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California's nonpartisan budget analyst says the state now faces a much smaller deficit of $1.9 billion through the end of the next fiscal year and could even see surpluses after that.
Analyst Mac Taylor with the Legislative Analyst's Office released a positive but cautious forecast Wednesday in the state's first budget assessment since Californians last week approved Gov. Jerry Brown's sales and income tax initiative, Proposition 30.
"The state's economic recovery, prior budget cuts, and the additional, temporary taxes provided by Proposition 30 have combined to bring California to a promising moment: the possible end of a decade of acute state budget challenges," Taylor wrote.
Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools Garry Eagles said he was pleased to see Proposition 30 pass, especially with more than 60 percent of Humboldt voters supporting it. He said it prevented $6 million in mid-year cuts to local schools.
Eagles said he hopes the state's budget outlook continues to improve, and that Proposition 30's funds should help the state recover quicker.
"This measure doesn't correct the state's budget imbalance, but goes a long way to stopping the hemorrhaging," Eagles said.
Humboldt County spokesman Sean Quincey said the county was happy to see Proposition 30 pass as it protects parts of its budget.
"It constitutionally protects realignment funds. That's the big impact for us," Quincey said.
In addition to funding schools, Proposition 30 guaranteed funding for public safety realignment, also known as Assembly bills 109 and 117. Realignment transferred the responsibility of low-risk offenders from the state to counties in October 2011.
Despite the proposition's passage, Quincey said the county isn't projecting any major budget changes.
"For us, it's pretty much status quo," Quincey said.
On Wednesday, the governor said the analyst's report validated his administration's work these past two years to reduce spending, streamline departments and make government more efficient.
"We've had cuts. We've had a lot of cuts. And with Proposition 30 we have some revenue. ... Together it puts the state in a very solid position for a sustainable balanced budget for years to come," Brown told reporters at appearance at a UC Board of Regents meeting.
The governor said he would like to see the state exercise fiscal discipline, pay down our debts and build a rainy day fund.
"We're not out of the woods yet," he said.
Taylor projected a much smaller deficit of $1.9 billion through the end of the 2013 fiscal year in July 2013, compared with the $15.7 billion deficit lawmakers faced earlier this year.
He said state expenditures will be $2.7 billion greater than forecast in the 2012-13 budget, partly because of overly optimistic projections for how much the state would get from the dissolution of local redevelopment agencies that Brown initiated. Taylor said the state will see about $1.8 billion less than expected.
The analyst's report projects a surplus starting in 2014, thanks partly to Brown's tax initiative, the state's economic recovery and previous budget cuts, but he cautioned that the forecast is dependent upon a continuing steady economic recovery and strict spending controls by the governor and Legislature.
Brown, a Democrat, bet big this November by asking voters to approve Proposition 30, which raises the statewide sales tax by a quarter cent and boosts income taxes on the wealthy to help solve the state's ongoing deficit. Voters, particularly minorities and those between the ages of 18 and 29, agreed.
The tax hikes are expected to provide an additional $6 billion a year for the state and deliver on a campaign promise Brown made two years ago to fix the state's perpetual budget deficits and to raise taxes only if voters approved.
Proposition 30 raises the statewide sales tax to 7.5 percent for four years and income taxes rates to between 10.3 and 12.3 percent for seven years on income over $250,000 a year. The credit rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's signaled their approval of the state's financial picture after it passed.
Voters also approved more taxes under Proposition 39, which closes a corporate tax loophole and is projected to raise about $1 billion a year.
The $91.3 billion budget lawmakers approved last summer called for about $6 billion in automatic cuts to K-12 schools and universities if the initiative failed.
According to the state finance department, tax revenues have largely been on pace with the state's budget projections. Overall, revenues are $176 million below forecast, but October revenues came in $208 million above the month's forecast.
The finance department reported that the state brought in an additional $1.4 billion from income and corporate taxes that it had attributed to past years. But Taylor warned that such practice could be problematic and he urged the Legislature to direct the administration to use a simpler accounting method.
But the decline of Facebook's stock price has rubbed out some of the money the state was hoping to receive. The analyst previously estimated the state would generate $1.9 billion from taxes related to the sale of Facebook's stock but reduced that amount by $626 million.
Facebook went public at $38 a share but closed around $22 Wednesday.
The analyst's office cautioned that its budget outlook was based on conservative assumptions. Taylor said his staff did not account for cost-of-living increases or inflation in state programs. The state has yet to address its pension and retiree health care liability. And California's economy could suffer as a result of the federal "fiscal cliff," which could plunge the nation back into recession.
Taylor noted that while Proposition 30 will bring more money to public education, other components of state spending, such as health care and social services, remain constrained.
"I think it's a little bit of a tale of two budgets there," Taylor said.
Times-Standard staff writer Megan Hansen contributed to this report.
Associated Press writer Terence Chea contributed to this report.


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[Page 221]
|Teachers and school children
[individuals in photo not identified]
|Performance by young schoolchildren
with teacher A. Yoselevitz
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Top 5 best and worst Wrestlemania matches of all-time!!
by, 03-31-2013 at 10:13 PM (19934 Views)
It is Wrestlemania season and everyone wants to talk about memories of the biggest event of the year. What are the best matches of the grandest stage of them all? What are the worst at biggest event of the year? I'll answer those questions and more with this blog. I must stress this is my opinion first and foremost. These are my personal favs along with the matches that I think are the worst. Format is basically, I list the match and give my reasoning as to why it is listed in the top 5. Save the best for last and start off with the worst. So here it is: Top 5 best and worst Wrestlemania matches of all-time!!
5.WM 20 Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg-When you think about dream matches at WM. This one comes to mind. Looks good on paper, but it didn't really pan out. Austin was in the middle of it telling these dudes who paced more than they were on the mat. Everyone knew they were leaving. Even JR and Lawler talked about it during the match. Last Mania in MSG had a ton of booing during this bout. Two bulls going at it grappling, pushing, and pacing around like animals. Both Brock/Goldberg still talks about this flop today. Need I say more? Us fans, talent, and themselves know how bad this match was. As Damien Sandow would say "you're welcome".
4.WM 9 Hulk Hogan vs Yokozuna-A non-scheduled match happened at one of the worst Wrestlemania's of all-time. It featured the new crowned WWF champion and probably the biggest superstar WWF ever produced Hulk Hogan. According to Bret, Hulk Hogan was scheduled to face him at Summerslam, but it didn't happen of course. Hulkster won his final WWF title before heading to WCW at WM9. His last Mania before he faced The Rock almost a decade later. Yokozuna went in as an unstoppable force of a big man like most big men are used. However, his first WWF title reign ended in less than a minute. It certainly didn't help Yokozuna losing the belt that quickly nor did it help Bret. Scratch your head and wonder why it happened. Yokozuna did retain the belt at the King of the Ring that year.
3.WM 26 Bret Hart vs Vince McMahon-A match you watch and your like, when is this going to end. Bret was taking a seat during the match for goodness sake. I was wanting it to be Bret vs McMahon at Mania to. It took way too long though. It should have ended quickly with a sharpshooter looking back on it. Interesting to see the Hart family on the outside getting involved. How many chair shots can you stand to watch? Was it more than the I quit match back at Rumble 99? My goodness.....expectations however wasn't high. Did we really expect Bret to put on a 5 star match? No!
2.WM 27 Jerry Lawler vs Michael Cole-I hate announcers being involved in matches. I felt like, other guys could be used on the show instead of them. Especially Cole. I was glad Lawler finally got a WM match on his resume. It surprised me when I first heard he didn't have a match at WM. Especially in those Burger King days. Cole of all people still talks about being undefeated at Mania. I wish he was still heel so Taker could tombstone him. LOL! I'm actually glad he is no longer a character on the show. Didn't like anonymous GM stuff. Joke of a match that didn't deserve to be on WM.
1.WM 9 Undertaker vs Giant Gonzalez-A match that instantly comes to my mind when I think of the worst matches ever.....this match and feud comes to mind. Worst feud, matches of the year. How can you disagree with this being #1. Neither man really moved during the match. Giant Gonzalez used a wet rag which had a substance to make Taker pass out which resulted in a DQ. I believe that is the only match Taker had at Mania that didn't result in a legit victory such as submission or pinfall.
5.WM 2000 Triangle Ladder Match-I don't care what anybody says. The best of the 3 historic Ladder matches in the triple threat series between the tag teams of E+C, Hardyz, and Dudleyz. This was before the TLC match, but these teams first made their mark in their debuts. How often does all rookies make a mark like these teams did? Very rare Wrestlemania rookies get put in that position as well. After the great show stealing matches they had in the previous months vs one another. They just put all 3 in the ring with a Ladder for the tag titles. It was just the beginning of what we all want the tag division to be again. They raised the bar so high in that match. I believe this was the best one. I hated the fact Rhino, spike dudley were involved in the last one. This Ladder match is why I look at WM10 match like it wasn't in its league. Also the reason, I say Owen vs Bret was the best match for WM10. WM2000 also was ranked #2 all-time in a special top 10 Wrestlemania matches all-time voted by the superstars.
4.WM 25 Undertaker vs HBK-Jericho has called the match at WM25 between these two the best Wrestlemania match of all-time. That is high praise. You either loved it or hated it. Why do I say that? I can understand why people wouldn't like the match these 2 put on. What is the issue with the match? So many big moves towards the end that came with a lot of pins. I loved the match. Fans were so into it. They couldn't and didn't top it in their rematch the following year. I'd rather have seen HBK vs HHH 1 last time, but at Mania. Didn't happen of course. Still want Rock vs HBK at WM some time down the line. I'm selfish like that.
3.WM 13 Bret Hart vs Stone Cold-Ric Flair's personal favorite Wrestlemania match all-time(at least before WM20). For those who have read my blogs in the past know Stone Cold is an all-time favorite of mine. This is the match that launched him into main event status. Put over probably the biggest superstar the WWE has ever seen. The rivalry between Hart and Stone Cold was voted the best of the year. The following year, WM14....Austin was the man in the company winning his first WWF title in the main event vs HBK. Austin passing out and not quiting gained respect from fans all across the world. Most important match of Austin's career.
2.WM 21 HBK vs Angle-Great buildup of 2 of the best wrestlers this business has ever seen. A dream match finally happened at WM21. Ironic how both achieved their biggest goals in 96. Gold medal of course and WWF title at WM12. Both their dreams accomplished in the same year made the story even better. I enjoyed the flashback with Sherri and Marty returning with Kurt Angle. Other than HBK waiting too long to tap, it was an awesome match.
1.WM 20 HHH vs HBK vs Benoit-WM 20 is still one of my favorite Wrestlemanias of all-time even though some matches like Lesnar/Goldberg were not that good. Just looking at the card of 12 matches and 7 main events. Probably one of the best moments in the history of Wrestlemania will likely not be recognized for obvious reasons. I really enjoyed this match because every which way you returned.....something you didn't expect happened. HHH coming in to make the save so HBK wouldn't tap. HHH/HBK suplexing Benoit through the announce table. The fact to face confrontation after that with blood going down HBK's face. You think he is going to hit the superkick on Benoit, but Benoit reverses it. I could go on as to why it is my favorite.
There you have it. The top 5 best and worst Wrestlemania matches of all-time. Do you have a list? A match missing from either list? How do you think I did? Leave that in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!!


