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December 7 was Student Day in Iran, a day when students traditionally commemorate the deaths of three Iranian students who were protesting the Shah in 1953. This year, the Student Day protests were especially poignant because they demonstrated that Iran's Green Movement is still very much alive. And, like the post-election protests in June, news about the demonstrations was delivered to the world via tools like Twitter and YouTube.
Online news organizations like Tehran Bureau and Enduring America, supported by a number of bloggers, such as the New York Times' Lede Blog and Citizentube, highlighted videos of the Student Day protests like those seen below in order to get the word out:
(If any Persian speakers out there could help translate what is being said in any of these videos please post in the comments section below - your help would be greatly appreciated.)
There has been much debate during the past few months over the role digital media has played in the Iranian election protests and Green Movement. A few weeks ago, the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University sponsored a talk by Cameran Ashraf entitled, #iranelection: The digital media response to the 2009 Iranian election, which provided a great look at how the digital media landscape shaped (and continues to shape) the Green Movement. You can watch the entire talk for yourself below:
Because media and information is so segmented between different regions, Ashraf notes, digital media and videos can be a particularly powerful tool for spreading information. Iran has 23-32 million internet users, putting it on par with Eastern Europe and making it something of an outlier in the Middle East, a region with relatively rates of internet access. To demonstrate the level of internet activity used during protests in Iran, Ashraf provides some anecdotal data from a protest that occured on September 18. Within 16 hours of the protest:
over 80 videos had been smuggled out of Iran
300,000 people viewed the videos
250,000 people downloaded the videos from inside Iran
The Government Response: Censorship and Surveillance
Of course, the internet in Iran is not so free. Reporters Without Borders lists Iran as one of its 12 "internet enemies", having blocked over 10 million websites deemed politically or socially offensive. When users try to access these blocked sites, they are invited to report to the authorities via e-mail in case the block is a mistake - a clever trick designed by the regime to create a database of potential dissidents, says Ashraf. In response to the protests that began in June, the Iranian government "virtually shut down the entire internet," reducing data transfer rates by 80%. During and after the protests, the average time to download a video on YouTube was over one hour (from the normal average time of 10 minutes). Opposition and foreign media websites were blocked, and restrictions were placed on file download sizes. Online monitoring was also stepped up, and threatening text messages were sent out by the regime. Ashraf was able to find part of one such text, which reads:
"Respected citizen, according to received information, you have been influenced by anti-security propaganda of foreign-backed media. If you attend any illegal gathering or contact media..."
The Iranian regime has demonstrated that it can be remarkably tech-savvy. It created a crowdsourcing website - www.gerdab.ir - used to identify protesters and dissidents. Pictures of protesters are posted on the site and users are offered rewards to identify them. Many of the pictures used on the site are taken from Iranian citizen media - videos and photos uploaded to YouTube and other sites - and are then often used against the very citizens who uploaded them. Red stamps reading "captured" are placed on the photos after an individual is arrested. As noted by an Iranian that has interned at WITNESS (whose name we will withhold for security reasons), the Gerdab pictures are also used to intimidate Iranians - "by representing protesters as guilty of crimes without any real determination of guilt, and by discouraging others from participating in future protests or uploading media online."
The Green Movement has responded with its own crowdsourcing site - www.gerdabesabz.blogspot.com - used to identify undercover government agents and members of the Basij. It's a great example of the cat and mouse game played online between governments and activists. However, there are ethical concerns with this endeavor, as it is unknown what could happen to those featured on either site.
The government also still relies on traditional repressive techniques simply adapted to the internet, as evidenced by the creation of a cyber crime unit to police the internet for dissident activity. The government has additionally created propaganda sites hosted in the United States and Canada, where there are better infrastructures to keep the sites running. Lastly, the regime has also adopted a nuanced approach to blocking access to mobile networks, blocking texting only in the area of a protest, for example, so that people in other areas of the country are kept unaware of the protest (and of any government action as well).
The Green Movement's Online Strategy: A "Hydra Approach"
Yet for all the regime's efforts, the Green Movement has maintained its strength and momentum. To quote Ashraf:
"The Green Movement's response, basically, has been to create a digital movement whose leader is itself, whose central organizing structure is viral, with ebbs and flows that adapt to the constantly changing and shifting digital and social landscape in post-election Iran."
The Green Movement has adopted what Ashraf calls a "hydra approach." Each individual within the Green Movement is a leader, which makes the regime's attempts to squash it akin to, in Bill Clinton's words, trying to nail Jell-O to the wall. The Green Movement is dependent upon Web sites, but it is not dependent upon any one Web site. Activists will set up a blog to advertise a protest, and when it is taken down, a new blog is put up. The Movement is also adept at bringing its online work to bear in the physical world. For example, stencils and flyers are created online and shared throughout "Blogistan", then printed out and used during protests.
International Support: Pluses and Minuses
The Green Movement also has considerable international support. Internet activists around the globe, notes Ashraf, helped Iranians circumvent the restrictions put in place by the Iranian regime. They also helped shame and force media attention with the #cnnfail hashtag on Twitter (more on hashtags here), in addition to providing a valuable resource for news organizations shut out from events on the ground. Perhaps most importantly, international support provided a safe avenue to get videos and images out of the country and hosted thousands of media files for the opposition.
But not all of the international support was helpful to Iranians. Ashraf notes that widespread distributed denial-of-service, or DDOS attacks intended to hurt government capabilities by targeting regime-affiliated Web sites, actually hurt the Green Movement by slowing down the internet in Iran even more than it already had been (a Google search for gerdab.ir, for example, still garners dozens of hits for web pages urging or directing DDOS attacks on the site). Cultural differences also hampered the effect of international support. Ashraf argues that in the U.S., one of many countries whose citizens provided online support for the Green Movement, activists and the media got "bored" because the revolution was not happening on "American time" (Iranians, Ashraf said, prefer to do things more slowly) - international digital activists can be fickle.
A Twitter Revolution? Not Quite
Much has been made in Western media about the impact of Twitter, but Ashraf, like many other commentators (see articles here and here), is skeptical about the impact of Twitter. One area in which Twitter, made a difference, however, was in communicated the continued support of the world to the Green Movement after the Western media stopped covering the events in Iran and began covering the death of Michael Jackson. It was also instrumental in getting news of torture out of Iran. Below are a few direct Tweets from Iran, some of which were used as sources by the media (all of which were later proven to be accurate):
"they hang ppls from roof in evin by hand & foot and beat 24/7 with electric cable - situ serious - these ppls need help"
"@ night in Evin nobody can sleep from sound of screaming.. Evin is full & ppls are 10 in 1 room"
"men in Evin is raped - some with glass bottle breaking in body - hospital sources say what they see is terrible"
But Ashraf argues that the impact of Twitter within Iran has been "grossly overstated". According to the Web Ecology Project, between June 7 and June 26, 2009, there were over 2 million tweets about the election in Iran, with about 480,000 users taking part. Of those users, Ashraf estimates only 12-50 were actually inside Iran. The real value of Twitter was in its ability to bring together activists around the globe in a "digital media and activism commons". This argument is echoed by Clay Shirky: "the most important tools during the Tehran protests were mobile phones, whether to send text messages, photos, or videos. Twitter, predominantly, was a gateway to western attention."
The ineffectiveness of Twitter within Iran is mirrored in some emerging academic studies on the role of information and communication technology in international affairs. Patrick Philippe Meier's analysis of the relationship between internet access and the frequency of protests under repressive regimes concludes that the relationship is insignificant.
What, then, are we to make of the role of digital media in promoting human rights? Clearly, both the repressors and the revolutionaries can artfully use the tools of Web 2.0 to augment their abilities to bring change offline (as discussed in my previous post). Some tools, like Twitter, might not be useful for some tasks, but are crucial for others. Video has clearly made a significant impact by documenting not only the abuses committed by the Iranian regime, but also the dedication of the Green Movement. Organizations like WITNESS can learn from the experiences of the Green Movement as they seek to use video and other digital media for advocacy purposes.
The battle for a free Iran is not yet over, as the Student Day protests have shown, but what is already clear is that while protests and demonstrations are the "meat" of the movement, many important parts of the fight have and will occur online - through Tweets, texts, and videos.
For more on the Iranian protests, check out these blog posts and videos on The Hub. To read more about the use of technology during conflicts and the impact of digital media on human rights, see these two reports:
New Technologies in Emergencies and Conflicts: The Role of Information and Social Networks
Digital Media in Conflict-Prone Societies


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Join us Tuesday, October 1 at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET to learn 5 key new features of Visio 2013. There's so much to like about the new Visio–this 90-minute session will cover the essentials to help you maximize your productivity and start taking advantage of the functionality Visio 2013 offers.
Sign in / register here for the Visio webcast series to access this session on-demand.
In this webcast, you will learn how to:
- Sync to the cloud: Save to SharePoint and SkyDrive as easily as to your hard drive
- Change shape: Replace any shape with any other while retaining text, data, and connections
- Duplicate page: Make a copy of any Visio page with 2 clicks
- Use coauthoring: Simultaneously edit a Visio diagram with other users
- Create org charts with photos: Easily import photographs into your org charts
Presenter: Scott Helmers, Visio MVP, Partner, Harvard Computing Group
To see the complete Visio webcast series agenda, go to aka.ms/VisioWebcastSeries.

