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CARLSBAD ---- To mark the 10th anniversary of the city's ArtSplash festival next weekend, the city is adding several new elements to the celebration, including a concert and fireworks.
The ArtSplash Chalk Art and Entertainment Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23 on Armada Drive between Cannon and Palomar Airport roads. Most events and parking are free.
City Mayor Matt Hall, who will host a welcoming ceremony at 12:25 p.m. Sept. 22, said ArtSplash has grown into the city's signature event, drawing more than 40,000 spectators each year.
"Not only is it a wonderful celebration of arts and community, but it also supports our thriving local tourism economy," he said.
The central event of ArtSplash is the chalk art festival, where professional, community and youth artists will draw artwork on 10-by-10-foot squares of asphalt on 500 feet of newly slurry-sealed roadway on Armada Drive. Professional artists from all over the country participate in ArtSplash because of the seaside location and amenities. Children can also try their hand by purchasing (for a nominal fee) a 2-by-2-foot square for their own family chalk project.
There will also be a sand sculpture by Gerry Kirk of Sandworld International. And to mark the 10th anniversary, Studio 2 artists Ron Juncal and Phyllis Swanson will create a portrait of Marilyn Monroe fashioned from 1,000 recycled plastic water bottles. There will also be artists displaying their work in a booth fair and a graffiti art display.
From noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 22, there will be Taste@ArtSplash, where local restaurants will offer tastings from their menu ($20 ticket required). On Sept. 22, there will be a floral design competition, and on Sept. 23, cake decorators will battle it out.
Live music will be presented both days. Performers on Sept. 22 include the Shokenji Taiko ensemble from Vista Buddhist Temple, Carlsbad Dance Centre, Forty Proof rock band, the Lancer Dancers from Carlsbad High and the Excalibur Dancers and the Stoney B Blues Band. For children, there will be strolling entertainment by juggler Kenny Sheldon and the Animal Cracker Conspiracy puppeteers. On Sept. 23, performers include the Hullabaloo children's band, a mariachi ensemble, the Euphoria Brass Band and the Zip Zap pop-punk band.
New this year will be events on Saturday evening. The Belly Up hosts a headliner concert by Atomic Groove from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. followed by fireworks.
And at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 23, there will be a He'Ro'es for Hope 5K walk to raise money for breast cancer research. To sign up, visit heroesforhopewalk.com .
Up-to-date information is at www.facebook.com/carlsbadartsplash and www.carlsbadartsplash.org or call 760-436-2828. See a video preview of the event at www.koct.org .


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Cheesecake is for sinners Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Cheesecake is a very rich, creamy, calorie laden dessert so anyone can understand why it would be for sinners! It's cute, funny and just perfect for those who just can't say no the cheesecake!
Awesome Jawsome shark women's light t-shirt that's only $9 for a limited time!Tags: humor, funny, cute, awesome, humour, humorous, funny t-shirts, funny shirts, sharkAdded 7 Years Ago from Cafepress
When someone is staring, there is no better way to tell them how much you love that activity: "Take a picture... it'll last longer." Maybe they have reason to stare... but that's not my concern.
Here's a shirt for proud witches everywhere! Halloween's coming and this shirt is perfect for the season!
A perfect fit (no pun intended) for bling lovers!

subset: commoncrawl


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THE WEST, a nine-part series, chronicles the turbulent history of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth—a place that is simultaneously enticing and forbidding, filled with stories of both heartbreaking tragedy and undying hope. Beginning when the land belonged only to Native Americans and ending in the 20th century, the film introduces unforgettable characters—from gold seekers to cowboys, from homesteaders to Indian leaders—whose competing dreams transformed the land, and turned the West into a lasting symbol of our nation itself. It was a tragic, inspiring intersection where the best of us met the worst of us—and nothing was left unchanged.
Executive Producer Ken Burns. A film by Stephen Ives. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward and Dayton Duncan. Produced by Stephen Ives, Jody Abramson, and Michael Kantor.
Funding provided by:
General Motors


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Hi awesome ON delegates! It's Ivan, the Director of Outdoor Nation. We're so excited to welcome you to Twin Cities Summit 2013! Please use this area to ask the ON Team questions, share your ideas or meet your fellow Twin Cities delegates.
Looking to hitch a ride to the Summit? Maybe looking to borrow some gear for camping on Saturday night? Just want to stay in the loop on all things Twin Cities Summit related? Yup, we thought so! Post your questions or comments here!
Or, just have some fun with it - post your pictures, videos, ramblings, creative inspiration...whatever! Let's get the conversation started! See you soon and GTFO!
Location: Minneapolis
Members: 48
Latest Activity: Mar 15, 2013
Anyone is welcome to join this online group and add to the discussion, but to actually go to the summit, PLEASE REGISTER. We'd would hate to see anyone miss out on the summit due to confusion. Register here now!
Started by Ivan Levin. Last reply by Michael "Mikey D" Defenbaugh Aug 9, 2012. 1 Reply 0 Likes
In need of some gear for camping at the Twin Cities Summit? Have some gear that a fellow ON Delegate could borrow? Outdoor Nation will be providing tents for everyone but participants are responsible…Continue
Started by Ivan Levin. Last reply by Michael "Mikey D" Defenbaugh May 1, 2012. 3 Replies 0 Likes
Post here if you are looking for a ride to the 2012 Twin Cities Summit or if you are looking for a car mate to share the cost/driving.Continue
Started by Michael Dahlheim. Last reply by Brittany Berres Jul 15, 2011. 2 Replies 1 Like
Where do we actually report to within Fort Snelling State Park? What time do we need to get there on Friday?Cheers,MikeContinue
Started by stefanie michaelson May 5, 2011. 0 Replies 1 Like
Are you going to the Minneapolis Summit?! Do you want to tell everyone how excited you are, but you don't know exactly what to say?Well, maybe they're lame, but I have some ideas for you! Share any…Continue


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Brooke Nicole Baxter, 16, was taken from us on July 4, 2007. Brooke was born on May 23, 1991.
Brooke always looked at the bright side of life. She was a goal-oriented determined individual that always strived towards excellence. The Energy that she put forward in everything she did was amazing. Her love of softball and dancing was well known by all. It was the small things that Brooke did that meant so much to many of us.
Brooke's smile will forever be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by: her parents, Rex and Carol Baxter; her sister, Lyndsey Baxter; her Papa, Marvin Pigg; Uncle Chris Pigg; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors.
She was preceded in death by: her grandma, Delores (Peery) Pigg; grandpa, Edward Baxter; grandma, Hazel Baxter; and great Granny Anna (Sloan) Peery.
The family suggests donations be made to the Brooke Baxter Memorial Fund to be given to various organization in her memory.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday July 8, 2007 at the Polley Funeral Home Excelsior Springs.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday July 9, 2007 at the Excelsior Springs High School Performing arts center.
Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Services are under the direction of Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.
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Edit Article
wikiHow to Paint a Golf Cart
Hiring a professional to paint your golf cart is expensive. To avoid this expense, simply paint it yourself. The following details how to paint a golf cart.
1Prepare the golf cart for painting.
- Strip all trim and bumpers.
- Clean the entire cart.
- Apply wax and grease remover to the body of the cart.
- Apply duct tape to the edges of the front window.
- Sand down the existing paint until you have reached the original primer.
- Clean and apply patches to any rusted areas.
- Apply body filler to any minor flaws on the cart.
- Apply an acrylic glazing compound over the filler.
- Sand down the cart again.
2Cover areas that you do not want to paint.
- Use masking tape and plastic to cover any areas that you will not paint. Use two layers of masking tape if there are any holes or tears in the first layer.
- Place cardboard or a drop cloth on the ground.
3Apply primer to the golf cart.
- Apply a coat of primer to the golf cart and allow it to dry for 20 minutes.
- Apply a second coat of primer and allow it to dry for 1 hour.
- Once dry, lightly sand the area that the primer was applied to in order to remove minor flaws. Then, clean off any dust with a towel.
4Paint the golf cart.
- Use a spray gun and aim it perpendicular to the area you are painting.
- Hold the spray gun approximately 1 foot (0.3 m) from the surface that you are spraying.
- Apply the base coat of paint and wait 20 minutes for it to dry.
- Apply a second coat of paint and wait 20 minutes for it to dry.
- Apply a third coat of paint and wait 1 hour for it to dry.
5Apply sealer to the golf cart.
- Use 2 thin coats of sealer.
- Make sure the sealer is compatible with acrylic paint.
- Allow 30 minutes for the sealer to dry between the first and second coats.
6Allow the cart to dry for 24 hours.
- Remove the masking tape and plastic.
Community Q&A
When sanding a golf cart before painting it, what grit should I use?wikiHow Contributor1000 grit is better for a fine finish and reduces the risk of sanding into the fiberglass body too deeply.
Can I use canned spray paint if I don't have a sprayer?wikiHow ContributorYes, you can. All the preparation is still the same but a spray can is just a manual version of an electric spray painter.
Could I reapply the primer and sanding if I missed a few spots?wikiHow ContributorIt would probably take off some paint in that spot, but then you can just paint right over it. You'll want to add as many coats as you did for the rest of the cart, and possibly just add one more over the whole thing just to make the whole cart an even shade.
Unanswered Questions
What kind of sealer should be used with can spray?
What kind of spray can paint & primer is needed?
Do I need to use wet or dry sand paper when prepping a car?
Ask a Question
200 characters leftSubmit
If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.
- Do not rush through your work. Be sure that all paint is dry before adding additional coats.
- Apply only a small amount of acrylic glazing compound at first. If too much is used, it will shrink.
- If working indoors, be sure that there is enough ventilation.
- Use a plastic spreader to apply body filler evenly. Use a knife to smooth out the filler when it is almost hardened.
- The paint, primer, and sealer should be available at any local auto body paint shop and through online retailers.
Things You'll Need
- Wax
- Grease remover
- Duct tape
- Sandpaper
- Patches
- Body filler
- Masking tape
- Plastic
- Cardboard or drop cloth
- Primer
- Acrylic paint
- Sealer
- Towel
- Spray gun
- Goggles
- Dust mask
- Gloves
Sources and Citations
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Article Info
Categories: Golf
In other languages:
Español: pintar un carrito de golf, Português: Pintar um Carrinho de Golfe
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 67,918 times.
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text: It's IBIE Time Robb MacKie August 18, 2016 No Comments It seems like just a few months ago that the curtain closed on another successful International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE). But we began planning for IBIE 2016 just a couple of months after the show wrapped up. Every group involved, including ABA, has been pressed to step up its game.Read More


