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" The Grand, Brighton / King's Road / Brighton / East Sussex / BN1 2FW / Tel: 01273 224300. "
I visited the Grand De Vere as a wedding guest of a close friend of mine, so am writing a review from a different angle.
My friend had hired areas of the hotel for the whole day and everything was exactly how she wanted (except some of the guests behaviour!). The reception was in the conservatory on the west of the building, which was lit atmospherically to create an intimate environment whilst being big enough for all her guests, some tables, the buffet, cake in a place for all to see etc and a lot of space for dancing to a live band! The bar was very well stocked, particularly for a wedding bar, the staff were really good; efficient, knew what they were doing and so didn't get in the way, but were also friendly enough for people to approach them. They had everything under control and everone was relaxed and could enjoy the day. Toilets were also really high standard - it's important!
Afterwards, everyone relaxed in the bar, again cosy enough with a feeling of unimposing grandeur, and friendly staff who were accomodating and cheerful and also happy for some guests to order takeaway to the hotel lounge!
I have just come back from a couple of days in Brighton, trying to take advantage of the brief show of summer sunshine.
As usual I went online and spent a not inconsiderable amount of time trying to find the best deal. I was very happy to be able to book this seafront 5 star hotel for bed and breakfast for £105 each for two nights especially as that included £25 towards dinner on the first night.
The hotel certainly takes after it's name and stands on the seafront looking majestic and superior. It was an easy walk from the station and an easy walk to anywhere else we visited in Brighton, with the exception of Brighton Marina- but in fairness, any hotel that was convenient for the Marina, would not be convenient for anywhere else in Brighton Centre.
There was a big party booking in as we arrived and I was impressed, that the concierge came and having checked our names against the booking register, relieved us of our luggage and took it to our room. Once the large party had left, check in was quick and easy.
As we moved from reception we saw the central staircase which rose thru the entire hotel and was without any doubt an amazing sight to behold.
There was a bar to the left and a very comfortable lounge area.
Our room was on the first floor and was very large, it contained two beds, a dresser, a desk, a television cupboard, a fridge, a wardrobe, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary water, an iron with ironing board, trouser press, hairdryer, a table and two very comfortable armchairs. We made the mistake of trying the beds, a mistake because they were so comfy we didn't want to move.
It was very clean and elegantly decorated.
The bathroom had plenty of towels, a flannel each and dressing gowns.
The shower head was huge and there were plenty of L'occitane toiletries.
Later that night we ate dinner in the hotel at a table overlooking the sea and it was a very well prepared and enjoyable meal- neither of us drink and we are both vegetarians, and our bill came just within the dinner allowance- if you did eat more expensive items and drank alcohol, the £25 per head allowance would need topping up.
Breakfast the following morning was all you could wish for from a buffet breakfast- I am not going to list all that was available here- but if it is a breakfast dish- it is available.
The leisure centre at the hotel is under refurbishment, but there is still a small gym available on the first floor.
There is internet access in your room, but we used the complimentary business centre for the little we needed to do.
Now a downside was that our room, would have overlooked what we think were air-conditioning units - or at least it would have been our view had the windows not been glazed over. Now I am guessing that is one of the reasons we got such a good deal for a 5 star room and service. Neither of us had any problem with this, as in the morning we were busy getting ready and at night we drew the beautiful curtains - so what the windows looked like was of no concern.
The staff were very good and they did their best to accommodate my food intolerances- one grumble here being that I didn't have any bread, I was told I had only let them know a few days before my visit that I needed yeast free bread and their food order had already been placed and they couldn't find any in the local shops-now I would have thought a five star chef would be able to bake a loaf of bread.
But all in all a great place to stay on trip to Brighton.
This hotel was done up thanks to the IRA... and is a listed building but thats the trouble. It is built around a massive staircase that no modern hotel would need. Impressive but this hotel is simply dated and stuck in the past. The big satir case means there is lots of wasted sapce hence the infalted prices as it does not have enough rooms per sq foot.
The rooms are dated and look 1990's now... which is 20 years old! The decor needs updating.
The pool is too small to do any swimming and the Gym just a small room with rubbish equipment.
the foosd was good however I was o a course and ate over 3 days and this was highlight. I found the staff fine.
But this is the Grand and because it takes up the front and is a landmarkyou as naother reviewer has said already expected a lot more......
From the outside it may look "Grand" and the check in/car parking service is friendly and helpful but I wouldn't bother staying here again.
The decor is old and needs updating. The Iron in our room looked like it was from the 60's and had a burnt surface which ruined our clothes. The room was small, the shower unimpressive and the view non existent. The pool is too small to do any swimming. The breakfast service was non existent and we had already eaten pastries and then our hot selection before we had to ask for tea and toast and then had to wait another 10 minutes.
For £210 I would have expected a lot more......
The De Vere Grand Hotel Brighton is an impressive hotel, part of the De Vere chain of over 25 luxury hotels. The De Vere website www.devere.co.uk has lots of information on the hotel and also some special offers. As a relatively large chain it is also possible to get some good room rates from the usual web sites. The Grand (as it is commonly referred to) is located on the Sea Front in close proximity to all of Brighton's major attractions. It is a 5* Deluxe (basically the highest rating a hotel can get). The Grand is Grand in every sense of the word.
The hotel has 200 rooms, ranging from Inland Singles (8), to Inland Twin/Doubles (115) to doubles/Twins with sea views (31) to deluxe doubles with sea views (42) to suites. Prices range from £80 GBP for a single B & B to £250 GBP B &B for a sea view deluxe to £530 for a suite. There is a Presidential Suite, I dread to think what that costs I stayed in a Sea view deluxe, checking in on a Saturday and leaving after lunch on the following Sunday. I ate in the hotel for breakfast and Sunday lunch. The Brighton Grand was built, as a hotel, in 1864, for the wealthy visiting Brighton (well not much has changed ) It was, and still is the most expensive hotel in the City. The Hotel was bombed in the early hours of the 12th October 1984, in a failed IRA attempt to kill Margaret Thatcher (the then Prime Minister). The Hotel suffered major damage and was extensively rebuilt and very sympathetically restored.
The Hotel looks Grand when you arrive. It is a really handsome building both internally and externally. Reception is impressive, as indeed are all the public rooms. A huge lobby with elegant marble pillars and a superb sweeping staircase. Spotless, really good quality furnishings, chandeliers, the works. There are lots of helpful, friendly staff who at the same time are very proficient and professional. Its' actually quite a difficult balance to achieve however the Grand does it to perfection. Check in was smooth and exceptionally efficient with helpful staff who seemed as if they genuinely wanted to be helpful. Right throughout the hotel from reception to restaurant to porterage to housekeeping to bar all of the staff seemed genuinely to want to look after the guests. The Management at this hotel understand Excellent Customer Service.
The Room was outstanding, admittedly not the cheapest I've ever stayed in but, an incredibly comfortable King Sized bed, excellent quality bed linen. The Room was immaculate with sumptuous furnishings, quite a large room with separate seating area (nice comfortable chairs) and French windows opening onto a balcony with a good sea view. The bathroom was very spacious room bath tub and power shower, again spotless with very good quality complimentary toiletries and lovely fluffy towels and bath robes. The Bedroom had air conditioning, although somewhat bizarrely not all bedrooms do. The Bedroom, indeed the whole hotel, had lots of character and was really well decorated and cared for. The room had the usual facilities, TV, Satellite TV, mini bar but the prices (in common with every hotel mini bar were massively expensive), trouser press, Internet Broadband etc
In common with most 5* Hotels the Grand has the usual Hotel Facilities, 24 Hour Room Service (at the usual exorbitant rates), 24 Hour Porterage. Lifts serving all seven floors of the hotel, Leisure Complex (more of that below), Restaurant, Bars, Beauty Parlour etc. The Bars carry a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. A word of warning they are expensive, I wandered out into Brighton and visited local hostelries. The Hotel, in common with most 5* hotels allows dogs. There is charge of £5 per day, they are not permitted in the public areas and may only stay with prior arrangement
There are apparently also some rooms in the hotel with disabled facilities, I didn't actually see any but I understand that they have wider doors which are wheelchair friendly. There is a ramped entrance to the main hotel
I didn't eat at the hotel on the Saturday evening, I had a wander around however, there was live jazz coming from the Restaurant, the rather impressive King's restaurant, that I thought was a nice touch. A 4 course Meal on a Saturday evening is £30 plus drinks, which actually is not a bad price. I had an inquisitive look at the Main Restaurant A La Carte Menu, The food sounded rather good, a tad expensive. Starters ranging from £6.85 GBP (Crispy Duck Spring Roll with Cucumber Salsa) to £8.50 GBP(Smoked Salmon and Raspberries that sounded like an interesting combination). Mains ranged from £15 GBP for a Cheese and Bacon Salad to £29.50GBP for Beef Wellington, creamed horseradish, caramelized baby carrots and Madeira Sauce (I thought that sounded delicious). Desserts ranged from £5.50 for Rum and raisin brulee with hazelnut shortbread to £7.50 for a steamed chocolate pudding with chocolate sauce and pistachio ice cream.
I ate Breakfast, it was absolutely delicious food, fresh good quality ingredients with a good selection and lots of it. Basically a very good hot and cold buffet. Everything was cooked to perfection (even the porridge). Guess who ate too much but I still managed to make it to lunch. Sunday lunch was equally good, A three course set menu for £25. A Choice of 5 starters, ranging from Caesar salad to Duck, Chicken and Foie Gras Parfait (I dont eat foie gras on principle) I actually got to try the Smoked Salmon and Raspberries it was delicious the Smoked Salmon and Raspberries work together.. A Choice of five mains, including an interesting sounding vegetarian option Saffron Potato Gnocci but it was Sunday so I went for the mouth watering Roast Sirloin of Beef (carved at the table) followed by a lovely pud (sorry should I say dessert...). This time there was a choice of four. I went for the baked Alaska. Baked Alaska is one of those dishes which has to be served just right (and it was)The Restaurant operates a dress code, no Jeans, Shorts, T Shirts when having dinner. Children under 14 years of age eat at half price, under 4 years eat free. There are also, incidentally some family rooms in the hotel
There is also the Victoria Lounge and Terrace which is less formal than the Restaurant which serves bar snacks and afternoon meals. Rumour has it that afternoon tea is pretty good, although on this occasion I didn't try it...next time perhaps
I didn't use the Leisure facilities but had a look, a bit of a nosey as one does They were impressive (and extensive), a really well equipped gym, the Pool seemed the right size, 12 metres, . There is a Relaxation Suite, I didnt actually go in there. That is where the Sauna, Steam room and tropicarium are located. The Beauty Salon appears to offer all the usual body and facial treatments. As I am beautiful enough already I didnt feel the need to actually price any of the treatments up. Although I suspect that they would be somewhat expensive. The Hair Salon is located in the Leisure facilities. The Hotel even has a special Leisure Club Menu of sandwiches and hot snacks ranging from croquet monsieur at £5.95 to Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad at £13.50.
Cost to one side. This hotel is one of the best I've ever stayed in, although not the best (that accolade goes to the Imperial in Torquay another 5* Deluxe) I can understand why all the politicians stay at the Grand. Even after the extensive building works following the bombing the hotel has managed to retain both its' atmosphere, its style and its ambience. When I checked out I left feeling really good about my stay and the hotel. I knew and felt that I had stayed somewhere special.
Its just a shame it costs so much...