subset: commoncrawl


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LOS ANGELES — Wholesale business is inching upward in the Los Angeles produce market this summer as a chain that was launched with great fanfare seven years ago adjusts to new ownership and one of the largest produce markets may be up for sale.
"We're doing fine, but I know there's room for more business out there," said Alan Pollack, general manager at Coosemans Los Angeles, on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market.
"I don't think the economy is where it should be or where it has been," he said. "The price of gas is going up, and that affects everything."
The ethnic makeup of the region continues to change he said, which requires the company to change its product line.
For example, "We've been adding a tremendous amount of specialty tomatoes," he said, bringing in more of the smaller varieties.
The drought in the West and global warming are on everyone's minds, added Karen Caplan, chief executive officer and president of Frieda's Inc., Los Alamitos, Calif.
"But still, business is up and retailers and foodservice users seem to be using more and more fresh produce."
Sales continue to rise on the organic side, thanks to retailer support, said Jimmy Matiasevich, sales manager for JBJ Distributing Inc./Veg-Land Inc., Fullerton, Calif.
"The retailers are putting a lot more into it," he said, with bigger up front in-store displays and regular weekly ads.
Consumer interest also is growing in the value-added segment, said Larry Vein, president of Caldwell Fresh Foods, Maywood, Calif.
Convenience, healthful rule
Drug stores, convenience stores and gas stations are adding grab-and-go and portion packs that consumers pick up on their way home, he said.
Foodservice customers are looking to provide healthy menu options and turn to suppliers like Great West Produce Inc., Commerce, Calif., to provide them with market information, trends and new items, said Ken Ewalt, vice president, new business development.
The retail scene also continues to change as chains consolidate, independent market share grows and the number of Internet food providers rises, he said.
"But with change, come opportunities," he added. "We are positioning Great West to be able to adapt to the changing market and continue to exceed our customers' expectations."
There have been no major changes at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market, said executive director Richard Gardner.
At the nearby Seventh Street Market, improvements continue to be made.
In June, the market's 33rd cooler box was in the processed of being rebuilt since the facility was purchased by Evoq Properties in 2011. Cost for each refurbishing ranges from $88,000 to $130,000, said Bob Iannessa, general manager.
"Every month we do one or two more," he said.
Owners undoubtedly hope the improvements will enhance the value of the property, which Iannessa said is part of a portfolio of 37 properties the company has put up for sale.
Although there's a chance the market could be torn down, Iannessa said he doubts that anyone would take out one of the largest produce markets in California.
"The market is a money maker," he said.
If the market is taken out, it won't be anytime soon, he said, since 90% of the tenants have five-year leases at the present facility.
Meantime, he said the company's 2-year-old Eighth Street Market, with 32 units, "Has been struggling."
It's only 55% leased, he said.
Iannessa said he plans to concentrate on "getting it off the ground."
Retail sea change
On the retail side, Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons has purchased Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway Inc., which owns the Vons/Pavilions stores in Southern California. And Tesco's Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, based in El Segundo, south of Los Angeles, has been acquired by Ron Burkle's Los Angeles-based Yucaipa Co.
Fresh & Easy was launched in 2007 and eventually opened about 200 stores, but the format never really caught on.
Burkle introduced the new Wild Oats line of organic products to the chain in June, and the company unveiled a marketing campaign to relaunch the chain.
Burkle is a "smart investor" who has experience in the Southern California supermarket industry, said Dick Spezzano, president of Spezzano Consulting Services, Monrovia, Calif.
"I think that Ron Burkle has a better chance of making (Fresh & Easy) a success," he said.


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Components 101: Mudguard
Mudguards make cycling in wet weather a more comfortable experience both for you and the riders behind you. Fixed above the front and rear wheels, they help to reduce the amount of water and dirt thrown up by the wheel actually landing on the rider (and flicking mud into the path of those behind). Many frames have eyelets for the purpose of bolting a set of mudguards to, whereas clip-on guards can be fitted and removed in seconds.


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Growers of California's desert produce continue to expand organic programs and to comply with buyer requests for sustainably grown fruits and vegetables.
Five Crowns Marketing in Brawley, Calif., offers organic cantaloupes grown in the Imperial Valley during May, said Daren Van Dyke, director of sales and marketing.
Although most of the company's products are conventionally grown, he said the organic category is expanding as retailers add at least some organic items to their conventional lines.
"It's not steamrolling, but it continues to pick up interest," he said.
As the category expands, though, profit margins on organics are shrinking, said Jon Vessey, owner and president of Vessey & Co. Inc., Holtville, Calif.
As long as the demand is there, however, the company wants to grow with the category, he said. Vessey already has a winter organic program and plans to grow some organic squash, tomatoes, eggplant and watermelons next spring.
Bakersfield, Calif.-based Anthony Vineyards offers more organic table grapes every year, said Bob Bianco, co-owner.
"Our company eventually will probably be 40% organic," he said. "That's what we're striving for."
Demand exists for red, green and black grapes, he said.
Drake Larson, owner of Drake Larson Sales, Thermal, Calif., plants only a small section of organic grapes so as not to produce an oversupply.
His organic customer base consists mostly of upscale retailers that are flavor oriented, he said.
Larson grows conventional and organic grapes, including flames, perlettes and its own Mariah variety — a sweet, black seedless grape that is available in June.
"Our breeding program is cranking out new varieties," Larson said.
He expects organic grapes to start in late May.
Richard Bagdasarian Inc., Mecca, Calif., and its Pasha Marketing LLC division offer a full complement of conventional and organic table grapes; green, red and yellow bell peppers; and eggplant, and continues to ramp up its organic program, said Franz De Klotz, vice president of marketing.
"We continue to build on that customer base," he said.
None of the organic items are grown "on spec," De Klotz said.
"We're doing it all to answer requests from customers," he said.
The company is seeing more requests for organics from all of its retail customers, he said.
"For us, (organics) is working its way into being a viable part of our business."
Sustainability continues to be a major topic of interest among retailers, said Mike Aiton, director of marketing for Prime Time International, Coachella, Calif.
When he gets a memo from a buyer or potential buyer asking about the company's sustainability program, Aiton sends out a copy of a documentation sheet that lists the ways in which Prime Time International is sustainable.
It tells, for example, how the company conserves water, recycles materials and uses solar energy in its packinghouse and pumping stations.
Likewise, Peter Rabbit Farms in Coachella is "very conscientious about sustainability," said John Burton, general manager of sales and cooler.
The company pays close attention to sustainability in the crops it grows, the way the ground is maintained and in the rotation of its crops, he said.
Peter Rabbit Farms has been around since 1950, he said.
"I think people trust the name and trust the brand," he said.
"People want to deal with companies that they know they are going to deal with today, tomorrow and down the road."
Growing sustainably is "a huge concern" at Five Crowns Marketing, Van Dyke said.
"That is definitely something that is on the forefront."
The company's retail customers ask about the firm's sustainability program, he said. The company has implemented a solar energy system to help conserve energy and protect the environment.
When buyers ask De Klotz about sustainability at Bagdasarian and Pasha Marketing, he points out, among other things, that the company recently completed a 650,000 kilowatt solar plant at its packinghouse.
"It will fill the majority of our electricity needs," he said.


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County BriefsVoting deadlines approaching
October 2, 2012
With deadlines fast approaching to vote in the upcoming general election on Nov. 9, voters are reminded of the following deadlines:
National NeighborWoods Month
The Uinta Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council are celebrating National NeighborWoods Month by planting trees at Coalville's entrance to the Rail Trail. The public can join the celebration on 12 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5 at the Rail Trail (about 100 West) on 100 South. An Arborist will read the Coalville Arbor Day Proclamation and give a short education session before the trees are planted. Those attending are asked to bring gloves, suitable footwear and shovels. Light refreshments will be available. National NeighborWoods Month was founded in 2005. Throughout October, local organizations nationwide engage thousands of volunteers to plant trees. For more information visit http://www.uintaheadwaters.org or http://www.neighborwoodsmonth.org .


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Thompson Quilted Jewelry Organizer
Key Style
Color: please select a color
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Quilted leather panels accent a canvas jewelry case, which keeps small treasures safe while traveling. A zip pocket details the sturdy exterior, and a wraparound zip opens to the lined interior with 2 zip pockets, 12 pouches, 32 earring slots, and 18 bands to keep jewelry in place.
Leather: Cowhide.
Imported, China.
Height: 8in / 20cm
Length: 13in / 33cm
Leather: Cowhide.
Imported, China.
Height: 8in / 20cm
Length: 13in / 33cm
Helping her grandmother knit sweaters in Yugoslavia is one of Gorjana Reidel's earliest memories. After being discovered by Ford Models at the age of 15, it wasn't long before Gorjana's days were spent on runways and sets. In 2004 the designer launched her eponymous jewelry collection, which counts the likes of Cindy Crawford and Sienna Miller as fans. Known for simple exquisiteness with an artful twist, the line offers elegant earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, as well as classically chic accessories. See all Gorjana reviews
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Shipping Available: Shipping Within USA Only: For Amazon Prime members, free two-day shipping is available for all Shopbop & East Dane products.


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A Rancho Cucamonga man will be held to answer in superior court to charges regarding a fatal hit and run that happened in August.
West Valley Superior Court Judge Jon Ferguson made the decision following testimony and evidence Tuesday at the preliminary hearing for suspect Jason Cox.
Cox was arrested in September on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, as well as a hit-and-run resulting in death of injury, officials said.
A white utility truck hit Michael Vega, 25, of Norco about 6:40 p.m. Aug. 28 on Foothill Boulevard east of Ramona Avenue. Vega died shortly thereafter.
The main evidence that drew deputies to Cox involved heavy damage to the front of the truck and paint that appeared on Vega's bike and the truck, officials said.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies arrested Cox at his home in Rancho Cucamonga but he posted bail and is currently out of custody.
Deputy District Attorney Dan Ross made a motion to increase Cox's bail at Tuesday's hearing, but the motion was denied, according to court records.
Cox is scheduled to be back in court on Feb. 5.