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Cloudy, Warmer Tomorrow With Rain Expected For Saturday Morning
Your Doppler 10 Forecast
This Evening: Clear and cool.
Tonight: Clear early with increasing clouds late. Low 27.
Tomorrow: Cloudy and warmer. High 51. Showers likely after midnight.
Saturday: Early morning rain, then partly sunny. High 49.
Special Information:
Beautiful sunshine today across Ohio with highs only in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Look for increasing clouds by tomorrow morning and a rather overcast day tomorrow. Highs will be about ten degrees warmer tomorrow than today. We are tracking rain tomorrow night into early Saturday morning. The rain may mix with sleet and snow north of Columbus while a few thunderstorms will be possible along the Ohio River. Central Ohio should dry out for the weekend before rain or snow moves back our way Monday.
Alerts : None
Inconvenient Weather: Rain likely tomorrow night after midnight. Could mix with snow or sleet north of Columbus with thunderstorms possible along the Ohio River.
Stats: Today's averages 50/32…Record High 78 (1990) Record Low 5 (1960). Precipitation today: None Precipitation March: 1.38" (+.25") Precipitation year: 5.45" (-.66") Snowfall today: None Snowfall March: 8.0" (+5.7) Snowfall year 37.0" (+13.3") Sunset tonight 7:38 PM and sunrise tomorrow 7:43 AM
Staffing: Chris tonight, Erin tomorrow morning, Chris tomorrow evening.


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A frantic, six-hour search for a stolen monkey has a happy ending.
Hercules, a squirrel monkey weighing less than three pounds, was found after being stolen from the Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, New Brunswick.
"He's very scared. He's very skittish. But physically, he appears to be okay," Magnetic Hill Zoo manager Bruce Dougan said.
Someone broke into the zoo sometime after 11 p.m. Tuesday, cutting two locks and evading security guards and watch dogs along the way.
When zookeepers discovered Hercules was missing on Wednesday morning, the zoo had many people in the small city looking for the 19-year-old monkey who loves to eat mealworms.
Dougan received a call just before 2 p.m. Wednesday from an anonymous man who said he knew the whereabouts of Hercules.
The man told Dougan some university students stole Hercules as a prank and "had no idea what they had done." Hercules requires constant care and a special diet, and isn't meant to be a pet.
Concerned the students would be kicked out of school, the man asked Dougan to meet him at a location away from the public to retrieve the monkey, so long as Dougan promised not to involve RCMP, who were looking for Hercules.
Keeping exotic wildlife in captivity without a permit is permitted in New Brunswick under the province's Fish and Wildlife Act.
Dougan met the man on a country road near the zoo. He handed over Hercules, who was in a taped-up cardboard box.
The monkey is now back at the zoo and being kept alone for 24 hours while zoo staff observe his health.
"We don't know yet what psychological trauma he's being affected by," Dougan said.
The zoo doesn't plan on pursuing charges, but monkeynappers beware: next time, Dougan won't be so agreeable.
"This is a one-time get-out-of-jail-free card. I believe this gentleman that approached me was absolutely genuine.
"I'm hoping we can learn a lesson from it and they can learn a lesson from it and move on."
Zoo staff and other squirrel monkeys — six of them, including Hercules, live at the zoo — were upset when he was stolen. Two squirrel monkeys didn't even want to leave their house to play in the sun on Wednesday morning, Dougan said.
While the other squirrel monkeys didn't know Hercules' fate by Wednesday afternoon — Dougan said zoo staff would tell them soon — the zookeepers were relieved to have Hercules back.
"They were really preparing for the worst. They're all pretty happy to see him back at the zoo."
It's not the first time a monkey has been stolen from a New Brunswick zoo.
In 2008, April the monkey made local headlines when she was stolen from the Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John. She was less than three months old at the time.
On the third day of her disappearance, Saint John police received an anonymous call telling them they would find her in a box behind a building. April was safe, but a year later, the trauma of her disappearance was still affecting her older brother, Charlie.
News of Hercules' theft spread beyond the zoo community by Wednesday afternoon. It was a hot topic on Twitter in New Brunswick, with people talking about it under the hashtag #monkeynapping2012.
A Twitter account claiming to belong to Hercules even tweeted at Premier David Alward to ask for help in finding the stolen primate.
Dougan confirmed the account doesn't belong to Hercules or anyone else at Magnetic Hill Zoo.


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Miss Abbey
Warmer days bring a need for something
a little lighter. This little top, knit
up in a lightweight cotton blend, is the
perfect thing for warmer weather. Cute
little touches like the keyhole opening on
the neck and the garter band accents to
the arms and hem add interest to this top down raglan without
adding much difficulty.
6 months 12 months, 18 months, 2T, 4T
22 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette
Finished Measurements:
Chest: 19 20, 21, 23, 25 inches
Length: 11 11.75, 13.5, 14.75, 16 inches
Knit Picks Shine Sport 60% Cotton, 40% Rayon;
110 yards per 50 grams colorway used: Cosmopolitan
2 2, 3, 3, 4 skeins.
1 set of US5/3.75 mm double pointed needles
1 16-inch US5/3.75 mm circular needle for all
1 24-inch US5/3.75 mm circular needle for 2T
and 4T sizes.
optional size G crochet hook for front split
4 stitch markers
Darning needle
Scrap yarn
This will be available from Knit Picks in the next few weeks for 2.99. I use 3.00 here, simply because I want to use an even number.


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Matthew Perry and Hilary Swank have signed on to highlight indie comedy "Laws of Motion", a joint project of Plum Pictures, Ideal Partners Film Fund, and Hilary Swank Productions.
Ready to establish more than good collaboration between them, Matthew Perry and Hilary Swank have both inked deals to star together in "Laws of Motion", a comedic feature coming from Plum Pictures, Ideal Partners Film Fund, and Hilary Swank Productions.
In the project, Perry will play a husband struggling with life in a repressive career and community along with headaches caused by his free-spirited brother and sister. Meanwhile, Swank is taking a supporting role as the all-too-perfect neighbor of Perry's harried character.
Shooting is slated to start this month with Swank, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Celine Rattray, Galt Niederhoffer, and Jana Edelbaum all producing. It is reported that Ben Foster, recently played Angel in "X-Men: The Last Stand", is in talks to also star in, and will likely be given the role of Perry's brother if deals are finally reached.


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JERUSALEM (Feb. 19)
A plan by the Jewish Agency for Israel to convert part of the aid it gives immigrants from grants to loans has come under fire from senior members of the Israeli government involved in immigrant absorption.
But Jewish Agency leaders defend the plan, saying it would actually increase the amount of cash available to immigrants, the vast majority of whom come from the Soviet Union. They said the loans would be made on easy terms.
The issue was raised Sunday night at a meeting of the government-Jewish Agency Coordinating Committee, whose members include Israeli Cabinet ministers and the top leaders of the agency, a non-governmental body that receives most of its funding from Diaspora Jewry.
Among those strongly opposed to the plan, which is supposed to take effect March 1, were absorption Minister Yitzhak Peretz and Housing Minister Ariel Sharon. Peretz has vowed to fight the plan, which requires approval of the Finance Ministry to be implemented.
He charged it would further reduce aliyah from the Soviet Union, which has decreased since the Persian Gulf war began. Many prospective immigrants would be reluctant to enter into a situation in which they would have to take out loans, he said.
Michael Kleiner, the outspoken Likud chairman of the Knesset's Immigration and Absorption Committee, said, "This proposal means that the Jewish Agency is bankrupt as an institution. This is what is implied when the leaders of the agency say that they cannot afford to pay the grant.
"When only a small number of immigrants were arriving, the agency could manage," Kleiner said. "But now, with the 'disaster' of hundreds of thousands of immigrants coming, it turns out that the agency is unable to fulfill its basic function of absorbing immigrants. The government should either dismantle the agency or replace its current leadership."
Simcha Dinitz, chairman of the Jewish Agency Executive, and Mendel Kaplan, chairman of the agency's Board of Governors, said Monday that the Israeli government, too, should consider providing loans, not grants, to the newcomers.
A year ago, the agency provided 50 percent of the initial absorption grant given to new immigrants from countries of distress, with the government funding the rest.
But during the past year, with the crush of newcomers from the Soviet Union, the Jewish Agency's share was cut to 30 percent. And the total grant given to the immigrants was reduced from 22,000 shekels for a family of four to 14,000 shekels, a decrease from about $11,250 to $7,150.
The loan plan, prepared over the past few months by the agency and the Council of Jewish Federations, the American confederation of Jewish community welfare funds, calls for the agency's share to be provided as an optional loan rather than a grant. The loan would be provided by Israeli banks and guaranteed by the federations.
Dinitz and Kaplan said a family of three, which now gets $900 per person from the agency as part of the absorption grant, would instead get $1,000 per person in the form of a loan.
The loan would have to be paid back over a period of 10 years, beginning three years after the loan is taken. Under the terms of the loan, only the interest would have to be paid during the subsequent two years, with both the principal and interest due in the last five years.
The reason given for the change of policy is a gap of some $113 million in the Jewish Agency budget for the nine months between April and December 1991.
Kaplan said the shortfall was a direct result of a "blessed" rise in the number of Soviet immigrants.
Dinitz said the Jewish Agency would not have enough money to give cash grants to the 300,000 immigrants expected to arrive this year.