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Climb the mountains of Japan during Luther's January Term
Asian Studies students can learn about Buddhism first-hand abroad or at the Monastery just a short drive from Decorah
Students can visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World on a J-term trip
Asia is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations. Today it is also the world's demographic center—China, India, and Indonesia are three of the world's four largest nations. Studying Asia and gaining experience in the Asian countries are important to develop an appreciation for diversity and produce better knowledge about the global flows of peoples, cultures, technology, and business.
Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program that introduces students to the history, cultures, and societies of Asia. Currently the program offers a minor of 25 credits, including 6 courses selected from at least two different disciplines. Students will acquire language skills in an Asian language and demonstrate basic knowledge of the Asian countries in multidisciplinary contexts.


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NEW YORK — Fueled by the blockbuster success of Joss Whedon's The Avengers, the Marvel Comics' superteam's rising star was clearly visible at New York Comic Con this weekend.
Characters from The Avengers — especially Captain America — were a popular choice for cosplayers at the show. Here are some of what we think are the best Avengers outfits from the convention.
Photos: Arielle Duhaime-RossGo Back to Top. Skip To: Start of Article.


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114th Congress
Category: Uncategorised
March 9, 2009
An enormous opportunity awaits the 114th Congress and the Administration. Every Member of Congress can positively impact victims by supporting legislation and funding that promotes victim safety, perpetrator accountability and prevention efforts. The harsh economic times have significantly increased the demand for victims services, including relocation assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, legal services, transitional housing and childcare. Now is the time to match legal justice with economic justice so that victims can make real choices to escape the abuses they have faced.
Legislative priorities for the 114th Congress:
- Provide Targeted Funding Increases for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and the Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA).
- Provide Safe and Affordable Housing for Domestic Violence Victims
- Support Sensible Firearms Legislation
- Provide Economic Empowerment to Victims


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Virtual bees help to unravel complex causes of colony decline
- New computer model to help scientists, beekeepers and regulators to understand multiple environmental effects on honeybee colonies
Scientists have created an ingenious computer model that simulates a honey bee colony over the course of several years. The BEEHAVE model, published today in the Journal of Applied Ecology, was created to investigate the losses of honeybee colonies that have been reported in recent years and to identify the best course of action for improving honeybee health.
As the video shows below, by inputting data about environmental factors that influence a hive, the computer model simulates a honey bee colony over the course of several years.
A team of scientists, led by Professor Juliet Osborne from the Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter (and previously at Rothamsted Research), developed BEEHAVE, which simulates the life of a colony including the queen's egg laying, brood care by nurse bees and foragers collecting nectar and pollen in a realistic landscape.
Professor Juliet Osborne said: "It is a real challenge to understand which factors are most important in affecting bee colony growth and survival. This is the first opportunity to simulate the effects of several factors together, such as food availability, mite infestation and disease, over realistic time scales."
The model allows researchers, beekeepers and anyone interested in bees, to predict colony development and honey production under different environmental conditions and beekeeping practices. To build the simulation, the scientists brought together existing honeybee research and data to develop a new model that integrated processes occurring inside and outside the hive.
The first results of the model show that colonies infested with a common parasitic mite (varroa) can be much more vulnerable to food shortages. Effects within the first year can be subtle and might be missed by beekeepers during routine management. But the model shows that these effects build up over subsequent years leading to eventual failure of the colony, if it was not given an effective varroa treatment.
BEEHAVE can also be used to investigate potential consequences of pesticide applications. For example, the BEEHAVE model can simulate the impact of increased loss of foragers. The results show that colonies may be more resilient to this forager loss than previously thought in the short-term, but effects may accumulate over years, especially when colonies are also limited by food supply.
BEEHAVE simulations show that good food sources close to the hive will make a real difference to the colony and that lack of forage over extended periods leaves them vulnerable to other environmental factors. Addressing forage availability is critical to maintaining healthy hives and colonies over the long term.
Professor Osborne added: "The use of this model by a variety of stakeholders could stimulate the development of new approaches to bee management, pesticide risk assessment and landscape management. The advantage is that each of these factors can be tested in a virtual environment in different combinations, before testing in the field. Whilst BEEHAVE is mathematically very complex, it has a user-friendly interface and a fully accessible manual so it can be explored and used by a large variety of interested people".
The project was funded by an Industrial Partnership Award from BBSRC with co-funding from Syngenta. It involved collaboration between ecologists and modellers from Exeter (Professor Osborne, Dr Becher and Dr Kennedy, who started the project at Rothamsted Research), Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ Leipzig (Professor Grimm and Ms Horn) and Syngenta (Dr P Thorbek).
Professor Melanie Welham, BBSRC's Science Director, said: "Healthy bees are vital to our food supply as they pollinate many important crops. This virtual hive is an important new research tool to help us understand how changes to the environment impact on bee health."
Dr Pernille Thorbek (Syngenta) adds: "Studying several stressors in multifactorial field trials is immensely complicated and difficult to do. BEEHAVE is an important new tool which can simulate and explore interactions between stressors and can improve understanding and focus experimental work."
"BEEHAVE can help explore which changes to agricultural landscapes and beekeeping practices will benefit honeybees the most."
Professor Osborne's research group studies the behaviour and ecology of bees and other pollinators. They started the project when based at Rothamsted Research and moved to the University of Exeter in 2012. They work with beekeepers, conservation organisations, farmers and industry with the aim of conserving bee populations, and protecting and promoting wild flower and crop pollination.
Dr David Aston, President of the British Beekeepers Association, commented that: "This model will be an important tool in helping us to understand the interactions and impact of the diverse stressors to which honey bee colonies can be exposed.
"Not only will it be invaluable for scientific research purposes but it will also be an important training tool to help beekeepers better understand the impacts of their husbandry and other factors on the health and survival of their colonies.
"The model demonstrates the significance of varroa and associated viruses in honey bee health and underlines the crucial need for beekeepers to manage and control the varroa in their colonies."
BEEHAVE is freely available at www.beehave-model.net.
These images are protected by copyright law and may be used with acknowledgement.
Virtual bees help to unravel complex causes of colony decline
Copyright: University of Exeter
Copyright: Peter Kennedy, University of Exeter
Copyright: Peter Kennedy, University of Exeter
Copyright: Rothamsted Research
Copyright: Peter Kennedy, University of Exeter
Notes to editors
BEEHAVE: a systems model of honeybee colony dynamics and foraging to explore multifactorial causes of colony failure. Journal of Applied Ecology. doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.12222
About BBSRC
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by Government, and with an annual budget of around £467M (2012-2013), we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: www.bbsrc.ac.uk.
For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes see: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/institutes.
Tags: data farming food image gallery video BBSRC press release


