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Watch out for imitators
Gaming is a dynamic phenomenon that requires those who partake of it to constantly be on the lookout for new developments and upgrades in games, gaming software, hardware as well as the changes in pricing. Serious gamers will tell you that as much as computer games are basically programmed software, the hardware component of your computer actually counts a lot in determining the kind of gaming experience that you have. With gaming being a multimillion pound industry, a lot of guys out there are always striving to cash in on the profitability that comes in with it. This therefore implies that there are equally a large number of companies and individuals out there whose sole purpose is to milk you of your money by selling you cheap imitations that are almost identical to the original in appearance but which are very far off in relation to performance. As a matter of fact, the fakes are nearly as much as the originals in the market and until the government succeeds in crushing the cartels that are responsible for the vice of imitation, a large number of us will always remain gullible and vulnerable.
We are here for you
We have since stepped in to save you from such characters and in the process save you big money. One thing that all gamers out there have to understand is the fact that installing fake hardware in your device exposes it to a whole load of danger and you might ultimately lose the entire laptop through a system failure or an irreparable crash. Manufacturers of gaming laptops know only too well that their laptops have to be very efficient in performance and stay in good working condition for the longest time possible, otherwise they may lose out on the lucrative market of gaming laptops. This therefore means that they have to get it right with their hardware components and that is why the high standards of their components can never be matched by the cheap imitations in the market. We know only too well that gaming is a very demanding venture that requires a lot out of your computer and this coupled with the high amount of time that gamers spend on their laptops can easily wear away a laptop that is not properly fitted with the right hardware. We have consequently opened up a chain of dedicated outlets to bring you the best high quality hardware components for gaming laptops.
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Whether you are looking for latest high capacity graphics card such as the Nvidia Geforce GTX 660, a high-performance RAM, the longest lasting batteries in town, the best hard drives, high-resolution screens with anti-glare surfaces, the best peripheral devices such as speakers and headphones, you can rest assured that you will never lack any in any of our shops. We will constantly keep you posted on the latest and the best additions in the market and warn you on imitations currently circulating in the market. Order your device now or visit any of our outlets to get your share of quality.
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Help And Support
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It was just supposed to be a casual day: go for a short tour and get some photos. The weather was so unpredictable for May and June that we had to ignore the forecast and go for it. I was getting ready for a marathon bike race — The Squamish Test of Metal — the next day, and wanted to take it easy. We started our ski day hiking in a whiteout, but to our amazement when we got to the glacier it was a perfect bluebird day. "Let's tour for 500 feet," we said. But once we got going it turned into going another 5,000 feet to the summitt. The skies were clear, the wind was calm and the travel was fast, so we had to go for it.
Volcanoes have an appeal that even sharp peaks in the North Cascades can't equal. They are massive! From their steep faces and crumbling icefalls, cracked glaciers and sloughing moraines to their encroaching forests, glassy lakes and gorging rivers, their grandeur is far-reaching. From Interstate 5 driving or on the back roads of Washington, you can see their snowcapped facades shimmering under beams of the sun or the moon.
We didn't see any mountain at first. Above my house in Tacoma, clouds dominated the sky, but as I passed Seattle, breaks began to appear. I guess the forecasted "mostly cloudy with a chance of rain" really meant "mostly sunny" — or so it was in my early-morning day dreams.
And as I reached the town of Glacier, a skip and a hop from the mountain, I pulled over to wait for the Traslin brothers. There, while killing time, I ogle-eyed the mountain through the sucker holes of blue, which battled swirling fog. Analogous to a crumb-covered little boy with his hand in the cookie jar, my face was an expression of uncontained joy. Any attempt to wipe it from my lips, just meant another cookie (or look) was necessary.
Mount Baker is a standby for ski mountaineers. It retains quality snow and skiing longer than its bigger sibling, Mount Rainier, at least from summit to glacier toe. Take one late August as case in point. With friends we schussed our way from the Park Headwall 5,000 feet down to Boulder-Park Cleaver before we ran out of snow! To this day, besides the headwall of course, the Boulder-Park Cleaver is one of the most classic, moderate lines in the Cascades. But for ease of access, the Coleman-Deming is hard to beat and that is why the Traslin Brothers and I chose to climb this route.
After meeting, in a short time, with skis, boots, poles and gear we set off at 9a.m. through fog-entombed forest. Glorious skies loomed overhead. They brought on an abundance of good feelings — we were stoked, but those feelings were quickly being swamped by mist and cloud. Our only hope was that we would climb above them. For luck is often a matter of persistence, as not two miles later, the mountain smiled at us from between those buoyant, frothy waves of whiteness. There was a feast of smiles, grins, hollers and laughter set on our faces as we clamored out of our shoes and into our ski boots; it was time to climb and we were loving life!
Given a late start and the weather's poor outlook, we weren't pressing for the summit. Yet failure to grasp opportunity at hand is a fool's knife into the gut of it. Velvet snow and warming temperatures practically levitated bodies and hopes up the mountain. At one point, a climber coming down from the summit hails us and comments, "You guys are sure moving!" The Traslin brothers are fast. From a lifetime of competitive racing, pain and suffering is hard-wired into them.
Those big, puffy clouds now lingered below us. I fully expected them to press in on the mountain and stack up, but as the day progressed, they didn't threaten us further. Sights of the Twin Sisters Range again reminded me that I must visit them, and soon. But my gawking at the sights was cut short by my need to get to the top. It's twelve miles and 7,100 feet to the summit of Mount Baker and back. Besides a few slowdowns for water, we hardly paused. With a spring season and weather that has been less than appealing, a nice day was something to celebrate. If you could've seen my smile and star-crazed eyes, you would've recognized a man infected by this day's spectacular showing. At 10,781 feet, the top held hardly a wisp of wind and yet, before descending, my hands were shaking from a mix of fear and excitement. That is good. If I wasn't apprehensive before skiing a route like this, then I've been skiing steeps for far too long and probably shouldn't anymore.
While the Traslin brothers went to the true summit, I decided to wait on the plateau. What concerned me was the Coleman Headwall and its 2,000 feet of 40-50 degree snow. During my previous and only descent of the route in 2007, I skied the Eastern Lobe with Phil Fortier. What excited me most for this trip were potentially prime conditions on the Western Lobe. As the brothers arrived back from their summit bids, I pressed forward. Skiing onto the face from the flat expanse of the mountains icecap to the steeper north side has an affect on me that I never tire of. The feeling is akin to peering from the edge of a tall building to city streets far below. And I love that wild, impractical foolishness of putting oneself under risk's wheels for-no-particularly-good-reason, of my edges gripping the slope for all they're worth and of my heart in my mouth trying to beat some sort of sense into that thick head of mine.
Mike, on the other hand, felt too much was against us (no rope or crevasse gear). I can't blame him. There's an indefinite amount of risk you take in skiing steep routes, and our plan puts us right between the cross hairs of rock and ice cliffs, which add even further danger. And yet, his brother Andy is young and unwise like me. While apprehensive, he was still willing to leap into the firing range. Mike donned crampons and climbed back out. He would descend the Coleman Deming route and we'd meet him at the bottom. It is good to know one's limits; I always respect people who don't let bravado push them into situations they aren't comfortable with for whatever reasons.
With careful negotiation, Andy and I cautiously picked our way down the face. During my breaks, I would look up or down and watch Andy turn. With steep skiing there is a freedom of being unrestrained, unhooked from the flat plane of Earth and tilted on an icy slope to be sent sliding downward. Unresolved as you are with gravity, perched in its realm, it is quite thrilling to find yourself once again on level ground, knowing you had navigated terrain challenging enough to test your solidarity and cohesion with the mountain environment. As a photographer I find it especially thrilling to be cast into the center of this excitement, right in the action. It is difficult to keep my feet under me when I am so overwhelmed by the sights. Once the camera is away, all bets are off because it is time to descend and it's why my heart beats and lungs breathe.
We wound our way to the far extremities of the headwall to bypass an icefall on harder snow that was less likely to slough away under our feet. It was nearly icier than we had hoped for, but after a few turns it softened. To our left, the face opened up even further. Five hundred feet below was a double set of bergschrunds, so we continued along a leftward traverse. Because the westerly-most face receives less sun, we had amazing turns all the way to those bergschrunds. A jump and traverse and we were free from the face and skiing outward to a point we could take in the entire route. It was a beauty!
While zigzagging my way through deep crevasses on the Coleman Glacier, I realized how much I adore Mount Baker. It is one of my favorite volcanoes. Not only because it has everything a skier and photographer would want — steep lines, big glaciers, encroaching forests, roaring rivers and placid lakes, but because it has a personality, an aged wisdom about her.
Gazing back to the snow and my ski tips, I kept mulling over my reasons for being here, even after Andy and I reconnected with Mike far down on the glacier. And even beyond to the hike through the forest to the cars and to Interstate 5 on my way home. Hours later, over my shoulder from my driver's seat, I couldn't help but steal glances of the moonlit-graced slopes of Mount Baker. Looking away, I realized that volcanoes can be as exhilarating as the rock-studded peaks of the North Cascades. I think you just have to get closer to their wrinkled, crumbing, and shadowed faces to really experience them for what they are as we did on the Coleman Headwall.cerely,
Photos by: Jason Hummel
Story by: Jason Hummel, Andy Traslin
Skiers: Andy Traslin, Mike Traslin and Jason Hummel