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" Genre: Action / Adventure "
* Prices may differ from that shown
Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy) is a superb but short game. It has great characters, reasonable graphics and a very interesting story. I say game, but Fahrenheit is very much an interactive movie since a lot of the gameplay involves you having to press buttons at specific times (think Simone says). Those who have played Shenmue will find themselves in familiar territory as the gameplay of Fahrenheit is pretty much identical to Shenmue's QTEs (Quick Time Event).
The plot of the game centres on Lucas Kane an ordinary young man whose life is essentially turned upside down when one night, under the influence of a mystical being, decides to kill a man in the toilet of a restaurant. Of course as the game progresses, the story gets much more complex and we begin to find out that the murder was only part of a very grand scheme.
It feels like you're in a movie, the only difference being the fact that events unfold according to how you want them to. For example in the very beginning of the game, Lucas is left in a sticky situation and can either do two things; run out using the nearest fire exit or leave casually using the front door. Opportunities like this occur periodically, allowing you to tackle situations in the manner you feel is most appropriate.
The graphics are a bit dated now, but for its time the graphics were fairly reasonable. The physics are also quite impressive. Characters move realistically and all have their own authentic way of walking. Motion capture was also used for the animation which undoubtedly adds a high degree of realism to the game.
The dark and sorrowful music was composed by Angelo Badalamenti. The music really manages to capture the mood and essence of the story. It is haunting and gives you real sense of dread.
The game includes multiple special features. Some noticeable ones include screenshots (in game) and bonus videos.
Overall Fahrenheit is a dark, interesting game which is only let down by its length. It can be completed in less than 10 hours so you might want to think about renting it first.
Fahrenheit is set in the city of New York. The main character (Lucas Kane) walks into a cafe, uses the bathroom and kills a man who enters. He has no idea why he killed him and he is not alone. People are killing without knowing why they are doing so and Lucas is determined to find out what happened to him. Your first problem is how to escape the cafe without being caught by the police.
Every decision you make throughout the game affects the storyline and it is incredibly enjoyable to play a game which is so reactive to your decisions. The storyline branches in all kinds of directions. Not only that but Lucas Kane is not the only character you will control. You play as Lucas Kane, Carla Valenti and Tyler Miles. Unlike most games you will form an attachment to the characters, it's virtually impossible not to.
The style of the game is cinematic. The game contains a lot of motion captured animation and some split screen cameras. The interface accompanies this style very well and remains realistic.
The only flaw within the game is that the graphics aren't up to par with the sound, gameplay and the substantial replay value.
With regard to the replay value, I played this game a second time and found that I'd missed quite a substantial portion of the possible sequences. It's certainly worth a second, third and even a fourth look.
Overall, it's a must buy. A sequel or a game of the same style is definitely something I'm yearning for.
I'm also a member of Ciao so this review is posted there.
This game is stunning. It is a masterpiece. In my mind it is a strong candidate for the best game of all time, incorporating realistic and likeable characters, beautiful, atmospheric settings, and most incredibly of all: a story. And a mind-bogglingly wonderful one at that.
Let me take this opportunity to remind you that this is a video game, and the phrases video game and decent story very rarely enter into the same sentence without attempting to murder each other. But French developers Quantic Dream (even the name exudes fantastic-ness) have managed it, and with incredible style.
Ill calm down now. Promise.
It is the year well, Im not too sure actually sometime in the future but cars still have wheels and people still eat food. The game starts in a diner in New York, which is in the grip of an incredibly bitter winter. The main character, Lucas Kane, has just stabbed a man to death in the mens toilets, whilst seeing visions and moaning in an ill sort of way. He comes back to reality, aghast at what hes done, with only seconds before the policeman in the next room decides he needs a wee.
This is where you are thrown headlong into the story. You instantly panic almost as much as Kane do you run? Do you try and clean up? But what if and what if
And just to help you keep calm, the game developers have created a so-called elastic script you cant deviate too far from the story, but your current actions will still affect the game later on. It is this that allows you to effectively hunt yourself as you take on the roles of Detective Carla Valenti and her partner Tyler Miles, as well as Lucas Kane as he fights to retain his sanity and indeed his very life.
Whatever you think this game is going to throw at you, I can tell you that you are almost certainly wrong, and will continue to be almost to the very last minute. The story is rich and detailed, with many twists, turns, and fast paced bouts of action.
Did I mention that its stunning?
At first, the controls seem very, very weird. The camera seems to be always in the wrong place, and the first time you have to act fast, coordinating (shock horror) your left and right hands, it all goes to pot.
But quickly you realise that those coloured lights arranged on the screen so that they form two circles with different colours lighting up on the left, right, top and bottom (trust me, its not as weird as it sounds) are there for a reason. Up, means press up and press it quickly! It will not be long before you realise that the flashes coordinate themselves with what is going on on the screen. Need to dive left? Chances are the left lights are going to flash on.
By the end of the game, you will be dodging, ducking, jumping, kung-fu-ing, concentrating, guitar playing and so on as if youd done it all your life.
With two sets of arrow keys.
Somehow it doesnt matter at all. I dont know how so much can be conveyed by use of arrow keys, but before long it really seems natural and smooth but not necessarily easy.
What makes Fahrenheit even more intriguing is the element of philosophy that is involved, something that I only half noticed until I read the Wikipedia article about an hour ago. Without giving away the story, the game manages to ask questions about the nature of reality, value of religion, God, humanity in general, DNA, evolution and probably more. It also has a strangely Nietszchean theme to it from Lucas Kanes favourite book, to the idea of the Ubermensch (super or over man) and the slave mentality, David Cage, boss of Quantic Dream and writer of the Fahrenheit story has created a story so deep that it would stand out amongst films and books, let alone video games.
And there is another interesting aspect that ties Fahrenheit even more closely to films you may not realise it, but it is all acted by real people. They may be men wearing lycra suits with white bobbles all over them to allow computer generation, but every fight, chase and even conversation is acted out so that it seems all the more realistic. Combine this with sublime voice acting and, if not stunning, very good graphics and you have a game that you will lose yourself in.
Occasionally you will be required, as part of the action, to perform feats of endurance whereby you hammer the left and right arrow keys as madly as possible, which is actually quite tiring on the fingers (maybe mine are just weak) and can get slightly annoying, especially on the higher difficulty settings as they become near-impossible or impossible, depending on the responsiveness of the keyboard. Still, they ensure that you interact, even if poor Lucas is having a considerably rougher time of it than you are.
Also there is the mental state meter, with full being neutral and zero being wrecked, at which point you go insane/commit suicide/turn yourself in to the cops. It is worth considering how your actions will affect this because some incidents unavoidably raise/lower it. You may have heard the story of how one virtual Lucas with only about 5 points of sanity left tried to buy a drink from a vending machine, found they were sold out and committed suicide. Dont let it happen to you!
I would also recommend, if you can tear yourself away from the action, to explore your surroundings a bit and talk to anyone you can. Not only will you find more bonus tokens (allowing you to unlock music, artwork and videos) but it will also help to keep you up to date with the fairly complicated back-story that is going on all the time. Later in the game you may well go aaahhh as you realise the links and feel very pleased with yourself.
Three possible endings, depending upon how successful you are in the closing chapters of the game, all leave the possibility of sequels. Perhaps I shouldnt hold my breath, but I will anyway.
Another element that really stands out is the soundtrack, which is written by Angelo Badalamenti, with many songs from other artists such as Theory of a Deadman, Teddy Pendergrass, Nina Simone, Bobby Byrd, and many more. It is dramatic, powerful stuff.
Finally, worth noting is the fact that the game is unsuitable for young children. Frankly if you ask me, theres nothing in here that many children wont have seen before on TV, but some of the murders are fairly graphic, some settings very creepy, and some sex scenes leaving little to the imagination. If you ask me this makes the game all the better and you should take the view of the French and be laid back, but it is really up to you and your discretion. The 16+ certificate is certainly safe.
I never thought Id say it about a video game, but Fahrenheit is easily the equivalent of a good book. Why the worldwide population of gamers doesnt refuse to play anything else Ill never know, but if you want a game that will truly blow you off your feet, look no further. I have yet to find an equivalent in storyline, and it may well be a good while longer that I have to wait as most gamers these days cry out for mindless space alien blasting games. I cant recommend this game enough.
My friends and I sat down in front of the TV (which was connected up to a PC) at approximately 8pm on Sunday night. We reluctantly saved and packed up at close to midnight due to the fact that we all had work on Monday morning and needed to start making the journey home. Now, this may not seem like anything outstanding to some people, but I am a person who only very occasionally plays games, and when I do, I often get restless after an hour or so. To play Fahrenheit for what was at least four hours - and want to continue playing - is quite the feat.
Fahrenheit was released on 16th September, published by Atari, developed by Quantic Dream and is rated 15 by the BBFC.
It is quite difficult to put Fahrenheit into a category, because it really is quite different to any game I have played before. The closest I can get is to call it an 'interactive thriller/action' game. Fahrenheit is set in New York, and as the game opens, we are playing the character of Lucas. Lucas is in the bathroom of a diner, and before you have any control over him, during the opening cut scene, he kills a stranger.
As you take control of Lucas, it becomes apparent that he was in a 'daze', and has no idea why he has just committed murder. He panics, and it is up to you (with a cop sitting in the diner outside) to work out where to go from here. It becomes apparent that this is no straightforward murder case, when Lucas continues to feel strange and has 'visions'.
Fahrenheit plays more like a movie that you can interact in that a computer game, but everything you do affects what happens next, and it is quite easy to make the wrong choice, finding yourself arrested or dead, and it's game over for you. Luckily, there are save points, so whenever you do mess up and lose a life, there is the option of going back and changing something to alter the course of events. Without this, the game would get frustrating rather quickly.
This 'movie' style of playing makes it an excellent game fro team playing along with your friends. There were four of us playing, and despite the fact that the same person controlled it all the way, it never got boring for the rest of us to watch and make suggestions - often three different suggestions all at once, making it confusing for the person controlling (fun though!).
What gives Fahrenheit that extra something is that you have a choice of characters to play. By this, I don't mean the traditional choice, where you choose a character from the options at the beginning of the game and then stick with him/her. There is constant swapping throughout this game.
Once you have finished with Lucas, you move onto playing Carla, a feisty Detective in charge of the murder case. This would present you with a dilemma - as Lucas, you don't want to be caught, but as Carla you want to solve the case. This is true to some extent, but more than anything, you just want to get to the bottom of what happened, know the truth.
The game becomes more and more interesting, as more things happen to Lucas, and as the game goes on, you have the option to control more of the characters, including Carla's partner Detective Tyler Miles.
I can't go into much more detail than that on the gameplay, as despite having played for four or five hours, we were just getting into it.
I'm not a person who knows a lot about the inner workings of games, so I unfortunately can't provide a technical analysis of the game engine or anything as fancy as that, but what I can say is the graphics look good, the movement of the characters is very detailed and the camera angles have been thought about carefully for the most part. The only downer of the control system is the way you play the mini-games. There are several mini-games within the larger game, which you can do well at or fail depending on your skill at following a pattern using your analogue sticks or other controller. This is an excellent addition to the game, and provides not only extra entertainment, but the outcome also affects the game.
One good example to use here is a mini-game where you (as Lucas) serenade your ex-girlfriend by playing your guitar in the hope of winning her back. If you do well .actually, I don't know the answer to this, because we didn't(!), but if you do badly, you play horribly, put her off, she leaves and Lucas is left unhappy. It's good fun, but playing on a PC means that you have to use two different sections of the keyboard simultaneously, which is difficult. So to make the most of the mini-games, you'd really be better off playing a console version.
Aside from that, the controls are fairly straightforward and easy to use, and there is a tutorial before you begin the game. The tutorial, although not really a part of the game, is probably worth mentioning anyway, because it's quite unique. Your guide through the tutorial is a virtual version of the game's creator David Cage, and unlike many tutorials is short and concise. It gives you the basics, everything you need to know to get started, but enough is left for you to work out that you don't emerge from the tutorial feeling like you've played the whole game.
Overall, an extremely entertaining game, good to play in a group with your friends or alone, whichever you prefer. Please note: I have written this review before I have finished playing the game - if there is anything more that I feel could enhance this review once I reach the end, I will update it.
The only thing I do think I should warn potential buyers about is the rating, which I think some people may feel is slightly inappropriate, particularly parents thinking about buying it for their 15-year-old son or daughter. Fahrenheit is rated a 15 in the UK, but does include what some may feel are questionable elements for a game rated as such. For example, once you have collected enough bonus points, you have the option to 'buy' extra items out on the menu screen, one of which is "Sam's Dance". Sam is the girlfriend of Tyler (the Detective), and her dance is an erotic one, ending with (albeit virtual) full-frontal nudity.
nother element some may feel is unsuitable is the violence at the beginning. It IS all implied, which is probably why it got the rating that it did, however, it is also brutal. Lucas kills the man in the diner by stabbing him over and over with a knife, and there is quite a lot of blood. Lucas has also carved symbols into his arms prior to his attack on the stranger, and although you don't see him do this, there is the blood and his cut up arms to show for it, so anyone who is worried about their child self-harming should possibly give this one a miss.
Min. spec of a PC to play this game should be:
800 Mhz Processor
G-Force 1 or equivalent graphics card
2.1 GB Hard Disk Space
Fahrenheit is available on PC, X-Box and PS2 from all good games stores for approximately £30.
For more info on this product, you can visit http://www.uk.atari.com/index.php?pg=product&id=15
New York January 2009. For no apparent reason, ordinary people are killing total strangers. Although there are no direct links between the murders, they all show the same ritual patterns. Lucas Kane becomes one of these murderers, and haunted by strange visions he must try to keep one step ahead of the police to discover what is happening to him. Inspector Carla Valenti and Agent Tyler Miles are heading up the investigation. A series of disturbing clues takes them into a world they can only dream of. Meanwhile the early onset of winter paralyses Manhattan in an unbearable grip of snow and cold. Each day the temperature drops as the winter conditions draw over the dark streets of New York. The final countdown has already begun!