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It's official: Fernandez named Opening Day starter
VIERA, Fla. -- Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, will start the team's Opening Day game on March 31 against the Rockies in Miami. Manager Mike Redmond made the not-so-surprising announcement on Sunday, before the Marlins faced the Nationals in a Grapefruit League game at Space Coast Stadium.
The 21-year-old Fernandez will become the youngest Opening Day starter in team history. Josh Beckett was 22 when he took the mound for the 2003 opener. The last Major League pitcher younger than Fernandez to start on Opening Day was the Mariners' Felix Hernandez, who was 20 in '07.
"We're going to tell him this afternoon," Redmond said of Fernandez, who did not make the trip to Viera. "It was gonna happen, obviously, anyways. It's not like it's big news, but I know he's excited about it. It'll be great to see him out there on Opening Day, and I look forward to it."
The honor caps a whirlwind 12 months for the 21-year-old, who seemed ticketed for the Minors at this time a year ago, before injuries in the Marlins' rotation helped push him onto the club's Opening Day roster. He never looked back, going 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA in 28 starts and striking out 187 batters in 172 2/3 innings.
"I think every player remembers their first Opening Day start, whether you're a position player or a pitcher," Redmond said. "I think about how far he's come in the last year, from last year slated to maybe go to Double-A to pitching in the big leagues starting the season and winning Rookie of the Year. So that's a pretty amazing year. And he just keeps going. Opening Day starter, which is a day he'll remember for the rest of his life."
Fernandez made his Grapefruit League debut on Friday, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts against the Cardinals.
"It felt like it was Opening Day," Fernandez said afterward. "It feels good to feel like that in the first Spring Training game. Obviously, I'm on the team, but I'm still going out there to do the best I can, to get better."
Fernandez is slated to take the ball again on Wednesday against the Mets in Port St. Lucie and will be on track to be ready for Opening Day from there. With the Marlins beginning at home, Fernandez will make the start at Marlins Park, where he posted a 1.19 ERA and held opponents to a .164 batting average in 15 starts last season.
"He's a fun guy to watch pitch. He's energetic," Redmond said. "He competes and pitches great at our ballpark. It's a big park, so he's able to be aggressive and he created a lot of excitement, and that's exactly what we needed last year."
Andrew Simon is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewSimonMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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Deployment Manager has been retired. You will no longer be able to download new versions from the Red Gate website. For more information, see Deployment Manager retirement.
About Deployment Manager
With Deployment Manager, you can manage and automate releases of SQL databases, .NET applications, and services.
Requirements Getting started How Deployment Manager works Installing Security and user accounts Licensing Upgrading Environments Creating packages Creating projects Creating and deploying releases Automation and the command line Troubleshooting Release notes and other versions Deployment Manager retirement


text:
Cardinals Sign Veteran Catcher A.J. Pierzynski
CHICAGO, Ill., July 26, 2014 - The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to today's game against the Chicago Cubs that they have signed veteran free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski and expect him to be in uniform (#35) for this afternoon's game at Wrigley Field. To make room for Pierzynski on the team's active roster, the Cardinals have designated catcher George Kottaras for assignment.
A veteran of 17 seasons in the majors, Pierzynski, 37, ranks 1st among active catchers with 1,742 of his 1,835 career games having come behind the plate. Cardinals perennial All-Star Yadier Molina is 2nd on that list having caught 1,276 games.
The left-handed hitting Pierzynski owns a career .282 batting average with 176 home runs and 831 RBI, while having played for Minnesota (1998-2003), San Francisco (2004), Chicago White Sox (2005-12), Texas (2013) and Boston (2014). His 169 career homers hit as a catcher rank 12th all-time among backstops.
Pierzynski (pronounced peer-ZIN-skee) batted .254 with 4 HR's and 31 RBI in 72 games for the Red Sox this season before being released on July 16.
The 6-3, 235-pound Pierzynski led American League catchers with a .998 fielding pct. last season and he holds the American League record for consecutive errorless chances with 962.
Pierzynski, who was a member of the White Sox 2005 World Championship team, is a two-time American League All-Star (2002 & 2006) and he was voted the American League Silver Slugger award in 2012 when he hit a career-high 27 home runs.


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ACTION has been taken by North Yorkshire Police following the loss of DNA evidence in an attempted murder trial.
Michael Bennison in to the was jailed for four years in November 2013 on a charge of unlawful wounding, despite being charged with attempted murder, after DNA swabs taken from two knives were misplaced by police forensic teams.
Now a report into the loss of the swabs - released under the Freedom Of Information Act - states the actions taken by North Yorkshire Police to ensure this never happens again, include ensuring items can only remain in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) transit stores for a maximum of 72 hours before being moved to police storage, all items or exhibits which are given to CSI must be recorded and logged regardless of who they come from or are given to, and all CSI storage bases are now checked weekly by supervisors.
Other rules introduced include ensuring no property is handed to an officer without a signature and storage reference, and area forensic managers must now carry out inspections every three months.
Bennison, of no fixed abode, stabbed his girlfriend Amy Evans several times and punctured her lung, and also pleaded guilty to an assault against a man he had kicked in the head and jumped on.
The last time the swabs could confidently be located was when they were checked into Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) stores on February 4, 2013.
The report said: "The swabs were not collected and appeared to remain in the York CSI freezer for some months.
"As the transit store is within a secure area which should only be accessed by CSI staff, there appear to be only three possible scenarios that could explain the misplacement of the swabs:
- The swabs have been handed to an officer by a CSI who has not recorded this fact.
- The swabs have been placed in POTF and again this has not been recorded.
- The swabs have been collected accidentally by the Forensic Courier and taken to another location."
The report also states the actions taken by North Yorkshire Police to ensure this never happens again, including ensuring items can only remain in
Speaking at the time, Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Mason said the swabs "were most likely destroyed prematurely as a result of human error", but he believed that if DNA evidence had been found on the swabs it would only have proved that police had probably found the weapon and nothing more.
The report was carried out towards the end of last year, and stated a decision was made to have the knives tested for DNA, fibres and fingerprints at North Yorkshire Police's bio lab on December 21, 2012, and moved from York to police HQ at Newby Wiske on January 2, before being examined on January 10, 2013.