subset: commoncrawl


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Tributes have been paid to a fitness enthusiast who died after banging his head at a leisure centre.
Peter Betts was playing football with friends at King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove when he fell awkwardly.
Staff at the Brighton and Hove City Council-owned centre rushed to his aid and called an ambulance.
But despite the best efforts of paramedics and hospital experts, the 62-year-old, of Waldegrave Road, Brighton, died two days later.
Popular Mr Betts was a keen photographer of the South Downs and raised money for a number of charities, including The Argus Appeal.
Howie Blanks, the organiser of The Argus Appeal charity bike rides, said: "Everyone involved with the appeal has been really shocked to hear about Pete's tragic death.
"He was a popular fundraiser who always had a smile on his face – no matter how bad the weather was – and he has taken part in the last six Argus Appeal South Downs Challenges going back to 2006, raising a considerable sum.
"He would often encourage other cyclists and was particularly popular among the organisers and other regular cyclists.
"He will be sadly missed by so many who had the privilege to have known him."
Tragic accident
Mr Betts's wife, Ellen, said she wanted to thank all those who had cared for her husband after the accident.
She picked out staff at the King Alfred, the paramedics and staff in the intensive care unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital for special praise.
The incident took place on the evening of October 24 but full details have only just come to light.
A council spokesman said: "This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family of the deceased at this time."
An inquest into the death of Mr Betts will be held on January 14.
Leave your tributes to Mr Betts at theargus.co.uk or email email@example.com.
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
- Woman found dead at notorious flat following overdose on Class A drugs
- More cycle lanes could be coming to the city
- Victims of fake bus ticket fraud will 'not be left stranded'
- Guard of honour for much-loved police officer's funeral
- Student tells of Kos earthquake horror


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Key Largo offers many shopping experiences. Our wide variety of retail shops offer a selection of island clothing, unique custom jewelry, shoes, recreation equipment, tropical design items and much more.
Key Largo's retail experience also includes galleries, book stores, florists, pet shops, video rentals, awards & trophy shop, consignment shops, interior designers, fish markets and of course grocery stores.
Click here for a complete list of retail outlets.


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Audi Repair Questions? Ask a Mechanic for Answers ASAP
Hello there! I'm Eurocar ! I will try to assist you as much as I can.
was the fluid level checked?
you do know that you need a scan tool and a lift to check this properly ?
any leaks known like the cooler lines
it hasnt been since the new transmission has been installed
only leaks is recently the coolant level has been getting low. Took to shop last week to get checked out and they said i need heater hoses
ok first thing is a level check.
low fluid level can cause issues like this
if the fluid is full then a scan test would be needed to see if any faults is stored
if nothing out of the ordinary is not coming up then a pressure test is needed to narrow down to see if it is a pressure issue or a clutch issue
ok. i know its possible transmission could be bad, but what is the likelyhood
25% chance
this happens when cold only ?
ok thanks
it started yesterday when my wife was on her way home. she said she had to drive at a lower speed to get home.
when she gave it gas it just wouldnt respond
ok did the indicator on the dash (if you know) was it reading different or the check engine light come on?
check engine has been on for about 6 months saying the catalytic converter was bad. come find out it needs flex joints. i noticed when i got in and started, when it finally "jumped' into drive the indicator lights for park,neutral,drive,etc.. was all lit up
ok you need to scan the transmission control module and a code reader will not do this . you will need vag com or a professional scan tool that can read the trans module .
there is a fault in the trans module and that indication of the indicator with all gears highlighted is the tell tale sign that there is a fault
sorry for so many questions but does this mean transmission itself is good or no good
it may be only a sensor . it depends of what the code is stored.
ok. thanks for all your help
sure anytime please take time to fill out excellent service for the consultation given
have a safe day


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The lovable Labradoodle — one of the most popular designer pooches in America — does not live up to its hypoallergenic hype. Not only that, a recent study asserts that there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic canine, which means some dog breeds may be even higher maintenance than originally thought.
A report published last week in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology says dogs marketed as being hypoallergenic actually had higher Can f 1 levels — i.e. dog allergens — in hair and coat samples than did control breeds. "There is no evidence for the classification of certain dog breeds as being hypoallergenic," the report abstract concluded.
Scientists involved in the study examined hair and coat samples from dogs, as well as settled floor and airborne dust samples from the dogs' homes.


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Sanitary sewer line project to protect Washington County waterway
A $2.6 million, 20-year loan from PennVest, the state's Infrastructure Investment Authority, will enable the Burgettstown-Smith Joint Sewer Authority to lay sanitary sewer lines to protect a Washington County waterway from sewage contamination.
The state Department of Environmental Protection says more than half of on-lot sewer systems in a section of Smith Township are malfunctioning and endangering Plum Run.
Using the money approved Thursday, the authority plans to install more than a mile of line to replace those on-lot systems and prevent runoff. That would add nearly 100 ratepayers to the system.


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The two are joined by Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Renner and many others on the list of celebrities who will announce the winners at the awards show.
The Screen Actors Guild has tapped more stars to hand out prizes at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick are among those recently announced to take the presenting duties during the event.
Beside the singer/actor and the "Up in the Air" beauty, the awards show will also see Sigourney Weaver, Kyra Sedgwick, Ray Romano, Jeremy Renner, Carey Mulligan, Anthony Mackie, Felicity Huffman and Brian Geraghty announcing the winners that night. However, it has not been known the categories that they will read.
Previously, the awards show's organizers have announced some celebrities who will show up on the stage, mentioning the names such as Alec Baldwin, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Additionally, Anna Paquin, Meryl Streep, Jane Lynch, Michelle Monaghan, Chris O'Donnell and Stanley Tucci will make appearances at the ceremony.
The 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards will honor movies and TV in all 15 categories. The show will additionally present Betty White with Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement award. A gala for the event will be held on January 23 in Los Angeles and broadcast live by TNT and CBS starting at 8 P.M. ET/PT.


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Current Horses for Sale
Horses for sale include prospects for dressage, hunter/jumper or eventing. Our goal is to produce horses with a willing attitude that have been consistantly handled since birth. Dressage training and showing are supervised by Pernille Andree. Pictures by Merrick Studios.
LIMERICK 2011 ISR Colt
Landfriese II x Make A Wish
With a bold attitude, Limerick should be a good prospect for the hunter/jumper ring. He was a Premium colt at his inspection. His sire, Landfriese II, has produced many horses for the show ring. His dam produces willing and athletic foals.
RAZZMATAZZ 2010 ISR Gelding
Rubignon (Rubinstein) x Make A Wish (Macht)
Very promising prospect for the jumper ring. Flashy gelding who should mature over 17 hands. Easy going disposition, wants to please, a delight to handle. Razz received a premium rating of 8.2, with an 8.4 for "near perfect conformation" at the ISR inspection. His sire is Rubignon, an Oldenburg stallion who had International Grand Prix dressage wins and placings while in Sweden. Rubignon also scored 9s for jumping at his inspection and is noteworthy for both his superb temperament and movement. The dam was jumped to 3' before becoming a broodmare and produces foals with friendly, willing personalities.
Update: August 2011
Shown in breed classes where a judge said "I have never seen such a well behaved yearling."
Starting under saddle Spring 2013.
WATCH ME 2010 Oldenburg Filly
Wake Up! (Wagnis/Weltermeyer) x Diekenda (Deutschmark)
This promising filly should excel in the dressage arena. As a yearling, she was Reserve Champion Filly at the USDF Midstates Breeders' Championship Series in a large class of 1 to 3-year olds. Her sire is Wake Up! who was the sole US representative to the 2010 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany where he placed 16th in the 5 yr old class. In 2011, he won the US FEI 6-year old Young Horse Dressage Championships. Her dam is an AHS mare with wonderful gaits. In 2012 he was Reserved Champion in the USEF Developing Young Horse Championship.
Started under saddle with a willing disposition. Very balanced with good gaits. As one judge said "She's going to be a good one!"
PHOEBE 2009 Oldenburg Filly
Pablo (Pilot) x A. Jessica (Ansas)
Feminine young mare, 15-2. Phoebe is jumping 2'-6" with ease, and should make a great children's or small amateur hunter. She free jumps 4'-3" with a 4' spread showing good scope. Her sire, elite Hanoverian stallion, Pablo, has produced numerous Grand Prix competitors in both jumpers & dressage. The dam was a Hanoverian/TB mare who produced many foals with good jumping ability. Phoebe's price will increase with training.
WINDSONG 2009 AWR Filly
Wake Up! (Wagnis/Weltermeyer) x Make a Wish
This large bay filly has a bold "Look at me" presence. She is from the first foal crop of Wake Up! who was sixth in the 2009 FEI 4-Year Old Young Horse Dressage Championships. Windsong exhibits her sire's wonderful disposition and uphill movement. Sold to a trainer as a dressage prospect.
HIGH POINT ENCORE 2008 ISR Gelding
Escudo II x Make A Wish (Macht)
From the first foal crop in the U.S. by Escudo II comes this handsome bay colt. At inspection he was judged a good hunter prospect. Friendly disposition from his first days. Handles new experiences well. Upddate: At his first show - The American Royal, no less - he was reserve champion young horse under saddle! Encore handled being in the group of excited youngsters & working past the jumps in the arena like it was no big deal. The owner was thrilled.
LANCASTER 2006 16+H Oldenburg Gelding
Landkonig x A. Jessica (Ansas)
Hunter or dressage prospect. Started under saddle. Last measured at 16.0H; he should mature to 16.2 hands. Quiet, sweet disposition. Full sister jumping 4'. Update: Bought by a 16 year old who is winning consistantly in equitation & over fences. They love him & the trainer keeps asking if I have more like him.