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Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas believes cycle racing will have a bright future in Britain after thousands of people lined the streets to watch the Tour de France arrive in London yesterday.
The British cyclist ensured Sky's lead rider Chris Froome, who won the Tour last year, crossed the finish line in The Mall safely and retained fifth place in the general classification at the end of Stage Three.
The riders had started in Cambridge and passed through west Essex and East London on their way into the centre of the capital, with huge crowds lining the streets and waving them on.
Thomas said: "I didn't ride the road race at the Olympic Games so didn't ride in that sort of crowd, but that was unbelievable.
"It's crazy. It's reinforcing the legacy after the games and how enthusiastic people were and really getting into cycling. I'm just privileged to be at the age I am to really benefit from that.
"It doesn't get much better than the Tour coming here. It's great to see all the support and everyone getting behind it. It's more and more in the mainstream media and on the TV, it's growing all the time and there will be more and more racing here, bigger racing, so I think it's got a great future."
Team Sky general manager Sir Dave Brailsford arrived in London amid reports that he had ambitions to help a French rider win the Tour. A Frenchman has not won the race since Bernaud Hinault in 1985.
But Brailsford likened the situation to British tennis fans waiting 77 years to see a homegrown player win the Wimbledon men's singles title – a wait ended by Andy Murray last year.
Speaking after the race outside the Team Sky coach on Horseguards Parade, Brailsford said: "France has the biggest cycling event every year and it would be great if a French guy won it.
"My focus is on doing everything I can to support Team Sky riders to be on the podium and support Chris in his race to win the Tour de France and keep on doing so, and try and create a team that people can really admire and really inspire people both in Britain and the rest of the world to keep on getting involved and keep on cycling.
"In Chris, we've got a fantastic lead rider and we see other young British riders developing as well. Look at Geraint, we've got Peter Kennaugh, and then the young Yates twins (Andy and Simon), so the future's bright for British cycling."
The Yates brothers are members of Orica–GreenEDGE, with Simon also riding the tour this year.


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Exercise Science Graduate Student and Faculty Present at Conference
Contributed by Janet Wigglesworth on 11/15/05
Students and faculty from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance presented papers at the MARC meeting in Harrisburg, PA on November 11 and 12, 2005.
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Has Katie Couric watched too many westerns? You know, the kind where the sheriff shoots the gun out of the bad guy's hand?
You'd think so, given the repeated questions she posed to a former air marshal in the wake of yesterday's shooting of a frantic passenger claiming to have a bomb aboard an American Airlines flight .
Katie's guest was former air marshal Tony Kuklinski, who stated that "by all accounts I've seen, what [the air marshals] did was necessary."
Katie wasn't so sure:
"Do they always shoot to kill, Tony? In other words, I guess the average person hearing this [on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Katie?] might think: isn't there a way where they could have shot this person and not killed him? Wounded him or incapacitated him in some way without killing him?"
As Kuklinksi patiently and professionally explained:
"law enforcement officials aren't trained to shoot to kill; they're trained to shoot to prevent the action from taking place. We're not trained to precision-shoot in the knee or in the arm or in the finger to prevent something from taking place. Your accuracy goes down, the potential for a stray bullet or a missed shot hitting a bystander goes up tremendously."
That wasn't enough to satisfy Katie:
"I know that last July, London police shot and killed a Brazilian electrician because they'd mistaken him for a terror suspect. It raises the question: should there be further training? Do you think that air marshals should be taught to shoot at a specific location on a body?"
One sensed Kuklinski's rising frustration. Yet he remained patient and polite, and gave what is really the key answer:
"Federal air marshals have one of the best training programs anywhere in the country. [Precision shooting creates] too much potential for secondary casualties. There's no time to sit there and take precision aim. [Attempting a more precise shot] - to shoot him in the shoulder, shoot him in the leg - it may not prevent the crime from being committed.
It makes you wonder: what questions do you think Katie might pose if an air marshal, following her recommendations, shot a terrorist in the hand, who as a result was capable of detonating his bomb that in turn brought down a jumbo jet filled with passengers?


text: Your landscaping isn't complete until you add this cool new Gigantic T-Rex Dinosaur Statue to your front lawn. The neighbors will simply love your decorative sense as they look upon this massive and menacing 22 feet long, 11 feet tall prehistoric Tyrannosaurus Rex statue. It's somewhat realistically sculpted with rows of menacing teeth, a fearsome tail and scaly skin, cast in quality designer resin and hand-painted. The only problem with this $7500 fearsome carnivore is that for a luxurious price like that, it should be fully animatronic and capable of out-roaring the annoying neighbors's goofy barking dog.