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Get excited about reading again with fun and interesting tips from our experts, including The M.D., our dietitians, and our fitness expert. In our health library, you will find all of the information you need to achieve your goals of making a healthy lifestyle change. So, start reading and start losing!
Bariatric Surgery
Get the inside scoop on bariatric surgery from Dr. Caroline Cederquist, a board certified bariatric physician. Find out what this group of procedures entail, and receive advice from our world-renowned expert in medical weight loss.
Ghrelin - New Mystery Hormone Discovered?
Bariatric surgery is a drastic measure for drastic measurements, but it really has turned out to offer the best long-term results for treating obesity. But the conventional wisdom about WHY it works may be challenged by some new research.
There are several kinds of bariatric surgery, and they work either by reducing the stomach's capacity to hold food, or limiting its ability to digest it.
But recent research shows that the long-term effectiveness of gastric surgery may come from reducing production of a hormone that actually causes hunger.
The hormone, called Ghrelin, is found at high levels in overweight people, but even HIGHER levels in people who have recently lost weight through non-surgical means.
Ghrelin is also found in LOW levels in lean people, but it is found in even LOWER levels in people who've had gastric surgeries.
Ghrelin is normally produced in the stomach, which leads to the conclusion that less stomach+less Ghrelin=less hunger? As of right now, this is what researchers seem to be concluding, but these conclusions will be worth watching as medical science makes new discovries.
Differences Between Men and Women in Bariatric Surgery
In the past, weight-loss surgery was considered to be a very extreme treatment, reserved only for the most extreme weight problems. In recent years, people are turning to weight loss surgery sooner than ever before, but it's still mostly women who go under the knife first.
Looking at ten years of data from North Carolina, researchers found that the number of clinically obese men and women doubled between 1990 and 2001, and gastric bypass and stomach stapling procedures increased dramatically for both men and women.
For men, the percentage of them undergoing weight loss surgery increased 14-fold, but for women, their percentage increased by 20-fold. More than 80 percent of bariatric surgery patients are still women, and they seek the surgical solution much earlier in their weight struggle, than most men.
Research consistently shows that the emotional and social problems of obesity are more pronounced for women, so the disparity stands with this reasoning, according to researchers.
It's that extra burden--the non-physical pain--that provides the gateway for women to take a more radical step toward addressing their weight loss problems.
Weight Loss Surgeries
With most of us normally so reluctant to go under the knife, why are so many people turning to weight-loss surgery?
With the majority of Americans overweight today, more people are learning that weight-loss surgeries can be a good investment in their health.
Long-term statistics show major improvements in cardiovascular health, joint conditions, and body weight.
According to the, Journal of the American Medical Association, these procedures can "offer the best treatment to produce sustained weight loss in patients who are seriously obese."
Weight loss surgery may be appropriate for some, but it doesn't mean these procedures are suitable for everyone. The most appropriate candidates for weight loss surgery are those who are considered to be seriously obese--being 100 percent above their ideal body weight. In most of cases like this, the patient is in danger of greater health risks if they gain more weight, rather than undergoing weight loss surgery. For some, this is a life-saving procedure.
While the incidence of complications is relatively low, weight loss surgeries are still complex and demanding procedures, for both the doctor and the patient, and they should be treated as a last result to weight loss.
Simply answer a few questions so we can figure out your weight loss goals and provide solutions for a lighter, healthier you. Our weight loss meal plans are designed to help real people achieve real and lasting success.
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JAMwiz 5 years ago
Will you be posting what is new this year? I know you guys were working on a lot of different ideas. Saw your post on DLF.
FleaMod Admin 5 years ago
Firstly we're working on a new site redesign that will be a game changer for mobile. We are working on so many new enhancements, that we don't want to post what will be new because we're not totally sure what exactly we'll be able to roll out. But the site will be absolutely incredible, keeping the same fast speeds, ease of use, and simplistic (but much more modern, sleeker) interface.
TampaJackie 5 years ago
when can you quit an inactive league?
[Deleted User] 5 years ago
So all trades that have happened since the end of season will be updated, meaning current rosters will be there if you go to 'All Rosters'.
Run_CMC 5 years ago
And free agents will be able to be picked up right?
FleaMod Admin 5 years ago
Yes. But you have to let the system know you've drafted. So for that to occur without a draft and to keep rosters as is, go to Commish Options>Edit Rosters>These are the complete rosters. Then when you're ready to draft whenever your league is, go to Commish Options>Edit Rosters>These are the complete rosters but still draft this season....
This is not taking other things into account in terms of keepers, etc. It's just the generic answer to your question.


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Scientific Name: Sitta pusilla
Description: Male and female brown-headed nuthatches have brown crowns, bluish-gray wings and backs, and a creamy white underside. Immature birds look similar to the adults but are duller in color.
Size: Brown-headed nuthatches are smaller than their red- and white-breasted relatives. They are only 3 to 4 inches long with a wingspan of 6 to 7 inches.
Diet: Brown-headed nuthatches eat insects and pine seeds. They are one of the few birds that exhibit tool use to find food. They carry a loose piece of bark in their beak and use this to pry up other pieces of bark in search of insects and spiders underneath. Sometimes they also use bark tools to cover up seed caches, but brown-headed nuthatches do not store as much food as other nuthatches. Nuthatches use tree limbs to hold seeds steady while they peck them open with their beaks.
Predation: These birds nest in tree cavities fairly low to the ground, which makes it easier for predators like snakes, raccoons, cats, and squirrels to get to them.
Habitat: Brown-headed nuthatches are pine specialists that live in mature forests. They excavate nests in snags (dead standing trees) or utilize abandoned cavities left by woodpeckers.
Range: Brown-headed nuthatches are non-migrants. They are found year round as far north as the Delmarva Peninsula, south to Florida, and west to Arkansas and Texas. There is also a population in the Bahamas.
Life History and Reproduction: Brown-headed nuthatches are monogamous during the breeding season, and some stay with the same partner for a number of years. Pairs can excavate their own nests in the soft, rotting wood of snags, but they must rely on woodpecker cavities or nesting boxes when snags aren't available. Nests are usually built less than 10 feet off the ground. Some nuthatches weatherproof their nests from the rain by filling in crevices with plant material. After the nest is prepared, the female lays three to nine eggs. Her mate assists her in caring for the young, as might a "helper" bird that is usually a young male relative of the pair. Brown-headed nuthatches are territorial and readily defend their nest during the breeding season. They are also social birds and sometimes forage in groups.
Fun Fact: Unlike woodpeckers which use their stiff tails to balance on vertical surfaces, nuthatches can hold tight with just their legs. This enables them to walk up as well as down tree trunks.
Conservation Status: Brown-headed nuthatches are declining due to the destruction of their pine forest habitats. Logging removes the trees they need for foraging, and fire prevention prevents new snags from being created. Therefore, nesting sites are limited. Another pine specialist species in the southeast is the red cockaded woodpecker. This bird is federally listed as endangered, and conservation efforts dedicated toward its habitat may provide benefits for brown-headed nuthatches as well.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Birdscope
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Nestwatch Resource Center
IUCN Red List
NatureServe Explorer
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Fatty foods and fluffy feathers benefit cold birds, but they still can use our help
The chickadee is one tough fluff when it comes to weathering winter
Landmark study examines rapidly expanding forest biomass energy development in Southeastern U.S.