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There are numerous opportunities for JMU art majors to participate in on-campus student organizations. Membership in such groups as Kappa Pi, NAEA, ASID, AIGA, and the artWorks Galleries are just a few of the experiences awaiting students at James Madison. Many of these groups are affiliated with their professional, national associations.
These ties provide students with insights to their future careers in a real-world context, and provide for research and social events related to their discipline. All student-run organizations have faculty advisors selected by the student members, a connection that serves to extend the learning environment from the classroom into the homes of JMU faculty, helping foster a true community of scholars.
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the professional association for design, believes designers serve a critical role as communicators, educators and innovators. AIGA sets the national agenda for the role of design in economic, social, political, cultural and creative contexts. The JMU student chapter is an active group that gets involved in the local and regional design community, creates a community of their own and creates an appreciation of professional graphic design standards while fostering fellowship and building leadership skills among student members. Activities include on and off campus projects, participation in events with other university regional chapters, field trips, guest speakers and community service. An AIGA Student membership is required to be an active member of the student chapter. As an AIGA student member you'll gain access to invaluable resources and opportunities to help make the transition from student to professional designer. For more information about AIGA, visit their website. AIGA
Dawn McCusker, Advisor
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The American Society of Interior Designers' JMU student chapter strives to create an appreciation of professional interior design standards by promoting a community atmosphere that fosters fellowship and cooperation among student members. Special on and off campus projects, field trips, guest speakers and other interior design-related activities help members bridge the transition between classroom preparation and professional practice.
Ronn Daniel, Advisor
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Kappa Pi is an art honor society. In 2016, SADAH's Kappi Pi was the largest in the nation. It offers qualified art majors opportunities to become involved in service to the School of Art, Design and Art History and to assist faculty members in developing an atmosphere conducive to providing the highest quality visual arts education. The organization regularly sponsors guest speakers, film series, fund-raising activities and field trips to encourage interaction between art students and to promote excellence in art.
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The National Art Education Association's student chapter at JMU helps smooth the transition from art education preparation to professional practice. Student members strive to maintain a high standard for art education both on campus and in the community through regular participation in local, state and national workshops and conferences. The Retired Art Educators Affiliate (RAEA) saluted the James Madison University Student Chapter, NAEA 2016 Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year.
Dr. Karin Tollefson-Hall, Advisor
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Richmond just can't let it go after Contra Costa supervisors, in a 3-2 vote, chose Concord over the "City of Pride and Purpose" for a new 200-job call center.
The Richmond City Council says it will fire off a "It's not fair!" letter to Covered California, the state agency helping residents sign up for health insurance later this year under the federal Affordable Care Act.
And Richard Poe, who owns the proposed call center site in Richmond, is asking Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho to recuse herself from all future call center votes because her brother works for Garaventa Enterprises, which owns the Concord site.
"The county has a policy to avoid even the appearance of an impropriety, and the government code requires elected officials to act impartially," Poe said.
There's also grumbling in Richmond about a Garaventa relative who works as a legislative aide for Supervisor Federal Glover.
They note that Garaventa interests have donated to all five sitting supervisors' campaigns.
Oh, and did anyone mention that Supervisor Karen Mitchoff attended a Garaventa wedding?
None of these relationships trigger the conflict of interest clause, says Contra Costa County Attorney Sharon Anderson.
Under state law, an elected official must recuse him or herself from a vote if the outcome will result in personal financial gain or financial gain for his or her spouse and dependents.
Piepho's brother, five-term Central Sanitary District board member Jim Nejedly, doesn't depend on his sister for his livelihood — he has worked for the Garaventas' garbage company for 20-plus years, well in excess of her nine years in office.
Campaign contributions do not count unless they are proven bribes, in which case, they are also felonies.
Interestingly, if every supervisor with a connection to Poe, Garaventa or both is disqualified, no one would have been left to vote.
Supervisor John Gioia did some legal work for Poe in the 1990s, and Poe gave money to Gioia's 2010 campaign.
As for those verbal grenades about overheated politics, hearing Richmond City Council members smack down another board's decision as too political is a real knee-smacker — this is a city where residents pour politics over their cornflakes every morning.
The call center vote was first and foremost about geography: Electeds want to bring home jobs, and Concord is closer to more constituents in four of the five supervisors' districts.
To overcome Concord's political geographical advantage, the Richmond site needed to be wildly cheaper, but the Garaventas kept matching or exceeding Poe's offers.
The Concord landlord also had another lead — Comcast ran a call center in the building until late last year and left behind a good deal of usable equipment and technology.
That said, the Garaventas' involvement undeniably enhanced the Concord site's appeal given the decades the influential family has been on the county's political and business landscape.
But Poe leveraged his political relationships, too. He persuaded the Richmond City Council to offer him a $1 million loan of taxpayer money to help make his bid more competitive.
In the end, Poe whittled his Richmond three-year lease price down to $876,000 by the night of the supervisors' vote, roughly $115,000 less than Concord's offer.
It wasn't enough.
And a few days before the vote, Poe made last-minute convoluted real estate maneuvers — he switched his offer to his building next door — and he and Richmond lost whatever slim chance they had to overcome geography or politics.
There are lessons aplenty in this civics exercise, but one in particular rises to the top.
Concord may have won the call center, but the real winners are the county's taxpayers — During the unusual public bidding war, the three-year lease cost on the Garaventa building dropped from $3 million on Feb. 6 to less than $1 million by the time the supervisors voted.
It's a powerful argument for more sunshine in government real estate negotiations, which almost always take place behind closed doors.
GOT POLITICS? Read PoliticsWithLisaV.blogspot.com.
AND FINALLY: The spring crab feed political fundraiser season is well under way in the Bay Area.
But the candidate whose name you write on that campaign contribution check is not necessarily the main attraction, says Contra Costa Water District board member Bette Boatmun.
"I call and find out who is cooking," Boatmun said.
Among her top chef picks are Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Oakley; Pittsburg Councilman Sal Evola and his father, Nolan; and Antioch Councilman Tony Tiscareno.
"Jim Frazier makes a fabulous lobster tail," Boatmun said.
Wow, you learn something new every day.
Contact Lisa Vorderbrueggen at 925-945-4773, firstname.lastname@example.com, politicswithlisav.blogspot.com or Twitter.com/lvorderbrueggen.


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Good article by Candace.
Good article, worth a read. I didn't realize that Reggie would be here tonight for the Knicks game.On the eve of the Pacers nationally-televised matchup against the New York Knicks, Bird on Wednesday offered his honest assessment about the team that he helped build into a 30-7 contender. Though Indiana has the best record in the NBA as the regular season approaches the midway mark, Bird believes that the teams bad habit of sloppy ball handling could prove costly when the games matter the most.
Turnovers, said Bird, answering quickly on what the team can still improve. Turnovers will be their downfall. If they go down this year, it will be because they turn the ball over too much.


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Tuesday February 8, 2005 3:37 pm
Anakin Skywalker's Jedi Starfighter Revealed
Posted by Hector Martinez Categories: Misc. Tech, Movies
JoeToy.com recently posted photos of some new toy models based on the upcoming Star Wars film: Revenge of the Sith. Looks like they're trying to meld the vehicles with Episode IV - VI storylines, but I don't think it looks all that great. In any case, in the past few months, there have been all sorts of information leaks about the film, enough to give away the entire plot. StarWars.com already has pictures of the new villain, General Grievous. And this image from Rebelscum.com has a listing of major plot points (Spoiler Warning!) as described on the upcoming trading cards.
See More | Grievous' Wheel Bike
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Tribute to a Stock Market Original
In the 1990s, I started studying the stock market so I could devise an investment strategy to use when investing my own money. I then realized that there was no need for me to create my own investment strategy, because a number of others, who had more experience than I would ever have, had already done so. They studied the market, tested their ideas in the real world, tweaked them when necessary and came up with strategies that proved themselves over time.
Once I realized this, I decided to take these proven strategies (these investors had described their strategies in detail in books they wrote or others had written about their strategies), automate them to use for my own account. When these adaptations of their strategies proved effective, I created, in 2003, a website, Validea.com, so others could use these strategies for themselves. These are the strategies I use to choose stocks in the column I write here each week....473 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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After swooping in and snatching Josh Hamilton, the Los Angeles Angels have to be considered the best team in the AL West.
But in Southern California, the better question is: Are the Angels the best team in Los Angeles?
Sorry, Arte Moreno. The Los Angeles Dodgers still own the edge over your Angels. Hamilton makes the Halos' offense even better, but a decided advantage in starting pitching tilts this comparison in favor of the Dodgers.
Have a look:
1B: Albert Pujols vs. Adrian Gonzalez. Close, but edge to Angels. Expect Pujols to hit more like Pujols pre-2011 after a full year in his new environment.
2B: Howie Kendrick vs. Mark Ellis. Edge to Angels. Kendrick, 29, is in his prime and has greater potential for a big season. Ellis, 35, is the oldest projected regular on either club.
SS: Erick Aybar vs. Hanley Ramirez. Edge to Dodgers, but not by as much as you'd think. These two actually have several similarities. Both are 28, should steal about 20 bases and have been considered excellent defensive players. The difference is power. Ramirez hit 24 homers this past season, while Aybar finished with eight.
3B: Alberto Callaspo vs. Luis Cruz. Edge to Angels in another close one. Callaspo's play slipped in 2012 while Cruz, 28, gave the Dodgers a late-season lift. Callaspo, 29, has the better career resume, though.
C: Chris Iannetta vs. A.J. Ellis. Edge to Dodgers. Ellis is coming off a career year during which he posted a .373 on-base percentage. Iannetta still hasn't delivered on his potential.
LF: Mark Trumbo vs. Carl Crawford. Edge to Angels, for now. If Crawford returns to his pre-Boston Red Sox form, his all-round game would overcome Trumbo's huge power advantage.
CF: Mike Trout vs. Matt Kemp. In the past two years, both have enjoyed a time when they were considered the game's best player. But Kemp's time came before he was injured—and before Trout arrived. Edge to Angels.
RF: Josh Hamilton vs. Andre Ethier. Ethier is an excellent player with a career line of .290/.362/.476. But he isn't Hamilton. Edge to Angels.
DH: Kendrys Morales vs. Skip Schumaker. No matter who the Dodgers put here, Morales would hold the edge. The Dodgers will need a DH for 20 interleague games, including two biggies in Anaheim on May 29-30.
Angels: Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Tommy Hanson, Joe Blanton and Jerome Williams/Garrett Richards.
Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Josh Beckett, Chad Billingsley and Hyun-Jin Ryu. No matter how the backs of the rotations shake out, the Dodgers' 1-2 punch of Kershaw and Greinke tops Weaver and Wilson. Kershaw and Greinke, in fact, top every other twosome in the game.
Both clubs face too many uncertainties to make a conclusion. Neither even knows who will be its closer on opening day. But if Ryan Madson (Tommy John surgery) is ready, being able to move Ernesto Frieri into a setup role tips this matchup to the Angels.
Both clubs face uncertainties beyond their bullpens. How they answer their remaining questions this offseason ultimately could decide which has the superior squad. Three key ones:
1. Who will end up in the Angels' outfield?
With Hamilton, the Angels own such a surplus of outfielders that they figure to trade one. Because righthanded power is in short supply around the game, Trumbo would bring more in return than speedster Peter Bourjos. But the Angels might decide they'd be better off with Trumbo's power than Bourjos' speed.
Their best option would be to move Morales, ideally for an established starting pitcher. The Angels then could use Trumbo at DH and go with a defensive outfield that would be hard to match with Trout and Hamilton flanking Bourjos.
2. Which starter will the Dodgers trade?
With Ted Lilly, Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano to go with the five above, the Dodgers need to deal at least one rotation candidate. None of these three, however, is likely to bring back a player of impact. Not that one is needed.
3. What about clubhouse chemistry?
After their blockbuster trade with the Red Sox this past August, the Dodgers discovered there is more to winning than adding high-paid players to the roster. But going through a two-month adjustment period last season should pay off in 2013.
A clubhouse challenge awaits the Angels, who surely will miss the presence of Torii Hunter. Their stable of stars no longer includes an obvious leader or—and this is more important than you might think—anyone who is willing and able to face the media when times are tough.
Of course, after landing Hamilton, the Angels aren't thinking about tough times. They are thinking about possessing the best roster in their division—perhaps the best in the American League. That still doesn't make it the best in their own backyard, though.