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Epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and norovirus (NoV) infections in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) in the last five years have highlighted frozen berries as a vehicle of infection. Given the increasing berry consumption in the EU over the last decades, we undertook a review of the existing evidence to assess the potential scale of threat associated with this product. We searched the literature and four restricted-access online platforms for outbreak/contamination events associated with consumption of frozen berries. We performed an evaluation of the sources to identify areas for improvement. The review revealed 32 independent events (i.e. outbreak, food contamination) in the period 1983–2013, of which 26 were reported after 2004. The identified pathogens were NoV, HAV and Shigella sonnei. NoV was the most common and implicated in 27 events with over 15,000 cases reported. A capture–recapture analysis was performed including three overlapping sources for the period 2005–2013. The study estimated that the event-ascertainment was 62%. Consumption of frozen berries is associated with increasing reports of NoV and HAV outbreaks and contamination events, particularly after 2003. A review of the risks associated with this product is required to inform future prevention strategies. Better integration of the available communication platforms and databases should be sought at EU/EEA level to improve monitoring, prevention and control of food-borne-related events.
In the past few years, several European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries reported food-borne outbreaks and clusters of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and norovirus (NoV) infections. Analytical epidemiological studies conducted as part of the outbreak investigations identified frozen berries as the main vehicle of infection in several of them [1,2]. In these outbreaks, molecular typing of the isolated viral strains was pivotal in identifying a multinational dimension. Preliminary food trace back investigations revealed large scale distribution of these products in the EU/EEA area, and pointed to producers in countries both inside and outside of the EU/EEA. In 2013, outbreaks affecting an unprecedented large number of people in a number of countries have occurred in the EU/EEA and beyond, highlighting the role of frozen berries as a vehicle of infection [3-5].
The 2006 European Commission (EC) report on the soft fruit processing sector notes that the EU berry consumption has experienced a 4.5 fold increase in volume from 1988 to 2005. The import into the EU of frozen berries has seen a particularly steep increase in the last decade; this was also due to the growth in popularity of fruit-based products like smoothies, ice creams and yogurts [6]. The most traded soft fruits are strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, currants and raspberries. The main producers of berries imported into the EU are China, Morocco and Serbia while, within the EU, two thirds of berries are produced in Poland [6-8]. A recent scientific opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the risk of contamination of berries [7] highlights that this food commodity often receives no or only minimal processing. Berry production is labour-intensive and berries are often cultivated in small farms [6]. Contamination and cross-contamination via equipment, water (irrigation and washing) and particularly via food handlers have been identified as the main risk factors.
This paper provides a historical overview on contamination of frozen berries and the related outbreaks in the EU/EEA, through an analysis of the scientific literature and of relevant EU-operated databases. In addition we evaluated the different data sources to identify potential areas for improving outbreak monitoring at EU/EEA level.
In order to review the available evidence of outbreaks of HAV and NoV and/or other relevant food-borne diseases associated with consumption of frozen berries, the scientific literature and relevant EU-based databases were searched.
Literature review
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase on 25 October 2013, using keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MESH) terms as described in the Box. No time, language or geographical limits were applied. Additional studies were identified through manual search of references and personal communications from experts in the EU/EEA Member States. Articles retrieved were screened by title/abstract and full text and included if (i) an outbreak/contamination event was reported; (ii) the vehicle of infection was identified to be frozen berries; (iii) at least one EU/EEA country was involved. All reports of outbreaks confined to non-EU/EEA countries were excluded. The same information obtained from notifications, were also extracted from included articles.
Box. Methodology for the selection of records in the literature to review food-borne events associated with frozen berries consumption, EU/EEA, 1983–2013
EU-based databases
Four relevant restricted-access online platforms exist at EU-level that collect information on contamination events and/or on human cases of diseases and outbreaks, namely: Epidemic Intelligence System for Food and Waterborne Diseases and Zoonoses (EPIS FWD), ECDC Threat Tracking Tool (TTT), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) database on human food-borne outbreaks, Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). EFSA's scientific reports and opinions published on EFSA website were also consulted (Table 1).
Table 1. European Union-operated databases and their purposes, historical perspective on food-borne events associated with frozen berries consumption, 1983–2013
The online platforms were searched by extracting all the notifications related to frozen berries involving at least one EU/EEA country (latest access date 31 October 2013) using the built-in search options. From each notification identified, the following information was extracted if available: time (year/month), country/ies involved, type of berry, number of associated human cases, result of molecular investigation and country of origin of the foodstuff. RASFF notifications of border control or other routine food safety checks were included in the analysis even in the absence of evidence of associated human cases, and listed in the output table as pathogen contamination incidents.
The Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) restricted platform of the EC was also searched, but not included in the analysis due to complete overlap with TTT and EPIS platforms.
Identification of independent events
We defined an event as: (i) notification of a food vehicle contamination associated with one or more outbreaks involving human cases; (ii) notification of a contamination of a food vehicle with no associated human cases (reported in Table 2 as a contamination incident). Once eligible entries were identified from the different sources, a manual record-linkage was performed based on the following variables: country reporting the outbreak; period (year, month); pathogen (species, genotype if available); vehicle (type of berry); reported cases. Each event identified can include one or more outbreaks and a cumulative number of reported cases.
A capture–recapture analysis [9] on three sources, namely the literature, RASFF, and EFSA database, was carried out for the period 2005 to 2013. The analysis was performed using three-source log-linear models, incorporating pairwise independencies in order to reduce possible bias. Multiple reports of the same event by any of the sources were treated as a single event in the analysis.
Literature review
The literature search retrieved 273 articles: 131 from PubMed and 142 from Embase. After manual removal of duplicates and search for additional records, 171 were screened for the title and abstract, and 34 were screened for the full text. Nineteen articles were included in the analysis (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Flowchart showing the selection of records in the literature to review food-borne events associated with frozen berries consumption, EU/EEA, 1983–2013
Analysis of the reported events
The triangulation of the evidence collected from the various sources revealed 32 independent events, including 27 events with human cases reported, associated with contaminated frozen berries and five contamination incidents with no reported human cases. The identified pathogens were NoV, HAV and Shigella sonnei. The overall study period covered 30 years, from 1983 to 2013, however, 26 of 32 reported events, were between 2005 and 2013. The findings are summarised in Table 2.
Table 2. Reported outbreaks and contamination incidents with food-borne pathogens associated with frozen berries in the EU/EEA, 1983–2013
Frozen berry contamination with NoV was implicated in 27 events during the period from 1998 to 2013. Of these 27, four were detected during routine food safety control and not associated, according to the available evidence, with human cases. Three of these four events occurred in 2013 and resulted in border rejection of the food consignment or in product recall. The remaining 23 events were distributed over a 15-year period from 1998 to 2013, and caused almost 14,000 reported human cases in 70 outbreaks in six EU countries, namely Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden [2,10-19]. The frozen berries implicated as food vehicles in 23 of 27 of the reported outbreak events were frozen raspberries.
HAV contamination of frozen berries was first reported in an outbreak in 1983 in the United Kingdom [20], although there had been previous suggestions of associations [21]. However, there have been no reports between then and 2012–2013 when two multinational outbreaks occurred. The first outbreak affected four Nordic countries and was associated with the consumption of frozen strawberries; the second outbreak affected Italy and 12 additional EU/EEA countries and was associated with the consumption of frozen mixed berries [1,20,22-25]. The number of cases associated with these two events is estimated to be well above 1,500.
Finally, a Shigella sonnei outbreak linked to frozen mixed berries was reported to have affected 21 people in Sweden in 1996.
Analysis of the information sources
When the sources of information were taken into consideration, 12 out of 32 events were reported through RASFF only, five events were reported in the literature only, and five events were reported only through EFSA. Finally, 10 events were reported by more than one source, including three events notified in EPIS FWD in the period from 2010 to 2013. Twenty-one events were linked to at least one RASFF notification, encompassing the three identified pathogens in the period from 1996 to 2013.
The number of RASFF notifications linked to contaminated frozen berries has increased over time, as shown in Figure 2 below. Among the events reported, five were linked to more than one RASFF notification, and up to 10 for one single multinational event (event number 27 in Table 2). The cumulative number of RASFF notifications was 42.
Figure 2. Distribution of number of RASFF notifications for norovirus and hepatitis A virus contamination in frozen berries, by year and implicated pathogen, EU/EEA, 1996–2013 (n=42)
The geographic distribution of events shows a specific pattern, with countries affected by outbreaks of NoV and/HAV associated with the consumption of contaminated frozen berries being reported predominantly in Nordic countries, and in particular Denmark, Sweden and Finland (Figure 3). The food trace-back activities have pointed to Serbia, Poland or China as the country of origin of the implicated berries in 19 of the events (Figure 4).
Figure 3. Distribution of number of eventsa by country of occurrence, EU/EEA, 1983–2013 (n=32 events)
Figure 4. Distribution of number of events in EU/EEA by place of origin of the implicated berries, 1996–2013 (n=32 eventsa)
Frozen raspberries were the implicated food in 24 of the 32 events. For 23 of these 24 outbreaks, the isolated pathogen was NoV. According to RASFF notifications, contaminated raspberries are produced in several different countries. However, frozen strawberries produced in China were implicated in four of the five events associated with frozen strawberries.
Capture re-capture study
A capture–recapture analysis was performed including literature, RASFF and EFSA in the period from 2005 to 2013. These three independent sources identified a cumulative total of 26 unique events. The log-linear model used gave an estimate of 42 (95% confidence interval: 20−64) independent events occurring in the period from 2005 to 2013. The completeness of reported independent events can be estimated at 21.4% for the literature, 23.8% for the source in EFSA, and 42.9% for RASFF. The ascertainment of events, defined as reported outbreaks and contamination incidents, can be estimated at 61.9% in the period from 2005 to 2013.
We reviewed contamination events of food-borne pathogens in frozen berries. The review combined different sources such as scientific literature and restricted access EU platforms. With the exclusion of one event associated with contamination with Shigella sonnei, events were due to contamination with NoV (27 events) and HAV (four events).
We identified 32 contamination events in a 30-year period, of which 26 occurred after 2004. This rise in number of reported outbreaks of NoV and HAV associated with consumption of frozen berries could be due to several concomitant factors. Increased likelihood of reporting over time and development of appropriate online platforms need to be considered alongside possible boosted interest in the scientific community. Technical developments in the detection of pathogens in food have resulted in the identification of implicated food vehicles with an increased accuracy over time [26-29]. The evolving molecular typing techniques have allowed matching food and human isolates and the identification of large multinational outbreaks sharing a common source [1,2,23]. The increase of RASFF notifications for contaminated frozen berries provides additional evidence on the rise in large contamination events. In 2013, several RASFF notifications were linked to a large multinational HAV outbreak associated with mixed frozen berry consumption in Italy and 12 additional EU/EEA countries [23-25]. This indicates the extensive environmental and trace back investigations performed by the affected countries when experiencing a large food-borne outbreak.
Liberalisation of markets and increased consumption of 'healthy' and raw food, such as berries, has increased the production and subsequently the risk of exposure to NoV and HAV for the EU population [6]. In 2013, three RASFF notifications for NoV contaminated berries were issued following border or other routine food safety controls. This might have been related to the EU regulation [30] issued by the EC in 2012 to intensify the level of official controls on imports of specific food items of non-animal origin, including checks for NoV and HAV in strawberries from China.
Our review highlights the higher frequency of NoV outbreaks compared with HAV in the EU/EEA in the past decades. Although the two viruses share some common features, such as low dose infectivity and ability for long survival in the environment, HAV appears to be associated with a lower number of reported cases. This may be due in part to prevalence of individuals with long-lasting immunity after infection or vaccination, a high proportion of asymptomatic HAV infections or, alternatively, to challenging recognition of outbreaks and their association with a particular food item due to the long HAV incubation period and recall bias [31].
Our review identified one single event associated with Shigella in 1996. Although this does not appear to be a common health risk associated with the consumption of frozen berries, prevention and control measures should also include this pathogen.
There were some limitations in our study approach. We did not perform a systematic review of the available evidence. Hence some records may have not been retrieved. The manual record-linkage based on multiple variables may have resulted in imprecise estimates of the number of independent events reported in the study period. In addition, the number of human cases associated with each event may be affected by considerable under-reporting, typical of self-limiting gastrointestinal diseases and of asymptomatic manifestation of disease.
The different periods during which the sources have been operating and the different reporting practices may have impacted on the information retrieval, especially in the earlier decades. Comparison was also limited, as some of the EU-based platforms were introduced from 2005 onwards. Moreover, while reporting to the RASFF or EFSA database is mandatory for EU Member States, this is not the case for the other sources included in the analysis, resulting in reporting or publication bias. A more in-depth analysis of the grey literature such as national public health institutes reports, may have allowed more events to be retrieved, including a larger fraction of outbreaks with a national dimension, particularly from earlier years covered by our review.
As shown in the capture–recapture study, as many as 38% (16/42) of the estimated independent events, which occurred during the period 2005–2013, were not reported by any of the study sources. Although the accuracy of the capture-recapture study relies on an assumption of independence between the different sources, as well as on the correct identification of independent events, it suggests an appreciable level of incompleteness. The reasons why the investigated data sources were incomplete could not be disclosed by the present study, and was not one of the study objectives. Food-borne outbreak reporting systems at the national level are not harmonised among EU/EEA countries. The differences in the number and type of reported outbreaks may indicate differences in the sensitivity of the national systems in identifying and investigating food-borne outbreaks. These differences may not necessarily reflect the level of food safety in Member States.
The findings from this review are in line with two recent publications from EFSA [7,32]. EFSA developed an ad hoc model to identify and rank specific food/pathogen combinations most often linked to human cases originating from food of non-animal origin (FoNAO) in the EU, using seven criteria: strength of associations between food and pathogen, incidence of illness, burden of disease, dose-response relationship, consumption, prevalence of contamination and pathogen growth potential during shelf-life [32]. The assessment is based on the analyses of EU food-borne outbreaks reported to EFSA and associated with FoNAO in 2007–2011. The highest number of food-borne outbreaks was reported for the combination of NoV and raspberries. According to the model, NoV and raspberries ranked fourth among top groups of food/pathogen combinations. NoV and other berries ranked fifth. The model, however, does not distinguish between fresh and frozen berries. The resulting EFSA's Biological Hazards Panel (BIOHAZ) opinion [7] focused on noroviruses in frozen berries, and specifically assessed risk factors in the production chain and proposes adequate mitigation measures. If properly implemented, many of these measures are likely to have a positive impact on prevention of HAV contamination. However, the best and simplest preventive measure at the farm level seems to be hand washing after using the toilet [33].
The route by which fresh and frozen berries become contaminated is not fully understood. The three pathogens causing the outbreaks are likely to come from human sources. Manually picked fruits such as soft berries are at great risk of viral contamination if the quality of farming practices, e.g. worker hygiene during farming and harvesting, is insufficient. Contamination may also derive from poor quality irrigation water and spraying of berry crops [3,7,17,34]. Frozen as compared with fresh berries, may lead to larger scale contamination due to processing routines such as mixing batches of different origin during freezing and before packaging. As contamination of raspberries with different NoV genotypes has been documented, large batches of product for export may come from different farms [2,3,14,17]. The consequently uneven distribution of contaminated berries may result in poor detection of viruses in food samples undergoing routine food safety checks. The detection of these viruses in contaminated food vehicles is further hampered by the absence of a robust, quantitative method for sampling, concentration and analysis, the low levels of contamination and the effect of inhibitory materials for RT-PCR detection [3,26,27,35-37]. These factors may have impacted on the capacity to identify, and subsequently report, outbreaks or contamination events involving frozen berries, particularly in the earlier decades of the study period.
Although the size of berry farms varies broadly across the EU, small-scale farming is common. Together with wild-picked berries, berries from these farms have been considered to be more vulnerable for HAV and NoV contamination. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of association between farm size and risk of contamination. In addition, small-scale production, as well as inadequate labelling of the site of production, impacts the traceability of batches from wholesalers to the farm level [3,38].
According to several studies, decontamination of berries proves difficult as the ability to survive of enteric viruses on frozen berries is quite long, with marginal reduction of the infectivity even after several months of storage [39,40]. Considering the long shelf-life and the wide distribution of these products, contaminated batches may result in a long-term source of outbreaks of a national or multinational size. In consideration of this, and due to repeated NoV and HAV outbreaks related to frozen berries, some countries have implemented risk communication interventions and recommended to heat-treat frozen berries before use, for one to three minutes [3].
We presented evidence for an increasing number of outbreaks of HAV and NoV associated with the consumption of frozen berries reported in the EU/EEA, predominately in the past 10 years. In consideration of the increasing consumption of berries in the EU/EEA [6], and such an emerging public health risk [7], a review of the risks for NoV and HAV contaminations associated with farming, picking, processing and distribution of fresh and frozen berries is needed. In particular, such a risk assessment would provide the necessary evidence to assess the adequateness of existing food safety regulations on the production and handling of berries to ensure safe products are on the market (and trade) with respect to contamination with NoV and HAV. From a public health perspective, risk communication messages such as heat-treating frozen berries before consumption should be re-iterated. Recommendations for HAV vaccination for habitual consumers of frozen berries may also be considered, especially for high-risk individuals.
In addition, to enhance the detection, control and investigation of outbreaks due to contaminated berries, and to support the assessment of the health risks, a better integration of the available communication platforms and databases should be sought at EU/EEA level to improve coordinated data collection and reporting.
The authors would like to acknowledge Irene Munoz Guajardo for performing the literature search.
Conflict of interest
None declared.
Authors' contributions
LT wrote the manuscript. ES contributed extensively to the manuscript drafting. TN, VR, FB and EL contributed with comments and revised the manuscript. ES and LT collected the data and performed the analysis. GN, TN, VR, FB and EL contributed to data collection. JGD performed the capture-recapture analysis. JT and DC reviewed the manuscript.
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The MLB has suspended Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez five games for his plunking of former teammate Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. Following the beanball, which hit the Rockies star in the elbow, benches cleared for both teams, but no blows were thrown. X-rays on Tulowitzki's elbow were negative.
Jimenez and Tulowitzki had words following Jimenez's trade from the Rockies to the Indians last July. In the above video, you can hear Jimenez's comments (and see the plunking) about the incident. Rockies manager Jim Tracy called Jimenez's beanball "gutless", and said he had lost all respect for his former ace, comments which the Indians hurler brushed off.
Jimenez didn't outright admit to throwing at Tulowitzki, saying his control was all over the place all game. Really Ubaldo? You've gotten suspended anyway, which wouldn't have happened if the commissioner's office felt that there was no intent. It's been a difficult spring for Jimenez, and the suspension just a couple days before the start of the season is the cherry on top. No word on whether or not he'll appeal.