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Square Enix takes combat mecha to the next level...
The Front Mission Evolved Play Arts Kai action figures are available now through Square Enix's online store and up for pre-order at BigBadToyStore.com
For a great selection of video game action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, ToyWiz.com, PastGenerationToys.com, Urban-Collector.com, ToyDorks.com, HobbyLinkJapan.com, and Sekaido.com.
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with our sponsor Collectibles Insurance.
I absolutely LOVE action figures of futuristic combat mecha. Some of my favorite designs come from the Front Mission games; chunky, rugged robots packing an arsenal of oversized weapons. Called "wanzers," the mechs of Front Mission appeal to me in their more "realistic" form and function. These aren't brightly colored Gundams and their weapons don't consist of exotic beam sabers and lasers. We're talking military machines in drab greens and steel armed with shotguns, machine guns, missiles, and crude melee weapons, like the spiked Pile Bunker.
Unfortunately, Front Mission action figures have been few and far between. Kotobukiya released an amazing 5" tall series back in 2000 and more recently in 2006, Square Enix (with distribution from Koto) offered an assortment of nice, but very small trading figures. Thankfully, that short list has just gotten longer with Square Enix's latest offering: Play Arts Kai figures pulled from the latest chapter in the video game series: Front Mission Evolved. Priced at around $45 each, the first assortment consists of wanzer units Enyo, Zenith and Zephyr. These were released overseas last month and hit the United States this April.
LEFT: Front Mission Evolved Kai, RIGHT: Halo:Reach Kai
First, a small word of warning: the larger size often associated with Kai isn't here this time - these figures measure about 5-6 inches tall as opposed to 8-9 inches. These new Front Mission Evolved collectibles are hyper-articulated and detailed like Kai, but fans going in expecting a huge figure are going to be in for a surprise. 5-6 inches tall is still a pretty good size and they pack some mass: stout and robust. Even better news is that these are darn close to the same scale as Kotobukiya's older Front Mission figures, perfect for play and display.
PACKAGING: Like all Play Arts Kai, the Front Mission Evolved figures ship in a closed window box offering a great look at the toy inside. What's different is the horizontal way these are displayed: figure packed on the right with all its gear gear stowed on the left. Each box shares the Front Mission logo - the silhouette of a wanzer - and some stylish splash "damage". Colored bars and text - orange for Enyo, blue for Zenith, etc. - add some personality to each mech, as do the sides and back panels, the latter of which depicts the figure in several dynamic action poses.
I wish the other robots in the line were shown on the back for those unaware of the complete series, but it is a small omission. Like the Halo:Reach Kai I reviewed recently (read the full review HERE), each Front Mission figure is collector friendly, allowing you to restore the wanzer and its accessories on the internal, slide out plastic tray. Kudos to Square Enix for another slick packaging presentation.
SCULPT: In the tried and true tradition of Play Arts Kai, these Front Mission Evolved figures look phenomenal. Each of the three wanzers features a unique design taken from the game. Picking one true favorite is a bit of a challenge, as each mech has certain characteristics that I adore. Forced to choose, however, and I'd have to go with the Enyo; its stocky frame and mono-eyed head real standouts to me. He'd be near perfect if he had the "V" split feet of the Zenith, an awesome feature of that robot. Not to be left out, the Zephyr has these great protruding armored joint plates and a slick visored headsculpt of his own.
PAINT: Paint-wise, each wanzer strides into battle with its own color scheme. Another reason I like the Enyo so much is its very militant olive green paint apps. Darker shades of greens and browns add to this "real world" military vibe. The Zenith struts its stuff in shades of cool metallic blue while the Zephyr dons baby blue and silver. Overall, some amazing paint apps and color choices, each mech brought to life with loads of subtle shading and weathering.
ARTICULATION: Another Kai trait, the three wanzers star an abundance of articulation. The points are almost too numerous to count, but here is a quick run down: swivel head, swivel upper forearms and waist, ball wrists and a slew of hinged/swivel/ball-like joints in the shoulders, elbows, thighs and feet. Some, like the Zenith, even features a jetpack with rotating thrusters. Of the three, the Enyo was the most enjoyable to pose and play with due to his nice and tight joints. Unfortuantely, the Zenith and the Zephyr suffered from a case of slightly loose limbs. It's not extremely terrible, but the elbow joints were just loose enough to equal frustrating when trying to strike particular gun-firing poses (especially when firing the big honkin' bazooka and long rifle). There are some toy tricks - like working superglue into the joint - to fix this issue, but I found myself wishing these had the tight ratchet joints like the Halo:Reach Kai.
ACCESSORIES: Wanzer design and color scheme aside, picking just one Front Mission Kai just got harder with the selection of weapons and gear. Again, the Enyo shines for me in this department featuring a HUGE bazooka, awesome compact submachine gun and shoulder-mounted missile launcher. The Zenith is a close contender with a cool stockless machine gun, forearm mounted Pile Bunker - a hydraulic nail/shield device used to punch enemy mech, and a large jetpack with moving thrusters. Zephyr packs a massive heavy machine gun, shoulder-mounted missile pod and a smaller jetpack.
The coolest thing about all this gear is that it is easily swapped between the three Front Mission figures via a peg and hole system. The Zenith's Pile Bunker on the Zephyr? No problem. For the most part I was content with what each wanzer came with, but I did give my Enyo the smaller jetpack to up his cool factor. Plus he strikes me as more of a light infantry/recon mech with his submachine gun in hand. The bazooka I found too large and awkward for any figure to weild properily, its one pistol grip certainly not helping matters any. Missile pods can easily be placed on your shoulder of choice as well as mounted on the wanzer's forearms. The guns clamp firmly into either the left or right gun-firing hands provided with each figure (they also include fists). I should note here that swapping hands on the Front Mission Kai figures was MUCH easier than that of the Halo:Reach Kai. The interchangable hands in this case have the pegs already attached allowing for a struggle-free swap.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: All said, these are some really cool mecha action figures. But are they true Kai? In sculpt and articulation, for sure, but their smaller size leaves one to question. Ideally it would be nice if Square Enix offered up one definitive scale for Kai - preferably 9 inches - to give the line more of a solid identity and sense of conformity with collectors. As it has been, Kai size has fluctuated from between 5 1/2 - 9 inches tall. As a brand, however, Kai still screams superior product - mid-range collectibles worthy of their $45 price tag. In the smaller scale of the Front Mission Evolved figures though, that price would be better suited at $35 tops.
Regardless of scale and price, mecha action figure collectors will find it extremely difficult to pass these up. They're that cool looking and well-designed. Kotobukiya's first series of Front Mission figures have been some of my favorite robot toys for over a decade. At long last they have some very welcome company.
The Front Mission Evolved Play Arts Kai action figures are available now through Square Enix's online store and up for pre-order at BigBadToyStore.com
Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor
Review Samples Courtesy of Square Enix


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See how many you can get right. The average American can only get 7 out of 27. Not cheating (looking around your desk, at the phone, etc.)
1. On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?
2. How many states are there in the USA?
3. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty's torch?
4. What six colors are on the classic Campbell's soup label?
5. What two numbers on the telephone dial don't have letters by them?
6. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg?
7. How many matches are in a standard pack?
8. On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white?
9. What is the lowest number on the FM radio dial?
10. Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise? (In
North America)
11. Which way does a "no smoking" sign's slash run?
12. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?
13. On which side of a women's blouse are the buttons?
14. Which way do fans rotate?
15. What is on the back of a Canadian dime?
16. How many sides does a stop sign have?
17. Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side?
18. How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?
19. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?
20. Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc. Who's missing?
21. How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?
22. On which playing card is the card maker's trademark?
23. On which side of a Venetian blind is the cord that adjusts the opening between the slats?
24. On the back of a Canadian $1 coin, what is in the centre?
25. There are 12 buttons on a touch tone phone. What 2 symbols bear no digits?
26. How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?
27. Does a merry-go-round turn counter or clockwise (as a rule)?


