthesize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view of the subject. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.
Your conclusion can go beyond the confines of the assignment. The conclusion pushes beyond the boundaries of the prompt and allows you to consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings.
Your conclusion should make your readers glad they read your paper. Your conclusion gives your reader something to take away that will help them see things differently or appreciate your topic in personally relevant ways. It can suggest broader implications that will not only interest your reader, but also enrich your reader's life in some way. It is your gift to the reader.
One or more of the following strategies may help you write an effective conclusion.
Friend: So what?
You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen.
Friend: Why should anybody care?
You: That's important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally.
You can also use this strategy on your own, asking yourself "So What?" as you develop your ideas or your draft.
We consulted these works while writing the original version of this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout's topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find the latest publications on this topic. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial.
All quotations are from:
Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, edited and with introduction by Houston A. Baker, Jr., New York: Penguin Books, 1986.
"Strategies for Writing a Conclusion." Literacy Education Online, St. Cloud State University. 18 May 2005
"Conclusions." Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center, Hamilton College. 17 May 2005
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License.
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout (just click print) and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill


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Door (video?) intercom
I'm looking at intercom systems since my doorbell does nothing.
I'm thinking there are at least 7 places where it'd be convenient to have a monitor. If we cut back the ridiculous ones (i.e. hallways where there's a monitor in a room right by), I get Kitchen, Master Bedroom, Computer Room. The addition locations would be the other bedroom, the bathroom, the hallway upstairs (where the two bedrooms, bathroom, and computer room are), and the main room outside the kitchen.
In any case, a useful feature would be the ability to add additional monitors. Even better if the video/audio stream can come through a home surveillance system so I can interface with additional cameras.
Two-location intercom (front and back door) would be nice as well.
Most systems I find seem to have several problems:
Some provide features such as additional monitors, output to a home security system or a PC, or the ability to control two sources from one monitor. It's kind of mix-and-match.
If you have an android tablet, you can use Foscam Viewer with Foscam IP cameras. It allows up to four cameras to be viewed at one time. You would need a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, to allow you to power those cameras that you cannot pull power to, or do not want to have an outlet next to it, to plug in a wallwart (power transformer).
The PoE cameras are a little more expensive, but good for those areas that you want to place the camera and only have to pull the Ethernet to. You can also use Wireless for those cameras that you can easily plug into an electrical outlet, if the camera is going to be sitting somewhere that you are able to have close proximity to power.
Personally I would either do PoE IP cameras, or conventional Coax with power type cameras, depending on how much you are willing to budget for this.
For saving images, I use a Lenovo ix2-4 NAS for storage on my network. Typically a two month period, I will end up with almost 30,000 images on two of my cameras, and that runs around 10gb at the most of space on the NAS.
I want something like this:
Except exactly not like this:
Instead I want it like this:
Except, you know, a thing like the device above, and in multiple locations.
It's a fixture. A part of the house. It's not a thing I want to carry around with me; I want it to be in a fixed location, like a light switch or a thermostat.
I want something like this:
Except exactly not like this:
Instead I want it like this:
Except, you know, in multiple locations.
It's a fixture. A part of the house. It's not a thing I want to carry around with me; I want it to be in a fixed location, like a light switch or a thermostat.
They are out there, but you have to have certified installers for those devices install them. Plus you have to have a server running the software on it, that drives those devices. It costs more then you realize, for the solution that you are wanting.
Nod. Usually video surveillance systems with 8 inputs and 1-2 outputs cost around $800, plus the cameras. I guess you'd need similar, with a 2-way audio channel, to build a video intercom system.
Cheap single devices tend to be wireless or two-wire, but only run one monitor. The problem with a tablet is you have to go find it when the door rings, and it's never in a convenient location.
I have done a lot of uncertified installation. I mean you should see the light kit on my fan... it was too small, so I forcefully ripped both light kits apart and rebuilt the new light kit into the old cap. There were duplicate electronics that I had to redo, and the final wiring was different than either of the original light kits (which were somehow different from each other).