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GM Repair Problems? Ask GM Repair Expert Now.
The extension cable runs from the back of the radio to the area behind the passenger side of the dash. That is why the upper dash must be removed. Let me know if you need additional instruction on removal of the upper dash panel.
Yes pulling the top of the dash is the only way to get to the cable.
Remove the end panels by pulling straight out. The left panel is shown, and the right panel is similar
Remove bezel around tauge cluster by tilting steering wheel down, set park brake and move shift lever all the way down. Then pull bezel straight back.
Lift the trim panel up to disconnect the electrical connector (1) to the ambient light sensor on the underside of the trim panel
Pull panel straight back.


text: Downloadable fingerprint tree guestbook #Decor DIY#birds#fingerprint tree#guestbook#printables January 4 | Megan Finley meggyfin Sabrina wanted to have a fingerprint guest book at her wedding. After perusing Etsy and not seeing anything that she couldn't pull off herself, she decided to do exactly that! She made her own fingerprint guest book in about ten minutes, using free stock photos of a tree and a bird. She made the birds match her wedding colors, and virtually carved her and her fiance's initials in the tree, then printed it out on card stock. And here it is in action at the wedding: If you'd like to use this fingerprint tree guest book as a template, Sabrina has been kind enough to let you download a PDF file of the fingerprint tree for your very own. And just for funsies, here's a gorgeous shot of Sabrina and Will on their wedding day: Get your daily dose of Offbeat AWESOME Reporter Name * Reporter Email * Original text Enter the original text here. Edited text* Enter your suggested copyedit here. Notes You can add a note for the editor here. * Required information. Fix Typo Megan Finley Megan Finley is the LA-based Offbeat Empire editor. When she's not writing, editing, and sleeping, she's eating, drinking, and geeking. You can snoop into her personal life over on her website Funk in Deep Freeze! @meggyfin @meggyfin PREVIOUS Erin & Jeff's Scottish tartan and balloon animal wedding NEXT High school sweethearts get married 18 years after their first date Show/Hide comments [ 15 ] DAMN IT! I just paid a bijillion dollars for the Bleu de Toi handmade tree. Oh well….it's good to fund artists! 8 agree Awww so pretty, great idea.. have downloaded it and will use a version of it at my wedding! luff luff!!xo 3 agree Aww such a great idea, I love it! 🙂 I just might use it in my wedding, thanks for sharing 😀 3 agree http://offbeatbride.com/2010/04/duplicate-it-yourself-the-dark-side-of-diy Just saying. 1 agrees There are dozens of free fingerprint tree templates available online, so I'm not sure this really qualifies as the dark side of DIY. 8 agree I'm not familiar with a fingerprint tree…do the guests put their print and signature? I've never heard of this idea but I LOVE it! 1 agrees i saw one on etsy that i really liked it was a tree as well, but instead of fingerprints it had little cut out leaves that were sticking off the page that guests could sign.. i dont know if i will go with that or a variation of the two, we shall see, but im definitely making it myself! 🙂 Its great you posted it as a free download! 1 agrees what kind of paper did you use for the tree itself? We tried it on canvas and the fingerprints don't come out very clear. 1 agrees We used regular kraft cardstock.It was matte so there was very little smearing. 2 agree I haven't been on OBB in a while and I am just now seeing this post. I'm so happy that I could share this with other brides and check one more thing off that neverending to do list. 1 agrees Thank you for sharing! This is just what my step-daughter wanted and you can't beat the price! I think this is great for someone a little artistically challenged or has little time to do, but another option would be to go to the craft store and make it a project for the bride and groom! I was able to get a Large canvas for cheap and paint so we are going to paint the tree and ourselves underneath. I am all about adding in as many personal touches as possible, plus it is so fun. 1 agrees Thank You for the template! This is a creative and cute idea!! Still can't edit either of these versions. 11 agree The PSD file should be editable using Photoshop. 36 agree Comments are closed.


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This is great news. We're looking into supporting OpenID here at Newsvine as well and have wanted to for quite some time.
Digg to support OpenID
Current Status: Blessed (1)
Seeded on Tue Feb 20, 2007 12:45 PM
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Trophy Wives Insist It's Not Enough To Just Be Pretty Anymore
The "new" trophy wives of today aren't just buxom and bouncy-haired, a helpful piece in the New York Post informs us. Women who serve as arm candy to their husbands are now expected to hold multiple degrees, publish books, and wax knowledgeably about the stock market.
Um, yay, feminism? Nope.
The Post spoke with several women married to rich doctors or financiers who are conventionally attractive — one is a former Playboy centerfold, another was a model for Elite — but take being called "arm candy" or "trophy wife" as a compliment. Why? Because these ladies have other accomplishments. Several hold multiple degrees; one has written "25 New Age self-help books"; and another is an artist who also wrote a self-help guide. It's about how catch your own investment banker hubby called How To Get A Rich Man: The Princess Formula. Yes, really. Trophy wives of today just have so much good advice to share, I guess.
Do these women want a cookie because they have jobs and educations? Because they conceal their tits under their clothes when they spend the weekend in the Hamptons with their husband's boss (an actual story from the piece)? The rest of us are doing that anyway, dearies. I understand that these woman are proud of their past/current careers, some of which have made them financially successful on their own merit. They have every right to be pursue their goals and dreams, of course. But there's a bit of difference in the kudos that are deserved between a woman who has opportunities that come from wealth and access (example: that Pippa Middleton cookbook) versus a woman who has financial and career success because she's a financial whiz, or a brain surgeon, or a top lawyer. There's the bunny slope and the black diamonds, ladies. Acknowledge which one you're actually on.
There's a nugget of good news in this terrible Post article, at least: modern women are well-educated and generally expected bring more to the table in relationships nowadays than just their silicone tits and baby oven. Comparisons to Anna Nicole Smith are justifiably considered rude to these wives. But, sorry, there's nothing laudable or feminist about viewing a woman as a "trophy," period. Women are people, not trophies. That applies even to women with impressive accomplishments. I don't want my fiancé to keep me at his side because of the university on my resume or the publications that I've been published in. That's not how I want to be valued by other people. I'm a human being, not someone's bragging rights.
In any case, the demographic of women for whom this trophy wife lifestyle even applies — especially in this economy — is so minute almost to be offensive. It's like the stay-at-home mother versus working mother "mommy wars" on crack. Something tells me these ladies would make great friends with the Thought Catalog writer who doesn't want people to hate her because her parents are wealthy.
Notably, several of the husbands didn't want their names printed in the article because they "shun publicity." Or because they were smart enough to realize this article would be embarrassing.
Follow me on Twitter. Email me at [email protected]
[Image of trophy wife and husband via Shutterstock]


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Ozebook - History eBooks on offer
Antwerp to Gallipoli - A Year of the War on Many Fronts—and Behind Them
Chapter II. Paris At Bay
Chapter III. After The Marne
Chapter IV. The Fall Of Antwerp
Chapter V. Paris Again—And Bordeaux: Journal of a Flight from a London Fogs
Chapter VI. "The Great Days"
Chapter VII. Two German Prison Camps
Chapter VIII. In The German Trenches At La Bassee
Chapter IX. The Road To Constantinople
Chapter X. The Adventure Of The Fifty Hostages
Chapter XI. With The Turks At The Dardanelles
Chapter XII. Soghan-Dere And The Flier Of Ak-Bash
Chapter XIII. A War Correspondents' Village
Chapter XIV. Cannon Fodder
Chapter XV. East Of Lemberg—Through Austria-Hungary to the Galician Front
Chapter XVI. In The Dust Of The Russian Retreat
A fascinating behind the scenes account of WW1.....Arthur Ruhl was privileged to see the Dardanelles and Gallipoli fronts from behind Turkish lines.
A keen observer his reports make fascinating reading.
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Former Assemblyman Paul Koretz announced Thursday that he plans to run for the Los Angeles City Council seat set to be vacated in 2009 by Councilman Jack Weiss.
Koretz, a former councilman in West Hollywood, said he now lives in the Beverly-Fairfax area and has long wanted to run for council to represent the area.
"When I was 19, I wanted to run but (county Supervisor) Zev Yaroslavsky was in the race, so I ran for the school board instead," said Koretz, who was termed out of his Assembly seat last year.
Koretz said he believes the main issues facing the district - which includes portions of the south San Fernando Valley - are development and transportation.
He said he has already received support from several council members, including Dennis Zine, Herb Wesson and Bill Rosendahl.
Former City Controller Rick Tuttle also has said he is interested in running for the seat.
Weiss has announced plans to run for city attorney.


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BlackBeltStudio - Chasing some cool barking sounds? Want to freshen up your ringtone collection with dog barking sounds? Check our app.
One of the commonest sound dog makes is barking sound, and if you like dogs, you would probably like to have a barking dog sounds in your mobile.
This app is bringing different barking sounds you can have fun with or have fun with other people, kids or even other pets. It has many different uses, for example, dogs sounds can be used to scare people, neighbours, or maybe even to deter home invaders. Also, you can set a dog ringtone as the alarm to wake you in the mornings, and never oversleep again.
We are pleased to offer interesting dog ringtones for you to listen and download for free. You are on the right place if you want to find barking ringtones, free ringtones. We made it easy for you to browse and search the sounds in our app. You can set sound as the ringtone, set as contact ringtone, as SMS sound, widget, alarm, timer. You can assign a sound for your friends and family, set to a specific content, as a message sound. Save, send by Bluetooth, share on social networks or email to all people you know. But for the most part, you will enjoy it, spread some cheer and make people smile.