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Loquet London
Smoky Quartz Charm for Loquet Londonloq-csqb
smoky quartz : 6mm x 4mm
* sold separately as an addition to any Loquet London pendant *
smoky quartz : 6mm x 4mm
* sold separately as an addition to any Loquet London pendant *
London - Loquet London hails from England and is the luxury brand created by Sheherazade Goldsmith with Laura Bailey. Along with goldsmith Michael Ventura, they have created a truly modern interpretation of the traditional keepsake locket. Each gold framed crystal 'Loquet' is designed to open and be personalized with collectable charms and birthstones. From a lucky horseshoe, a gold initial, a September sapphire or a diamond studded shooting star, each 'Loquet' is a unique and bespoke gift, a love letter coded in charms. Classic from a distance, original and curious close-up, a 'Loquet' is an eye-catching talking-point. A flash of colour, a spark of gold, a desert-island memory, a child's birthstone. We carry our stories close to our hearts.


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At the Department of Administration, accountability is more than a website with links to some numbers. We are a group of people passionate about our mission to be good stewards of South Carolina's many resources.
At Admin, we are working every day to make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely and that you can be confident about how your tax dollars are spent. Together, we can make our state stronger, more efficient and ensure that you, your family, and your neighbors are well served by our agency.
- State Spending
- Overview of State Spending
- Where the Money Comes From
- Where the Money Goes
- Unclaimed Property
- Local Government Finance Report
- Composite Reservoir Bank Accounts
- Search Database of State Contracts.
- Projects Under Review by State Engineer
- Procurement Card Usage
Salaries and Workforce Info
- State Salaries Above $50,000
- Number of State Employees by County
- Number of State Employees by Agency


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" Civic Centre, Southampton. "
I've been to see artists such as Bowling for Soup and Sum 41 at Southampton Guildhall within the last few months. It's not a bad venue at all. This review is based on going to see live music acts.
It books several well known acts, mainly comedians and musicians and is well equipped for either. The seating/standing area is huge, a very open area. Capacity varies depending on the event, but there is permanent seating on the balcony which overlooks the arena but they are quite far back and wouldn't want to even try them out for a show. Either side of the arena both sides have a bar which sells alcoholic and soft drinks as well as snacks, but they are very pricey (Double Southern Comfort and lemonade was £6.20!!!), so I wouldn't recommend buying anything unless you're treating yourself or someone else. During live music though it does get quite warm especially if you're deep in the crowd and they do hand out free cups of water so you can be poor and still hydrate yourself! For toilets and a cloakroom you'd ahve to leave the arena and go downstairs, I didn't see any disabled toilets while I was there but I'm sure they'd have some located sensibly.
Determining prices of events going on depend on the act that's playing. A concert typically costs around the £20 mark which is very reasonable, with the comedians varying dramatically, depending on their popularity.
I've recommended going to the Guildhall to friends and they've enjoyed its atmosphere as wel as the act they've gone to see. I've never been to see a comedian there though I do anticipate gonig to some future shows to see what they've like. It's not perfect but it's the biggest Southampton has for that range of entertainment.
I am a Southampton girl born and bred and have been to the Southampton Guildhall for many concerts, plays, exhibits and i was even in a christmas carol concert when i was 6 there.
It is described on its website as the South's largest multi-purpose entertainment venue. Well i don't know if that is true or not but it certainly isn't the most classiest.
The guildhall is based right in the centre of Southampton next to the civic offices. It is roughly a 5-10 minute walk from the central train station. It has a capacity of 1749 and hosts a number of relatively famous artists every year. But no one ever big really plays there because it is not really up to the standards of something like the bic in Bournemouth.
The last refit of the guildhall was done in roughly 1989 and it is in desperate need of another one.
The stage is small, the seating is very uncomfortable and the carpet is held together with carpet has most definitely seen better days as its held together mostly by carpet tape!
It annoys me that Southampton is a big city and we have no decent concert venues meaning we miss out on some of the bigger artists.
St marys stadium have had Bon Jovi and Elton John, but they cant hold the events all of the time, it should be up to the guildhall to hold better and bigger events.
We went to see a night with queen last year, which is a tribute band ran by the chap who won stars in their eyes a few years back as Freddie mercury. The band were fantastic, but we could barely hear a thing and there just felt like there was no atmosphere.
I really wish they would change it, i think if they made the venue better it would bring some biggest artists down our way and everyone would benefit from the people coming into the city to see them. More money for everyone all round!
Come on Southampton!
This is the South's largest multipurpose entertainment venue. The capacity of it is 1749. It was refurbished in 1989 bringing is up to todays entertainment needs.
I have been to the Southampton Guildhall a few times to see bands. I prefer hard rock and metal and not many bands that I like tend to visit Southampton so when one does I make sure I go. As well as bands visiting they sometimes use the venue for fairs and exhibitions.
It is fairly easy to find and is around 5-10 minute walk from Southampton Central station.
When I get there the queue is long but seems to go down quickly. Inside the doors they sell the official merchandise and there are a few people selling unofficial merchandise outside.
I quite like the building inside. The stage is at the opposite end to the doors. The floor is carpeted. There is a bar on each side of the main hall is original 1930s art deco surroundings. I think it is expensive. It cost £4.50 for a pint of cider last time I went. The venue is mainly standing and there is a very small balcony with some seats but most gigs are standing. There are facilities for the disabled.
...because that is what you will be dancing around all night! Southampton Guildhall - venue for many, many gigs in the South ranging from the likes of Stereophonics and Placebo to ABBA Gold a tribute to ABBA and BBC Music Live Festival. I won't complain too much because if the Guildhall wasn't there then I would have to travel further afield to see the bands BUT, and that is big BUT, why oh why is Southampton Guildhall used for gigs when it must have the worst acoustics in Britain! The carpet and high ceiling do not help matters one little bit. Decent bands can be made to sound appalling by these factors. Onto the good points! (Yes there are some!) There are two bars leading directly out of the main hall - one on either side! The prices are cheap! £1.50 for apint of lager! I was very impressed! There are also regular CD fairs at the Guidhall! One a month and a huge one every couple of months! The Guidhall is in the town centre and under a five minute walk from both Southampton Central train station and the city bus station. I must give you a warning that it is an uphill walk of around 400 metres from the station - hence a 5 min walk! I know Iwan Thomas (ha ha yes Southampton does have a fine athlete living in its midst!) could make it under a minute, but for the more relaxed of us this may take slightly longer! Prices vary according to event.


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Originally published on November 21, 2013 5:55 am
The EPA's decision not to force oil companies to replace E10, gasoline mixed with 10 percent ethanol, with E15, had a big impact on a lot of businesses. For manufacturers of motorcycles, motor boats and outdoor power equipment, it was good news. But for gas station owners who invested in expensive blender pumps, the decision hurt.


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Mail: Southern statues symbolize suppession
Mail: Thanks for helping Aiden
More opinion
Fall: Good time to spray musk thistle in rosette stage
Robertson and Delsing re-elected chair, vice chair of NWB
More Ag News
The offensive term mentally retarded would be replaced with intellectual disability in Nebraskas laws, under LB 343.
In his opening statement, Coash told the committee that its time to update the language that was once used by the medical community.
If we didnt do this from time to time, our statutes would be full of the words idiot, moron and imbecile, he said. The word retardation has also been hijacked by our slang.
Coash said it is important in language to put the person before the intellectual or developmental disability, when the description is relevant, so as not to define the person by an impairment, saying a person with an intellectual disability instead of an intellectually disabled person.
Proponent Haley Waggoner of the Nebraska Youth Leadership Council said the word retard is a powerful slur.
In high school, I was called that name and Ive never forgotten it, Waggoner said. This will show people in Nebraska that this language is not acceptable.
Jodi Fenner, director of the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities, said often people who use the derogatory R-word dont understand how hurtful it is.
Proponent Lynn Redding, who has a developmental disability, said the word had a profound negative impact on her life in high school.
Everyday, I was bullied. Every day, I was called a retard, she said.
Redding said she was shoved against lockers all the time and the bullying got so bad that she had to transfer schools.
Its awfully difficult to improve the image of people with intellectual disabilities and societys assumptions about them when our law relies on those labels, she said.
Coash said bullying is hard to combat but the overdue terminology change is a step forward.
Changing these words is not going to stop the bullying. Its not going to stop hurtful people from doing hurtful things, he said. But it will show that the state has [people with disabilities] back.
The federal government and 44 other states have already replaced mentally retarded with intellectual disability in their statutes.
Flatrock Publishing, Inc.
1300 E 4th St., Suite F
North Platte, NE 69101