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Application Period Now Open for Fall Turkey Season Permits
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that the Fall Turkey Season Permit Application period opened on August 1 and will close at 11:59 pm on August 31, 2013. Applications can be made at any license agent or on-line. Fall Turkey Season is Saturday, October 26 to Saturday, November 2, 2013.
Successful applicants will be notified during the week of September 9. Applicants can review their lottery application and see lottery results at www.nj.wildlifelicense.com/. Hunters can change the area they apply for prior to the close of the application period.
Successful applicants must claim awarded permits prior to the 11:59 p.m. deadline on Sunday, September 29. All unclaimed permits will be returned to the quota and become available on a first-come, first-served basis for over-the-counter sales. There are no exceptions.
All leftover and unclaimed permits will be available on a first come first serve basis beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1. Leftover permits can be purchased at license agent and/or at www.nj.wildlifelicense.com/. Permits will be available as long as the permit supply lasts or the season ends. If you decide to use the Internet you cannot print the permits from home. They must be mailed, and can take 7 – 10 business days (additional shipping charges apply).
Fall Turkey Season is open for the following Turkey Hunting Areas only: 1-5, 8, 9, 11 and 20-22.
Boundary descriptions for all THAs, along with fall season regulations, can be found in the 2013 Wild Turkey Hunting Season Information Booklet (pdf, 485kb – NOTE: On page 6, the following six WMAs are incorrectly included in THA 16 but are actually within THA 22: Cape May Wetlands, Gibson Creek, Great Egg Harbor, Makepeace Lake, Maple Lake, and Tuckahoe).
Summary of Important Dates and Deadlines for Fall Turkey Permits
Turkey Permit Lottery Application Period August 1 to August 31, 2013
Turkey Lottery Award Notification and Permit Pickup September 9 until September 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Farmer Turkey Permits September 9 at 10:00 a.m. until end of season
Fall Turkey Permit Over-the-Counter Sales October 1 at 10:00 a.m. until end of season