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I had my check in with Target earlier this evening, and I lost another 3 lbs so I'm down to 309 lbs.
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I had my check in with Target earlier this evening, and I lost another 3 lbs so I'm down to 309 lbs.
I just weighed myself and I am even at 0 pounds lost or gained this week. Considering starting a new job recently and eating out at lunch most days that I work zero was a releif to me. I just need to back to healthy eating again and try to get on the treadmill, but I walk so much at work my knees and ankles are killing me by the time I get done. I did get some gel insoles and it has been a little better. Maybe next week will be better since I only work 3 days, sucks pay wise though.
Just thought I'd give an update. My weight is down to 300 lbs even, so 35 lbs lost since January 1st. Still losing too.
Gonna start working out tomorrow. Doing weights 3x/wk week and running 3x/week.
I don't have much weight to lose (10-15lbs), but I've got a pot belly that I need to get rid of. Lots of running and core workouts (back and abs).
My wife and I are signing up for a lot of 5k races and we have already signed up for a Half Marathon on Thanksgiving day. Gonna start working up to that, cause I mainly do 3 miles and that's it. Half Marathon will be a huge challenge.
My update has me losing 31 pounds total so far I did 24.6 my first month in the VA program then stunk it up the second month only losing 1 pound. This last month I did a little better dropping 7 pounds. My goal for June is set at 10 pounds and I am starting off again walking on Tues and Thur mornings with a friend, along with the endless walking that goes on at my new job. I have just started taking a supplement called Rasperry Ketones. It was recommended on the Dr. Oz show. I gotta get back on my calorie count though. Hopefully with summer here now I will drop some additional weight between helping my daughters baseball team, doing yard work and working in the garage building engines.
I recommend everyone look at bodyrecomposition.com to really learn everything before dipping into obsessive and/or non-progressive territory... Just a common sense approach at a very complex situation.
Haven't even seen this thread, but have went down from roughly 22% body fat to 14% body fat so far since January, and that has happened even with a standstill because of my rigid nature when it comes to accomplishing goals...
I am definitely checking that website. Anything to help kick start the process would be great.
So it was about 4-6 weeks ago(dont remember the exact date) I stepped on the scale for the first time since about 8th grade. I though I would be around 200 im 6'1 not even close almost 230. I was really puzzled to why I though I was eating right but boy was I wrong. I looked at what was in my food for the first time. I had a philly cheese steak that wal-mart sales and I was shocked the thing had almost 1000 calories and I would eat 2 per serving :uhoh:. So since that day I have looked at everything that is in my food and incredibly I actually like the healthy food better than the greasy garbage I was eating and the smaller portions of good food fuel me better. I normally eat oatmeal with about 100 calories for breakfast and that keeps me full until dinner which is incredible(some times I eat a 230 calorie salad and more if I plan on a big workout) I use to be hunger a few hrs after eating when I ate the unhealthy stuff for breakfast like Cereal or a breakfast sandwich from McDonalds. I normally eat a Turkey Burger or grilled Chicken for dinner normally under 200 calories with some greens and Yogurt again I feel full and I didnt when I use to eat almost 2000 calories a meal. I cant tell you how much better I feel much more alert and can focus so much better and am never hungry. I have also started running again I use to tire after a 1/2 mile(so embarrassing). Last night I did 11 miles and felt so good afterwards felt like 8th grade Soccer practice where we would run a few miles but I actually loved it because it made me feel good afterwards again before 4 weeks ago my body just couldn't do it and struggled to do anything.
The biggest thing is my seizures are in check big reason I quit sports was my sezuires were really bad. Now I can overheat and run and not worry about having a seizure. I was considering brain surgry last year but after this period I dont think I need it because they have calmed down and I can play sports again.
Another big thing is now I am down to 185 and now I dont have nagging injures when I play hoops. I have a bad knee and it pops out of place a lot but since I dropped down to under 200 I really dont have a issue with it. My knee use to ache from running on the treadmill and I believe it was due to the 35lbs of extra weight. I think this was Baron Davis's issue with the Clippers when you are out of shape it is so easy to get nagging injures and he would miss a month most seasons due to a sore knee and I now understand why.
My goal is to get under 170 and then start toning with lifting weights and put on about 10lbs of muscle. I really cant believe how much just eating the right things and running 1-3 miles a day will do for you. I feel so much better I am glad I found out about nutrition before I got to a stage where it was almost to late. I really feel this has changed my life and I have pretty strong will power I have only ate 2 pieces of pizza in the last 4 weeks and that was really the only unhealthy thing I have ate. But my body is telling me too eat right it wants to be fueld so I really dont think I will ever go back to having 2000 calorie meals unless I become Micheal Phelps and burn 20,000 calories a day:D
I also am shocked at the difference in food types. The brown turkey burgers are 240 calories per 4oz and higher in fat. While white turkey burgers are 140 calories per 4oz. I never thought 4oz would fill me but it really does. Right now I am only eating 300-800 calories a day and I am full all the time. I guess junk food just isn't very filling??
Only things I drink is water and Mango Peach V8 juice(and Milk if I make a Yogurt smoothies Yogurt is my new favorite food way better than brownies and cookies taste wise and is so good for you and I had never ate it before 4 weeks ago :laugh: . I also drink some Diet Mt Dew some times but for the most part a glass of v8 and water.
I am still in aw of how such a small change can improve my quality of life by so much. I dont think I will ever get down to a 5:50 mile again like I could run in middle school but hopefully in a few months I can run a 7 min mile.
I am excited to check my body fat have a visit scheduled with my seizure doctor and they normally do that my BMI was so high last time(I think high 20s my goal is to get under 10)
I had also said that i would do the challenge but due to traveling around for work a lot i ended up in a ditch - my initial weigh in was 211lb here but up till last week it had climbed to 216lb - which is when I decided to put an end to this and have gone on the keto diet - so far down 11lbs to 205lb in about 12 days - pretty sure lost quite a bit of water weight initially but I'm loving the whole not feeling like bloated 24/7 anymore! This is definitely more of a lifestyle change for me than a diet...going to reach 30 soon and have came to a clear sense that I gotta start taking care of my body as if it was my precious car or some other valuable object...only better!
Budapest is the best place to get in shape every time I go I walk at least 10 miles a day one of the reasons it's my favorite city in the world can walk and yellow trolley and Bus anywhere.
Just curious do you know the bar right next too the Oprah house on the Buda side of Margret Bridge? As I kid I would be in there all the time was my favorite place in the city lol they had the best peach juice. Then I would have to walk home to My Gmas house which is up in the hills where the 91 &191 bus goes about a 1/2 mile from gil bubba's tomb(sp?). I think where my Gmas house was is the best place to get a great workout in just so many hills and roads I normally got lost lol.
I got so many great memories of that city hope to live their one day just impossible to find a teacher to teach me Hungarian unless I go their to study it.
I am really ticked off at myself right now. I was down to 328, I weighed myself yesterday and was back up to 332. I hired me a food Nazi in my oldest daughter. She was on me as soon as I got home. I fixed my dinner and she made sure I got some veggies and a smart one meal. After that she made some popcorn for their movie, but she reminded me that I could have none. Hopefully her "tough love" will make a difference soon and I can get to work losing weight again. I go back to see the VA doctor next month and I agreed to drop 10 pounds. Hopefully I can turn this thing around and make it to that 318 goal weight.
The best way I can describe the seeds is that they are similar to tomato seeds when they are in a smoothy or juice drink. They help a tad with filling you up too and they have a similar fiber content IMO to lentils.
Even though I haven't been apart of this I sort of took a life style change 3 months ago and for the last 2 weeks I took it up a notch.
So I started out around 200 lbs and now I am down to around 187. A 3 day juice fast took me from 192 to 185 but I am maintaing the loss of weight whether its water weight or not I don't care. The fast helped me shrink my stomach and stopped the hunger pains of calorie restrictive diet that incorporates working out.
From the mental side the documentaries on Netflix really give me some motivation even if I don't agree with some of the approaches to weight loss. Food Inc was one that just made me want to eat more organic food and Fat Sick and Nearly Dead was what got me thinking/researching about juicing so instead of a bowl of ceral now I normally juice a pound of carrots and drink it in the morn. (tip cool the juice down before drinking it and it taste better especially if you add greens).
Another fun fact I learned was that Kale is higher in Calcuim than milk. Of course the only way I'll eat the stuff is if I juice it but its easy to add to my carrot juice in the morning.
Also my wife pushed the wheat germ and Quinoa for plant sources of protien with lower carbs. I use the wheat germs for smoothies (I am a desert guy) and the Quinoa as a subsitute for brown or white rice.
My target weight right now is to get to around 170 lb's and maintain it.
That would be great. I am in a weight loss program right now with the VA hospital. The first month I did good with writing everything and dropped 24 pounds that month. The next month I still wrote everything down but I ended up having to eat out a few times a week and I only dropped a pound. The third month I dropped 8 pounds and didn't write anything down. This past month I gained 4 pounds and didn't write anything down. Exercise is difficult because at my job I am walking, climbing and carrying stuff that is sometimes heavy. I did start my job just a few moinths ago and have some stress trying to learn the systems and managerial duties as well. I have some joint problems and it is hard to work out right now. I think me writing down what I eat helps out a lot. Anything you could send would be great. I also have my daughter who has become the "food police" and she gets on my lately if I have too much to eat or get a midnight snack. I will look up the Target Metabolism too because it sounds interesting to me. Thanks a lot again and hopefully I can shed some of this weight.
I started weight training early in the summer. I started at 275 and lost 8 pounds before I gained 6 in muscle weight. Biggest improvement was going from 380 to 705 pounds on leg press.
Sent from #PacerNation using Tapatalk
I went to the doctor Wednesday and found out that I have gained 3 pounds since my pneumonia kicked in. Hopefully it will keep getting better. It has been a total of five weeks now. Hopefully by the time summer ends I can slowly work my way back on the treadmill slowly and maybe even start lifting weights again little by little. I still have a long, long way to go and I know it will take some time.
down to 200lbs - 16lbs overall in the first 4 weeks...not bad and the momentum is going well...
Down to 327.6 lbs. I think it is because I have been working more and walking all around the store for 4-10 hours a day can burn off some energy. Even though I have been eating pretty badly.
As of this week I have finished my 6 month program with Target Metabolism. The total damage is as follows.
Weight is 291, so that's 44 lbs lost since January 1st and 30 of it lost after starting Target.
My lean mass went up from 161 lbs to 171 lbs. Fat lbs went from 174lbs to 119 lbs. so that's 55lbs of pure fat loss in the 6 months I was on Target. I'm pretty stoked about it. My 4X shirts are hangin off of me I'm gonna have to buy new.
I am down to 325 now, down 2 more pounds. I have been eating a little better but I attribute it more to working more hours.
Well guys, I am expecting a pretty good weight drop in the next few days. I have a wisdom tooth needing to come out and it just broke in half. I guess it is soft foods until my dentist appointment at the VA September 24th. After that I figure another 2 days to a week to get back to normal.
I viewed this thread sometime ago, but never really posted. Guess I liked being in the closet about my weight.
I had been right around 315 pounds through my late 20's, but after having some complications from surgery which took a summer of physical activity away from me I ballooned up to about 350. I got motivated and joined a gym in March. On Fathers day I weighed 320 and ran/walked a 3.5-mile trail run in 48 minutes. This summer (I am a Grad Student), since I couldn't find work anyways, I made my health a top priority. I gave up soda and sweets (still have an occasional Dr. Pepper 10, coke zero, or even a Pepsi Next although I drink mostly water), for a month I tracked my calories using the "My fitness pal app". For that month I ate 2100 calories (app estimated 2 #'s a week weight lost).
Since March I lift weights 3 times a week. During the summer I did 40 minutes cardio(mostly elliptical with some jogging) daily with two a days on the days I didn't lift. I also joined a swim club where I got hooked on shooting baskets again(hadn't played in 5-6 years prior). This summer I also started shooting baskets, dribbling, and jogging. I found simply shooting baskets and jogging to get the ball is actually a great cardio workout. While utilizing that strick schedule I lost over 20 pounds in June. In the beginning of July I broke under the 300# mark. Currently I weigh just under 270 and last Saturday completed the Fort for Fitness 4 mile run in 46:41(still walked some) which is better than 5 MPH.
Today after jogging a mile and shooting baskets for 20 minutes I was approached by some 20 somethings about playing a 2 on 2 game. I told them I would try, but I was already drenched in sweat and had my heart rate elevated for over 40 minutes(I wear a motoactive with chest strap heart rate monitor to track my calories ect.(it even has a basketball setting). Anyways we lost 15-14, but I didn't embarras myself. This was the first time in at least 5 years that I played in a competitive game in basketball.
While I am obviously proud of myself, I decided to post here to share my story and thank the people who started this thread because even though I never posted in this thread you guys were a source of motivation.
I also want to share what works for me. Since School started backup a rarely do 2 a days and they were only really necessary because I wanted to loose it fast. The majority of my cardio has been done on an elliptical trainer, but I always try to elevate my heart rate 40 minutes in any cardio workout (once I worked up to it) since I read it is the optimal amount for fat loss. I lift every other day M-W-F and try to only do low impact on Friday and Saturday. I use my monitor and time my reps so my heart rate never drops below 120 while doing about a 40 minute circuit of 3 sets 10-12 reps( lat pulldown, Triceps push down, seated row, bench 2 sets 2 different ways on the machine, preacher curls, leg curls, and leg press 2 sets feet one inch and shoulder as well 2 sets calves on same machine.) This is my routine and it has worked very well for me,
I weigh less than when I graduated high-school (I'm 6'2 and will always be a big guy) and have lost over 80 pounds in sixth months. I don't "diet". I simply don't drink my calories and don't eat the things that everyone knows aren't good for them. I eat whole grain pasta and bread, 2% cheese, 1% milk, avoid flour tortillas, and limit the hamburgers. I eat French fries no more than once in a week(rarely that), however if I am hungry I eat. That one-month of calorie counting also made me very knowledgeable about how many calories are in food and I try to limit them where I can. While I don't journal calories I still us my fitness pal to make healthy choices.
The biggest tips I can give are; First, low impact exercises are your friend. Limiting high impact exercise keeps you from missing workouts from injuries.
Second, Know what you eat. Counting calories works (love my fitness pal) but at the very least you need to be educated on what you eat. Finally seek advice either through research or a consultation with a trainer. I only met a trainer once but he provided me with a routine that I still follow. Ultimately I worked hard, didn't cut corners and did nothing mysterious. I am also stronger than I have ever been. If you cut your calories to much you are going to loose muscle as well as fat.
Ok this is long enough. Playing competitive basketball for the first time in a long time reminded me of this thread and I decided to contribute. Hopefully someone finds this of value.
As the temps fall, I fear my weight is going to go back up. It hasn't helped that I recently have given up smoking...