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Hurdle, Bucs keep mulling over lefty-hitting options
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Clint Hurdle knows he won't be able to play lefty roulette much longer, so he's throwing all his lefty chips on the wheel any chance he gets.
"Our question marks going into Spring Training were how the right-field and first-base positions will play out," Hurdle said. "Those are questions we're still trying to iron out."
Monday's starting lineup included a quintet that figures into the competition for supporting roles at those two positions. The only one to distinguish himself was Michael Martinez, a switch-hitter who started at second base but who can and has played the outfield; he went 2-for-2.
Chris Dickerson and Travis Ishikawa both drove in a run in the 7-6 loss to Baltimore, on an infield single and force-play grounder, while combining to go 1-for-5. Chris McGuiness was 0-for-4 and Travis Snider had the weakest day, striking out each of his three times up.
Jaff Decker and Andrew Lambo each had a hitless at-bat off the bench -- and both will be in the starting lineup for the next game, Wednesday in Fort Myers against the Twins, which will again include Martinez, Dickerson, Snider and Ishikawa.
"We'll just keep giving them opportunities to play. We'll keep giving them at-bats and see where they take them," said Hurdle, who has begun to divide what he refers to as "separation" among the candidates. "But I'm not gonna seed them for you."
Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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With a little more than a year to go to the 19th edition of the Maccabiah Games in Israel, Maccabi Canada's Quebec region is in full proactive mode to get the local organization recharged and make it more vital and dynamic.
That was the message conveyed at the region's recent annual general meeting inside the Hall of Honour at the YM-YWHA Ben Weider JCC.
Officials, including national president Tommy Bacher and regional chair Farrel Miller, described some of the group's plans.
They intend to renew old connections with the Y, put more focus on the youth component of the Games, actively recruit athletes (now being done), add sports and make the organization genuinely relevant to the Jewish community on an ongoing – not just a quadrennial – basis.
Key to that, the meeting heard, is making Maccabi activities synonymous in the community's mind with fostering and maintaining Jewish identity, continuity and pride.
"That is what we have to do," Bacher, who came in from Toronto, told the 100 or so energized Maccabi representatives, officials, athletes and supporters. "This is an organization that has to be mainstream with everyone, not every four years, but all the time."
Miller, one-time owner of the Montreal Juniors hockey team, was named regional chair about a year ago, succeeding Teddy Miller, now a national vice-president. He listed his priorities as identifying the best athletes, in tandem with Montreal Canada's national athletic committee; injecting new energy into the region, and fundraising.
To those ends, he indicated, it would be helpful to get the Y back into the JCC Maccabi Games, which is not run by Maccabi Canada but has previously served as a competitive stepping-stone to Israel.
It has been beneficial, he said, to bring fresh blood – Farrel Miller, Lawrence Routtenberg and others – into the organization to work alongside stalwarts like Roy Salomon, Gary Ulrich and Leon Elfassy, who were at the meeting.
Certainly, the next Maccabiah Games, July 16 to 31, 2013, promise to be the most ambitious yet, with 8,000 Jewish athletes expected from around the world.
Tali Dubrovsky, Maccabi Canada's executive director in Toronto, told the meeting that the organization hopes to have 1,000 Canadians apply for the Games and have the final Team Canada number 400 to 500.
Participation, however, doesn't come cheap: junior and open competitors will pay $8,300, and masters athletes, $9,600.
In a departure from previous Games, opening ceremonies will take place at Teddy Kollek Stadium in Jerusalem, with the closing ceremony at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa. Teddy Miller said the 19th Games will have a greater presence in Jerusalem and be less "spread out." Juniors will arrive in Israel a week before the Games for "training and touring."
Ice hockey will be back after a four-year absence, and new sports will include equestrian and cricket. There will also be a triathlon for the first time.
As for fundraising, one Quebec official acknowledged to The CJN that the region has yet to find its own version of Robert Lantos, the Toronto-based Canadian film producer and Maccabi Canada vice-president who has been a generous supporter of the organization. But Teddy Miller said there will be a fundraising concert featuring the Doobie Brothers in December presented through the ORT organization, and potential Maccabi Canada supporters and sponsors are being actively approached.
Meanwhile, potential participants are being encouraged to register on the new-and-improved maccabicanada.com website to get the tryout dates for individual and team sports. The general Maccabiah site is maccabiah.com.
In remarks to the meeting, Israeli Consul General Joel Lion praised the Canadian organization and urged Jews to visit Israel during the Games to display their Jewish pride.
"We are still here, proud and free people in our own land," he said.


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LAKEPORT -- An armed man was allegedly seen outside a South Main Street store Thursday evening.
A Sears employee reported seeing a man with what appeared to be a revolver by the storage units behind the business, Lake County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) Lt. Steve Brooks stated.
LCSO deputies and Lakeport Police Department officers responded to the scene shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
The employee said the man wore dark camouflage clothing and a nylon stocking over his face, Brooks stated.
The armed man allegedly pointed the gun at the witness, who was running into the store.
A second employee, who reported seeing the armed man walking away from the store, said he had white hair, Brooks stated.
Deputies searched the area but were unable to find the man.
Investigators believe the incident was isolated and had no connection to the Jan. 18 armed robbery and homicide in Kelseyville, Brooks stated.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact the LCSO at 263-2690.


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Cavaliers hire Pacers assistant M. Brown as coach
June 1, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
Now the only thing remaiming to B announced is that L Brown is the GM---coming soon!
CLEVELAND -- Mike Brown, a 13-year NBA assistant with a league title on his resume, has been hired as the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team said Wednesday.
The 35-year-old Brown spent the past two years as Rick Carlisle's top assistant in Indiana, where he was credited with improving the Pacers' defense and developing Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson.
Brown's challenge in his first head coaching job will be getting star forward LeBron James and the Cavaliers back into the NBA playoffs. Cleveland was poised for a return to the postseason for the first time since 1998 before their 2004-05 season collapsed amid an ownership change and the firing of coach Paul Silas.
The Associated Press News Service
(I wish Mike Brown alot of luck with the Cav's--(xcept when they play the Pacer's)!


text: Julian Jackson, a former bantamweight boxer and a pioneer in the c-store industry, who founded Jackson's Minit Marts and Lil' Champ Food Stores, died last week. He was 98. Jackson was a member of the Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame and the North American Boxing Federation Hall of Fame, the Times-Union reported. Born in Perry,


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Werk it Bloomies...weeeerk!
Bloomingdale's in Boca Raton is hosting - count 'em - three designer appearances and trunk shows.
"Whether it's the perfect hostess gift or centerpieces and serving pieces for your holiday dinner, each of these designers brings a unique a style that offers something for everyone," said Kelli-Ann McLeod, spokeswoman for Bloomingdale's Boca Raton.
Ok, she said it classier than I would have, but check out the upcoming fabu-fierce:
Wednesday, November 7 – Michael Aram Personal Appearance, 1-4pm Artisan tabletop and home decor designer Michael Aram will show his Fall 2012 Collection as well as a special trunk of limited edition and archived pieces.
Friday, November 9 – Thorson Hosier Personal Appearance, 1-4pm Designers Brian Thorson and Tim Hosier host a trunk show of their "Hollywood glamour with a modern aesthetic" frames.
Saturday, November 10 – Julia Knight Personal Appearance, 1-4pm Home accessories designer Julia Knight - who lived here in SoFlo in the late 70s, attending Saint Andrews School - will return for a personal appearance and signing event.
Bloomingdale's Boca Raton is located at 5840 Glades Road in Town Center Mall. For more information, call 561-394-2228.


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Brass Lovers Alertby Suzanne Calvin
Dallas Opera Principal Trumpet John Holt will be giving both a master class and a recital at Stephen F. Austin State University later this month. He will be collaborating with pianist Ron Petti. More details, in case you can make it, right here. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR


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With the really good stories, it's hard sometimes to know what's fact and what's been embellished for the sake of the tale. We think that when Pandora opened her famous box that a few vices came out, sure, lust and envy, perhaps, but that the rest of the box was full of pieces like this. Luscious lipstick fringe and cherry bomb silk, and a little lust and envy for good measure. Now that's a good story.
- Low-Rise


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The partnership between Davis and Woodland on our surface water project provides both communities the most cost-effective solution to do what we should have done years ago: fluoridate our water.
Dental disease is a problem in our collective community. It affects everyone from children to seniors. In 2011-12, the CommuniCare Smile Savers program found 26 percent of the nearly 400 low-income preschool children screened from the cities of Davis and Woodland have active dental disease.
These are children in our community who don't have access to proper dental care or other preventative dental measures. Even with all the advancements in dental hygiene and standards of living over the recent decades, we still have a major problem on our hands.
Currently, through the good work of our local dentists and CommuniCare's free dental clinics, we have a dental disease treatment program. However, this only addresses dental disease -- a lifetime problem with no cure -- once it has already developed. As such, to effectively address dental disease and positively impact the public health of our community, we need to shift our focus to prevention. And the most effective way to do so is through fluoridation.
Since the mid-20th century, community water fluoridation -- the careful adjustment of naturally occurring fluoride levels in water to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce dental decay -- has proven an effective preventative public health measure, reducing tooth decay by about 25 percent over a lifetime, per the American Dental Association. Across the nation, over 70 percent of people utilize community fluoridation, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In California, fluoridation is mandated by state law, if funds are available. And, right next door, the citizens of West Sacramento, Vacaville and Sacramento, to name a few, enjoy the benefits of fluoridated water every day. Pediatricians in Davis prescribe fluoride drops to parents to give to their children.
Today, Yolo County's public health community -- dentists, pediatricians, public health officials, and every major, local healthcare provider -- is united in support of community water fluoridation in Davis and Woodland. These are the folks who are on the front lines of combating dental disease -- they know what policies work and what do not.
If we move past the specious arguments that a carefully calibrated amount of fluoride is harmful, all the proposed alternatives to fluoridation are simply not as effective. The fundamental problem is one of reaching those who are not practicing good dental hygiene. Not everyone brushes correctly with fluoridated toothpaste, not everyone flosses, and not everyone goes in for two cleanings a year. We do not have the ability to bring dentists and hygienists twice a year into each home that needs it. But most everyone, particularly children, drinks tap water.
And then there is the argument about costs and that fluoridation does not make financial sense. Fluoride, of course, is not free. According to initial estimates, fluoridation could cost as much as $2 million in initial capital costs. After that, the ongoing costs would be less than $2 a month per household.
Although it may seem like a lot, cost should not be a reason to reject fluoridation, for two main reasons. First, with responsive bids on the joint water project required to come in 20 percent below the engineer's estimate, upon which we based our rates, rates would most likely not have to increase further to accommodate fluoridation. Second, fluoridation is worth the cost, regardless of whether rates rise or not. The American Dental Association estimates that for every dollar invested in water fluoridation, $38 is saved in dental treatment, missed work and other costs. This is a classic example of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure -- an expensive, painful cure at that.
One of the primary purposes of government and its policymakers is to help the most vulnerable in our society. Fluoride does just that -- in a cost-effective manner. We hope you agree.
-- Julie Gallelo is the executive director of First Five Yolo. Art Pimentel is a former Woodland mayor.