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Sealed and maintenance-free
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12V 30Ah
Power Source Batteries consistently outperform and outlast other batteries. These maintenance-free sealed lead-acid batteries have been designed to take the abuse and "get cranky" when you need it. Featuring AGM technology, these batteries come pre-charged and will perform mounted in any position.The WPX30CL-BS battery is a replacement for YB30CL-B conventional flooded batteries. Fits most 4-stroke PWC models. 7-9/16"H x 6-5/8"W x 5-3/16"D.
Technical Alert For Sea-Doo Personal Watercraft Users
Sea-Doo Personal Watercrafts tend to transfer an electrical load to the battery while in storage. If not properly maintained, you may not get the top performance from your battery. This brand of watercraft experiences an electrical load on the battery during storage, caused by a control module monitoring the lanyard socket. If the lanyard is left installed, the electrical drain is 18 ma after 10 minutes of shutting down the engine. If the lanyard is removed, the electrical drain is 7 ma. Over time these electrical loads can cause considerable loss of battery capacity. For Sea-Doo watercraft always disconnect the lanyard from its socket when not riding the watercraft. Install a waterproof disconnect switch (item #32965) in the negative battery cable, so the battery can be disconnected after riding.


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Times-Herald staff
Here's what will be open and closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day:
Closed or not
* Vallejo, Benicia and American Canyon city offices.
* Most Solano and Napa County offices. Some 24-hour facilities, such as the Napa County Jail and the Juvenile Justice Center, will be open.
* Schools and administrative offices in Vallejo, Benicia and Napa, including American Canyon.
* Mail delivery.
* Solano and Napa County Library branches and Benicia Public Library.
* Banks.
Open or operating:
* Garbage services
* Vallejo Transit buses on a Saturday schedule.
* Baylink Ferries on regular weekday schedule.
* For police and fire emergencies, call 911.
* Emergency drop-in clinics at Kaiser-Permanente and Sutter Solano medical centers
* Solano County Mental Health's hotline is available 24 hours a day at 553-5331.


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In 2007, Karen Cottle traveled to New York for the inaugural awards of the DirectWomen Institute, which promotes women on corporate boards. Cottle, the general counsel of Adobe Systems Inc., was inspired by the event, but didn't know of any similar organizations closer to her West Coast home.
She reached out to Mary Doyle, currently the global chief compliance officer at Oracle Corp. "She and I thought it would be great if we could create a women GC network in the Bay Area," remembers Cottle. "So eventually Mary just scheduled a dinner and called a bunch of general counsel … and it was really great."
So great, in fact, that the women continue to hold "Dinner Among Friends" events three or four times a year. The current group of attendees includes between 23 and 25 female GCs who represent a broad swath of industries. "There's Clorox; there's McKesson; there's The Gap, Adobe, LinkedIn, a variety of companies," says Cottle. "It's a great cross-section."
Though their backgrounds are diverse, the participants experience many of same challenges in their professional lives. Each meeting focuses on one of these common business concerns, allowing members to swap ideas and advice. "We have discussions of big issues that face every company, whether it's how to do business in a particular geography or a general compliance issue," says Cottle.
The dinners also provide opportunities to network with other GCs and potential law firm partners. At two "Dinner Among Friends" events, each member—most of whom manage legal budgets—brought a female law partner as a guest.
Building these professional and personal relationships is what Cottle values the most. "The GC job can be a little bit lonely in some respects," she says. "And it's just a fabulous network of women to get to know and to call for counsel on various issues … We have some great conversations."


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Corn futures are 5-7 cents lower at midsession. Futures have tumbled along with the soybeans on the China soybean export cancellations. Weekly corn export sales sluggish again at only 4.1 million bushels for the current marketing year. Oddly sales for 2013/14 were double the current year. December futures tested the low made earlier this week near $7.10. So far that level has held. News that EPA denied waiver requests of the ethanol mandate helped futures hold the low, but for most the announcement was not a surprise. December corn futures 7 1/4 cents lower at $7.14.
The soybean market is sharply lower in mid morning trading. January futures have traded down by about 25 cents to near $13.75. The major development is news from China. According to the China National Grain and Oils Information Center, Chinese traders have cancelled about 600,000 tonnes of U.S. soybean purchases. The source of the news is considered highly reputable. The beans would have been shipped from the U.S. soon for delivery to China in December and January. Crushing margins are poor in China considering the high prices that some of the beans carry with them from their purchases at the peak in late summer U.S. production anxiety.
Wheat futures are down hard in midsession trade. Weekly export sales came in at the low end of pre-report expectations and reports of China cancelling some purchases of U.S. soybeans have soybeans down hard as well. Making things worse, wheat futures have now broken below some important chart support points, triggering additional selling pressure on technical reasons. At midsession, CBOT December is down 16 ¼ at $8.45; KCBT December is down 16 ¾ at $8.86 ¾; MGE December is down 13 ¼ at $9.17 ½.
Live cattle futures are 5 to 25 cents lower at mid morning. Cattle futures are drifting lower ahead of this afternoon's Cattle on Feed report. Beef prices were lower on Thursday. Some light cash trade was reported on Thursday in Nebraska at $195, steady with last week. The Cattle on Feed report is expected to show a sharp decline in placements during October with cattle on feed down 4%-6% from a year ago. December CME cattle futures are 10 cents lower at $125.50.
Lean hog futures are mixed. The pork cutout was down 27 cents on Thursday to $81.30. The cutout is down over $5 so far this week with hams and bellies leading the decline each down about $10 per cwt. Iowa/Minnesota hogs weighted average price was down $1.50 to $74.38. Lower pork prices are weighing on futures. December CME lean hogs are 2 cents lower at $80.07.


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Accurate individual test kit simplifies the testing of phosphate. Convenient two-part liquid test makes measuring and monitoring phosphate levels fast and easy. In high concentrations, phosphate often encourages the growth of aggressive nuisance algae and may precipitate dissolved calcium and magnesium ions in saltwater aquariums. API Phosphate Test Kit reads 0-10 ppm total phosphate. Use in marine, reef, or freshwater aquariums.
Please click on "More Information" for directions and frequently asked questions.


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In a relentless downpour that recalled the peak of the torrential deluge of 1982, the second wave of a Pacific "atmospheric river" surged across Marin Friday, dumping more than three inches of rain in some parts of the county.
And more is on the way.
Rainfall totals for the 24 hours ending at 5 p.m. Friday included San Rafael, 2.99 inches, Kentfield, 3.33 inches, Woodacre, 3.17 inches; Mt. Barnabe, Samuel P. Taylor Park, 3.03 inches, Big Rock, 2.27 inches, Olema, 2.84 inches, Petaluma, 2.36 inches.
Scattered showers could drop another inch during the day on Saturday, but the real heavy drenching is expected overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.
"Then we get a little break, but it looks like more rain is on the horizon for Tuesday night," said Austin Cross of the National Weather Service.
Most areas seemed to emerge from Friday's soaking relatively unscathed, although Ross authorities grappled in the afternoon with a tree that fell into a home on Fernhill Avenue. No one was hurt.
Scattered power outages affecting several thousand homes were reported from Lucas Valley to Inverness, and Pacific Gas and Electric crews were busy as winds toppled trees that sliced through utility lines, keeping tree companies hopping around the county.
"We dealt with a lot of downed trees and were reacting all day," said Geoff LeGallais of Treemasters in San Rafael. "We'll be here with guys on staff over the weekend."
It was a long, busy night for county fire dispatcher Lauri Thompson as call volume doubled on the graveyard shift at the Woodacre firehouse. Most calls involved trees that took out power lines or blocked roadways.
The storm gave some school children an unexpected holiday. The Shoreline School District in West Marin shut down for the day, as did Wade Thomas Elementary in San Anselmo and Nicasio School.
County investigators sought to identify a body found after a tiny cabin near Cascade Canyon in Fairfax burned down during the downpour. But they had little other information on the cause and whether the storm played a role in the blaze.
No serious storm-related injuries were reported as freeway traffic slowed, minimizing wet-weather collisions that plagued other Bay Area communities.
IJ reporter Paul Liberatore contributed to this report. Follow Nels Johnson at twitter.com/nelsjohnsonnews
Rainfall Totals
In inches through Friday evening:
San Rafael: 2.99
Kentfield: 3.33
Olema: 2.84
Mt. Barnabe: 3.03
Lucas Valley: 2.27
Woodacre: 3.17
Petaluma: 2.36


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"Fair pay for our milk!"
That was the rallying cry for hundreds of dairy farmers and their supporters who gathered at the state capital earlier this month to urge changes in the California milk-pricing system, according to the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register in a report available here.
In recent years, dairies in California – and across the country – have dealt with financial hardships due to many factors, including high feed costs, increased labor costs, and moderate milk prices. The situation is so bleak that one cooperative launched a crisis hotline for dairy farmers and their families. Read more here.
"The dairymen are running out of money. A lot of them went broke. A lot more of them are going broke," said Joe Simoes, owner of dairies in Tulare and Tipton.
It was this desperation that led dairy farmers to rally against California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross, who sets the state's milk pricing every month using the California Milk Order. Dairy farmers argue that Ross has been reducing how much dairies receive for their class 4b milk, which is used to manufacture cheese and whey, paying the state's dairy producers less than dairies in surrounding states.
In May, the CDFA held a hearing to determine if the value of whey should be raised in the state's Class 4b pricing formula. Read more here.
Though Ross did not directly respond to the protest, she issued a statement just hours after her office was protested.
"When considering changes to the formulas used to calculate the minimum price, the Department is obligated to balance the economic impacts on producers, processors and consumers to ensure there is sufficient milk to meet demand, and that demand remains consistent. Because of the competing interests of these groups, the Department is often required to make difficult decisions," Ross wrote in her blog post available on the CDFA's website.
Ross also announced that the CDFA has created the Dairy Future Task Force, which includes 32 of the state's dairy farmers, cooperatives and processors, to "make recommendations for changes to the pricing structure." Read more about the task force.
After the success of the first rally, a second event has been planned for mid-October. Instead of targeting Ross, the group plans to focus on her boss, Governor Jerry Brown. Organizers hope that the noise and publicity generated by the ongoing protest will attract Brown's attention and put added pressure on Ross.
Read more from the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register here.