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Clare's Law rolled out in Gloucestershire
9:40am Wednesday 12th March 2014
9:40am Wednesday 12th March 2014
A SCHEME allowing people to find out if their partner has a history of abuse is being launched in Gloucestershire.
Clare's Law is being rolled out across the country following a pilot scheme in Wiltshire, Gwent, Nottinghamshire and Greater Manchester.
The law is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton in Salford in February 2009, four months after ending the relationship.
She was unaware of his history of violence against women.
The scheme gives individuals the chance to make enquires about their partner if they are worried they may have been abusive in the past.
Third parties can also make these enquiries where they have concerns about a person at risk of domestic abuse.
If the initial checks carried out by the police show the partner does have a record of violent behaviour, or there is information to suggest there is a risk, the police will consider sharing those details.
A panel including police, probation, Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) and other agencies will check every request to make sure it is necessary and appropriate to make a disclosure before trained police officers and support workers from GDASS offer help and support to the individuals.
DI Kevin McCloskey said the new scheme allows people to make informed decisions.
"Being able to identify potential problems with domestic abuse early on is crucial," he said.
"Clare's Law allows this to happen and gives the individual the ability to make an informed choice.
"It also provides a structure to make sure those affected receive the necessary support."
© Copyright 2001-2017 Newsquest Media Group


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News release
For Immediate Release: Oct. 16, 2013
Contact: Steve Costello (802) 793-4031
All-out effort
Organizers focus on national blood drive record
RUTLAND, Vt. – The Gift-of-Life Marathon will expand to a fifth site, feature double red-cell donations at three locations, and include New York Red Cross workers for the first time when Rutland attempts to break the national one-day blood collection record of 1,968 pints, organizers announced today.
"Working with the Red Cross, we've tried to give the greater Rutland community the best shot possible," said Steve Costello, a vice president at Green Mountain Power, which co-sponsors the annual event with WJJR. "We'll have more workers, sites and double red cell machines than ever before – but it will take a huge collective effort to reach what would be a ridiculous goal in any other community of our size."
The drive will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Paramount Theatre, American Legion, College of St. Joseph, Elks Club and Holiday Inn, which is joining the GOLM effort for the first time. Double red cell donations may be made at the Elks Club, CSJ or Holiday Inn.
Appointments, which are recommended, may be made by calling 800-RED-CROSS or at www.redcrossblood.org. Donors must be at least 16, in good health, and show a photo ID or Red Cross donor card. Sixteen-year-olds may donate with parental consent, provided in person at the drive or by a consent form available on the Red Cross website. For more information, visit www.giftoflifemarathon.com
"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we can do this if we pull together," said Terry Jaye, director of programming at Catamount Radio, which owns WJJR. "We encourage everyone who has come out in the past to sign up, and to try to find one friend, relative, coworker or teammate who will donate as well. If we work together, we can make history, boost the blood supply around the holidays, and help the Red Cross save hundreds of lives."
Mike Kempesty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Northern New England Blood Services Region, said the drive would include workers from several New England states, and Albany, N.Y. Vermont workers will run the drive at the Paramount, with each of the other sites managed by crews from other states.
"The collaboration between states and districts has been incredible," Kempesty said. "We are committed to helping Rutland break this record, and we are extremely appreciative of the greater Rutland community's dedication to the drive. The GOLM is an inspiration throughout the Red Cross and could not take place without the tremendous support from our leading sponsors and partners, Green Mountain Power and WJJR."
GMP President and CEO Mary Powell said she was amazed by the growth of the GOLM over the years. "There is a spirit and determination in Rutland I've never seen anywhere else," Powell said. "Whatever the challenges it has faced, from big storms to the GOLM, Rutland has demonstrated pluck and determination time after time."
The GOLM collected 368 pints in its first year, 2003. After setting state and northern New England records several times, the GOLM broke the New England record for a one-day community blood drive in 2008, 2009 and 2010, beating Boston each time. Manchester, N.H., broke the New England and national record in 2011. The GOLM collected 1,855 pints last year, 13 shy of tying the record and making it the second-largest one-day drive in the country, the largest per-capita.
Jaye, Costello and Rutland Mayor Chris Louras have pledged to get tattoos commemorating the record if the record is broken. "Rutland is on the upswing, and setting the record and helping so many families and individuals would make a tremendous statement about the people of this community," Louras said. "I urge everyone who is eligible to get involved and make Dec. 17 a day to remember."