I never asked for cheap. I replaced $30 of light switches in my house with over $500 of switches (occupancy sensors, dimmers, multi-location occupancy sensing dimmers, fan control switches, timers, etc.), have my eyes on a $300 ceiling fan (I want a stainless steel one in the kitchen) and $250 track lights (plus $80 of lights to go into the fixture!), etc. You only need to build it once. :)
You are actually talking for the system that you want, the starting prices are around $30-35k, depending on where you live.
Well, that's a bit more expensive than I want to go yeah.
Why is it I can get a video with 2-way audio door intercom for $300; a 4 camera surveillance system with HD 1080p infra red cameras routed through a concentrator for under $1000; but I can't build a 2-way audio intercom system with video routed to multiple monitors for under $30,000?
I just want to be able to inspect who is at the door and communicate with them without going downstairs or leaving the kitchen. :|
I have one that looks out towards the front door, but when someone comes up to the door and knocks or rings the bell, I still do this thing called walking to the door, to see who it is.
If you want a simple solution, go with a PoE IP camera and a smartphone or tablet app, to monitor what the camera is seeing.
Last year there were 3 shootings on the corner on my block. There have been over 20 shootings within a 2 mile radius in the past 4 months. Not that anyone is going to come to my house to shoot me.
It's a huge rush to answer the door. I have to go down some stairs, out of the warm room I'm in into the less-warm house. Before I can do this, I must put on pants so that I can answer the door. Often I come to find no one at the door, sometimes a door tag or packages, as I have elected to not show up pantsless at the door. Sometimes I am getting out of the shower, and have to towel off first, which is even worse because then I have clothes sticking to my body since I towel off inadequately.
In this day and age where everybody has a 55 inch wide screen LED backed LCD television and an 8 megapixel HD video camera on their cell phone, I should be able to press a button on a nearby wall and see who is outside. Messing with my phone to do this is a lot of effort--it actually takes longer for me to start and navigate the Nest app, for example, than to walk downstairs and manipulate the thermostat by hand (I often use the web site instead because it's twice as fast than waiting the 15 seconds for Nest to load on my phone). Finding a floating, battery-powered dedicated device that I probably left in another room is also a pain--if I am in the kitchen, I will probably realize that I left the damn thing upstairs; if I am upstairs, it will probably be in the next room if not in the kitchen.
This is not a matter of "ooh shiny I have a camera I can look at!" This is a matter of a solution which is objectively better--lower effort, less time, less neurological stress, more consistent (i.e. doesn't take 5 times as long because I am trying to towel off and find pants)--than walking to the door.
It appears that, in this day and age, you can obtain for $50 a supercomputer with a high definition television screen in your pocket and watch movies instantly while talking to someone on the other side of the continent; but you cannot have an intercom with video feed looking out your front door without a loosable device for less than the cost of a brand new sports car. Odd, because you can get exactly that for about $150, except you only get one monitor, and it's a mobile tablet rather than a mounted fixture.
If you wonder why I care so much that the damn thing is a mobile device, it's simple: my parents had cordless phones my entire life. Guess how phone calls were made? Step 1: Spend about 2 or 3 minutes finding the phone. Losing the remote control for a TV is a common joke in television shows, even though it never leaves the same room as the TV.
The companies making this stuff are not making what I want it seems. What I want does not exist. Oh it's technically doable in like $300-$500, all the pieces are there; just nobody has packaged it in a shiny little box.
I shall have to get $500 together and build one then.
Personally I would be moving, then going through all of that expense.
The expense of moving would set me back decades financially. I found that I could shave about 40 years of financial burden down to 10 years--accelerate my retirement by 30 years, or live in extreme luxury on slum-level salary--by buying a cheap house and paying it off in 3 years.