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Militants' missile hit puts Israel on edge
Subdued ... Palestinians sit in the gas-lit living room of a house
in the town of Rafah.
Photo: AP
ISRAEL is once again vowing to step up its military operations in the Gaza Strip after Palestinian militants succeeded for the first time in hitting an Israeli city with a home-made missile.
The armed wing of the Palestinian Authority ruling party, Hamas, said its militants built and fired a new type of missile that struck a schoolyard in central Ashkelon on Tuesday evening.
The attack caused no injuries, but demonstrated that Palestinians can now fire their light missiles to a range of 12 kilometres - enough to threaten Ashkelon, home to 110,000 people, a big industrial zone and Israel's main oil-fired electricity plant.
Israel's Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, already committed to using force to free the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, said the rocket attack would have "unprecedented, far-reaching consequences".
"This is an escalation without precedent in the terrorist war waged by the Hamas movement that now controls the Palestinian Authority," he said.
The firing of Hamas's new twin-engined Qassam rocket came less than a month after the group's armed wing ended a 15-month ceasefire in response to a series of Israeli attacks that killed civilians and militants in Gaza.
In recent months, Israeli forces have fired thousands of heavy artillery shells and scores of ground-to-air missiles into Gaza in a campaign to prevent smaller militant groups from firing rockets at nearby Israeli communities.
Until now, the relatively short range of the Palestinian rockets has meant the main target has been the Israeli border town of Sderot, mainly populated by recent immigrants.
At the time of Tuesday's attack, Israel was already threatening to escalate its air and ground campaigns inside the Gaza Strip, stepped up in response to the June 25 capture of Corporal Shalit in a dawn raid on his tank position on Gaza's southern border.
Mr Olmert has repeatedly ruled out freeing any Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the soldier, as demanded by his Hamas-led captors. Last week, Israeli troops arrested most of the Hamas cabinet and members of parliament based in the West Bank and threatened to assassinate the group's political leaders in Gaza.
A statement from the militants who claim to be holding the soldier said yesterday that there would be no further talks after Israel failed to respond to Tuesday's deadline.
However, a statement from the smallest of the groups, the previously unknown Islamic Army, said it would be "unIslamic" for them to kill their captive.
Israeli artillery and aircraft continue to attack the Gaza Strip in a drive to frighten the militants into freeing the soldier. Early yesterday, aircraft attacked the Palestinian Authority Interior Ministry for the second time this week.
Did you know you could pay less than $1 a day for a subscription to the Herald? Subscribe today.


text: |In connection with the American Association for Highway Improvement, the Touring Club of America begins a road inspection tour of Virginia to secure data as to highway conditions and especially the improvement of the notoriously bad highway between Richmond and Washington,DC, in time for the American Road Congress in November. OPR's Paul Sargent and J. E. Pennybacker, Jr., join the party, which is officially started by Vice President J. S. Sherman. (President William H. Taft agrees to attend the American Road Congress but only on condition that he not have to motor to Richmond over Virginia's roads.)


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Robert Craig Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
Winemaker's Notes
Lovely aromas of dark red fruit, mountain lavender and white pepper are layered with Howell Mountain's dusty volcanic perfume. Succulent, wild mountain berries and raspberry preserves are enlivened by pretty notes of wildflowers, signature Howell Mountain pepper and sweet spice. More deep berry, black cherry and dusty red stone flavors pour through with great weight in the mid-palate, building to a deliciously long finish. Exceptional structure defines this Cabernet; exhibiting lively and expressive flavors, complimented byround, full tannins. Decanting is recommended.
Critical Acclaim
Wine & Spirits - "Howell Mountain cabernets are often noted for the power of their tannins. This one shares that power: Grown on red volcanic soils at the estate vineyard adjacent to Robert Craig's Winery - the west face of a ridge top closing in on 2,300 feet - it builds intensity out of dark fruit tones and the black spice of its tannins. At first, those tannins feel luxurious, richly layered with cedar and cool forest scents. Their complexity gains with air, as does the wine's refinement, subsuming power into tremendous length of flavor. It brings on a scent memory of camping in the woods - a cabernet that excites the senses, structured to develop for years in the bottle. "
Wine Enthusiast - "An awesome Cabernet, as deep and dramatic as they come. It shows the incredibly concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit of Howell Mountain, along with firm tannins. Lots of new oak provides powerful notes of toast and caramel, but the wine is so big it easily handles the barrel influence. This needs time, and will begin to mellow by 2018 and glide through its changes for many years beyond."
Vinous / Antonio Galloni - "The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an effortless and totally gracious wine. It doesn't have the overt weight and power of the Mt. Veeder bottling, instead all the elements are much more subtle. Make no mistake, there is plenty of underlying structure, power and depth. The essence of raspberry jam, flowers, mint and sweet spices is layered in the elegant finish. This is another wine that will require further time in bottle to show its best. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. "
International Wine Cellar - "Good deep, bright ruby. Aromas of cassis, espresso, licorice and dark chocolate. Deep and sweet but tightly wound, with highly concentrated flavors of black fruits, licorice and violet. Dense and very long, finishing with piquant pepper-and-spice lift and surprisingly fine-grained tannins for a mountain wine.
Rating: 92(+?)"
- View All
Robert Craig Cellars Winery
Robert Craig Winery showcases four Cabernet Sauvignons produced from Napa Valley mountain and hillside vineyards, including Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate vineyard, Affinity, a classic Bordeaux-style Cabernet, and powerhouse Cabernets from Mount Veeder and Spring Mountain. Each wine conveys a unique personality derived from the soils, climate and varietal characteristics of the growing region. Robert Craig has been a pioneer in mountain vineyard development for over 30 years. During the 1980s, he directed vineyard and winery development on Mount Veeder. Robert Craig wines debuted in 1992. The winery facility is located at 2300 feet atop Howell Mountain, with a Tasting Salon in Downtown Napa. View all Robert Craig Cellars Wines
About Napa ValleyView a map of Napa Valley wineries
It's hard not to think of Napa Valley when thinking of California wines. The region is, after all, the one that brought world recognition to California wine making. The area was settled by a few choice wine families in the 1960's who bet that the wines of the area would grow and flourish. They were right. The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980's, when vineyard lands were scooped up and vines were planted throughout the county. A number of wineries emerged, from large conglomerates to small boutiques to cult classics. Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely the grape of choice here, with many winemakers also focusing on Bordeaux Blends. Whites are usually Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Notable FactsWithin the Napa Valley lie smaller sub-AVAs that lend even more character specifics to the wines. Furthest south is Carneros, followed by Yountville, Oakville & Rutherford. Above those two is St.-Helena and finally, just granted an AVA, Calistoga. These areas are situated on the valley floor and are known for creating rich, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. There are a few mountain regions as well, nestled on the slopes overlooking the valley AVAs. Those include Howell Mountain, Stags Leap and Mount Veeder. Wines from the mountain regions are often more structured and firm, benefiting from more time in the bottle to evolve and soften.
About CaliforniaIt's not rare to see a wine's country of origin listed as "California." A country unto itself in the wine world, California makes enough varieties and styles to match many European wine countries. It produces a diverse range of wines that span the quality spectrum.
The most famous of the California wine regions is Napa Valley, and these wines are certainly outstanding – but it's not as broad and diverse as its larger neighbor, Sonoma County. Down south, Santa Barbara's Santa Maria Valley is well-known for its Rhône blends, as well as cool-climate varieties like Pinot and Chardonnay. The Central Coast, the largest California AVA, has many different microclimates that lead to a wide range of wines with many sub-AVAs.
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text: Posted June 22, 2010 I've been here for over a year as many of you know and recall (if you've gotten off that bender finally) but I'm still somewhat confused by how people's rep power is determined. Mine's 15. Does that mean 15 different posts of mine have been repped, or I get more rep when people with high rep give me rep? Once your head stops spinning, I'd like an answer, I'm curious and this is something to discuss other than Smith's arm/Davis/Jake still/Peppers/Moore. 3 people like this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Fun dining-A A +A
Friday, May 23, 2014
WHEN it comes to good combinations, elements like "fun" and "food" usually make up for a good mix.
For Sprockets Cafe, the fun part is relatively easy. The place is most popular among young customers, who seek a good hangout that also serves great food and drinks.
Evidence of its success can be seen with its growth in the past couple of years.
Sprockets has three branches here in Metro Cebu. The main outlet, located along Apitong St., Escario, Cebu City, was launched in April 2012. A year after, a branch in Talamban was opened in July 2013. Recently this year, the brand introduced its third branch located at the ground floor of the Baseline residences.
When she started the business, proprietor Rachel Arandilla had it in mind to open a venue where people can just chill and hangout. So from the start, Sprockets was known for its milk teas. But over time, the cafe reinvented itself as a player in the city's food scene as well. Their dishes are as just as creative and tasty as the place's snazzy interior suggests.
"We wanted to go beyond just being a milk tea place. We wanted to be more like a creative café or hub that offers milk tea, coffee and casual or comfort food," shares Rachel.
Indeed, the cafe capitalized on the opportunity for the business to flourish. Now, its patrons—usually consisting of young people, who are unofficial christened by Rachel as "Sprocketeers"—flock to their favorite Sprockets branches anywhere in the city to chill, hang out and grab a bite or two.
"Our pizzas are the bestsellers, topped with alfalfa and arugula. Quesadillas and our fettupasta are also popular for snacks. For main dishes, we have unique selections such us our Keanu Ribs and Pan-Seared Salmon—these are also our bestsellers," Rachel enumerates. For the adventurous, the grilled ostrich steak should be worth a try.
Of course, this is not to say that the quality drinks have been abandoned all together.
Milk teas, coffee drinks, frosts, fresh fruit shakes, frappes and Italian sodas—the brand continues to whip up the popular favorites. The regular milk tea fares such as wintermelon, honeydew and taro are available. For its frost series, the "Taro Frost" and "Oreo Chip Frost" are hits.
If you don't know what to try out, here's a recommendation from the boss herself.
"I recommend the 'Chocolate Milk Tea with Cheese Sauce'; it has a unique and different kind of taste," Rachel shares.
For its desserts, the café serves Oreo-chilled cheesecakes, red or blue velvet cupcakes topped in cream cheese, and its classic "Molten Choco Lava." Its "Team Brownie" cakes are also very popular among students as they come in several flavors—smores, red velvet, salted caramel, dark fudge, choco mint and cookie butter.
Besides good taste and affordable prices, Rachel is quick to point out another element which sets her cafe's food apart from the rest.
"We serve great comfort food. It's like the girlfriend who cheers you up after a bad break-up, or the one that laughs at your corny jokes. We serve the types of food that I like to describe as, 'warm and friendly.'"
The food and drinks should pair well for the events that happen on a weekly basis for its main branch in Escario. On Mondays, Tabletop Nights are held when patrons play new and modern board games; the event hosted by Ballista Games. On Wednesdays, Slogos Nights are on. It's a fun quiz night of logos, slogans, pop culture and trivia where you can come as a team and win Sprockets gift certificates and bragging rights.
Now that's a place that encourages some fun dining. All three branches of Sprockets are open every day from 11 a.m. - 12 midnight.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on May 24, 2014.
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The report details five recent incidents of Taser use, including one in which an officer fired a Taser at a "young" burglary suspect who tried to run away from the officer. Some of the Taser deployments would have been appropriate under the previous department policy, which permits Taser use when suspects are "actively resisting," which includes such actions as "tensing" or "bracing" to resist arrest. The new policy, adopted by the police department earlier this year, created a stricter standard and requires that the suspect "pose an immediate threat of physical injury before firing a Taser is appropriate."
In the case of the unnamed "young man," the officer who fired the Taser appears to have violated even the original, less strict, policy. The officer fired the weapon after the young man ignored an officer's order to stop and then began to run away. The officer missed, but the man, hearing the sound of the Taser, stopped running, lay down on the ground and allowed police to handcuff him. He had a small knife and a screwdriver in his pocket and was arrested for possession of burglary tools, according to the auditor's report.
Though a police supervisor initially determined the officer's use of the Taser fell within the department's policy, Police Chief Dennis Burns had "misgivings" about the incident and ordered a new review. That investigation concluded the officer failed to comply with the existing policy because the officer had minimal evidence at the time about the suspect's intent to burglarize and because the suspect's flight did not constitute "exigent circumstances" or "active resistance or active aggression." The auditor agreed with the review's findings, and the officer was forced to undergo new training and receive counseling.
In other cases, officers appeared to have followed the department's previous Taser policy (which was in effect at the time of the incidents) but would not have been in compliance with the revised policy. In one case, officers tried to handcuff a male suspect who appeared "angry, intoxicated and agitated" and who became "verbally confrontational." Two officers grabbed the man's hands and bent him forward; a third officer, under direction from his supervisor, fired a Taser at the man's back.
Though the supervisor said the suspect in this case was "actively resisting" by "tensing" during the arrest, both Gennaco and managers in the department had "significant concerns" about the incident. They concluded the Taser deployment was "minimally within the original policy" but would have been in violation of the new policy.
Gennaco reached a similar conclusion in another case, in which a suspect hit a police patrol vehicle with his car, ran a red light and hit three parked cars and a light post before stopping his car. He then tried to run away, but officers soon apprehended him.
The officer whose car was hit caught up to the suspect while the other officers were handcuffing him. Though one hand was already in a handcuff, the suspect's "muscles tightened" while officers were trying to secure his left arm. The officer whose car was hit then fired a Taser at the suspect, who was arrested without further incident.
After reviewing the incident, the department and Gennaco concluded that "had this Taser deployment been undertaken under the new revised policy, the application would have been out of policy."
Gennaco wrote that the police department's revised policy also provides guidance on "multiple cycling" of the Taser. Under the new policy, an officer must re-evaluate the circumstances and consider whether the suspect still poses an "immediate threat" before a Taser is fired for a second time.
"The new policy restricts use of the Taser to more appropriate situations that are consistent with recent legal opinions," Gennaco wrote. "Now that the revised policy has been issued, the Department has begun to provide the necessary training to familiarize officers with the new requirements."
The report also mentions an incident in which an officer's firing of the Taser appeared to be "timely, appropriate and in compliance with the Department's policy, then and now." This case involved two brothers, one of whom the police knew had a history of mental illness (his mother told the police he was "possibly violent, suicidal and delusional"). After leaving his vehicle, the older brother approached a female officer and "raised his arms over his head." The female officer pulled his hands down and other officers moved in to try to restrain him, but he began to wrestle with them.
At this point, the female officer fired a Taser at his back, but the darts "made insufficient contact and were ineffectual." The younger brother joined the fray but was quickly pulled away by an officer. Other officers arrived and tried to place the older brother into the police vehicle but could not do so. Ultimately, paramedics and firefighters arrived, secured the older brother to a gurney and took him to a hospital in an ambulance.
Gennaco said he reviewed tapes of the entire incident and was "impressed by the officers' calm professionalism during the incident and their patience in dealing with a mentally disturbed individual."