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Flash Me I'm An Aaron Baby Bodysuit
Product Color:
Product information
Use this Baby Bodysuit Flash Me I'm An Aaron and your need for a babysitter will dwindle rapidly. Whether you are having a nice meal at a fancy restaurant or going to a friend's dinner party: Use our Flash Me I'm An Aaron outfits and your baby will become the center of any party.
This Aaron Baby Bodysuit is made of 100% Cotton, ensuring durability, quality and all the softness needed to make your little one feel comfortable. Our wide variety of cheerful colors ensure that your baby is always dressed for the occasion.
Sku: BB0BN0000035462121210001GRVR00000


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Dennis Lewis sentenced to life in prison without parole
TRENTON � A Jones County jury found Dennis Sherwood Lewis, 55, guilty of first-degree murder at the Jones County Courthouse on Friday.
Lewis had been accused of shooting Edward �Earl� Bell, 62, in the face in January 2011.
Jones County Sheriff�s Office Narcotics Detective Timothy Corey said the jury deliberated for an hour before coming back with a guilty verdict at 11 a.m.
�It�s been an ongoing case for a long time,� he said. �It�s good to see the family get justice.�
Lewis was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Investigators were called to the scene of a possible shooting at 3421 N.C. 58 South on January 20, 2011. Bell was found dead the scene from what was later ruled as a gunshot wound.
Bell was part owner of Bell Brothers Farms and a member of Pollocksville Presbyterian Church at the time of his death.
Corey said Lewis is being held in the Jones County Jail and will remain there until he is processed by the North Carolina Department of Corrections.
�It will be up to the state to decide what prison he goes to,� Corey said.
Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @nclark763.


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The goal of Sweden-based apparel brand Happy Socks is to spread happiness by making colorful and unique socks that are more than just an everyday essential. By maintaining a rigorous standard of excellence, Happy Socks ensures that its products are always made from sophisticated fabrics and feature original design work. In addition, every pair of Happy Socks undergoes two separate quality control tests before earning the Happy Socks seal of approval. Distinct for their colorful designs, Happy Socks are also a favorite brand of streetwear enthusiasts. Happy Socks are manufactured in Turkey at a family-owned factory that has the utmost respect for working conditions in accordance with international labor laws and standards.
No products match your selections. Try clearing your filters.


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Project Runway's New York
"When they asked if I wanted to be on a reality show I said, "No, I don't want to be on TV." They asked me if I thought if it was a good idea for a show and I said, "No, I think it's a terrible idea. Who's going to be interested?"" - Nina Garcia
"Visions of the husks as petals or feathers began unfolding and layering themselves in my imagination. There is also something so iconic American about the idea of corn that I think everyone responded to. I saw the potential for something chic yet playful, imaginative yet classic, humble yet luxuriant." - Austin Scarlett
Gwen Stefani's Cover Shoot Style


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Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
By September 30, 2014, agencies needed to update their public networks to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) to comply with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance [PDF - 157 KB].
GSA has made available a comprehensive IPv6 SOW Template [DOCX - 910 KB] for agencies to use at no cost to help achieve a smooth and well-planned transition. GSA encourages each agency to access, customize and leverage the IPv6 SOW for its own needs.
Every government agency faces the challenge to identify and update IPv4 assets to IPv6 and GSA's IPv6 SOW Template [DOCX - 910 KB] is a good place to start or if you've already started to use as a reference.
IPv6 provides greatly expanded IP address space with better mobility and security. It can also reduce your network administration and security support costs downstream.
GSA also offers IPv6-compliant equipment, applications, transition support, and integrated solutions. Connections II contractors have expertise to help agencies plan, test, acquire equipment, and implement the IPv6 update.
IPV6-SPECIFIC transition support
Connections II connects agencies to companies with expertise in IPv6 transition services and support.
Planning Guide/Roadmap Toward IPv6 Adoption within the U.S. Government [PDF - 4.20 MB] from CIO.gov also provides information.
IT Schedule 70
IT Schedule 70 offers commercial IPv6-compliant IT products and services, including:
- Daily or short term rental of IT equipment;
- New equipment purchase;
- Used or refurbished equipment purchase;
- IT professional services; and
- Electronic commerce and subscription services.
How to order from IT Schedule 70
State, local, and tribal governments
State, local, and tribal governments can use the Cooperative Purchasing Program to buy from IT Schedule 70.
Telecommunications service
Networx allows federal agencies to build seamless, secure operating environments through customized telecommunications services, including IPv6 services.
Networx IPv6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) [PDF - 50 KB]
IT solutions
Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) provide IPv6 transition services as part of a total IT solution.
Telecommunications infrastructure and IPv6 transition support
Connections II offers secure telecommunications infrastructure for your federal building or campus.
How to order from Connections II


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Beckham not bothered by trade rumors
CLEVELAND -- White Sox manager Robin Ventura gave Gordon Beckham a break on Friday, with his second baseman stuck in a 13-for-99 (.131) slump over his last 26 games.
Ventura also felt that Beckham might be getting a bit overwhelmed by trade rumors involving his name for the second or third year in a row. But Beckham said on Saturday that those rumors had nothing to do with his offensive struggles.
"Trade rumors don't affect how I prepare and how I go about the game," Beckham said. "They are just a distraction if you let them be. Obviously, I've heard stuff. But I haven't tried to think about it too much.
"Earlier in my career, it bothered me more in terms of thinking about it and stuff like that. Now, I understand this is a business and they will do what they feel is best for the White Sox. Hopefully, I'm a part of it for a while. But you know if it happens the other way, it is what it is."
With prospects such as Micah Johnson, Carlos Sanchez and Marcus Semien behind Beckham at second, the White Sox would seem to make a decision on his longer-term fit with the team sometime in the near future -- although not necessary before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. Beckham understands that he's not yet in a position to request more concrete answers concerning his status.
"I can't be like, 'Well I wish I had more security here,'" Beckham said. "I'm in my second year of arbitration going into my third -- and this is a business, so it's going to be interesting.
"I've done a lot of good things this year so far. I've been in a little bit of a funk, obviously. But the good news is, I already have been doing very well -- so it's just a matter of turning it back on."
Beckham went 1-for-3 with a walk and a pair of RBIs in Saturday's 6-2 win over Cleveland.
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Haslam helps Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership launch new Leadership Tennessee initiative
Lipscomb University's Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership announced Wednesday, Feb. 6, the launch of Leadership Tennessee, its latest leadership education program designed to cultivate a network of business, nonprofit, education and government leaders who are committed to addressing the state's challenges and opportunities.
|Linda Peek Schacht, ICL executive director
|Governor Bill Haslam
|Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry
|Cathy Cate, Leadership Tennessee executive director
|Tom Ingram, ICL leader-in-residence
|Panel of leaders from across Tennessee
"For the past two years, the Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership has made an impact on Middle Tennessee as it has built on the legacy of Nashville leader Nelson Andrews by engaging emerging and current leaders from government, business and nonprofit sectors in programs to create thriving communities by collaborating together for the common good," said Lipscomb University President L. Randolph Lowry.
"Nelson Andrews helped create successful local leadership programs. His family chose Lipscomb University to be the institution to expand his vision of collaborative leadership to the state and beyond. So, it is very fitting that the newest initiative from the institute that bears his name is leading the way with the development of Leadership Tennessee. It's another way the Andrews Institute is making an impact on the community."
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam helped launch the initiative at a gathering of leaders from across the state. He said that Leadership Tennessee will enhance collaboration on the state level.
"I congratulate the Andrews Institute on the launch of Leadership Tennessee," said Governor Bill Haslam. "This unique initiative will create new partnerships that will improve communication statewide and will bring focus to the needs of Tennessee and its citizens. I look forward to seeing the process unfold and the ideas that develop."
"It's appropriate that an initiative such as Leadership Tennessee is housed at Lipscomb University. I love its vision for how a university can be involved in the community. You have to have the right people behind a program like this and I believe that is happening here. The number of people associated with the Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership who have been leaders beyond their own sphere is really amazing. The key is that this is a statewide initiative, and I personally think we will be a much better state because of that."
Tom Ingram, Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership leader-in-residence, agrees.
"I am excited about the potential this initiative has to make a positive difference for the entire state of Tennessee," said Ingram, longtime advisor to corporate and government officials. "Our vision is that this program will represent middle, east and west Tennessee across all sectors."
Leadership Tennessee is a natural outgrowth of the work of the Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership.
"The guiding principle of the Andrews Institute is that great communities are intentional, not accidental. Great states are intentional, not accidental," said Linda Peek Schacht, Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership executive director. "When we bring leaders together from the private, public and nonprofit sectors to work together for the common good, communities can change. Leadership Tennessee extends statewide this collaborative leadership model, based on the idea that informed, committed citizens can find common ground and make common cause to address the challenges and opportunities facing a community, region or state."
Leadership Tennessee is a 10-month program that will provide collaborative learning and dialogue spanning the state's three grand divisions, issue specific education for demonstrated leaders, a diverse representation of participants and opportunities to affect change. Participants will include key leaders in the business, nonprofit, education and government sectors.
"Citizens with demonstrated community and professional leadership from every region of the state will bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing Tennessee, with a focus on how leaders can collaborate to effectively address them," said Cathy Cate, executive director of Leadership Tennessee and director of community leadership programs for the Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership.By including leaders from across the state and examining issues and challenges they face, we hope to erase the borders of the three divisions and develop an opportunity for these leaders to work together collaboratively."
Cate said the program is also designed for participants to experience the unique cultures found throughout Tennessee to help foster a "deeper understanding of and appreciation for each other and the context for the issues, challenges and opportunities for building stronger communities."
The Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership offers a Master of Arts in Civic Leadership, one of only two in the nation. Its signature community programs, produced with local, regional and statewide partners, include citizen leadership academies on critical issues, community leadership programs, customized leadership development and online resources. Leadership Tennessee is the latest of its initiatives designed to develop strong communities.
The program's inaugural class will be announced in May following a nomination and application process. Classes begin in September. Cate said the cohort will meet together five times in addition to participating in other activities, research and projects throughout the program.
Initial founding partners include Cornerstone Foundation of Knoxville, AT&T Tennessee, Hyde Family Foundations, PILOT Corporation and the Haslam Family Foundation. The program's founding board of directors includes Lowry, chair; Schacht, and Ingram, longtime political advisor and campaign manager.
For more information about Leadership Tennessee visit www.leadershiptennessee.org or contact Cathy Cate at 615.966.5180 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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I know myself, and can tell you that I do not deserve such over-whelming tokens of friendship and solidarity, not even from the many well-wishers who know me personally.
Although I am feeling very well, all the good vibes and the waves of energy that are reaching me give me additional strength, and at the same time deeply humble me.
I truly believed that only a few people care for me - my family, my good friends (I haven´t many), and perhaps - no: most definitely my dogs, Chiara and Lupi. I thought that to be normal.
But now, in an extreme situation, I discover that I do have so many unexpected friends who share my oceanic passions and my inexplicable love for sharks. Friends who are genuine. That I consider a very precious gift and a commitment to not let go.
So, my friends, wherever you are, whether or not our paths have crossed, here is to you, and my turn to return your sympathy, and your love:
I love you all, and I promise you that I will stick around - and if God allows me to keep that promise (I don´t believe in him or her - still, he or she IS the boss... :-) we will all go shark diving soon, tiger shark diving!!
They are the grand-children of my dear friend Guy Meeker who died a few days before Christmas 2008.
The boys did not draw the cute shark just to please me; they drew the shark because after our brief encounter in Nassau, where Guy was laid to rest in the Bahamian Sea he so much loved, Michael and Guy became confirmed shark friends.
With friends like them, there is hope for the sharks....
Thank you, guys! I really hope to see you soon again, and maybe in two or three years you, your parents, your grand-ma Lyn, my son Felix, and I will go to the Bahamas to snorkel with tiger sharks.
Does that sound like a deal? Then gimme five!!! :-)