This place is a run-down slum, but I am a pest and I do know how to tone down the bull**** and run some serious negotiating skills. I'm just not the archetype in my daily life. I've had council tear down a burned down house, I'm going to plant some fruit trees and flowers, I've been cleaning up the litter, the neighbors have gotten into it too. I'm intending to build a small park one day; I've gotten several neighborhood organizations involved, and the city has started to show support.
It's the little things. I defy all norms, tactfully; that's why my house has occupancy sensors and fan switches, and everyone else's has single pole switches. That's why my landscaping is all useful and edible plants, from fruit trees and berry bushes down to lavender that I put into my pillow. I may try to make a bay laurel live, but these -15C temperatures will probably preclude that.
The world is not made for people like me. That's why I keep finding that you CAN do certain things, but that nobody actually sells that. For example: vent dampers that could integrate with a wireless thermostat (i.e. the Nest, the Ecobee, etc.) to create a software-configurable zoning system. I'd need 7 vents at like $100-$150 each (transformer like $30, motor $30, on-board SOC $8, wifi chipset $11, frame material $20, manufacturing and distribution overhead). They just don't sell such a thing.
The problem is, that if you put any kind of money into protection of the property or people in that home, by just putting up consumer grade video cameras, which will be easily disabled or demolished, is not the best way to do this.
Really it is not going to set you back decades, to get out of that area, if you are living in a Combat zone. It really is not worth it, along with no insurance company is going to cover your expenses for loss, even if you put up the cameras.
You would have to have a manned 24/7 room, watching a 360º view of the property, along with having flood lights up at least fifty feet in the air, to allow the cameras to make out subjects at night.
Your budget again is not in line with the equipment that is used in those environments, where you have people that may attempt to disable or damage it. You need to increase your budget and look at the same equipment used in Correctional facilities, that is not only Bullet Proof, but can stand up to someone trying to take a baseball bat, 2x4 or Tire Iron to it.
You know, aside, I find it hilarious that most things that can take a bullet can't take an angry child with an aluminum baseball bat. Bullets only put tiny holes in people--we happen to not handle that very well. Blunt trauma is a different matter.
Here you go for commercial grade entrance Video Intercom systems http://entryvue.com/ As for Vandal proof video cameras http://store.videosurveillance.com/i...oof-ip-cameras Storage for the images http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/servers...x4-300d-nvr-ms
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Data Availability, Information Quality, Accountability...
Harness the power from vehicles on the roads
Each vehicle that drives down the road is producing power. It's a matter of collecting or harnessing the power from the vehicle and relaying to a power plant. There are hundreds of thousands of vehicles on the roads, wheels turning, alternaters charging, why not harness this power and use it as renewable energy that can power lights, or other devices?
-4 votes
Idea No. 25


text: Eyelet Dreams Aubrie Shirt Style: 570104796 Out of Stock Love it? Everyone else did too. This item sold out! Use our search tool, chat online or call 1.888.855.4986 to find something equally desirable. Our cotton button-up shirt is ultra-feminine in eyelet and the sweetest shades of sorbet. Patch chest pockets. Banded button cuffs. Length: 30+". 100% cotton. Machine wash. Imported. Read More… Share on Facebook Tweet Pin


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'"Craig has meant a lot," coach Lindy Ruff said. "We paired Gragnani with him. I thought he settled him down some. We have a veteran guy who has played with young guys and brought some young players along in San Jose. I thought he did a nice job with Butler, too. Craig has their ear on the bench, and he has their ear in practice. He's been a good example for them."'
Healthy Rivet gives Sabres an edge
February 5, 2009 Submitted by
Via: Buffalo News


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Casa di FRANCESCA
What you will love about this home
The apartament is situated a few steps away from the recent "Bridge of Music" (Ponte della Musica), on the 4th floor (with elevator) of an elegant 1940s building. The recent renovation saved the period's main elements which confer to every environment an "Epoque" mood.
The three rooms are large, each with private bathroom and balcony, fully equipped with tv, wireless internet, heating and air conditioning. The rooms are suitable for any kind of tourist, but especially for families and children.