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In pictures: Residents on Pretoria becoming Tshwane
Ndivhuwo Mulamu
I think the name Tshwane is a very good thing – I like it. What is Pretoria? I don't think it's good for a city to be named after a person.
I like Tshwane and can pronounce it well. I don't know what it means – it is from a traditional language though not mine.
There is no need for them [whites] to make trouble.
Click below for more images


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DALLAS to ORLANDO and VICE VERSA for $66 R/T nonstop
Amazing deal: Dallas to Orlando flight, roundtrip as low as $66.
Dallas, USA
Orlando, USA
Dallas, USA
Dallas to Orlando
Departures: April 5, 12, 13, May 17
Returns: April (Tuesday, Wednesday), May 24
Orlando to Dallas
Departures: April (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Returns: April 12, 13, 19, 26, May (Tuesday, Wednesday)
We do not sell travel products or services. We just provide you with information (how/where) about flight deals or links to websites, where you can read more about it.
Information is valid at time of publication. Due to a high amount of posts – it is hard to track down all expired offers, so sometimes you may not find the price mentioned in the post. It means that the deal was sold out or supplier (airlines/agency) has changed the conditions or removed the offer. To avoid these frustrating situations, you can subscribe to our newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler.
Image Credits:Ricardo's Photography used under CC BY 2.0 license / Resized from original.


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On Wednesday, September 19 at 3 pm ET, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx), a leader in Congress on foreign affairs and Burma, will have the honor of being a featured speaker at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for recently released Nobel Peace Prize recipient and leader of Burma's democracy movement Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Crowley spearheaded legislation awarding Daw Suu Kyi with the Congressional Gold Medal -- the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress.
"The fact that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will stand in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol to receive the highest award Congress can give is just incredible. What she has done in Burma -- the patience she has shown, her perseverance, her fortitude, are remarkable. This is a very exciting moment in history and I am looking forward to welcoming her to the United States and joining my colleagues in awarding her this much-deserved honor," said Rep. Crowley.
The ceremony, to be held in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, will include remarks from House Speaker John Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and John McCain, and U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo. Rep. Manzullo is the co-author of the legislation honoring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi with Crowley. Former First Lady Laura Bush and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also speak during the event.
In January 2012, Crowley became the first member of the House to officially travel to Burma in over 12 years. In addition to leading the effort to award Daw Aung San Suu Kyi with the Congressional Gold Medal, Crowley is also the author of legislation to renew the ban on all imports from Burma contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, and spearheaded the effort to strengthen sanctions on Burma's military leaders through the Block Burmese JADE Act.
Congressman Crowley is a seven-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and is a chief deputy whip in the Democratic leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Source: http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/congressman-crowley-speak-congressional-gold-medal-ceremony-honoring-burma%E2%80%99s-aung-san


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PK Starstorm is the Final Smash of both Lucas and Ness in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The character summons a rain of actual stars from the sky while yelling "PK... Starstorm!!", which strike the stage. Lucas' PK Starstorm is more effective on smaller stages and Ness' PK Starstorm is more effective in larger stages. The move differs slightly for the two characters who use it; Lucas' meteors rain downwards and slightly inwards, dealing 14% damage, whereas Ness' meteors spread out in a "fan-like" shape, dealing 20% damage. Lucas' PK Starstorm falls faster when he is on less damage, while Ness' PK Starstorm falls faster when he is on high damage, the damage each 'star' does could possibly be based on the user's damage as well. Ness' PK Starstorm knocks the opponent up while Lucas' knocks the opponent to the side.
Ness Trophy
Ness as he calls down a host of damage-dealing stars in his Final Smash. Everyone on the screen must dodge like crazy to avoid getting hurt, but that's no easy task. This attack appeared in the MOTHER series, but it was Poo, not Ness, who wielded it. Perhaps Poo taught Ness the secret of the attack for use in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Lucas Trophy
Lucas' Final Smash. He pulls a large group of stars from the sky and sends them smashing down among his enemies, causing damage to one and all. In MOTHER 3, this move was used by Lucas' traveling companion, Princess Kumatora. As Ness learned this move from Poo, Princess Kumatora taught Lucas when he learned he would appear in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
PK Starstorm is used in the later 2 Mother games (Earthbound and Mother 3), However it is never taught to either Ness or Lucas. In the games, It is taught to Poo in Earthbound just after the Master Barf battle in Deep Darkness and a more powerful version (Starstorm Omega) in the Cave of the Past by the Star Master. Whereas in Mother 3 it is taught to Kumatora after the pulling of the 6th Needle by Ionia.
|Ness' Special Moves
|Standard Special Move:
|PK Fire (SSB), PK Flash (SSBM, SSBB)
|Side Special Move1:
|PK Fire
|Up Special Move:
|PK Thunder
|Down Special Move:
|PSI Magnet
|Final Smash2:
|PK Starstorm
| 1: In Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl only.
2: In Super Smash Bros. Brawl only.
|Lucas' Special Moves
|Standard Special Move:
|PK Freeze
|Side Special Move:
|PK Fire
|Up Special Move:
|PK Thunder
|Down Special Move:
|PSI Magnet
|Final Smash:
|PK Starstorm


text: My first love will always be creating with vintage papers and trimmings but lately, I can't seem to stop making jewelry. Thinking way back when I attended my first Silver Bella, I took a class to make a necklace and it was the most stressful experience. I left that class thinking OMG...that was the hardest thing I have ever done and thinking back, I now laugh at that. Now creating jewelry is very relaxing for me and I love it. I think the trick is, I do it when my children are busy because if I pull out my supplies when they aren't...oh it is nothing but trouble. They are dive into my beads and vintage jewelry findings trying to create their own creation. I actually do like it when they show interest in my passions, but I just need to control it. Here are some of my latest creations {sorry about all of the shadows in my photos, it is really sunny here in MI}.