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1. The name of the league has changed from PD KL 2 to The International Keeper League. I might call it IKL for short.
I don't know why & at this point I'd being willing to change it again but anything is better than PD KL 2.
2. We're suppose to have 18 teams but right now only 14 of those 18 have read the rules thread.
Owners will not be given the password to the league until they read the rules.
3. Once the draft begins you'll notice that some players are listed at multiple positions, guard/forward or forward/center.
Sports.ws does a fairly good job at listing players at two positions, if they actually play two positions. There are some players they list at just one position that will play two spots this coming season.
We're allowed to put these players up for a vote. There will be a vote page with instructions, its pretty simple. In the past we've started a thread, here on the PD Trash Talk board, where you can post links to articles that provide proof that your player will be playing two positions. The more info that you can site the better your chances of getting your vote passed.
All you will need to get a vote passed is a simple majority, ties will mean the vote fails. Also, a certain number of teams must vote but that will depend on how many teams we actually have.


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Orchestral manoeuvre
Sarah Blasko can easily recall the days when she was doing the rounds as a singer in Sydney pubs. ''With audiences of about three people,'' Blasko says.
That's why she is particularly thrilled to be playing two shows at the Sydney Opera House this month. ''It's just somewhere I'd never dreamt I'd be doing shows, so I'm really excited about it,'' she says.
She will be performing, with the backing of the 40-piece Sydney International Orchestra, songs from her fourth album I Awake, which received widespread critical acclaim and made its debut in the top 10 of the ARIA charts.
Funnily enough, given the orchestral nature of the project, with recordings taking place in Sweden and Bulgaria, Blasko had her first inkling about the new material when she was strumming on a ukulele.
''Very early on, even when I was writing these songs on a simple ukulele, I thought it would be great to have this contrast in having a huge orchestra,'' Blasko says. ''I don't know, I guess my imagination just got taken over with that and I felt like I really wanted to push things further from what the last record did.''
Her orchestral imaginings became real when she performed her finished songs with Bulgaria's New Symphony Orchestra.
''It seemed to make sense to push it in terms of the strings and make that bigger and lusher, more forceful, more beautiful, more intricate,'' she says.
Blasko, 36, is a low-key, even somewhat shy star who, despite her industry accolades (including two ARIA Award wins from 14 nominations overall), has managed to avoid the cult of celebrity surrounding many other female music stars.
''People who seem to be into my music are a very polite bunch of people, I must say … they always come up to me apologetically,'' she says with a laugh. ''I think for these [shows] I definitely will be nervous, it's a scary thing, but I think it's going to feel like a really momentous occasion.
''I actually think I'll find it quite emotional. It can be overwhelming how lucky I feel to be doing this.''
Sunday and Monday, 9pm, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay.
TICKETS sydneyoperahouse.com, $20-$79.20.
TRAVEL Buses, trains and ferries to Circular Quay followed by a 10-minute walk. Taxis to the door or use the on-site parking station.
LIVE Quirky, beautiful indie-pop for grown-ups, this time backed by a full orchestra.
BEST TRACK The title track from I Awake.
ONLINE A live stream of Blasko's Monday performance will be available at youtube.com/liveatthehouse.
Christine Sams is an entertainment writer
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Cartoons revealing how British Tommies endured the horrors of the trenches with a stiff upper lip are going on show in York.
The Castle Museum is hosting the sketches showing how even the grimness of life at The Front could raise a smile.
The drawings were by Albert E V Richards while serving with the 10th Royal Hussars as a Lance Corporal. Produced "somewhere at the front" in 1916, they are based on Richards' first-hand experiences of the fighting at Verdun. His sources of inspiration were as diverse as disappearing rum supplies, the difficulties of putting out barbed wire and the comic look of comrades wearing gas masks.
Richards' sketchbook is a highlight of the major new First World War exhibition at the Museum called 1914: When the World Changed Forever, which opens on June 28. Alison Bodley, curator of history, said: "These cartoons offer us a real insight into one man's experience of being on the front line. They show that 'stiff upper lip' humour that many soldiers used to help them get through the horrors of war, the awful conditions and the boredom that affected so many of them."
"We know little about Richards but he was clearly a gifted artist and also a great observer of what was going on around him."
The book was donated to York Castle Museum in 1977 but little was known about the artist until the curators began researching his background.
The sketches offered clues he served at Verdun. Papers show he was discharged on February 13 1919 and given the silver badge worn by men to show they had a legitimate reason for not being in the armed forces.
Curators would be keen to hear from anyone who believes they have more relevant information on Richards and his cartoons. They can be contacted by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com
The exhibition is part of a £1.7 million project at the museum, made possible thanks to a £1,167,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.


text:
From publisher blurb:
Welcome to Complete Characters
Complete Characters is a series of premium, fully fleshed out characters for use with any role-playing system or setting. Spanning all genres, from high fantasy to modern horror to space opera, there are dozens of Complete Characters, and something for every player and Game Master to enjoy. Use these modules as inspiration for player characters, NPCs, or even entire campaigns.
Each Complete Character module comes with:


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Holocaust survivor shares her story with Windsor Charter Academy students
May 3, 2014
Estelle Glaser Laughlin's friends know not to serve turnips to the 84-year-old when she comes for dinner.
Although Laughlin can laugh now about how much she despises the vegetable she ate morning, noon and night for more than five years, there is nothing funny about her life from age 10-15 and the many years she spent after that trying to escape nightmares caused by Adolf Hitler and his army during World War II.
Laughlin was one of millions of Jews who were imprisoned or put to death in Nazi concentration camps from 1933-45. She is now one of the few still alive and able to share her story to today's generation.
On Tuesday, she was at Windsor Charter Academy in the morning speaking to seventh- and eighth-graders and at Greeley Central High School in the afternoon.
"I don't know," she said before she spoke in Windsor when asked how long she planned to continue traveling to tell her story. "But I know I'll be doing it until one day when I am gone. I hope I'm making people realize that human beings are capable of great evil and ever appreciating the power of love."
Laughlin traveled to Greeley from her home in Illinois as part of the "Voices from the Holocaust: Transcending the Holocaust" memorial observance week, which began Monday and includes book readings, movie screenings and guest speakers across Weld County and runs through today. She spoke Wednesday at Eaton High School and the University of Northern Colorado.
Recommended Stories For You
She was 10 when Nazi Germany invaded her hometown of Warsaw, Poland. She explained to students about her life living underground for the first few days after the invasion, dreaming to see the sunlight again.
"It was just a few days," she said. "But it seemed like an eternity."
She talked of the initial deportation of her friends and family from Warsaw.
"It took place with 20th century know how, but Stone Age values," she said.
She talked of the choices made about who to deport and who to kill.
"Ninety percent of the children of Warsaw disappeared from the face of the earth," she said. "Can you imagine a world without the sound of children or grandparents. Children and grandparents were the first to be killed."
For students in the audience who were mostly 12 and 13 years old, learning that all children under 14 were considered contraband and killed was shocking.
"It's mind-blowing to think I could be pulled out of school and taken away," said Bailey Sawyer, 12. "It reminded me that every day is a gift."
Laughlin talked of the day her father was killed and of the pact she and her sister and mother made that if one went to the gas chamber, they all would go. That pact led to Laughlin and her mother at one point trading places with two other women whose names were on "the list" with Laughlin's sister and were being taken away, a list of people that everyone thought were headed for the gas chambers but ended up at a labor camp.
"Well," she said with her thoughts trailing off when a student asked what happened to the two women who traded places with her. "They didn't make it."
She called herself an "average" person as a way to make the students understand they can accomplish anything.
But the students were having nothing to do with thinking of Laughlin as average.
"She was courageous to do the things she did," said Katie Arkley, 13.
"You have to love your family so much to be able to do that," Karrick Kaesslat added.
Mostly, the students were stunned when they learned none of Laughlin's friends or family, other than her mother and sister, survived.
"We're at school, and we see these people much more than family," Jocelyn Petersen said. "Windsor Charter is a family to us. It is extremely hard to think of no more friends and having to start over. I don't know if I could do that."
Laughlin also spoke of the day her camp was liberated and how the idea of being killed by an Allied bomb was an honorable death. She described how her family wandered in the cold and snow of Poland in January trying to find a place to call home and how they eventually ended up in the United States.
During the afternoon session at Greeley Central, students were interested to hear how Laughlin reacted last year when she returned to Warsaw for the first time with President Barack Obama.
Laughlin said, for the most part, it was uplifting to see the city recover but bittersweet as only the street names and corners looked the same.
"Misery is a choice, however. And suffering does not have to make us bitter," she said.
Other students asked if she had any mementos or other items from her childhood. "No, only memories," she said.
And one student was curious if any of the Nazi soldiers were nice.
"Not personally," she said. "But I have to imagine that there were some with a conscience that just lacked courage."
However, Laughlin said it best when she told everyone why she still shares her story 70 years later.
"An average person is capable of a great deal," she said. "And our inspiration came from the darkest places. Our inspiration to become the best we could be, to reach and develop and express the most we were able to do came from the darkest places and developed in our bunker when our world was crumbling around us and going up in flames. … If you are motivated, very few things can get or stand in your way."
— Greeley Tribune intern Allison Dyer Bluemel contributed to this report.