The fully equipped kitchen is available for the guests' convenience.
What you will love in the neighborhood
Flaminio district is one of the areas of Rome which has been mostly transformed thanks to the urban and architectural events that recently succeeded such as the Auditorium by Renzo Piano (and subsequent redevelopment of the nearby Olympic Village) and the recent competition for the City of Science in Via Guido Reni (Ex - Barracks). Due to its location and characteristics, the Flaminio district is ideal for those who want to visit the city from a historical and archaeological point of view, without excluding a more modern and contemporary vision of the capital.
The apartament is at the center of many points of interest:
- Piazza Mancini, bus terminal for all of Rome's points of interest and tram n.2 that in a few minutes links to Piazza del Popolo and the Metro Line A (Flaminio station);
- The Foro Italico Complex ( with the "House of Fencing " by L. Moretti ) and Olympic Stadium , accessible through the "Bridge of Music"
- On the square, the "Teatro Olimpico" and nearby the municipal market of Flaminio that still preserves folk characters;
- The bike path (informations and map available in the rooms) and a bicycle rental service allows you to quickly reach the Old Town , along the banks of the Tiber;
- The MAXXI Museum of the XXI century Arts by Zaha Hadid in Via Guido Reni, that in the coming years will see the new "City of Science " rise right across the street, in the area currently occupied by the army's abandoned buildings ;
- A little further away the Auditorium by Renzo Piano and the Olympic Village Complex ( AA.VV. information material available in the rooms) together with the Sports Palace, the Stadio Flaminio and the Corso Francia Viaduct by P.L. Nervi, Italian undisputed engineering master;
- At the same distance Ponte Milvio, the old Roman bridge which in recent years has seen a proliferation of nightclubs, currently "must" of Roman nightlife.
House rules
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Kickstarter - Dark Meridian
I've created a category for Kickstarter, since we now get a couple of press releases a week for projects - though most of them are outside the genres we cover.
Dark Meridian is probably outside our coverage but here's one post to gauge the interest. They are seeking $150k and seem to have a fair amount of the game completed:
The graphic design is not bad, but I hate the game design, mashing 3 things together just gives you more room for failure, and I'm really not in the mood for another medieval-fantasy game
Looks way to overambitious, don't see how this can be more than a playground that gets boring too quickly, but I'm simply very sceptic when it comes to such genre unifying titles.
When this Kickstarter movement occurs, I saw it as a way for return of old RPG gameplay. But all we see is some weird hybrids, which are RPG, RTS, FPS, action, bla bla at the same time. What I want is pure RPGs and I'm not going to pledge any more money until real RPG projects emerge. Too bad Tortured Hearts (pure RPG) can't reach its goal, but they won't give up and try to make a demo for more stronger Kickstarter campaign. It seems I'm going to keep my money for Dead State and I'm considering of increasing my pledge to Grim Dawn.
I don't know…I pledged to FTL which I played a demo for which was a cool spaceship roguelike…I guess seeing any interesting kickstarter projects is cool for me. I just paid my amount to shadowrun returns.
I'm not sure being all exclusive old school rpg thing is the right way to go.
Hmm not sure I fancy this.
Legends of Eisenwald is a go though. :)
Any developer that describes his game as 'ground-breaking' and 'the next evolution in gameplay' before it's even completed has already shot himself in the foot as far as I'm concerned.
And seriously 250,000? It makes me wonder how these people ever managed to make games two months ago.
That makes.. 6 Kickstarter games for me: Double Fine's adventure (just did it because it seemed like a cheap ticket for a big event), Wasteland 2 (I dropped 100 dollars on this.. everything else gets 15), FTL, Banner Saga, Shadowrun, and Eisenwald.
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In his 60.1 innings for Idaho Falls, he posted a 2.09 ERA, a WHIP of 1.11, and a sparkling 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio.
What is your pitching repertoire?