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These authors contributed equally to this work.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
This study investigated the effect of proximity to city parks on blood pressure categories during the first trimester of pregnancy. This cross-sectional study included 3,416 female residents of the city of Kaunas, Lithuania, who were enrolled in the FP7 PHENOTYPE project study. The women were classified into four blood pressure categories: optimal, normal, high-normal blood pressure, and hypertension. Multinomial regression models were used to investigate the association between three women's groups with respect to the residence distances from city parks (300, >300–1,000, and >1,000 m) and four blood pressure categories. When using the optimal blood pressure as the reference group, the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for normal blood pressure and for high-normal blood pressure proved to be statistically significantly higher after the inclusion of the selected covariates into the regression analysis. The probability of normal blood pressure increased by 9%, and that of high-normal blood pressure—by 14% for every 300 m increase in the distance to green spaces. The findings of this study suggest a beneficial impact of nearby city parks on blood pressure amongst 20- to 45-year-old women. This relationship has important implications for the prevention of hypertension and the reduction of hypertension-related morbidity.
Environmental exposures have long been suspected to have an independent influence on health outcomes, particularly in terms of cardiovascular disease and hypertension—the second leading cause of chronic diseases worldwide [
There is little research on the association between air pollution exposure with blood pressure levels in early pregnancy [
Assessments of the relationships between exposure to natural outdoor environments and blood pressure are sparse, and the associations with the effects of different blood pressure categories remain uncertain [
This study was conducted as part of the Positive Health Effects of the Natural Outdoor Environment in Typical Populations in Different Regions in Europe (PHENOTYPE) project funded by the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme (
To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the association between green space and blood pressure groups in early pregnancy. In this paper, we hypothesised that the impact of green space on blood pressure amongst women depends on the proximity of the place of residence from the city park. Furthermore, we explored whether the associations of city park proximity differed in four blood pressure categories among the studied women, while controlling for confounding variables.
This cross-sectional study was a part of a larger project on health effects of the natural outdoor environment (
The study participants' blood pressure was measured by a well-trained physician. The blood pressure measurements were taken in a seated position, after five minutes of rest, using a mercury column sphygmomanometer placed on the right arm. The mean value of two blood pressure readings—systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure levels—over a two-minute interval was documented for each participant. The estimation of the blood pressure category was based on at least two blood pressure readings taken on two separate occasions. At baseline examination, women were classified into one of the four blood pressure categories based on the ESH-ESC 2007criteria: optimal (SBP < 120 mm Hg and DBP < 80 mm Hg), normal (SBP 120 to 129 mm Hg or DBP 80 to 84 mm Hg), high-normal blood pressure (SBP 130 to 139 mm Hg or DBP 85 to 89 mm Hg), and hypertension (SBD ≥ 140 or DBP ≥ 90 mm Hg) [
Pregnant women were asked to complete questionnaires provided to them at the clinic. The interview queried women regarding demographics, chronic diseases (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and diabetes), and duration of residence. Women reported their age at inclusion (less than 30 years or 30 years and older), education (primary, secondary, or university-level), social status (worker, student, unemployed—low; housekeeper, officer—medium; manager, company owner—high), marital status (married, not married), smoking (non-smoker or smokes at least one cigarette per day), alcohol consumption (0–1 drinks per week or 2 and more drinks per week), and other potential risk factors for hypertension. Body mass index (BMI) (<25, 25–30, >30) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). The respondents' perceived stress was measured by a question: "My daily activities are very trying and stressful". The four response options were: "this describes me very well" (1), "fairly well" (2), "not very well" (3), or "not at all" (4), were scored with 1–4 points, and were used to define stress. Values 1 and 2 were considered to represent "stress", and values 3 or 4—"no stress".
Spatial land cover data sets for the city of Kaunas were obtained from the municipality, and were processed using ArcGIS 10 software to produce the green space classification. Our definition of "green space" included all structured Kaunas municipality recreational places treated as City Parks larger than 1 ha; most of them had 65% of the area covered with trees. All the parks are open to public and offer similar recreation opportunities (e.g., walking, jogging, rollerblading, physical training, or resting on the bench) and locations (located among residential homes or establishments, and near public transport lines).
We used GIS to estimate the distance to the nearest park for 3,416 women at their current residential address. We determined three green space distance categories to the nearest park, using circular buffers with a radius of <300 m, 300–1,000 m, and >1,000 m around each woman's place of residence. This choice was selected on the basis of European guidelines for access to recreation green spaces [
We used chi-square tests to compare the values and frequencies of baseline characteristics by the blood pressure category of the women. Predictor variables whose univariate test showed a statistically significant association (
In this cross-sectional study, 3,416 women had complete blood pressure data and could be geocoded according to their residential address. The women who participated in the study were predominantly Lithuanian by their ethnic origin (97.4%), and were non-smokers (93.2%). The mean age was 28.4 years, and the women tended to be well-educated (54.6% of them—with a university degree). The prevalence of hypertension was 14.0%.
Distribution (%) of women's characteristics by blood pressure category.
|Risk Factors for Hypertension
|Blood Pressure Category a
|<30 years
|498 (23.8)
|1,089 (52.0)
|221 (10.6)
|285 (13.6)
|≥30 years
|359 (27.1)
|656 (49.6)
|119 (9.0)
|189 (14.3)
|834 (25.1)
|1,693 (50.9)
|333 (10.0)
|466 (14.0)
|23 (25.5)
|52 (57.8)
|7 (7.8)
|8 (8.9)
|Primary school
|44 (26.2)
|98 (58.3)
|10 (6.0)
|16 (9.5)
|Secondary school
|308 (22.2)
|737 (53.1)
|119 (8.6)
|223 (16.1)
|University degree
|505 (27.2)
|910 (48.9)
|235 (12.6)
|716 (25.5)
|1,435 (51.0)
|279 (9.9)
|384 (13.6)
|Not married
|141 (23.4)
|310 (51.5)
|61 (10.1)
|90 (15.0)
|224 (22.2)
|544 (53.9)
|85 (8.4)
|157 (15.5)
|488 (26.8)
|906 (49.7)
|195 (10.6)
|235 (12.9)
|133 (26.2)
|255 (50.3)
|52 (10.3)
|67 (13.2)
|<25 Underweight and normal
|639 (31.8)
|1,017 (50.7)
|172 (8.6)
|179 (8.9)
|25–30 Overweight
|175 (18.0)
|532 (54.8)
|116 (12.0)
|147 (15.2)
|>30 Obesity
|43 (9.8)
|196 (44.7)
|52 (11.8)
|148 (33.7)
|No child
|344 (22.5)
|790 (51.8)
|170 (11.1)
|223 (14.6)
|≥1 child
|513 (27.1)
|955 (50.6)
|170 (9.0)
|251 (13.3)
|800 (25.1)
|1,628 (51.2)
|306 (9.6)
|449 (14.1)
|57 (24.5)
|117 (50.2)
|34 (14.6)
|25 (10.7)
|500 (27.9)
|886 (49.5)
|169 (9.4)
|236 (13.2)
|350 (22.0)
|836 (52.6)
|170 (10.7)
|234 (14.7)
|613 (23.8)
|1,351 (52.3)
|267 (10.3)
|351 (13.6)
|244 (29.3)
|394 (47.2)
|73 (8.8)
|123 (14.7)
|798 (24.9)
|1,636 (50.9)
|325 (10.1)
|453 (14.1)
|59 (28.9)
|109 (53.4)
|15 (7.4)
|21 (10.3)
|611 (24.6)
|1,293 (52.1)
|229 (9.2)
|351 (14.1)
|246 (26.4)
|452 (48.5)
|111 (11.9)
|123 (13.2)
Distribution (%) of women's characteristics according to green space distance categories.
|Green Space Distance Category a
|<300 m
|300–1,000 m
|>1,000 m
|<30 years
|535 (62.5)
|1,254 (61.0)
|304 (59.6)
|≥30 years
|322 (37.5)
|803 (39.0)
|198 (39.4)
|718 (83.8)
|1,697 (82.5)
|399 (79.5)
|Not married
|139 (16.2)
|360 (17.5)
|103 (20.5)
|Primary school
|39 (4.6)
|101 (4.9)
|28 (5.6)
|Secondary school
|380 (44.3)
|804 (39.1)
|203 (40.4)
|University degree
|438 (51.1)
|1,152 (56.0)
|271 (54.0)
|795 (92.8)
|1,918 (93.2)
|470 (93.6)
|62 (7.2)
|139 (6.8)
|32 (6.4)
|436 (51.7)
|1,093 (53.6)
|262 (52.7)
|407 (48.3)
|948 (46.4)
|235 (47.3)
|810 (94.5)
|1,936 (94.1)
|466 (92.8)
|47 (5.5)
|121 (5.9)
|36 (7.2)
|<120/80 mmHg
|225 (26.3)
|527 (25.6)
|105 (20.9)
|120-129/80-84 mm Hg
|434 (50.6)
|1,046 (50.9)
|265 (52.8)
|130-139/85-89 mm Hg
|76 (8.9)