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Home Depot Closes Select EXPO Design Centers Nationwide
August 1, 2005
The Home Depot announced that it will close 15 of its 54 EXPO Design Centers around the country, and another five will be converted to conventional big box stores. The remaining 34 EXPOs are said to be profitable and will remain operating, according to Big Orange.
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Looking for a great book to read? This list will be updated regularly with animal-related books that might be just what you're looking for! Here are a few titles to add to your reading list!
February: Following Atticus by Tom Ryan (2011)
Following Atticus is an unforgettable true saga of adventure, friendship, and the unlikeliest of family, as one remarkable animal opens the eyes and heart of a tough-as-nails newspaperman to the world's beauty and its possibilities. Tom Ryan decided to pay tribute to a close friend who died of cancer by attempting to climb all forty-eight of New Hampshire's four thousand-foot peaks twice in one winter while raising money for charity. Tom was middle-aged, overweight, and acrophobic (a fear of high places).
It was an adventure of a lifetime, leading Tom and Atticus across hundreds of miles and deep into an enchanting but dangerous winter wonderland. At the heart of the amazing journey was the extraordinary relationship they shared, one that blurred the line between man and dog.
Atticus even has his own Facebook Page! Click here to check it out.
March: A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen (plus three other titles that he has written)
A Street Cat Named Bob is an international sensation, landing on the bestseller list in England for 52 consecutive weeks and selling in 26 countries around the world. Now, James and Bob are ready to share their true story with the U.S. in this tale unlike any you've ever read of a cat who possesses some kind of magic.
When street musician James Bowen found an injured cat curled up in the hallway of his apartment building, he had no idea how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London, barely making enough money to feed himself, and the last thing he needed was a pet. Yet James couldn't resist helping the strikingly intelligent but very sick animal, whom he named Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining that he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas.
This instant classic about the power of love between man and animal has taken the world by storm and is guaranteed to be a huge hit with American fans as well.
Here are some other great titles; some are picture books for kids!
February 15 - Presidents' Day (observed)
February 23 - International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day AND World Spay Day
March 27 - Easter
Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month


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Generally, an album that sounds more or less the same all the way through would oviously become devastatingly boring after a while. But not in this case. Marduk, the undisputed kings of Swedish black metal, have in my opinion created a masterpiece with this album. An orgy of sheer, vicious brutality, this album sticks to its theme throughout its entire. The drums never stop pounding their skull-smashing blastbeats, the chaotic guitar melodies never once slow down, and Legion turns his throat into tomato gaspacho with his hellish screams in every single song. As for the bass player, he was probably passed out in a corner with gunpowder in his mouth and a gun turret up his ass. There are no keyboard melodies, no mid-tempo breaks, nothing. This album doesn't compromize. And there's no need for it, either. This is so good, the eight songs of pure mayhem actually leaves you hungry for more. It's brutal black metal as it's supposed to be.
The production is very good. This album doesn't lack the big, massive, evil sound that makes Marduk what they are. They clearly aimed to make this record as chaotic and violent as they could, and they didn't fail. All the instruments help creating a wall of sound that hits you in the face like a sledgehammer. The guitars are layered to make the sound fatter, the drums are well audible(which isn't the case on many black metal albums, sadly enough), and although the blastbeats aren't the fastest ever recorded, they fit well with the music and are an essential part in making this once-in-a-lifetime record what it is.
A lot of people complain about Legion's contribution to this album, but I have to disagree. He isn't my favorite black metal vocalist, but he sure does a good job on this album. His voice is extremely raspy, maybe too much for some to handle, but in this case it fits well in with the music and the general mood. In my opinion, he sounds better here than on Heaven Shall Burn, but not as good as on World Funeral.
But since his voice fits so well with black metal that focus more on brutality and violence than anything else, he's perfect for this one.
The lyrics maintain a steady theme throughout the whole record: war. The usual stupid accusations have hailed over this album: neo-nazism, aryan supremacy etc, but of course this is all bullshit. This album gives guitarist and main man Morgan a chance to express his fascination for World War II, proving that war-themed black metal sure is great mix, at least in this case. I don't think any other band could have pulled off the idea of a WWII-themed album, except for Marduk, and that's what makes it so awesome. Morgan is in my opinion one of the greatest lyricists in black metal ever, and this is clearly one of his prime works. The title track states a good example.
So, all in all, Panzer Division Marduk is a timeless black metal classic, one of a kind. There will never be an album like this again, and there's no need for it either. There can only be one Panzer Division Marduk.
Every aspect of it, the music, the lyrics, the theme, the production, everything about it helps creating an entity that forms a spirit of evil which we will never see the like of again.
And when Legion, in standout track ''Beast Of Prey'', manically shouts the unforgettable lines: 'All I want, all I need, is to see my enemies bleed / All I want, all I crave, is to kill the ones light saved', I always experience a terrible urge to put on a metal helmet, jump into a tank, and ride out on the battlefield with a ferocious battlecry. Attack, attack, attack!


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Straightening a crooked smile improves confidence and allows you to bite into other people's sandwiches without leaving identifying tooth prints. Align teeth into stealth formation with this Groupon.
$2,695 for a Complete Six Month Smiles Orthodontic Treatment ($5,393 Value)
- New-patient exam and x-rays (a $398 value)
- Six Month Smiles transparent braces (a $4,995 value)
After a consultation to determine eligibility for treatment, Six Month Smiles braces straighten teeth in an average of six months. The system employs clear brackets and tooth-colored wires that, like the "not for use as cake icing" labels on tubes of toothpaste, are barely visible.
Guerra Dental
Dr. Fred Guerra's commitment to offering patients "a caring, gentle touch" grows out of a lifelong dedication to serving others. Dr. Guerra joined the Air Force after graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1976; his military career culminated in a post as the director of dental services at the United States Air Force Academy. Today, he gives back to the community by supporting organizations that help victims of domestic violence and conducting annual volunteer efforts on behalf of the Give Kids a Smile program, which provides underserved children with free dental care.
Dr. Guerra's patient-centered, compassionate approach to dentistry is also reflected in the office's many amenities, including pillows and blankets, iPods and flat-screen TVs, and soothing music. To further promote guests' comfort, he uses the latest technological advancements. He is one of the few dentists in the country to use a powerful surgical microscope during root canals and other services that require increased visibility. Dr. Guerra is also an avid golfer and fitness enthusiast, which enhances his ability to custom-fit Under Armour mouth guards for athletes in contact sports or technicians who repair batting-cage pitching machines.


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Louis Vuitton neverfull gm review ikat summer 2013
Written by Elessa, Posted in Blog, Product Review
Yay for my new bag. I love the Neverfull because it is practical and fun. I love handbags and reviewing them is new to me. So let me know what you think 😀 xx Elessa


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PINELLAS PARK — A few months ago, Pinellas Park decided to change from greenish-yellow fire trucks to red. Now, the city's firefighters are trading in their blue uniform shirts for pink.
But it's only for a month. The pink T-shirts are part of a fundraising drive to benefit the Susan G. Komen Fund and support breast cancer survivors.
"It seemed like it would be a fun thing to do," said Nick DelGrosso, who spearheads the Pinellas Park fire union's fundraising efforts.
Pinellas Park is just one of the county's fire departments getting into pink.
Largo's firefighters are fielding a team Saturday at the 12th Annual Susan G. Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure at Vinoy Park. The team — Firefighters for Hooters — is a merger of two other teams, Firefighters for the Cure (Cause) and corporate team Hooters.
They're also bringing the Guardians of the Ribbon — Pink Heals Tour to Pinellas on Tuesday.
The Guardians of the Ribbon are mostly firefighters based in Arizona who tour the United States in a pink fire truck wearing pink firefighting gear. The goal is to raise awareness and money for women battling all types of cancer.
The truck and pink-clad firefighters will travel the county, beginning their day in St. Petersburg, traveling to the beaches and ending up in Pinellas Park at Quaker Steak and Lube, 10400 49th St. N, where they will stay for about four hours. The Quaker Steak event will include a display of antique fire trucks, a dunk tank and vendors, said the organizer, Macho Liberti, a Largo firefighter.
Proceeds will go to a new charity based in Tarpon Springs called One in a Million, formed this year.
The name comes from Donna Bollman's experience. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago, a form so rare that only one in a million people — 300 or so in the United States — have that kind of cancer, she said.
At the time, Bollman was a small-business owner who was unable to afford insurance. She lost everything in paying for her surgery and treatment. Bollman, now 52, had no place to turn.
She decided to form One in a Million to help female cancer sufferers with specific needs, such as housecleaning or pet food.
Pinellas Park's firefighters, known for their annual chili blaze to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, decided on something less complicated for this cause. Firefighters who bought pink T-shirts will be able to wear them on the job during October.
Now others want the shirts. "If shirt sales keep up the way they are going, I believe we could double" the $1,000 goal, DelGrosso said.
Reach Anne Lindberg at firstname.lastname@example.com or (727) 893-8450.


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WorldGate may have created the software, but Scientific-Atlanta has created the whole enchilada. Unveiled in Amsterdam, the European DVB-compliant (digital video broadcasting) set-top is capable of delivering real-time, two-way interactive applications, such as Internet access, e-mail over TV, enhanced TV and T-commerce. There are already 2.3 million Explorer set-tops deployed in Europe, and a contract for a quarter million more for ntl, the United Kingdom's largest cable provider.
"This technology hasn't been available in Europe before last week," said Paul Sims, director of public relations at SA. "This opens the door to a very exciting market in Europe as well as other markets, like Latin America and Asia. There is strong interest from those markets, as well as Scientific-Atlanta's interest, but no specific dates have been set for deployment."
There are nearly three million Explorer set-tops deployed in the U.S. and Canada, with the same interactive capabilities: VoD, e-mail over TV and PoD (pizza on-demand). Time Warner Oceanic deployed the Explorer set-tops approximately a year ago in Honolulu. Most recently, Time Warner Tampa launched VoD for 35,000 subs, with plans to ramp up to 300,000 by year-end, said Sims.
In other news, Scientific-Atlanta will provide fiber optic products and systems for Sudcable Services of France. The fiber optic network will expand Sudcable's ability to deliver expanded services over its cable system.
Scientific-Atlanta will provide optical transmitters, dual reverse receivers, optical nodes and amplifiers.


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Nostalgia—that's the word that will come to the minds of many photographers when they hold the Fujifilm X100 digital camera. I've spent lots of time with it by my side as a constant companion, and the little camera has grown on me tremendously. At the moment, these cameras are a bit hard to get your hands on, due to the unfortunate occurrences in Japan. However, it's a small but powerful camera that is worth taking a look at.