4-seam fastball, sits in low-to-mid 90s
2-seam fastball, sits in low-to-mid 90s
Slider/Slurve, sits in the mid 80s
Circle change, sits in the mid 80s.
What's your go-to pitch when you need a strikeout?
Sam likes to use his slider. He says it's a swing and miss pitch.
He also favors using the 4-seam fastball. That's the pitch he feels most comfortable throwing.
What do you need to work on most to continue your success?
Sam says that he needs to get more experience throwing his change-up, and he needs to do a better job of locating his slider.
In what level do you think/hope that you'll begin the year?
Sam will go where ever they ask him to go. He anticipates probably starting in Lexington, but he thinks there's an outside shot he could start in Wilmington.
In what level do you think/hope that you'll end the year?
Sam would love to be able to make it to Northwest Arkansas, but feels that it's more likely that he'll end the year in Wilmington.
Which hitters from Idaho Falls would you least like to pitch against?
After he told me he wouldn't want to face them, he raved about the defense they both provide. He said Mondesi has amazing footwork, especially considering that he was 16 or 17 years old, and Chapman "runs down everything" in centerfield.
In what major-league stadium do you most look forward to pitching?
Sam is really looking forward to "pitching in front of the fountains at Kauffman Stadium." He drew up in Texas, so he also looking forward to pitching on the road against the Astros and Rangers. Since he grew up an Astros fan, he really though Biggio should have been elected to the Hall of Fame.
Growing up, who helped you the most to get to where you are now?
Sam thinks all his pitching coaches helped him to get where he is now. He specifically mentioned his father, Mike Anderson, and Andrew Prater.


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Women press for more jobs in new Iraqi cabinet
By Aseel Kami
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's female lawmakers and rights advocates said they will push hard for jobs in Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's unfinished cabinet, after he named only one woman to the inner circle of his new government.
The cabinet Maliki unveiled on Tuesday has 11 posts held temporarily by acting ministers, including the ministry of women's affairs which is headed for the moment by a man.
"There are really good women who could do well ... they cannot be neglected and marginalized," said Maysoon Damluji, a spokeswoman for the cross-sectarian Iraqiya political bloc.
"We hope in the coming few days there will be a response. I personally will put pressure on my bloc to fill the empty seats with women," she told Reuters, calling for peaceful protests to push for more women in government.
Iraq was a leader on women's rights in the Middle East. Women were educated as doctors in the 1930s and the first female minister was named soon after the monarchy ended in the late 1950s.
Maliki's cabinet choices, after months of squabbling among Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish political blocs, stirred immediate anger among women legislators -- who make up a quarter of parliament by law -- and rights advocates who said it was a sign of regression for a nation trying to establish democracy. Women led four ministries in the previous cabinet.
"Democracy in Iraq has been slaughtered by sexism this time, as it was slaughtered by sectarianism before," said a statement by women politicians read out by Kurdish lawmaker Alaa Talabani in parliament on Tuesday before voting on the cabinet began. Continued...


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As you journey through our website,I invite you to explore our learning community and know that you will gain a sense of our school's spirit.BSQ is a community school,and the relationships between students-teachers-parents are at the heart of who we are and what we do.
The British School Quito is Ecuador's only truly British school, where we modify the English National Curriculum to include strong links to the local language and culture. We are proud of our joint British-Ecuadorian roots and have a very strong positive reputation in the local and international community. Our curriculum is student-centred, so that each individual can reach their full potential.
Our students prepare for the IB Diploma in Years 12 and 13, and they consistently achieve results above the world averages. Our graduates go on to study in the world's top universities and make valuable contributions to their communities
British School Quito is an IB World School, accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. We are fully licensed and accredited by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education.
Our students are ambassadors for their school and country, and they make a positive change in the local and international community. Our students are happy, have a love for learning and feel a sense of pride and belonging. We are a reflective community, committed to excellence and believe in preparing our students as much as possible for the future.
I invite you to visit BSQ personally so that you can experience first-hand the spirit of our school and I look forward to meeting you in the near future.