|199 (9.7)
|65 (12.9)
|≥140 or ≥90 mm Hg
|122 (14.2)
|285 (13.9)
|67 (13.3)
|832 (97.1)
|1,997 (97.1)
|497 (99.0)
|25 (2.9)
|60 (2.9)
|5 (1.0)
|No child
|400 (47.8)
|917 (44.6)
|200 (39.8)
|≥1 child
|447 (52.2)
|1,140 (55.4)
|302 (60.2)
|648 (75.6)
|1546 (75.2)
|388 (77.3)
|209 (24.4)
|511 (24.8)
|114 (22.7)
|263 (31.6)
|597 (29.6)
|150 (30.4)
|449 (54.0)
|1,120 (55.6)
|255 (51.6)
|120 (14.4)
|298 (14.8)
|89 (18.0)
|<25 Underweight and normal
|525 (61.3)
|1,199 (58.3)
|283 (56.4)
|25–30 Overweight
|225 (26.3)
|592 (28.8)
|153 (30.5)
|>30 Obesity
|107 (12.5)
|266 (12.9)
|66 (13.1)
|644 (75.1)
|1,477 (71.8)
|363 (72.3)
|213 (24.9)
|580 (28.2)
|139 (27.7)
Study participants were evenly distributed by distance to green spaces according to age, marital status, maternal stress, education, smoking, ethnicity, and other variables, but not for parity. The proportion of women with optimal blood pressure tended to be higher in the area nearest to the park (26.3%) than in the farthest area (20.9%), while the proportion of women with high-normal blood pressure tended to be higher in the area farthest to the park than in the nearest to the park area (12.9% and 8.9%, respectively). Overweight and maternal stress tended to increase with increasing distance between the place of residence and the nearest city park.
Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for increased blood pressure according the proximity to city parks.
|Blood Pressure Categories
|Green Space Distance
|OR a
|<300 m
|434 (24.9)
|300–1,000 m
|1046 (59.9)
|>1,000 m
|265 (15.2)
|High-normal 130–139/
|<300 m
|76 (22.4)
|300–1,000 m
|199 (58.5)
|>1,000 m
|65 (19.1)
|Hypertension ≥140 or
|<300 m
|122 (25.8)
|300–1,000 m
|285 (60.1)
|>1,000 m
|67 (14.1)
Notes: OR (crude odds ratios) are based on multinomial regression models, and reflect the risk for an increase in blood pressure category depending on the distance to city parks, compared to the reference group (optimal blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg).
In univariate analysis (crude OR), distance to green spaces was positively related to the normal blood pressure category, compared to the reference category (optimal blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg). With increasing distance to city parks, the increase in the odds ratios for high-normal blood pressure was statistically significant; the crude ORs were 1.12, 95% CI 0.82–1.52 and 1.83, 95% CI 1.22–2.75, respectively, for moderate and the farthest distance
Adjusting for age, education, socioeconomic position, passive smoking, BMI, chronic disease, parity, and stress did not substantially change the odds ratios, showing statistically significant results for the normal and high-normal blood pressure categories (1.37, 95% CI 1.03–1.82 and 1.74, 95% CI 1.14–2.66 for the farthest
In this cross-sectional study, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis models revealed that the proximity of the place of residence to green spaces was associated with lower blood pressure among pregnant women. We observed statistically significant positive relationships of the prevalence of optimal-normal blood pressure and high-normal blood pressure with the distance of the place of residence from city parks. Using the optimal blood pressure as the reference group, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for normal blood pressure and for high-normal blood pressure were statistically significant higher after the inclusion of the selected covariates in the categorical multinomial regression models. The analysis of continuous variables also showed an increase in the risk for normal blood pressure group by 9% and for high-normal blood pressure group ‒ by 14% for every 300 m increase in the distance from green spaces. However, the association between proximity to city parks and the hypertension group was not statistically significant.
To address the question regarding if and how much green space as an independent factor contributes to blood pressure differences during first trimester of pregnancy, we used data from the well-characterised study of pregnant women of the city of Kaunas. Women during the first trimester of pregnancy are a suitable group for the study of hypertensive disorders, since even though changes in pregnancy lead to an increased stress on the cardiovascular system, such effects mainly occur from the second trimester of pregnancy on [
In this study, the impact of residential proximity to city parks on the doctor-diagnosed increased blood pressure were estimated by multinomial regression models with adjustments for age, education, body mass index, passive smoking, chronic diseases, alcohol consumption, and parity. We observed an impact on blood pressure even when the distance to a city park was included simultaneously in the model together with other individual covariates. The estimated impact showed an exposure-response pattern.
Our results may show random variation; however, distance estimation on the individual level, control for the subjects' migration effect, a strict protocol for measuring blood pressure, and control for possible confounding suggest that green space might contribute to blood pressure differences as an independent factor. This study is the first to investigate the association between residential proximity to city parks and the risk of increased blood pressure among pregnant women.
Previous epidemiological research has found direct relationship between the blood level and the occurrence of cardiovascular events [
Other publicised data showed that the availability of recreational spaces—such as parks—is associated with better perceived overall health [
Our results are in accordance with other studies in which no statistically significant association was observed between access to parks and the prevalence of obesity or overweight [
To our knowledge, only few published studies investigated the association between green environment and blood pressure using objective environmental characteristics [
Study findings from the Netherlands showed that neighbourhood-level environmental stressors were associated with blood pressure in ethnic minority groups, but the association was less evident in the Dutch group [
Strength of the present population-based study is that we individually estimated green space exposure to the participants with the same ethnic culture and the health care system. Additional strengths include the possibility to control for potential confounding factors and the covariates of hypertension. Misclassifications of increased blood pressure cases were not likely, as physician-diagnosed blood pressure is generally considered to be reliable. Therefore, this study provides valid data for assessing the associations between proximity to city parks and blood pressure. We assigned increased blood pressure cases independently of environmental exposure; however, non-differential classification errors may have tended to underestimate the effects of the distance to green spaces [
Previously published data showed [
In conclusion, the findings of the present study extend the knowledge base with objective measures of the effect of green spaces on blood pressure elevation, and have an important public health application in supporting green urban planning policy, prioritising health, and preventing hypertension. Our results suggest that proximity to green spaces may positively affect women's blood pressure. This association seemed to be independent of other known risk factors of hypertension. Further studies are required to explore the effects of the magnitude of green space exposure-response modifying factors (such as genetic susceptibility) on the course of hypertension, physical activity, use of recreational greenery and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
This work was supported in part by the European Commission grant number FP6-036224; the original study on which the present article is based received grant number FP7-282996, and the grant of Lithuanian Agency for Science Innovation and Technology (MITA), number 2012-07-20 No 31V-125.
Regina Grazuleviciene conceived the idea, designed the study, and was the lead writer. Audrius Dedele undertook the exposure modelling, the analysis, and the drafting of the methods. Asta Danileviciute contributed to the design of the study and revised the manuscript. Jone Vensloviene performed statistical analysis, and assisted with interpretation. Tomas Grazulevicius undertook the exposure assessment, assisted with the writing and revising of the manuscript. Sandra Andrusaityte drafted the tables and assisted with the writing of the manuscript. Inga Uzdanaviciute assisted with the writing of the manuscript and revised the manuscript. Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen conceptualised and supervised the analyses, and critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors critically reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript as submitted.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.