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Police are asking the public to help look for a woman last seen last Friday outside a Northside Jacksonville bar.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Sherry Prather was outside the Boots and Bottle Tavern talking with two men sitting on motorcycles about 2:20 a.m. Her family said she never made it home and hasn't been heard from since.
According to her family, Prather has never been gone this long without contacting them. Police said Prather does not have a cellphone.
Investigators said they have reason to believe Prather may be in the Volusia County area.
She was last seen wearing a white and gray long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans.
Police do not suspect foul play, but are asking anyone who has seen Prather or knows her whereabouts to call JSO at 904-640-0500.
Copyright 2012 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Mail: Southern statues symbolize suppession
Mail: Thanks for helping Aiden
More opinion
Fall: Good time to spray musk thistle in rosette stage
Robertson and Delsing re-elected chair, vice chair of NWB
More Ag News
The North Platte Jaycees, also known as the Junior chamber of commerce, received three national awards in June from the United States Junior Chamber.
Also, 2012 NP Jaycee president Linda Shea was recognized and presented with the Charles Kulp Jr. Memorial Award for most outstanding local president for her term in 2012.
Lindsey Young also received national honors for her work as vice president of community development in 2012. She was awarded the Heidi Juttner Memorial Award as an outstanding local vice president.
The awards were presented at the annual U.S. Junior Chamber meeting in Seattle, Wash.
The North Platte Jaycees are a service organization for young adults age 21-40.
In addition to gaining leadership skills, the Jaycees raise awareness and support for many organizations throughout North Platte.
In 2012, the North Platte Jaycees donated more than $15,000 to assist over 35 organizations and individuals in the North Platte area.
We could not do this without the support of our community members and businesses, says Anderson These awards are truly a testament to the commitment and support North Platte offers young adults who want to promote positive change within our community.
Shea said, all of the members of our organization put their heart in soul into running an organization that our community can be proud of.
Rhonda Anderson is the 2013 president. She encourages young adults to get involved and take leadership role within their local community.
Our mission is to create positive change throughout the communities we serve, Anderson said.
The 2013 Nebraska Jaycees President, Keri Fisher, said these are the best of the best across the nation; North Platte should take notice and be very proud of the outstanding and prestigious awards, earned right here in Nebraska.
Flatrock Publishing, Inc.
1300 E 4th St., Suite F
North Platte, NE 69101


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oh my god! I am sooo sorry for you. message me if you need to talk! hugs and love <3
how cooking can change your life
ultimately my only real goal in this life is to reach out to achieve and fulfill my full potential. Then to elevate every one else with me.
I would compare my life to being in the middle of a lake on a boat with no oars or a canoe with no paddle. people come around and ask me if I need help and I say that I need oars. People send over sandwiches, books, and blankets. Then they complain about me being so far away, not making progress and not being grateful...
Read More
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VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
Interesting that RAMH blog is back up. You might want to prod her if she wants anything off the site.
I understand. Some people deal with their personal emotional isolation by shutting down and doing nothing, some people do what I do... I isolate myself physically. I make sure I'm so busy I never have time to stop and think about how disappointed I am in the life I'm currently living, how boring and bland... How unfulfilled my relationships have been and how disconnected I feel. :/ I don't even know how to ask for help, so I just keep going, keep smiling, keep pretending... maybe someday it'll be real. Fake it until you make it is my motto...


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Chris Evans as "The First Avenger"...
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with our sponsor Collectibles Insurance.
For a great selection of superhero action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors BigBadToyStore.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, ToyDorks.com, SmallJoes.com, and Sekaido.com.
For an amazing selection of original sculptures, statues, prints and DVDs be sure to check out ShiflettBrothers.com.
Hot Toys wastes no time revealing their new 1:6th scale Captain America movie action figure. Teased last Saturday, the figure depicts Chris Evans as Captain America in his hero costume from the movie, the collectible highlighting a newly developed head sculpt, highly detailed costume and weapons.
MMS156 - Captain America: The First Avenger features:
- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Chris Evans as Captain America in his hero costume in the Captain America: The First Avenger movie
- Helmeted head
- Muscular body with over 30 points of articulations
- Nine (9) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including: -* One (1) pair of palms for holding shield
* One (1) pair of palms for wielding shield
* One (1) right palm for holding gun
* One (1) pair of relaxed palms
* One (1) pair of fists
- One (1) blue and grayish-white jacket with embossed pattern as well as stars in chest and arms
- One (1) pair of grey and red suspenders
- One (1) pair of blue pants
- One (1) brown leather-like belt with pouches and pistol sheath
- One (1) pair of brown boots
- One (1) metal-like electroplated shield
- One (1) machine gun
- One (1) pistol
- Figure stand with Captain America nameplate and the movie logo
- Head Sculpted by EOM JEA SUNG
- Head Painted by JC.HONG
- Head Art Directed by KOJUN
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different
Release date: Q3, 2011


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A PK and Salvage Study for Children With HIV-infection
This study has been completed.
The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration
Roche for trial and Saquinavir,and Abbott for Kaletra
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
First received: May 20, 2007
Last updated: March 26, 2015
Last verified: March 2015
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Detailed Description:
To evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of LPV/r with saquinavir in HIV-1 infected children. To evaluate treatment response (clinical, immunological and virological) to LPV/r, SQV in Thai children.
|HIV Infections
|Drug: Lopinavir/r plus saquinavir
|Phase 4
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Official Title:
|Lopinavir/r Plus Saquinavir Salvage Therapy in HIV-infected Children With NRTI and/or NNRTI Failure: PK and Two-year Treatment Follow up
Resource links provided by NLM:
MedlinePlus related topics: HIV/AIDS
Drug Information available for: Saquinavir Saquinavir mesylate LopinavirU.S. FDA Resources
Further study details as provided by The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration:
Primary Outcome Measures:
- Intensive 0-12h PK sampling for plasma levels of LPV and SQV, and blood sampling. CD4 viral load safety lab every 3 months. [ Time Frame: 96 week ]
|Study Start Date:
|October 2003
|Study Completion Date:
|November 2008
|Primary Completion Date:
|November 2008 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
double-boosted PI
double-boosted protease inhibitor combination
Drug: Lopinavir/r plus saquinavir
lopinavir/ritonavir 230/57.5 mg/m2 orally twice daily and saquinavir 50 mg/kg orally twice daily
Detailed Description:
The PK and 24 week data has been published in Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal. It showed that plasma drug concentrations of saquinavir, lopinavir and ritonavir were at the higher limits of expected ranges for adult treatment at approved dosages (1000/100 mg BID for saquinavir, 400/100 mg BID for lopinavir/r). The regimen was well tolerated and showed significant CD4 rise and VL decline at 48 weeks.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|1 Year to 16 Years (Child)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Confirmed HIV-1 infection by HIV-DNA PCR if < 18 months old or by HIV ELISA if greater than or equal to 18 months old
- Subject is less than or equal to 16 years of age at the day of the first dosing.
- Subject is failing a current NRTI and/or NNRTI containing regimen and is naïve to protease inhibitor containing therapy.
- Results of biochemistry and haematology testing should be within pre-specified ranges.
- Subject is able to swallow capsules
- Caretaker(s) is/are able and willing to sign the Informed Consent Form prior to screening evaluations.
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of sensitivity/idiosyncrasy to lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir or chemically related compounds or excipients which may be employed in the trial.
- Relevant history or current condition that might interfere with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion.
- Inability of both child and caregiver(s) to understand the nature and extent of the trial and the procedures required.
Use of any of concomitant medication, including the drug listed below, that may interfere with the pharmacokinetics of LPV/r or SQV.
- NNRTIs
- Rifampicin
- Rifabutin
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoine
- Carbamazepine
- Dexamethasone
- Ketoconazole
- Clarithromycin
- Pregnancy
Contacts and Locations
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below. For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00476359
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00476359
|Chulalongkorn University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics
|Bangkok, Thailand, 10330
|The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration
|Bangkok, Thailand, 10330
|Khon Kaen University
|Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40002
Sponsors and Collaborators
The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration
Roche for trial and Saquinavir,and Abbott for Kaletra
|Principal Investigator:
|Kiat Ruxrungtham, MD
|HIV-NAT, Bangkok, Thailand
|Principal Investigator:
|Pope Kosalaraksa, MD
|Khon Kaen University
More Information
Additional Information:
Keywords provided by The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration:
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 25, 2017
Additional Information:
Ananworanich J, Kosalaraksa P, Hill A, Siangphoe U, Bergshoeff A, Pancharoen C, Engchanil C, Ruxrungtham K, Burger D; HIV-NAT 017 Study Team. Pharmacokinetics and 24-week efficacy/safety of dual boosted saquinavir/lopinavir/ritonavir in nucleoside-pretreated children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2005 Oct;24(10):874-9.
Kosalaraksa P, Engchanil C, Bunupuradah T, Luesomboon W, Sunthornkachit R, Bunruen S, Intasan J, Jupimai T, Hirunwadee N, Lumbiganon P, Ruxrungtham K on behalf of the PREDICT study team. Prevalence of anemia and impact of iron status in Thai and Cambodian HIV infected children with moderate immunosuppression (PREDICT study), poster No. TUPEB 137. Poster presented at the 4th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, Sydney, Australia, July 22-25, 2007
Jasper van der Lugt, Torsak Bunupuradah, Pope Kosalaraksa, Thanyawee Puthanakit, Chulapan Engchanil, Waraporn Sakornjun, Meena Gorowara, ROCHE, Kiat Ruxrungtham, David Burger, Jintanat Ananworanich: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of lopinavir and saquinavir in Thai HIV infected Children. Poster will be presented at the 15th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Boston, USA, February 3-7, 2008.
Torsak Bunupuradah, Pope Kosalaraksa, Chulapan Engchanil, Pitch Boonrak, Tawan Hirunyanulux, Sasiwimol Ubolyam, Pagakrong Lumbiganon, Kiat Ruxrungtham, Emily Labriola-Tompkins, Jintanat Ananworanich, and HIV-NAT 017 Study Team: Efficacy and safety of double boosted SQV/LPV/r combination at 96 weeks in Thai children who have failed NRTI/NNRTI-.based regimens. Abstract # R-143. Abstract will be presented at the 15th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Boston, USA, February 3-7, 2008.
Bunupuradah T, van der Lugt J, Kosalaraksa P, Engchanil C, Boonrak P, Puthanakit T, Mengthaisong T, Mahanontharit A, Lumbiganon P, Tompkins E, Burger D, Ruxrungtham K, Ananworanich J; HIV-NAT 017 Study Team. Safety and efficacy of a double-boosted protease inhibitor combination, saquinavir and lopinavir/ritonavir, in pretreated children at 96 weeks. Antivir Ther. 2009;14(2):241-8.
Kosalaraksa P, Bunupuradah T, Engchanil C, Boonrak P, Intasan J, Lumbiganon P, Burger D, Ruxrungtham K, Schutz M, Ananworanich J; HIV-NAT 017 Study Team. Double boosted protease inhibitors, saquinavir, and lopinavir/ritonavir, in nucleoside pretreated children at 48 weeks. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2008 Jul;27(7):623-8. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31816b4539.
|Responsible Party:
|The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00476359 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|May 20, 2007
|Last Updated:
|March 26, 2015
Keywords provided by The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration:
Dual boosted PIs
HIV children
C min
Second line HAART
VL failure
To evaluate treatment response
Treatment Experienced
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
HIV Infections
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Lentivirus Infections
Retroviridae Infections
RNA Virus Infections
Virus Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes
Immune System Diseases
Slow Virus Diseases
HIV Protease Inhibitors
Protease Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Anti-HIV Agents
Anti-Retroviral Agents
Antiviral Agents
Anti-Infective Agents
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 25, 2017