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Nothing Can Stop the Rhino...
Diamond Select Toys shares with fans new photos of their Marvel Select Rhino squaring off against his old fow, Spider-Man. Smashing his way to stores this week, the new Marvel Select Rhino stands 9 inches tall, so he'll tower over Spidey and all your other Marvel Select figures. He also features 16 points of articulation, so you can get him in all sorts of dynamic poses. Whether you want your Rhino charging, goring, punching, kicking, wrestling or grazing, this is the Rhino figure for you!
Source: ArtAsylum.com
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with Collectibles Insurance, the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, Toynk.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonkeyDepot.com.


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IDILE is an academic and community-mentoring program that focuses on African American students, but will accept all students. The program provides services and support to help insure students transfer to a four year school be it a U.C. system or a CSU system. This is done in part by combining an English 125 college writing course with an English 126, College Reading course, and English 1A, Composition course, math 1, elementary algebra course, along with two African American study courses, a career planning course, and a study skills course. If the student is transferring to a CSU school, then the student will meet fifteen units of required courses in the CSU system. If the student is transferring to a U.C. system school then the student will meet the writing portion, the humanities portion, and the study skills portion of the transfer program. These classes begin to prepare the students for life in the college environment.
How to RegisterGranville Redmond, Idile Office E, located on the second floor of the Student Services Building. Phone Number: (559) 442-8226 ext. 8643 E-mail: email@example.com Center: room 213, located on the second floor of the Student Services Building. Phone Number: (559) 442-8226 ext. 8226IDILE Office: Office E, located on the second floor of the Student Services Building. Phone Number: (559) 442-8226 ext 8643.IDILE is a yearlong program in terms of length of time. When students come to the end of their year in the IDILE Program, the counselor plans their schedule for the next academic year while they are at Fresno City College. Again, the counselor wants to be assured that the student is remaining on track to transfer. While a student is in the IDILE Program, they receive specialized teaching, counseling, and mentoring to help them to become successful. The counselor, during the entire year that the student spends in the IDILE Program, is committed to assuring that the student will transfer. The counselor performs such duties as assisting with the transfer application, assisting with filling out the financial aid application, and reminding students of the dates to turn in their applications. The counselor might also write letters of recommendations on behalf of students to assist them in getting into a particular school. In some cases the counselor becomes active in communicating verbally with the receiving schools.IDILE has its own specialized instructors that teach the IDILE experience. We provide study groups that directly increase a student's performance in their educational experience. The study groups focuses on the IDILE classes, but will also include classes that students are currently taking. Students are required to participate in five hours of study group a week. These study groups will involve other students sharing their skills with each other, combined with the counselor's experience. The IDILE counselor participates in the African American Studies.What is the IDILE Experience? This is an opportunity for students to build camaraderie with peers and develop relationships with mentor. IDILE students assume leadership roles in the classroom and in the community.Program Highlights Includes
ProgramFall Semester
Spring Semester
The IDILE TeamThe IDILE team is committed to providing students the best education possible. We are dedicated to assuring that our students will move on to a four-year college and be successful. We assist them in meeting their maximum potentials. We are the guides to the road for success.Granville Redmond is the IDILE Program Coordinator.
Kehinde Solwazi is the African American Studies Instructor, and has been employed by the district for over twenty-nine years. He has traveled to Africa, has been a guest speaker at various workshops, and each day a new student brings him a new challenge.Gennean Brown is the English Writing Instructor. She demands the best from our students. She insists on quality work from them. She pushes her students to become better writers, because she feels that writing is the essence for success. Ms. Brown says, "I am a language person"; she also speaks Spanish.James Ross is our Mathematics Instructor. He brings over fifteen years of experience to the program. He works well with students, and is committed to their success.Granville Redmond is the program counselor, and he is responsible for the everyday functions of the program.
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Criminal Law
Criminal Law Questions? Ask a Criminal Lawyer.
What is your country/state please?
Thank you!
Stephanie Joy
In Louisiana, you are referring to 108.1 - in particular, please note C,D &E.
§108.1. Flight from an officer; aggravated flight from an officer
A. No driver of a motor vehicle shall intentionally refuse to bring a vehicle to a stop knowing that he has been given a visual and audible signal to stop by a police officer when the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver has committed an offense. The signal shall be given by an emergency light and a siren on a vehicle marked as a police vehicle.
B. Whoever commits the crime of flight from an officer shall be fined not less than one hundred fifty dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
C. Aggravated flight from an officer is the intentional refusal of a driver to bring a vehicle to a stop, under circumstances wherein human life is endangered, knowing that he has been given a visual and audible signal to stop by a police officer when the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver has committed an offense. The signal shall be given by an emergency light and a siren on a vehicle marked as a police vehicle.
D. Circumstances wherein human life is endangered shall be any situation where the operator of the fleeing vehicle commits at least two of the following acts:
(1) Leaves the roadway or forces another vehicle to leave the roadway.
(2) Collides with another vehicle.
(3) Exceeds the posted speed limit by at least twenty-five miles per hour.
(4) Travels against the flow of traffic.
E. Whoever commits aggravated flight from an officer shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than two years.
Hope this helps to clarify.
I believe I have answered your question and I hope you a better understanding of your legal issue as a result. As you know, I am only the messenger and can not create favorable law if it doesn't exist, so please don't hold it against me if the legal result is not what you wish. If your question was in fact answered appropriately please click the GREEN "ACCEPT" button NOW, in order that it be recognized as such and I receive credit for my work from the company. This will not cost you anything, if you already deposited to the company for this service. Your promptness is greatly appreciated. In addition, Positive "FEEDBACK" and BONUSES are also appreciated. If you need additional related follow up on this particular question afterwards, don't hesitate to Reply and I'm happy to help you. And if you would like my assistance in the future, just put my name, STEPHANIE JOY, in your title or first sentence of post. Please keep in mind that I can only respond to your post and the information contained in it, as I do not know what you know unless you describe it fully. Also, due to site tech reasons, oftentimes I am initially only able to see the first part of your post, so I apologize in advance if it means more interactions between us. At times, there can also be a delay of an hour or more in between my answers because I may be helping other customers or taking a break, or if it is late at night, I may have to go get some shut eye til morning, but rest assured, I'll be back for you. Thanks!
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Topic: Cis/Gem side effects
I've had my first round of my second treatment and the same side effects showed up as they did the last time. About 24 hours after chemo I got these flu-like symptoms... feverish, aches, pains, chills, my ears hurt, my eyes burn. All things related to flu but it's certainly not the flu. It lasts a few days then it disappears.
Uncontrollable thirst. Does anyone get this? I'm drinking water and juice like it's going out of style.
Pain in my lower right abdomen and right shoulder.
Luckily no nausea. I'm taking plenty of drugs to counteract it. No appetite though.
I've been craving Vitamin C drinks... OJ, grapefruit, lemonade.