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Hello, I have personal theme designed all the HTML & CSS is complete. There is one area that I'm hoping I can find someone to help me with and that is the PHP code so that the theme works in WordPress
There's a little bit involved in making a Wordpress theme, and your first one will probably take some time.
Here is some information about Wordpress Themes: http://codex.wordpress.org/Theme_Development
I would recommend installing wordpress and fiddling with the "default" theme, change parts of the header.php and footer.php files and try to get the Wordpress theme looking like your HTML theme.
I'm looking for someone who could help me code the theme with PHP rather then learn PHP . As it won't be a ongoing affair that I'll have the need to use PHP beyond this theme.
I would just like know how much it would cost to insert just the PHP code to make a Web Page into a WordPress theme ? I'm on a fixed limited budget !


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Facebook Introduces Objective-Based Ad Buying
If you've ever tried creating and managing Facebook ads, you know it can be confusing to figure out the best formula to make your ads meet the goals you set. There are a few types of ads to choose from, and it can be difficult to find the ad product that will work best for your local social media marketing campaign. It can also be a challenge for small business owners to determine their target Facebook audience.
On the other hand, if Facebook ads are executed properly, they can be some of your most valuable marketing tools. Thankfully, Facebook has created a tool that will solve many of your problems. Facebook is now helping small business owners with their ads, starting with the objective.
Personalized Ad Consultation
According to Hubspot, when you log on to Facebook to create an ad for your small business, Facebook will ask you a series of questions about your marketing goals. Whether your objective is to get more people to like your Facebook page or to respond to an event, Facebook will match your company's goals with the appropriate ad product. You can also choose from objectives such as more clicks to your company website and greater app engagement.
After you run your ad, Facebook will show you how many times your ad met the objective you specified, and how much it cost. In a nutshell, Facebook is starting its own ad consultation services with no extra fee to you.
What This Means for Businesses
Although Facebook's new advertising features are proving tremendously helpful, it doesn't mean that business owners should rely exclusively on Facebook. You'll still want to pay attention to how your Facebook ads are performing, and to remember that they're just one piece of your marketing strategy. When in doubt, you can always turn to local marketing experts to simplify the advertising process for your business.
In addition to paid advertising, make sure you keep up with your organic Facebook content by engaging users with photos, videos, and links to interesting website content. Without this content, your followers will lose interest, and you reverse the gains you made through paid advertising.
What to Expect from Facebook
Even if you're not ready to run an ad, it may be worthwhile for small business owners to become familiar with the new ad creation tools available to you.
Whether or not you use Facebook for advertising, this move is a positive sign for business owners. Facebook has been making several changes aimed at helping advertisers get more for their money, likely because it has come to realize that its 1 million advertisers are driving its success. As advertising continues to generate greater pay-off for Facebook, it seems safe to assume the social media network will continue to invest in helpful tools for its growing pool of small businesses users.


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Brad and Angelina to get married?
File this under speculation, but it is being reported that the couple are planning to be married by September. Of course they have to wait until Brad's divorce is finalized but that should be finished in September and apparently they just cannot wait to get married. One of Angelina's friends said, "They want to make it official as soon as possible They feel they were made for each other." The while thing is still so wrong to me. I cannot wait for the VF issue with Jennifer Aniston telling her side of this while mess.


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Online crimes almost doubled in 2015.
Singapore saw a staggering increase in online crime last year, according to latest statistics from the Singapore Police Force.
The number of online commercial crimes involving e-commerce fraud and scams such as credit-for-sex and internet love rose from 1,929 cases in 2014 to 3,759 cases in 2015.
The number of e-commerce crimes jumped 30.5% to 2,173 cases during the year. The total sum cheated was approximately $1.76 million, with the largest amount at approximately $40,000.
Meanwhile, the number of credit-for-sex cases jumped by a whopping 1,723% to 1,203 cases. The total sum cheated was approximately $2.9 million, with the largest amount at approximately $74,000.
A total of 383 internet love scam cases were recorded last year. The total sum cheated stood at $12 million, with the largest amount at approximately $528,000.
"Criminals will hide behind the anonymity of the Internet to prey on victims across national borders. Many perpetrators operate from overseas and use social media platforms to cheat victims in Singapore. Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and vigilance in the virtual world to avoid falling victim to online crimes," the police said.
Overall crime in 2015 increased by 4%, from 32,315 cases in 2014 to 33,608 cases in 2015.
Do you know more about this story? Contact us anonymously through this link.
Click here to learn about advertising, content sponsorship, events & rountables, custom media solutions, whitepaper writing, sales leads or eDM opportunities with us.
To get a media kit and information on advertising or sponsoring click here.


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Looks like Park View At South Pantops is no longer available on Rent.com which means this information is likely out of date.
This is an income restricted, senior living property. You may be required to meet age and income requirements to qualify. Please contact the property for details.
Contact for details
You deserve to enjoy your life! Let someone else take care of the maintenance and lawn care. Then you'll have more time to spend with friends and family. The apartment homes at Park View at South Pantops are designed for comfort and convenience. We have brand new one and two bedroom apartment homes, a large fitness center, media room, and community room filled with social and recreational activities. Conveniently located near grocery stores, banking, physician offices, emergency care centers, and specialty retail shops and restaurants. Park View at South Pantops is located in a rural setting just minutes from Route 250 and Route 64. We have a controlled access lobby, library, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, a wellness suite, TV lounge, beauty and barber shop, clothing care center and elevator. Our apartment homes are equipped with emergency pull cords, smoke alarms and fire sprinklers, bathrooms with enhanced safety features, fully equipped beautiful kitchens, and mini-blinds on all windows. Residents will benefit from the services and programs available through our not-for-profit partner, the Jefferson Board on Aging (JABA). Call today to make an appointment for a personal visit. Welcome home!
Leases Offered: 12 months. Security Deposit: $400. Application fee: $38. Pet Policy: 1 pet maximum, 30 lb. weight limit, $300 refundable pet deposit. Breed restrictions: Inquire with staff.
Cats Allowed. Dogs Allowed. Call for service animal policy.
90 units
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Starting July 1, there will be very few places left in the state of Georgia where you can't legally carry a firearm.
On Wednesday, Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 60, which lifts bans on firearms in schools, government buildings and even churches, if church leaders opt-in.
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "A recent analysis also said it could let felons use the state's 'stand your ground' rules to claim self-defense if they feel threatened."
But wait, there's more. Once the bill takes effect, hunters will finally be able to use silencers. Because ... because crazy?
"People who follow the rules can protect themselves and their families from people who don't follow the rules," said the governor. He might also have said people who have previously followed the rules can now also decide to break them in a school, while legally carrying a gun.
—Posted by Peter Z. Scheer


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- {{matchup.date.fullday}}{{matchup.date.month + ' ' + matchup.date.day}}
Astros nip Tigers
The Houston Astros scored twice in the eighth inning to rally for a 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers Friday night.
Houston won the game as +105 underdogs, while the nine runs fell UNDER the posted over/under (9.5).
Miguel Tejada went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs for the Astros. Chris Sampson improved to 4-0 with the win, and LaTroy Hawkins collected his 10th save.
Placido Polanco belted a three-run homer in a losing effort for the Tigers. Joel Zumaya gave up two runs in relief and suffered the loss.