Kind regards,
Alec Jiggins


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- 14 total posts
- 1 review
- 13 comments
Reviews & Stories
Couldn't Be Happier - Jacksonville, FL
I am 25 years old and I have been looking into this type of procedure for years now. I was a over-weight child and had done some major damage(stretch marks) to my body at a young age. At my heaviest (weighed) weight I was 203lbs. I am now (before the procedure) 145lbs and I had a quite few problem areas. It seemed no matter how much weight I lost or gained my flanks, upper and lower abdomen... READ MORE
Recent comments from R3D
Correction: the majority of the soreness. I would say 2 weeks is the most pain you'll be in. I do have a high tolerance and everyone is very, very different. Keep that in mind. READ COMMENT
Sorry, cell phone error. Click on my name and go to my profile. I went to dr. Kirk. READ COMMENT
Darn cell phone. I received an email saying I received a comment on my post, not the right post. Click my name, it should refer you to my profile and check it out. READ COMMENT
Poshplasticsurgery.com, Dr. Kirk. I believe the information is above as well. READ COMMENT
Yes, I am still happy. I think if I stick to more of a gym regimen I will be better off. I am about 130-135 in those photos. I can't seem to keep in the 125-130 range. The only thing I would fix is the extra fat around my belly button.... READ COMMENT


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Mills, Grinds, Pulverises and Grates
All that in one appliance that will even wash itself! (Are you kidding me?!)
Did I mention it's also a digital weighing scale?
So apparently this current Thermomix model is a result of 20 million Euros investment in the Research and Development of this product. It has won many design awards, and is actually very popular even in commercial kitchens. Professional chefs apparently love using Thermomix for various types of usage in their commercial kitchens. Let me just get one thing out of the way... HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Well, whether you are a commercial user or a home user, you can ONLY purchase Thermomix via a consultant by attending a demo or hosting one or becoming a consultant yourself to earn one. Otherwise, the price is the same across the board for anyone who wishes to purchase the Thermomix...
AUD $1,939 a pop.
But wait, wouldn't you pay that much if it significantly saves you time and even money in the long run? You see, you'll be able to make a lot of things from scratch, and it's fast and easy, and you have control over what goes in your food. No preservatives, no artificial flavors. It is a healthier option, and gives you freedom to create delicious anything in your own home. Making food from scratch also proves to be cheaper than store bought food in many cases, and our consultant Kate demonstrated a few examples last night.
This was the dough before it rises.
And after letting it rise in the oven at low heat, you start rolling the dough and making your homemade bread rolls! Wheee... so much fun :)
The bread rolls are now ready to go in the oven. On the left, is the Mushroom Risotto sitting in a Thermomix warming bowl (food stays warm in it for up to 2 hours) but I will get to the risotto soon.
The 5th course... Chocolate Custard! Again, this looked way too easy and was ready within 10 minutes. From memory, I believe the ingredients included a block of chocolate (completely crushed and pulverised using the Thermomix) and milk and eggs. What did I miss? I wish I took notes... lol.
And finally, the pouring of this wine in this photo above brings us to our final 6th dish and my personal favorite - the Mushroom Risotto. Imagine having the onions and herbs chopped in the Thermomix, and then the Thermomix stir fries it for you, and then you add your Arborio rice and season well and add wine and mushrooms, etc... and you just let it cook itself for 20 minutes.
When it's done, just stir in some freshly grated parmesan cheese...
Although the Thermomix jug only fits 2 litres, I'd say that is more than enough risotto to feed a family!
So that was pretty much an inside look at a Thermomix demonstration. Six dishes in just over 2 hours, and with talking in between! At the end of it, there wasn't much of a mess to clean up at all, since we only used the one appliance (and the oven) to do most of the cooking.
The way I see it, Thermomix is perfect for people with food allergies, gluten intolerant, busy mums, busy career people, chefs, foodies who love experimenting with their own flavors, foodies who love making their own spices and curry paste and their own jam, etc, and lazy people who enjoy the convenience and speed, who hates cleaning, who will otherwise not bother cooking. Doesn't that pretty much cover everyone?!