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A WINCHESTER High Street store has had its windows smashed after a car allegedly crashed into them.
It is believed a car "backed into" the L K Bennett store at its rear entrance on St George's Street at some point last night (February 25).
It is not yet known if anyone was injured or if any of the displays were destroyed.
Police have confirmed they received a call at around 8.30pm after "reports of a Citroen Saxo rolling into the window at L K Bennett" were received.
No arrests have been made.
The site is boarded up for the moment but the shop remains open for business.


text: When the Retail Orphan Initiative (RetailROI) was launched three years ago, its goal was to raise awareness of — and develop solutions for — orphans and other vulnerable children around the globe. Fast forward to 2011, and the charitable foundation, which is made up of IT-focused retail executives, consultants and vendors, remains laser-focused on its mission. Leveraging the power and influence of retailers, RetailROI is changing for the better the lives of vulnerable children globally.


text:
Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Root Presentation Bowl with Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Give a gift they can display all year long with the Root Wood Presentation Bowl and accompanying bottle of luxury wine.
A bottle of Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 will arrive in a stunning root wood bowl handmade to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Hand carved with no two alike, their bottle of world-renowned wine will look chic along side the beautiful shapes and patterns of this handmade treasure.
We're sorry, this product is currently unavailable.
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Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard literally explodes from the glass. Precise veins of minerality frame the fruit in this intense, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherries, violets, tar and graphite are all layered together beautifully. Hints of chocolate, mocha and sweet spices appear late. The 2010 Ark sits on the razors edge of ripeness, as the Hundred Acre wines often do. At the same time, these wines have a way of developing notable complexity in bottle. There is a level of intensity matched by expressive inner perfume that is compelling.
Tasting Notes:
Dark red fruit, flowers, mint, licorice and exotic spices are some of the many notes that flow from this fabulous, textured Cabernet Sauvignon. No detail has been overlooked.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
With proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2030+.


text:
I've also noticed that what side gets more activity tends to run in cycles. For the most part, I'd say the healthy amount of activity on Reds Live demonstrates that we don't have an us vs. them system. ORG's just around to weed out a lot of metaposting when folks would rather talk about baseball.
I don't start a ton of threads, but when I do, it's always on ORG because I want to kick around the meat of the issue. When a major move gets made, I generally post in the ORG thread too because that's where I find the deeper analysis occurs.
IMO, just the act of having some visible standards helps matters.
So if people think the game threads would benefit from a split then I say go for it. There will be an inevitable flare up about it this summer (as membengal said, these things are predictable), but that system worked last year.


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The party-switching ex-Republican governor's name had largely become a punch line in Florida political circles, but he's now not only seriously pursuing a new gubernatorial campaign, each day new obstacles seem to almost miraculously fall out of his path.
His most formidable potential Democratic primary opponents – former state CFO Alex Sink and former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz – have quietly signaled they are leaning against running. In Sink's case, that reluctance heightened after her husband, the well-liked Tampa attorney and former gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride, succumbed to a heart attack in December.
Crist has the admiration – and appreciation – of a White House that considered his 2012 endorsement key. And if party-jumping often leads to political oblivion, Crist is proving that timing is everything; not only does he seem to be cruising to the nomination, he would face an increasingly beleaguered incumbent, Gov. Rick Scott, who suddenly seems eminently beatable.
"It's hard at the moment to imagine any scenario where Charlie Crist is not the Democratic nominee for governor in 2014," said Democratic strategist Steve Schale, who was President Barack Obama's senior adviser in Florida in 2012.


text:
LA Weekly Writes About Fun Food Things You Can Make on Your MakerBot!
Thingiverse is filled with useful items from the pig salt & pepper shakers to an array of cookie cutters. And who can forget the episode of MakerBot TV where Annelise MakerBotted her entire kitchen?
Jenn Garbee from LA Weekly's Squid Ink food blog visited MakerBot at the Affordable Art Fair last week and was surprised to learn that "you could buy a 3-D printer for less than the price of dinner for four at The French Laundry." (Yep, that's $270 a person without alcohol or tip!) After perusing Thingiverse she blogged about the "Fun Food Things You Can Make on MakerBot's New 3D Printer." Check it out and start printing a hamburger press of your own!


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Consider Yourself Warned
I'm stepping off my usual spot next week and moving over to the Daily Diary for a few days.
I don't know how many readers believe in patterns, indicators or just play superstition. In my experience most traders are superstitious, whether they admit it or not. I have a few personal stories I could share, but I think I embarrass myself plenty enough already. But if you believe in superstition, then get ready for a bumpy week next week. My appearance in the Diary section has been the harbinger of doom for the markets....468 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
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This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=1/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=0/3. Shoot down aircraft in the No-fly Zone! Upgrade your turret to stop them all!
Buy Xbox content on Xbox.com. Your Xbox 360 console will automatically download the content next time you turn it on and connect to Xbox Live.Learn More


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GTA V become the fastest selling entertainment product of all time when it was released last week. It's no wonder says our still-reeling game boy John Walshe
Easily the most anticipated and most hyped video game release of the year, Rockstar's GTA V is actually the 15th title in the series and the first since 2009's The Ballad Of Gay Tony. It's been a long time in the making, having been first announced in 2011. No matter whether you're a gamer or not, you've probably seen the multi-million euro ad campaign on a screen, billboard or bus near you.
It has undoubtedly worked, as the first three days of sales saw GTA V become the fastest selling entertainment product of all time. But is it any good? Yes, yes and yes again.
Set in the seedy, sun-drenched highways and byways of Los Santos (a fictionalised version of LA), the game doesn't just follow one protagonist, but three. We have Michael De Santa, a retired gangster who's not above shoot-outs on the open road; Franklin Clinton, a young repo man who's keen to make his mark on Los Santos' underworld; and Trevor Philips, a gun-totin' nut-job who makes The Sopranos seem tame by comparison. Our three anti-heroes' stories interconnect as you make your way through the game, through a mixture of exploration and missions, both in car and on foot.
The three leads are superb, each with their strengths and, of course, foibles, but there's another character that's just as important: the city of Los Santos itself, which is a huge, sprawling metropolis, complete with upmarket mansions, low-rent projects, gang-ran lock-ups and, of course, a seedy strip club where you can enjoy the dubious delights of a virtual lapdance (and even get roughly evicted for being too, ahem, hands-on). As well as the city itself, there are also a number of interesting towns to explore on its outskirts.
The ability to switch between three playable characters, however, is the biggest innovation and, far from being a gimmick, it works incredibly well, particularly for some of the stunning set-pieces, including the best heists ever committed to video game.
Even aside from the missions, there's plenty to keep you occupied, as you find yourself playing tennis, studying yoga or taking part in a street race at various locations in town, as well as changing your appearance regularly at the barbers – a good goatee could mean the difference between being recognised by the cops or not.
Add in the usual array of GTA bells and whistles (multiple radio stations, superb voice acting, great ancillary characters, hilarious ad campaigns etc) and you have a huge, sprawling crime epic that's equal parts Breaking Bad and The Fast and the Furious.
Platform: PS3, X360
Publisher: Rockstar
Cert: 18
Score: 4.5/5
John Walshe