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- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- One 1-pound ciabatta loaf, split lengthwise and cut into 4 pieces
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 1 cup lightly packed baby spinach
- 8 thin slices of Swiss cheese, preferably Emmental
In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the pesto. Add the chicken and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat a cast-iron griddle or grill pan. Brush both sides of each piece of bread with oil. Spoon the chicken salad onto the bottoms and top with the spinach and cheese. Close the sandwiches and griddle or grill over moderate heat, turning once, until toasted and the cheese is melted, about 7 minutes. Cut the panini in half and serve hot.


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Technically Magi
We have arrived with issue #1 of Technically Magi!
Here begins Kai's epic journey in a world of swords & sorcery. To any who've taken part in fantasy d20 role playing games you will be sure to recognize those game metrics in play throughout our series. Sharp eyes will know that spell, or maybe you've fallen prey to said beast. So how does a 12 year old boy react when in such horrid circumstances. Well, how do you think?
There are bigger plot points that lead out for a ways down the road. This is where those seeds are planted for unimaginable outcomes later. Technically Magi is a series for those than enjoyed the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or even the legendary tales of Drizzt. This is an epic fantasy adventure seen through new inexperienced eyes. We invite you to join us in a great adventure.


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Bill Clinton, tied down by a political scrum late in his first term as president, once famously had to insist that the president was "relevant." The 1995 remark came the year after Republicans had stormed Congress with their "contract with America" doctrine.
Historians would look back with awe, scratching their heads that Clinton felt compelled to make the remark. It seemed to show how low he'd felt he'd sunk as Newt Gingrich, then speaker of the House, grabbed more headlines in Washington than the White House.
Clinton would rebound. After emerging from the White House for speeches in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, he felt newly energized to take on Republicans when they threatened to shut down the government in a budget impasse. Polls supported him, and he cruised to a re-election victory and a second term in which the "Monica factor" didn't seem to dent his public approval.
Some things don't change much. Now 17 years later, President Barack Obama and Republicans are still battling over much the same issues they did then, though without the distraction of an intern.
No president would now wonder publicly if he or she is relevant, but this one must wonder what it takes to unravel a divided capital city. A president can say all he wants, and even win an election, but some things don't change much. A Republican House is one of them.
Unless Obama has a trick up his sleeve involving the use of executive powers to bypass the "fiscal cliff," he must sometimes wonder just how relevant he is around the halls of Congress, where the allies he has in the Senate aren't duplicated in the House.
Though we spend lots of time speculating about who's going to run in 2016, history suggests that we wouldn't recognize the names of the front-runners four years in advance. Few outside of Arkansas knew Bill Clinton before he emerged nationally in 1992.
We had the same experience with George W. Bush in 2000. We didn't really know the Texas governor until he emerged as a bipartisan builder of alliances in that year.
It doesn't take much to cause a short-term political wave. In the spring of 1991, in the wake of the first Gulf War, nobody was given a chance of beating George H. W. Bush. But things change a lot over short periods of time. Americans are notoriously fickle. Rarely does their effective political memory exceed 90 days, so the only thing that matters in a presidential candidacy happens after July. If Mitt Romney had the sense to cough up his "47 percent" remark so early this year, it would have been remembered by Election Day as little more than a math issue.
George H. W. Bush was upended by the economy in 1992, and his seeming inability to recognize the problem. Historians often debate whether presidents can ever overcome economic cycles. Them seem to arrive and ebb on their own schedule. They don't care who's running things. Any candidate running in 2008 would have been stung by the recession. Anyone running this year could anticipate a recovery in 2012 and 2013.
Is the president relevant? Can one turn the economy in the short term? Economists might say they can snip around the fringes, but that consumer confidence will determine the outcome and we are a fickle bunch of spenders and debtors while our leaders are mere cheerleaders.
Will Chris Christie last as long as he must to remain a favored political figure by 2016? If Hillary Clinton can't be relevant, will she even be interested in the top job? How many newly elected young politicians, set to take office next month, might emerge after the recent election, or even after the 2010 midterms? Barack Obama had only a short stint in the Senate before asking the public if his time had come?
Consider the role of accidents in politics — particularly unfortunate ones. Skeletons fell from the closet in droves when the Republicans were picking (or not) a winning candidate for 2012. You'd have thought politicians might have the sense to run opposition research on themselves, so they'd learn what might trip them up.
No matter how eloquent, fetching speeches make no difference alongside the disastrous ones (recall Romney's 47 percent). Politicians might do better just to shut up — though most are advised today to do exactly that in the name of "staying on message."
Four years is an eternity in politics. It's a few fiscal cliffs away. As a collective country, we ran up a host of bills that many of us now don't want to pay. We're a bunch of collective deadbeats, who engage in wars and entitlements without considering how we'll pay for them, whether by cutting or taxing. We think as a country much like shops lusting after Christmas shoppers hope their customers do; buy on impulse and pay later — if ever.
There's a lot to amuse us about the political watch. Watching a scandal eat up a candidate often serves as entertainment with no cover charge. How many will lurk on the way to 2016?
It's still an odds-on bet that we wouldn't now recognize the name of the next president of the U.S. — whether he or she is relevant or not.
The writer (firstname.lastname@example.com [1]) is a founder of the Aspen Daily News and appears here Sundays.
[1] mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com


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Reclining Ganesha Incense Holder
Regular price $29.00
Reclining Ganesha Incense HolderStyle: SI30
Regular price $29.00
Bring serenity to your meditation practices with this reclining Ganesh incense holder. A perfect addition to your altar or great as a gift. Learn more about Ganesh's secret power on our blog!
- 4.5 x 2.5 inches
- Made in India
- Made from resin
Every purchase helps supply and distribute Vitamin A to Indian children in desperate need. Learn more!
Our Return Policy
We know that you will love what you ordered but if something doesn't work out, we will gladly accept unworn, unwashed or defective merchandise for return or exchange within 30 days from the date you receive your package. Items purchased outside of the United States are not eligible for returns due to customs issues.
How to make an easy exchange:
Ordered the wrong size or color? No problem! Just follow these easy steps to get your exchanged processed. :)
- Place a new order for the exchange items.
- Contact us HERE with:
- Your Original order number
- Items you wish to return
- New Order Number associated with your exchange order. (so we can refund your shipping costs on the new order) Please include reason for return.
- We'll send a confirmation email including a shipping label, and Return Authorization Label.
- Affix label and include Return Authorization Label barcode inside return package.
- Mail return package using our pre-paid USPS label* (if applicable) or shipping method of your choice.
How to make an easy return
Contact us with:
- Your Original order number
- Items you wish to return
- Reason for return
- We'll send a confirmation email including a Return Authorization Label.
- Include Return Authorization Label inside return package.
- Mail return package using a shipping method of your choice.
We usually process returns quickly, but just in case, please allow up to 28 business days from when we receive the items for your account to be refunded. We will send you an email once we have completed the refund process.
Shipping costs are non-refundable. Your refund will be credited back to the original method of payment used to make the original purchase.


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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
Best Western West Towne Suites
650 Grand Canyon Drive, Madison, WI
0.7 km from
Very good made to order breakfast:)
The bed was so comfyyy Just the location
Musty smelly room. Had to change rooms. Headache every morning.
You could hear the people in the room above walking around, but it wasn't unbearable.
Made to order breakfast! Good value. Very loud, squeaky floors above us.
The doors make such a loud slam. That was the only thing that was disturbing. Especially at 2am.
I guess the only thing I could really say was the room was clean. I don't normally write bad reviews, but this stay was just not very enjoyable. I was disappointed because the pictures made the place look brand new, but it was far from that. The bed sheets and blankets were very thin and the pillows weren't very good. The heating controls simply didn't work, and we couldn't stop the thing from blowing air constantly, so we were cold. It was also a noisy heater. The cleaning people seemed to be up extremely early, vacuuming the next room for what seemed like hours, and banging into the wall with the vacuum constantly. So, unfortunately, overall I was not very impressed or pleased with our stay here. I asked for a comment card to let them know directly and they referred me to post on TripAdvisor. I hope they get the note, just so others can have better stays!
Rooms were large and breakfast was included with the room. Was a continental breakfast, but offered made to order eggs or pancakes. Tucked a way a bit, but still easy to find.
Good accommodations. It took nearly 30 minutes to get breakfast, which was not even very good, mediocre pancakes and dried out sausage. They advertise it as a nice hot breakfast but it really is a waste of time and money.
The room was clean and well kept. The hallway smelled a bit strange, but the odor was gone as soon as you entered the room.
It had a roof that didn't leak (as far as we know), so we wouldn't have gotten wet if it had rained. The TV worked. The room and hallways smelled of stale smoke and very musty, and didn't seem clean in general.
Good price and location. They over charged us for the room. I would not have known if I did not check my checking balance when I got home.
There was a bug in the bathroom when I got up in the morning, what woke me up was the people next door talking you could hear them very distinctly. The refrigerator had a very loud humming noise all nite . The rug was very worn and dirty looking.
Good value, clean place, simple and conviniently located for car travelers


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The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 8.0871. Friday, 22 August 1997.
Date: Thursday, 21 Aug 1997 13:16:38 -0400
Subject: Festival in Michigan
The 1997 Shakespeare Festival at Grand Valley State University (Grand
Rapids, Michign) will run September 25 through October 5. Featured play
will be As You Like It (Performances 9/26,27,&28 and Oct 1-5). Lots of
movies, musical events. Guest speakers include John Russell Brown and
Josef Sommer. You're all welcome. E-mail me if you want more
Ron Dwelle