They also send you a Starter Recipe Book with every purchase, and they have more specific recipe books available if you want to focus more on Vegetarian, or Asian, or Soups, or Dips, or anything any other niche. But then again, you don't have to worry there are heaps of recipes available online everywhere!
So the only thing stopping me from buying the Thermomix immediately is what am I going to do with all the other kitchen appliances I will no longer use?
Thank you to the family who invited me to the demo (you know who you are), hubby and I had a great night. Thank you Kate for showing us the ropes. Now who wants to come to a Thermomix demo to see it all for yourself, if I do decide to host one?? Hehe. At least you know there will be FOOD!


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System Requirements
Compatible PBX'es
WinTariff logs all calls and allows further access and
processing. Use WinTariff to:
verify your telephone company accounting
with your PBX logs
analyze your PBX congestion
divide call accounts between various
organizations with a single PBX
make calling accounts to hotel clients
create virtual calling cards
Get a 100% Satisfaction with Your PBX!
is a Call Accounting
Software designed to provide a 100% satisfaction with your PBX.
It's been around for more than six years now.
With WinTariff you will be able to edit and add long distance and international codes.
WinTariff allows using the
various tariffs for accounts, which is necessary, for example, if
your company uses several different telephone companies with
different service charges.
can easily change a format of the final report according to
your requirements; to name one, insert your corporate logo.
Operations most frequently used can be stored and
invoked with a single button click, which makes it really
simple to account your call information with WinTariff.
WinTariff supports local network (LAN)
environment - for example, it is possible to dedicate one computer
close to the PBX for data recording, and then process that data on your workplace.
WinTariff supports accessing several PBXs
at the same time.
WinTariff consists of two
basic parts: writing module ATSWIN.EXE and processing
module TARIFF.EXE. They can be placed on different computers,
therefore they are described separately.
ATSWIN.EXE is a small module (approximately 50 KB)
that records data from the PBX. This module must be loaded at
all times. Virtually any computer, including the oldest Intel
i286 machines, can run this module.
TARIFF.EXE is a processing module of WinTariff
package. Together with service files it takes approximately
5 megabytes on a hard disk. The module needs a computer with
Intel 386SX or higher, and requires at least 4 MB of available
RAM. We recommend at least a 486DX2 processor and 8 MB of RAM.
contact us if your manufacturer is
not on the list.


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WASHINGTON/BERLIN – The imbroglio over the tapping of Angela Merkel's phone deepened Sunday, after a U.S. denial that President Barack Obama was informed years ago of electronic surveillance of the German chancellor.
As a sense of betrayal spread in European capitals about spying activities conducted on world leaders and ordinary citizens, German media reports said eavesdropping on Merkel's phone may have begun as early as 2002.
The Bild am Sonntag newspaper quoted U.S. intelligence sources as saying that America's National Security Agency chief, Gen. Keith Alexander, had specifically briefed Obama on the operation against Merkel in 2010.
"Obama did not halt the operation but rather let it continue," the newspaper quoted a high-ranking NSA official as saying.
News weekly Der Spiegel reported that leaked NSA documents showed Merkel's phone had appeared on a list of spying targets for over a decade, and was still under surveillance weeks before Obama visited Berlin in June.
However, NSA spokeswoman Vanee Vines, in Washington, flatly denied the claims.
Alexander "did not discuss with President Obama in 2010 an alleged foreign intelligence operation involving German Chancellor Merkel, nor has he ever discussed alleged operations involving Chancellor Merkel," Vines said. "News reports claiming otherwise are not true," she added.
German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich said Sunday that U.S. intelligence agencies broke German laws if they monitored cellphones in Germany.
Friedrich was quoted Sunday as saying that he wants legal consequences if crimes have been committed.