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This is one of Hunan's most famous dishes, a delicate concoction of chicken flavored with chiles and rice vinegar that is said to have originated in Dong'an county. Its precise history is lost in the mists of legend, although most sources claim it's based on a dish called "vinegar chicken" (cu ji) that was eaten in Dong'an county as far back as the eighth century, during the Tang dynasty. Some embellish the tale to say it was invented by three old ladies who ran a modest restaurant. One evening, so the story goes, some merchants called and demanded dinner at a time when the women were sold out of almost everything, so they had to slaughter a couple of chickens and rustle up a new dish on the spot. The resulting recipe was so extraordinarily delicious that the merchants spread the word far and wide, and the dish entered the canon of classic Hunan delicacies.
There are two different versions of the tale of how "vinegar chicken" eventually became known as "Dong'an Chicken." Some say a Qing dynasty military commander named Xi Baotian loved the dish, and often served it to his guests at banquets; because Xi was from Dong'an, people started calling it "Dong'an chicken." Others claim that after the success of the Northern Expedition in 1927, a Nationalist army commander, Tang Shangzhi, served "vinegar chicken" at a banquet in Nanjing. His dinner guests were profuse in their praise, and asked what the dish was called. Tang felt that the original name was a bit blunt and inelegant, so he told them it was called "Dong'an Chicken," and the name stuck.
I have based the recipe below on one told to me by one of the great Hunanese chefs, Shi Yinxiang, a delightful man now in his 80s, who used to cook for Chairman Mao whenever he returned to his home province.–Fuchsia Dunlop
LC Name Games Note
Honestly? We don't care what this dish is named. We just want it on our plate.
Dong'an Chicken Recipe
- Quick Glance
- Serves 2 people
- About 4 quarts water, homemade chicken stock or canned chicken broth
- 1 free-range or corn-fed chicken, about 2 3/4 pounds
- 1 3/4-inch piece ginger, unpeeled
- 3 scallions
- 1 fresh red chile
- 4 tablespoons lard or peanut oil, for cooking
- 3 dried chiles (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon whole Sichuan pepper, or 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan pepper oil
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons clear rice vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon potato flour, mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1. Bring the water or stock to the boil in a large saucepan over a high flame. Add the chicken and return the liquid to the boil, skimming the surface, as necessary. Crush half the ginger and 1 scallion with the flat side of a cleaver or a heavy object, then add to the pan with the chicken. Reduce the heat and poach the chicken for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the cooking liquid and allow it to cool; reserve the cooking liquid. The chicken should be about almost but not completely cooked.
- 2. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and cut it into bite-size strips along the grain of the meat. (The bones and scrappy pieces of meat can be returned to the cooking liquid and made into stock. And I never discard the skin.)
- 3. Cut the fresh chile in half lengthwise and discard the seeds and pithy part, then cut into very fine slivers about 1 1/2 inches long. Peel the remaining ginger and cut it into slices and then slivers similar to the chile. Cut the green parts of the remaining 2 scallions into slivers of a similar length; set aside.
- 4. Heat the wok over a high flame until smoke rises, then add the lard or peanut oil and swirl around. When the oil is warming up but before it's smoking hot, add the fresh chile and ginger along with the dried chiles and Sichuan pepper, if using, and stir-fry until fragrant, taking care that the seasonings do not take color or burn.
- 5. Add the chicken and continue to stir-fry. Carefully splash the Shaoxing wine around the chicken. Add the vinegar, Sichuan pepper oil, if using, and salt to taste. Add up to 1 cup chicken poaching liquid (if the chicken is very juicy, no additional liquid will be necessary), bring to a boil, and then turn the heat down a little and simmer briefly to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken, occasionally spooning the liquid over the chicken.
- 6. Add the potato flour mixture to the liquid and stir as the sauce thickens. Throw in the scallion greens and stir a few times. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve immediately.
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In the West, warm, dry weather prevails in advance of a strong cold front. In the Northwest, however, much cooler weather accompanies scattered showers. The Northwestern rain is slowing fieldwork but aiding newly planted winter wheat.
On the Plains, mild, dry weather favors summer crop maturation and fieldwork, including winter wheat planting. On September 22, Montana and Nebraska led the nation's mid-section with winter wheat planting 49% complete. Hard red winter wheat planting was least advanced in Kansas (13% complete).
In the Corn Belt, a few light rain showers are mainly confined to the middle Missouri Valley. Elsewhere, dry weather and a slow warming trend are promoting summer crop maturation. On September 22, Midwestern corn maturity ranged from 17% in Minnesota to 57% in Missouri.
In the South, locally heavy showers are developing in the Mississippi Delta, where cotton bolls open on September 22 ranged from 16% in Missouri to 88% in Louisiana. Heavy showers are also soaking parts of Florida, but mostly dry weather across the remainder of the region favors crop maturation and harvesting.
Outlook: The coldest air of the season will overspread the West during the next few days, but autumn warmth will prevail farther east—in advance of a strong cold front. Precipitation will accompany the transition to cold weather in the Northwest, with significant, mid-week snow expected in parts of the northern Rockies. Late in the week, widespread precipitation will develop across the nation's mid-section, with 1- to 2-inch rainfall totals expected from Texas into the upper Midwest. Meanwhile, up to an inch of rain will fall in the Southeast, except for 1- to 3-inch totals across Florida's peninsula. In contrast, little or no precipitation will occur in the Northeast and Southwest. The NWS 6- to 10-day outlook for September 29 – October 3 calls for near- to above-normal temperatures and near- to below-normal precipitation across the majority of the U.S. Warmth will be most likely in parts of the Southwest and across the nation's northern tier, while wet weather will be confined to the southern tip of Florida, the MidAtlantic coastal plain, and the Pacific Northwest.


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Developed for professional indoor and outdoor audio recordings, the MCE 85 combines superior quality and excellent polar patterns in a rugged yet lightweight aluminium housing.
The MCE 85 can be mounted to film cameras, DSLR cameras, digital camcorders or in combination with a microphone boom or as a handheld for high-quality recordings.
Thanks to the supercardioid / lobe polar pattern the MCE 85 BA can be used to record a sound source very precisely without disturbing ambient noise. A high-quality electret condenser microphone capsule inside the shotgun microphone ensures that exceptionally precise sound reproduction. The included low cut filter can be switched on and off. It eliminates low frequencies and compensates for mechanical vibrations and proximity effect.
The MCE 85 BA can be powered from any balanced phantom source. If there is no balanced phantom source available, the microphone can be powered with a regular AA battery. The DC/DC converter ensures that the microphone signal remains constant even if the battery power starts to decrease, guaranteeing consistent, brilliant recording quality.
- Maximum Attenuation of Ambient Noise
- Constantly brilliant Recording Quality
- 160 h Battery Operation
- Low Cut Filter
- Smart Design
Supplied accessories:
- Mic clamp (MKV 108), wind shield and bag
The microphone is available in three variations:
- MCE 85 BA (battery or phantom powered)
- MCE 85 BA Full Camera Kit (including Rycote Universal Camera Kit)
- MCE 85 PV (phantom powered)
An extensive range of accessories is available.
Paul FattrossoSales & Product Support SpecialistPro Audio
beyerdynamic Inc. USA 56 Central Ave Farmingdale, NY 11735
Office: 613-293-3200-11
Mobile: 845-220-6231
paul @beyerdynamic-usa .com
www.valuetech.de 04/2016Title: A comparison of five directional microphones for film-makers from €60 to €380Author: Matthias ProskeTranslated from the original German article
The runner-up: beyerdynamic MCE 85 BA:
At the same price and sound quality level, the beyerdynamic MCE 85 BA follows on quite closely. Just the low frequency range seemed a bit heavy in the test recordings (see the video), but without sounding muffled. For voice recordings which have to be as neutral as possible, the microphone is not ideal. In certain situations, however, when voicing over film trailers, for example, the effect can be quite positive. For atmospheric recordings the full bass presence can be an advantage, for example for fireworks and motor racing events.
videoaktiv 04/2016Title: Micro-cosmosAuthor: Hans Ernst
Translated from the original German article
(...) "Made in Germany" despite the low price.
+ Good sound+ High directivity+ For phantom power and battery
- Without cable and camera holder
www.bonedo.de 02/2016Title: Ear extensionAuthor: Nick Mavridis
The biggest advantage of the beyerdynamic microphone is its immediate noticeable sound quality. Instead of noisy sound you receive clean and clear sounds.
To further improve the recording quality, the MCE 85 BA has some extras including the supplied pop shield (...). But the suspension of the microphone also contributes to a better sound.
Furthermore, a high-pass filter is integrated in the device, which can be activated manually. It ensures that the voice of some of the interviewees, who are very close in front of the microphone, do not sound too dull. A footfall sound insulation is permanently active to avoid a transmission of noise below 40 Hz.
The perfect sound quality is only one aspect, beyerdynamic has thought about. The simple and reliable usability is another one.
Conclusion: With a price of around 200 Euro (...) the beyerdynamic MCE 85 BA is not inexpensive. But photographers and filmmakers will buy it only once and make sure to always record a reliably crystal-clear sound.
www.macwelt.de 08/2015Title: Microphone for DSLR camerasAuthor: Kai Gebel
Translated from the original German articleComparison of beyerdynamic MCE 85 and Rode NTG 2[...]Our author Kai Gebel has used the microphone for his work with a Canon C300 for six months. The microphone passed all tests perfectly even with extreme heat or cold. It is obvious that with the beyerdynamic MCE 85 it is not necessary to adjust the level so high. It is a few decibels louder with the same camera setting and the frequency response seems to be wider (...). The sound is significantly more natural. The upper frequency range is clearer and sounds more natural when the film is played. Furthermore, the beyerdynamic microphone can handle rearward ambient noise better. [...]When comparing directly, the sound quality of the beyerdynamic microphone can be clearly heard. The close miking of speech is crystal clear and clean. The beyerdynamic MCE 85 eliminates even the hissing or popping noise better, which is critical for microphones. Even the wind shield of the beyer mic seems to be more efficient, although both are made of foam material and very similar. [...] Rating 1.7 (good)[...]
Videofilmen 04/2015Title: Long thingsAuthor: Felix BucksteggeTranslated from the original German article[...]
In international comparisons, the German video microphones are impressive. Regarding the price-performance ratio, the MCE 85 BA currently gains an edge over all competitors from the Far East.
www.delamar.de 11/2014Title: beyerdynamic MCE 85: Shotgun microphonesAuthor: Felix BaarßTranslated from the original German article[...]The applications are extremely versatile: The MCE 85 can be used with film cameras, DSLR cameras and camcorders. It can be used with a fishpole boom. It can also be used as a handheld microphone, with lecterns and as overhead microphone for drums.
Film und TV-Kameramann 12/2014Title: AudioAuthor: unknownTranslated from the original German article[...]With the MCE 85 beyerdynamic has added a new condenser shotgun microphone to the product range which is of high interest for DSLR and video filmers. It is completely manufactured in Germany and due to ist slim design and rugged aluminium housing it is light and robust as well.
Digital Photo 10/2014Title: Microphones for the DSLRAuthor: Alexander Bota-WeberTranslated from the original German article[...]The microphones produce a nicely balanced acoustic sound. Their almost linear frequency response produces a 4 kHz presence boost which brings speech unobtrusively to the fore. A more sensitive frequency above the 10 kHz range ensures greater crispness and air in the trebles. The test showed that the MCE 85 BA greatly enhances conventional DSLRs because the mic is not just set to a neutral acoustic setting, but can be flexibly adjusted thanks to the battery power supply. Whether mounted on a camera or camcorder, or used on a microphone boom or as a hand-held mic, for those who place a high value on a low-noise original sound, both of these 85 Series mics have reached our shortlist. Digital Photo Voting: very good
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 10/2014Title: Distant listeningAuthor: Wolfgang TunzeTranslated from the original German article[...]In the practical use the microphone has convinced us, whether distant sounds of nature or human dialogues, the MCE 85 captures the sound that matters like a telephoto lens and effectively eliminates ambient noise. The fact that it operates without any sound colouration and adequately with its wide frequency response and delicate details, of course, is a matter of honour. This also applies to its ability to attenuate low-frequency noise with an electrical filter that can be turned off.
videoaktiv Ausgabe 06/2014Title: TimbresAuthor: Hans ErnstTranslated from the original German article[...]Here comes a competitor for Rode's popular NTG-2 which is made in Germany despite the low price. [...]+ Good sound, low noise+ High directivity+ German/English manual- Without cable and camera holderPrice/performance ratio: Very good