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This giveaway is now closed. Check back soon for the winner!
Today's weekend giveaway comes from sponsor Deanna Caswell, author of the children's books Train Trip, First Ballet, and co-author of the upcoming grownup book, Little House in the Suburbs: Backyard Farming and Home Skills for Self-Sufficient Living.
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To enter this giveaway, simply leave any comment on this post! (If you're reading this via email, you must click over to the post to comment.) This giveaway ends tonight, so enter now!


text:
He has Westbrook going off the board at 7 to the Clippers.
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He has Westbrook going off the board at 7 to the Clippers.
Great...the worst case scenario happens....Love, Westbrook and Gordon ( yes, I said it...Gordon ) are off the board.
I guess I can live with Augustin....but I just keep on seeing stronger PGs continually post up our PG rotation of Diener and Augustin.
Ash from Army of Darkness: Good...Bad...I'm the guy with the gun.
I'd be content with DJ. I'm not sure it'll happen, though. The Pacers rarely agree with the "experts." I have a feeling we'll take Jordan.
Westbrook at #7 is a stretch. They should take Gordon there.
Gordon reunited with Sampson in Milwaukee eh? That would be interesting.
Jerryd Bayless is listed as a 6'3" PF. He is a little undersized I think...
basketbawful.com- The best of the worst of professional basketball. And there's a lot of it.
Going by DJ's profile on ESPN.com, I'd be happy to have him.
Hey, maybe that way he'll regain motivation and focus, and thus make the most of his potential.
Lots of Warrior fans are intrigued by the idea of DeAndre Jordan falling all the way down to #14. It's certainly possible. I don't see the Bucks, Kings, Clips or Blazers taking him.
I could, however, see a situation where the Pacers (you do need a center, right?) or Nets role the dice on him.
Hard to argue with his top 10. If that's the way it shakes out, Augustin makes sense at 11.
But holy cow, look at the rest of the draft. CDR slips all the way to #29? Surely we could get a pick before that...
This space for rent.
This space for rent.
Jordan is talented and the Pacers do need a center. Those are the reasons I'd suspect him to be picked at #11, though there are PLENTY of reasons for him not to be.
This space for rent.
I have a hard time believing Bird will take any kid like Jordan
with a questionable motor/work ethic. As screwed up as the
Pacers are, they can't afford to take the chance of this 1st rounder
Agreed. The Pacers are at the point where they need to take personal character into consideration. If Jordan is tagged as lazy while auditioning for his NBA job in college, it will only get worse once he has his guaranteed rookie contract in hand.
basketbawful.com- The best of the worst of professional basketball. And there's a lot of it.
Arthur and Jordan will creep into the top 11, I don't think Augustine and Westbrook will both be in the top 11.
DJ does nothing for the defense. So that leaves bigs like McGee, Arthur, Hibbert? who is less of a risk than Jordan. At least some of these guys provide interior defense and rebounding.
I sure hope the Pacers are looking past the end of their nose.
I'd be shocked if we don't take little man.
PG. Good shooter. Fan favorite. Great character.
A no-brainer if he's available. I don't particularly like him, but it's still a no-brainer. Then again, I don't particularly like many of these guys after about #8 aside from CDR, Rush and Greene. Then again again, I didn't watch half as much college ball as I usually do this year.
This space for rent.
Yeah...I like them in that order.
Read my Pacers blog:
Follow my twitter:
Yeah, and going to the Pistons, ugh
Last edited by Doddage; 05-20-2008 at 10:19 PM.
NBAdraft.net also has a mock draft up.
They have Rose going #1, the Pacers taking Westbrook, and CD-R going to Orlando at #22.
So, I think Anthem would find that slightly less insane.
I think CD-R is overrated here. Seems to fit that he would be projected to go to the Pistons.
We should be able to make a deal for another first-rounder though, shouldn't we? I could see some interest in Ike And Quis for late firsts.
Any word on if Chalmers is coming out? Where is DJ White projected to go these days? I still think it'd be cool if we came out of this draft with a pair of DJs.
The slightly tempting thing about Jordan is that if he gets his head
screwed on right and works hard at his game, 5 years from now,
he's probably the 3rd best player in this draft. It's too bad the
Pacers aren't in a better positon to take that kind of risk in hopes
of the upside paying off. Other than a PG who can play at both ends,
his size and athletic explosivness up front is the one thing this
team (sans a healthy J.O. anyway) really needs.
At least Chad's got Bill Walker in the first round. I can't believe how many have him projected into the 2nd. I watched mostly for Beas and Bill made an impression. He is clearly physical enough for the NBA and really KSt was all about just that pair of players, they rarely went without at least one on the court as the offensive focus.
If it's Arthur or DJ I go with Arthur. Strong offensive moves in the post, goes either way, and can pass from the post as well. Not a great defender, but he's already ahead of Ike right now I think.
The talent in the 20's sure makes a trade back into the first seem nice. And Weaver out into round 2 also makes a trade up there interesting. He's make a nice 8th-9th guy that would sort of be a McKey for the perimeter - defensive specialist with enough offense to stay on the floor.
Also since when did DJ become 6'? Sure doesn't look it.
Ash from Army of Darkness: Good...Bad...I'm the guy with the gun.