"If the Americans eavesdropped on cellphones in Germany, they broke German law on German soil," Friedrich said, according to the Bild newspaper. "Eavesdropping is a crime and those responsible must be held accountable."
The allegations, derived from documents acquired from fugitive U.S. defense contractor Edward Snowden, have stoked global outrage that American spy agencies were responsible for broad snooping into the communications of several dozen world leaders and likely millions of foreign nationals.
A poll for Der Spiegel found that 60 percent of Germans believe the scandal has damaged bilateral ties.
U.S. lawmakers reacted angrily to the criticism Sunday, saying that Europeans should be grateful for U.S. spying operations because they keep them safe and urging allies to improve their own intelligence and oversight efforts.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers called "disingenuous" foreign governments' outrage over the National Security Agency's large dragnet over communications of several dozen world leaders and ordinary citizens.
And he blamed the news media for getting the story wrong.
"I think the bigger news story here would be . . . if the United States intelligence services weren't trying to collect information that would protect U.S. interests both (at) home and abroad," the Republican told CNN.
Rep. Peter King, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, said Obama should "stop apologizing" about the NSA's phone-tapping scandal, claiming the programs had saved "thousands" of lives.
"The president should stop apologizing and stop being defensive," he told NBC.
"The reality is the NSA has saved thousands of lives, not just in the United States but in France, Germany and throughout Europe."
Germany, however, is planning to send its own spy chiefs to Washington to demand answers.
Swiss President Ueli Maurer warned the revelations risked "undermining confidence between states."
"We don't know if we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg or if other governments are acting in the same ruthless manner," he told the Schweiz am Sonntag weekly.
With anger simmering in Berlin, Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich sharpened his tone.
"Surveillance is a crime and those responsible must be brought to justice," he told Bild, while Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle decried the "highly damaging" spying among friends.
Merkel confronted Obama with the snooping allegations in a phone call Wednesday saying that such spying would be a "breach of trust."
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung said Obama had told Merkel during their call that he had been unaware of any spying against her, while Spiegel said he assured her that he would have stopped the operation at once.
Merkel's office declined to comment on what Obama told her.
The White House has said it is not monitoring Merkel's phone calls and will not do so in future, but it has refused to say whether it did previously.
Bild said Obama wanted to be informed in detail about Merkel, who has played a decisive role in the eurozone debt crisis and is widely seen as Europe's most powerful leader.
As a result, the NSA stepped up its surveillance of her communications, targeting not only the mobile phone she uses to conduct business for her conservative Christian Democratic Union party but also her encrypted official device.
Merkel only acquired the latter handset over the summer.
Bild said U.S. specialists were then able to monitor the content of her conversations as well as text messages, which Merkel sends by the dozen each day to key associates.
Only the specially secured land line in her office was out of the reach of the NSA, which sent the intelligence gathered straight to the White House bypassing the agency's headquarters, according to the report.
Bild and Spiegel described a hive of spy activity on the fourth floor of the U.S. Embassy in central Berlin.
U.S. spy agencies sometimes use "false architectural features or roof maintenance sheds" on diplomatic outposts to hide antennas used for intelligence-gathering, according to one NSA document published Sunday by Spiegel. On its cover, the magazine printed a photograph of the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, circling the roof shed that it said it believes contains monitoring equipment. The Berlin embassy is unusually central for an American diplomatic seat in this security-conscious era, 300 meters away from the German parliament and within sight of the chancellery where Merkel works.
The teams that do the monitoring are small, the document said, and "their true mission is not known by the majority of the diplomatic staff at the facility where they are assigned."
Spiegel cited a classified 2010 document indicating that U.S. intelligence had 80 high-tech surveillance offices worldwide in cities including Paris, Madrid, Rome, Prague, Geneva and Frankfurt.
If the spying against Merkel began in 2002, it would mean the United States under then-President George W. Bush targeted her while she was still the country's chief opposition leader, three years before she became chancellor.
Bild said Merkel's predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, was also in the NSA's sights because of his vocal opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.