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Quick Links:
Pollution Prevention
The Pollution Prevention(P2) Branch delivers guidance to businesses on implementing pollution prevention principles- generating less solid and hazardous waste, using fewer toxic chemicals, conserving water and energy, reducing air pollution.
The California Green Business Program show businesses how embracing pollution prevention can save them money while protecting our environment. The program also gives consumers a meaningful choice in doing business with companies committed to going green.
P2 Branch Programs
P2 Branch Special Projects


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Food safety concerns are expanding sales of the Accu-Tab Tablet Chlorination Systems, particularly among fresh-cut processors and packinghouses.
Brian Newsome, marketing manager of Axiall Corp., Atlanta, said the system is also used in field water irrigation and helps prevent cross-contamination in the packing of tomatoes, leafy greens, carrots and fruits. It is increasingly being adopted in Central America and South America, he said.
Machinery placed at the start of fresh-cut and packing lines distribute chlorine via tablets in a sieve. Water entering the chlorinator touches the bottom of the tablets and is distributed via spray bars or injectors.
The calcium hypochlorite tablets maintain their strength up to a year, Newsome said.
Stored in 55-pound buckets, equivalent to 500 pounds of bleach, the tablets degrade slower than liquid sodium hypochlorite, providing higher strength and more consistent results than the liquid, he said.
The tablets are also more convenient than toting 300-gallon bleach drums and are easier to use than chlorine gas, which requires maintenance people to handle safety procedures, Newsome said.
The regulatory push of the Food Safety Modernization Act is helping stoke interest in the system, he said.
"With the FSMA's proposed rules, water that contacts produce has to be safe and suitable," Newsome said. "There's a lot of interest especially as regulations continue to increase. With recent news of outbreaks, customers are looking for convenient ways to add chlorine to washwater systems. The tabs offer a more stable and more neutral way to get chlorine into the washwater to prevent cross-contamination."
The system has received certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Organic Materials Review Institute, he said.
Axiall became the new name of the operation manufacturing the Accu-Tab system after Pittsburgh, Pa.-based PPG sold its commodity chemicals business to Atlanta's Georgia Gulf Corp. for $2.5 billion. The deal closed on Jan. 28.


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Hi, i have been asked by my local center to facilitate a dhamma server workshop. The whole aim is to try and increase the pool of dhamma servers for the meditation retreats. We face a shortage of male servers and kitchen workers.
I have up to November to come up with some kinda workplan for facilitating the dhamma server workshop.
Any form of guidance or material from experienced servers would be most grateful!


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found a new home!
Plenty of my friends are looking
for one too. Find a pet to adopt.
I am already spayed, up to date with shots, good with kids, good with dogs, and good with cats.
--Adoption Fee $75:
Annual Vaccinations
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Tested for FIV and FeLv
If you're interested in adopting me, please complete the online ADOPTION APPLICATION! I can't wait to meet you!
-- Click Here to View our Adoption Procedure
Daphne, a Xenia Domestic Shorthair cat was adopted! Here's how you can benefit by looking at adoption as an option to buying a Domestic Shorthair for sale in Xenia, or seeking a Domestic Shorthair cat from a breeder in Xenia.


text: A 2001 Z28 with a wasted, swapped-in auto trans = Bad. LS1 engine just aching to rev to redline = One. Built 6-speed = Good. Parts needed to install that trans = Better. GMHTP editor with a garage full of power tools, drinks, food, and a lift = Outstanding. Interested? = Read on.


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The transition from dry cow to lactating cow is a time of both dietary and metabolic change.
"We are well aware of the dietary concerns during this period – dry matter intake, energy consumption, mineral and vitamin levels, as well as the abrupt diet change to a lactation ration," says Kurt Cotanch with the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, N.Y.
However, changes also are required of the rumen epithelium, that is, the layers of tissue that make up the rumen wall.
In the April 2012 Miner Institute Farm Report, Cotanch discusses the epithelium's adaptive responses to dietary changes during the transition period, as well as epithelial health when cows go off feed in early lactation.
Source: April 2012 Miner Institute Farm Report


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WALL, N.J. — Wakefern Food Corp. has partnered with NJR Clean Energy Ventures, a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, to install a rooftop solar system at a Wakefern Food Corp. distribution center in Keasbey, N.J. The 2.4 megawatt solar system will supply power to a refrigerated warehouse, helping lower Wakefern's long-term electricity costs and its greenhouse gas emissions.
"Wakefern has been committed to reducing its impact on the environment for more than thirty years," said Joe Sheridan, president and COO of Wakefern Food Corp. "Generation of renewable energy is a natural next step in our commitment to sustainable business practices. We are delighted to partner with NJR Clean Energy Ventures to bring the power of solar energy to our perishable warehouse in Keasbey."
The solar array is expected to produce nearly 2,900,000 kilowatt hours annually, eliminating 2,000 metric tons of carbon-equivalent emissions from the atmosphere.
NJRCEV will invest $6.9 million to develop and install the state-of-the-art, solar array across the 300,000 square feet of rooftop. The system will be installed by Advanced Solar Products of Flemington, New Jersey and is expected to be operational by Dec. 31, 2012.
Wakefern Food is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, comprised of 47 members who individually own and operate nearly 250 supermarkets under the ShopRite banner in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. In 1996, Wakefern introduced PriceRite stores, extending the company's reach into Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Today, there are 49 PriceRite stores in six states. In addition, Wakefern also distributes products to other supermarkets throughout the northeastern United States and Bermuda.


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LABOUR MP Ann Clwyd has criticised the Welsh Government for not answering her concerns about the standards of healthcare in Wales.
She has been scathing about the state of the Welsh NHS.
The Cynon Valley MP, who has previously spoken out about the poor care her husband received in hospital, said she outlined complaints in a letter to First Minister Carwyn Jones but she is still waiting for a response.
If this is how Labour in Wales responds to a senior Labour member and politician what hope have the common voter have?
Andrew Nutt Heolddu Road Bargoed


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Small, unobtrusive design
Interfaces with most MFDs
This new marine camera acts as an extra set of eyes on your vessel. Whether backing out of a boat-filled marina or simply keeping tabs on the engine room, mariners can have pertinent information when making decisions on the water. Video from the Garmin GC 10 can be viewed via flatscreen monitors or standard chartplotters. This convenience means you won't have to separate hardware that's device-specific on your screen. Small, unobtrusive design is easy to mount. Corrosion-resistant for long-term use. Interfaces with most MFDs, including the Garmin 4000 and 5000 series. Includes integrated power/video cable and mounting hardware. IP66 waterproof rating. 768 x 494 effective pixels. 2.4" x 2.3".
NTSC - Named for National Television System Committee, this analog television system is used mostly in the Americas.


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SOUTHFIELD -- Karine Celis forced a third set at No. 2 singles as Oakland (0-2) battled in a 7-0 loss to Detroit (1-3) on Saturday at the Franklin Athletic Club. The Golden Grizzlies took a point in each match.
"Our match today was much better than in the fall," said Oakland head coach Heather Redshaw. "We had some players who really battled in singles, but we're still getting used to the no-ad scoring in doubles. I'm frustrated that the result was 7-0 again, but I think that our singles play was better.
Celis rallied from 5-4 down to take the first set 7-6 in a tiebreaker, 8-6. She forced a third set, which was decided in a super-set tiebreaker. She eventually lost her No. 2 singles match to Chloe Karoub 6-7 (6), 6-1, 10-6.
At No. 3 singles Tamara Blum was close in the first set before falling 6-4, 6-2 to Julia Fernandes. Cam Sabourin also kept her first set close before losing 6-4, 6-1 to Valeryia Kulikouskaya at No. 4 singles. The Titans swept No. 5 and 6 singles in straight sets, while Emily Raidt was forced to retire in her No. 1 singles match.
The Golden Grizzlies dropped the doubles point, with Celis and Juliana Guevara falling 8-4 at No. 1 doubles against Elena Strakhova and Fernandes. Detroit won No. 2 doubles 8-2 and claimed No. 3 doubles 8-1, sweeping all three matches.
"This team is mostly freshman and they're figuring it all out," added Redshaw. "They're definitely getting better every match, but we have a long way to go."
Oakland will return to the courts on Feb. 18 with a match against Webber International. The match will be hosted at a neutral court in Orlando, Fla. at 4 p.m.