text:
He may be a go-to action hero, but Sylvester Stallone is feeling a little fragile today.
Ordering a cup of tea "with a strainer", the Hollywood tough man reveals: "I've been complaining for the last 20 minutes because of my back."
Stallone, who rose to fame as the star of the Rocky and Rambo films, is back on screens as Expendables leader Barney Ross, in the third instalment of the successful action franchise. He took a hit from the "back blast" of a rocket-propelled grenade during filming, which required some surgery.
"I took a fall on my back and had some metal put in there, so if I'm squeaking, deal with it - it's not my shoes but my back. But I'm getting better," he says, laughing.
Sly, as he's often known, isn't as intimidating in real life as his screen personas. While he can beat up rivals, fly helicopters, drive tanks and fire weapons in movies, in person he's witty and warm, though it's clear he takes work seriously.
The 68-year-old actor jokes that he uses the "intensity" of his injuries to "grade the quality" of his movies.
"When I shot Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, I never got hurt," he quips of the 1992 box office flop. "Though Rambo and The Expendables, I break my neck and my spine and I dislocate both shoulders.
"I've fallen through a tree in First Blood," he continues. "I was really proud of the scene in Rambo III, where there was no CGI and we literally almost got hit by a helicopter on horseback. It's like a weird sporting event, when you do these kind of films. You know you're going to get injured."
But it was his 15-round hand-to-hand battle with Dolph Lundgren in 1985's Rocky IV that remains his proudest moment from his 40-year career. "I've got to say, dealing with Dolph Lundgren was brutal. Really brutal. He was so unbelievably powerful, he almost killed me."
For the third Expendables film, Stallone, who also co-wrote and co-produced the movie, has brought in some newcomers, all of whom he hand-picked.
Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Antonio Banderas and Wesley Snipes (making his big-screen comeback since serving a three-year sentence in prison for tax offences) join the returning cast, which includes Jason Statham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews and Lundgren, alongside a younger generation of stars; Kellan Lutz (better known as Twilight's Emmett Cullen), mixed-martial arts expert Ronda Rousey and former welterweight boxing champion Victor Ortiz.
"I felt like we were at a point where we needed an upgrade and retool, to bring actors who are known for their physicality but also are dramatic actors," Stallone explains. "I welcome them and think it's a necessary evil - let them get beat up for a while.
"With Ronda, there was some debate over how she's a fighter and not an actor. But I said, 'She's a new kind of entertainer, she's a hybrid'. And I could not be more right. This girl is one of a kind - she's very sexy, she's charming, yet still raw and learning."
Ford, who plays CIA head Max Drummer, proved the most challenging actor to sign up, Stallone reveals. "It's very time-consuming. It takes a long time to convince some people. You're calling them for favours on your birthday and on the phone for four hours," he says. "You're like, 'It's my birthday. Do me a favour!' You do a lot of begging, it's wild."
Gibson, who plays villain Conrad Stonebanks, was slightly easier to convince. "Mel wanted to know about the part. Originally I wanted him to direct. Everything is so personal with him and he said, 'I wouldn't mind playing a villain'. I said, 'Sold!'"
With 17 stars in the cast, there was inevitably some friendly rivalry on set.
"Everyone here has healthy egos and athletic ability - some are very good actors and you're going to be competitive," New York-born Stallone admits. "No one wants to be the one sitting there, looking like a piece of chewed string at the end of scene, so you do your best."
And with the poster for The Expendables 3 looking like a who's who of action stars, the bar has already been raised for the next film.
"To have a cast like this is unprecedented. It's a circus, it really is a high concept. And the thing now is, what's next? Do you keep raising the bar? Pretty soon, there'll be no room on the poster. It should be a fold-out poster," Stallone quips.
He's previously said he'd like Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson to join the gang, and Chinese martial arts star Jackie Chan and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson have also thrown their names in the ring.
Stallone would welcome them all. "Those two would be great additions. The Rock would be fantastic."
Crews, who plays barrel weapons specialist Hale Caesar, has described the star-studded cast as Stallone's "version" of Marvel's Avengers superhero team.
"It wasn't as if I said, 'We gotta go up against the Avengers', because The Avengers is a spectacular franchise. But this is our version, and you could branch off," Stallone explains. "The young Expendables could go on their way, Antonio's character Galgo could have his spin-off and Hale Caesar... And then you bring us back for the 'big' event against the major villain.
"That was the pipe dream. It may still come to fruition," he adds. "And we could face off against The Avengers - we'd be the earthbound Avengers!"
With a fourth film sounding like it's already in the works, the married father-of-five (one of his sons, Sage, died in 2012 aged 36) teases that the plan is to make another two or three, although he'd be very keen to go up to Expendables 10.
"Yep, you heard it here first! It all depends on this one yet, but I can see maybe two more. We'd like to continue because it's an on-going experiment."
Stallone has also confirmed a female-led version, The Expendabelles. The script is in its final stages, with filming expected to begin in 2015.
"With The Expendabelles, you've got a situation here where we're in uncharted waters. To put all women together, would that really work?" he says. "When we do it, it can't just languish there and use the (Expendables) name. It has to be something that would hold its own."
Mind you, Stallone has some work to do himself, when it comes to holding his own with modern gadgets and gizmos.
"The young ones are really good with technology," he says. "Me, I'm just learning how to work a clothespin [clothes peg].
"Paper clips baffle me. How can they possibly work?"
EXTRA TIME - THE YOUNG GUNS :: Kellan Lutz (Smilee) - Kellan, 29, best-known for playing vampire Emmett Cullen in the Twilight films, had to learn motocross skills to portray the former Navy SEAL who, despite his name, never smiles.
:: Ronda Rousey (Luna) - The only female of The Expendables, Luna was a nightclub bouncer before being recruited by Barney. In real life, Rousey, 27, is the world's top female mixed martial artist.
:: Victor Ortiz (Mars) - Welterweight boxing champion Ortiz, 27, makes his big-screen debut as the sharp-shooting, lightning-fast boxer and lethal soldier Mars.
:: Glen Powell (Thorn) - American actor Powell, 25, plays drone pilot and hacker Thorn, who is also a death-defying free-climber.
:: The Expendables 3 opens in cinemas on Thursday, August 14


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Delivery Service
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Once you have made your purchases, you can take them with you immediately. Or we can deliver them to your home or office.
Delivery charge is starting at 590 THB.
Picking and Delivery Service
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Once you have decided what furniture you want to buy, we can get the furniture and deliver it to the address where you want it to go.
Charges are 200 THB + Delivery fee.
Finance service
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If you've found the solutions to create your dream home but need some help spreading the cost, we can offer you a range of finance options to help you make your dream a reality.
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text:
It's a match made in trendy-NYC-food heaven (or hell): an Umami Burger with a bisected Cronut-for-buns. Yesterday, Matthew Schonfeld of First We Feast spent about five hours making this burger mash-up, starting at 6:38 a.m. when he got in line at Dominique Ansel Bakery for their limited number of deep-fried croissant doughnuts, and ending at the grand opening of Umami Burger's first NYC location. The result: a burger topped with a shiitake mushroom, caramelized onions, slow-roasted tomato, and a Parmesan crisp all stuffed between the halves of a blackberry cream-filled Cronut. According to Matthew, it wasn't bad: "To my surprise, the flavors melded well. The blackberry filling sweetened the savory Umami flavoring."
For more beauty shots of the burger, head to First We Feast.
For those of you in Toronto, you can get a piece of Cronut Burger action soon at the Canadian National Exhibition from August 16 to September 2, thanks to EPIC Burgers and Waffles.
About the author: Robyn Lee is the editor of A Hamburger Today and takes many of the photos for Serious Eats. She'll also doodle cute stuff when necessary. Read more from Robyn at her personal food blog, The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Love hamburgers? Then you'll Like AHT on Facebook! And go follow us on Twitter and Pinterest while you're at it!


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All prices are shipped. If there is ink it will be stated.
New 10/10
Glo Z Buzzz 179.6g $13
CFR Glo Leopard 157.2g $12
Proto Star Glo Gazelle 174.9g $18
Dx Glo Eagle172.6g $15
CFR Glo Destroyer 175.3g $15
CFR Glo Starfire 173.9g $16
*Throw in the Dark Cobra 178.4g (Flat and Ontario mold) $40
*Lightning Glow B-25 "D" 133.9g $25 Back
*Throw in the Dark Whippet 172.6g (this disc is light pink in color) $40
Eclipse Axis 9.5/10 177.0g $14 (Thrown three times)
Glow Magic 171.7g 8/10 $10
Glow Magic 171.7g 8/10 $10
Glow Champion Valkyrie 177.8g 9/10 $12
KC Glow Roc 177.7g 9/10 $15
CFR Glo Sidewinder 176.3g 9/10 $12
1.1 Solf 160-170g
DX Glow Shark 170g+
QPLS 170-172g
Neutron Anode 170-175g (bright color)
Eclipse Axis 174g or less
Evo Glow Wizard
Sirius Scorpius
*These discs are not mine and I can not accept trades for them. I am helping out an old skool disc golfing couple who are engaged in a fight against brain cancer. Both of these amazing people have put countless hours into the parks around Des Moines IA and helped organize and bring the PDGA World Championships to Des Moines back in 2004. This guy has one of the most amazing glow collections I have seen and has been collecting them since the 90's.


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Christmas is coming! Just a week…
To sing
Christmas is coming! Just a week…
To sing
1st January: New Year
16th January: Martin Luther King Day
25th January: Burns Night
26th January: Australia Day
28th January: Chinese New Year (Year of the Rooster)
2nd February: Groundhog Day
5th February: Superbowl
6th February: Waitangi Day (New Zealand Day)
7th February: Charles Dickens' Birthday
14th February: Valentine's Day
15th February: National Flag of Canada Day
20th February: Presidents' Day
28th February: Pancake Day
28th February: Mardi Gras
22nd February: World Thinking Day
1st March: St David's Day
2nd March: Dr Seuss's Birthday
2nd March: World Book Day
13th March: Holi
14th March: Commonwealth Day
17th March: St Patrick's Day
20th - 26th March: Shakespeare Week
21st March: Nowruz
26th March: Mother's Day (UK)
10th - 18th April: Passover
14th April: Vaisakhi
16th April: Easter
21st April: The Queen's Birthday (actual)
22nd April: Earth Day
23rd April: St George's Day
25th April: Anzac Day
1st - 5th May: Teacher Appreciation Week (US)
2nd May: Teacher Appreciation Day (US)
5th May: Children's Day (Japan)
10th May: Vesak
14th May: Mother's Day (US)
8th to 12th May (tbc): Sun Awareness Week
8th June: World Oceans Day
19th June: Father's Day
25th June: Eid al-Fitr
1st July: Canada Day
4th July: Fourth of July
31st August - 1st September: Eid al-Adha


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Teaming with first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign, Supervalu, Walgreens, Wal-Mart and other retailers have pledged to open or expand more than 1,500 stores in communities that don't have access to fresh produce and other healthy foods.
Obama announced the commitments at a White House event July 20.
The retailers estimate that they will create tens of thousands of jobs and serve approximately 9.5 million people in these communities, according to a White House news release.
The government estimates 23.5 million Americans live in so-called food deserts, defined as low-income regions that lack access to affordable and healthy food, according to the release. Limited access to healthy food, research has shown, can lead to poor diets, and higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases.
"The commitments we're announcing today have the potential to be a game-changer for kids and communities all across this country," Obama said at the news conference.
"We can give people all the information and advice in the world about healthy eating and exercise, but if parents can't buy the food they need to prepare those meals because their only options for groceries are the gas station or the local minimart, then all that is just talk," she said. "Let's Move is about giving parents real choices about the food their kids are eating, and today's announcement means that more parents will have a fresh food retailer right in their community."
The first lady announced the Healthy Food Financing Initiative in February 2010, but the program has not yet been funded by Congress. The program is designed to provide seed money for retail investment in food deserts.
The White House 2012 budget proposes $330 million in funding for the multi-year initiative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department.
Retail commitments announced by the White House on July 20 include:
- Supervalu plans to open 250 Save-A-Lot stores over the next five years in food deserts. The company estimates the new stores will serve about 3.75 million people and create 6,000 new jobs.
- Walgreens plans to offer fruits and vegetables and other healthy items in at least 1,000 stores, serving nearly 4.8 million people. More than 45% of Walgreens stores are located in underserved communities, according to the release.
- Walmart says it will open or expand up to 300 stores by 2016, serving more than 800,000 people in rural and urban areas with limited access to grocery stores.
Regional supermarket expansions include Brown's Super Store, Klein's Family Markets and Calhoun Grocer. California FreshWorks Fund, a $200 million loan program designed to eliminate food deserts, also pledged support.