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And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. John 12:32
This painting was inspired by the moving devotions penned and published by Oswald Chambers in his powerful devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest.
The Right Kind Of Help. John 12:32. My Utmost For His Highest. Copyright 2012 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.
When God sends bible scripture to us it is never by accident. In Isaiah 55:11, God says that wherever He sends His word it never returns empty. It always achieves the special purpose for which it was sent. Prayerfully consider the message above. Humbly seek and submit to the Living God whose Spirit has determined to personally speak to you today.
VerseVisions is a Christian art ministry whose purpose is to share the love and message of Jesus Christ to all people through art and scriptural words of encouragement. VerseVisions Christian themed paintings are inspired by the Holy Spirit through bible verses.
These original works of sacred bible verse inspired art are the passion of artist Mark Lawrence. His desire is to share the love, hope, and eternal life that are available to everyone who repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Enjoy this art, but more importantly; seek Gods determined purpose for sending you this message today.
This art is also available as a Signed & Numbered Limited Edition fine art giclee at MarkLawrenceGallery.com. Contact email@example.com for more information about a Mark Lawrence fine art acquisition.
Facebook | Twitter | Gallery | Prints | Blog | Pinterest


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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotelHotel in New York's Broadway - Times Square neighborhood near Times Square
Popular property highlights
In city center
Situated in New York's Broadway - Times Square neighborhood, this hotel is close to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Times Square, and Broadway. Area attractions also include Empire State Building and Macy's.
24-hour business center
Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square provides a 24-hour business center, a concierge desk, free breakfast included daily, and a bar/lounge.
50-inch flat-screen TVs
Flat-panel televisions come with premium cable channels. Guestrooms also feature iPod docking stations, complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, and air conditioning.
Guest Highlights
- Central location
- Breakfast
- Helpful staff
- Clean guestrooms
- Comfy beds and overall room comfort
Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
A bar/lounge is on site at the hotel where guests can unwind with a drink. A complimentary breakfast is offered. High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary.
A 24-hour business center is on site at this 3.0-star property. This New York hotel also offers a concierge desk and tour/ticket assistance, and features the Sky Room Restaurant.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square is a smoke-free property.
- Number of floors - 33
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Elevator/lift
- Fireplace in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Computer station
- ATM/banking
- Total number of rooms - 244
- Luggage storage
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Rooftop terrace
- Smoke-free property
- Bar/lounge
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Year Built 2009
- 24-hour business center
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Valet parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Premium TV channels
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower only
- Cable TV service
- Iron/ironing board
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Phone
- Free local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free newspaper
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free wired Internet
- iPod docking station
- Flat-panel TV
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
Where to Eat
Sky Room Restaurant - Overlooking a city view this restaurant also features a bar.
Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at 11 PM
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 100 per pet, per stay
- Dogs and cats only
- 1 per room (up to 35 lb)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
Optional extras
- Valet parking fee: USD 55-65 per day
- Pet fee: USD 100 per pet, per stay
Hotel Name
- Fairfield Inn Marriott Manhattan/Times
- Fairfield Inn Marriott Manhattan/Times Hotel
- Fairfield Inn Marriott Manhattan/Times Hotel New York Square
- Fairfield Inn Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square


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Overdone topic, I acknowledge that. However, tonight pushed me over the edge.
I am SOOOO tired of bad Reds managing that I'm nearing the point that I stop caring completely. Sure, I'll still watch now and again but, I will NOT invest myself in another Reds team until we have a COMPETENT MAJOR LEAGUE MANAGER. Not Ray Knight. Not Bob Boone. Not Dave Miley. Not Jerry Narron. A COMPETENT MAJOR LEAGUE MANAGER.
Just to head you pro-Narron guys and gals off at the pass, I acknowledge that JN has a poor bullpen with which to work. I also acknowledge that the right handed hitting is a weakness created by Wayne Krivsky.
I'm not even going to delve into the highly questionable lineup construction and it's constant manipulation. It honestly reminds me of my 8th grade Little League years..we used to anxiously await the lineup card because it reflected how our coach felt we practiced or played in the preceding days. It ain't like that in the majors. But, I promised I wouldn't delve into the lineup issues. I've already sorta lied.
Tonight's game is a microcosm of why Jerry Narron sucks. I doubt anyone who reads this post will argue that JM is a slave to dogmatic baseball decisions and generally accepted norms; ie: make sure you bat the righty against the lefty reliever or, make sure you pitch the righty against the lefty batter.
He played into the dogmatic baseball beliefs....pinch-hit the ridiculously incompetent on all levels Juan Castro in a 2 out, RBI situation in the 7th when he had two much better lefty bats on the bench. Quite predictably, Manos De Caca popped out, leaving David Ross stranded on 2nd. Actually, that outcome was not all THAT predictable, as most would have foretold that Mighty Casey would strike out.
JN again fell prey to Dogma in the bottom of the 8th, bringing in the slumping (or, perhaps, he just sucks) Mike "Hey! I'm fat and old but, I'm Still a Lefty!" Stanton in to face a few left handed batters. Stanton has not missed bats nor created any outs lately but, that doesn't matter - he is a left handed pitcher and he would be facing left handed batters. That's what matters.
3 batters later, the 'Stros are back in front. 3 ER for Mikey.
Shockingly enough, the Reds, down 2 runs in the top of the 9th, mount a bit of a rally. Hammy and Freel reach. 1st and 2nd, no outs, Reds down by 2, Brandon Phillips at the plate. Griffey & Co behind him.
THIS is the situation that truly causes one to HATE Jerry Narron.
Conventional baseball wisdom - aka baseball dogma - dictates that you have a guy like Brandon Phillips lay down a bunt here. Firstly, you have a guy at the plate who knows how to bunt. He is also fast. HE IS ALSO A RIGHTY FACING A RIGHTY - A SITUATION THAT JN IS WELL-DOCUMENTED TO HATE. A well placed bunt may actually cause the defense to have to make a good play to throw him out. Worst case scenario - 2nd and 3rd with one out. JR up next, righty/lefty, one out, hot hitter, 2 in scoring position.
Jerry elects to let Brandon, who is not exactly a contact hitter, swing away. He flies out, setting up a 1st and 3rd with one out and JR to the plate.
Honestly, if you didn't know what was coming next, you just don't know the Reds.
JR bounces into a Casey. Ballgame.
I guess what I want at this point is for someone to defend Narron. I completely loathe the guy. I have never seen a manager with lower baseball acumen. He just lacks a general feel for the game.
Tonight sucked and I am going to bed. I am sick of this.


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hbogo.com has more options than on demand. Or atleast it did.
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hbogo.com has more options than on demand. Or atleast it did.
Just because you're offended, doesn't mean you're right. ― Ricky Gervais.
I wish my TV provider supported HBG GO. I otherwise love'em, but this part sucks. I'm assuming it's to keep costs down, but I don't really know. Either way, they don't support any of the-- what I'll 'digital integration' features that the big companies do. Any of these channels that offer digital viewing on PC or tablet or Xbox or whatnot, Metronet doesn't support it. It sucks in that respect. But I'm otherwise so pleased with it that it's not enough to drop them. Especially since my only other option would be to return to Comcast.
Watched the first episode of BANSHEE - seems interesting enough - will look to see how it builds.
Checked out the first 2 episodes of HANNIBAL - the initial "main character" is driving me to the point of quitting the show...
Finished the first season of HOUSE OF CARDS - good stuff - looking forward to season 2 which I hear is out on Valentines....
I finished watching "series" 3 of Sherlock. I'm beginning to form the opinion that British TV is better than American TV. Black Mirror, Sherlock, hell even their soapy dramas are more charming (looking at you, Downton Abbey).
Anyway, as usual I'm a bit behind the eight ball on TV shows, but Sherlock is an absolute joy to watch. Each episode is an hour and a half long and it feels like 30 minutes. So clever, so fun, such good pacing. Oh, and Benedict Cumberbatch/Martin Freeman are dynamite on the same screen.
I'm halfway through Season 3 of The Sopranos. It's definitely the best show I've ever watched. Such a masterpiece.
Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.
Been re-watching The West Wing, Sorkin sort of has an Indiana fetish. I don't know, maybe I just notice it more because it's Indiana, but he drops a whole lot of references throughout the series.
I thought last night's Walking Dead was pretty good.
I love the idea of jumping back and forth between groups. Looks like Rick, Carl, and Michonne will have it a bit easier than the rest.
Haven't had a chance to see any of the latest season yet. And now that I'm moving (getting a new DVR box), I won't be able to watch what I've recorded. I'll have to catch up online.
First time in a long time, I've been happy with the team that was constructed, and now they struggle. I blame the coach.
I am always late to the party with shows and Sherlock was no different for us. We binge watched every episode this past weekend and all I have to say is we have to wait another year for this? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Brooklyn Nine Nine called out Billy King for being a crap GM. Told you I love this show.
But my problem with series 3 of Sherlock was that the reveal at the end of episode 3 made the season feel like a bit of a waste, or just a placeholder until season 4. The main villain in series 3 was introduced very sloppily (shown at end of first episode, disregarded for second, introduced in third) and turned out to be a totally bland, incapable adversary. Whereas the reveal at the end just proved the series should have been more than three episodes (I know, they're all three-episode series) or started with that reveal at the onset.
Does anyone watch Shameless? I'll concede it's not for everyone, but I think over 3.5 seasons it's evolved into one of the best series on TV. Started out a bit clumsy/zany, but really has found solid footing throughout, leading to this season which is a stark contrast to its lighthearted beginning.
I'm obviously watching this season, but also re-watching the series at the same time. Emmy Rossum and Joan Cusack are brilliant...no idea how Rossum hasn't been nominated more for this series. William H. Macy also terrific, great at playing a difficult character. And the younger kids in particular have really grown into wonderful actors as the series has progressed (I noticed their performances were a bit wooden at times -- to be expected from 10 year olds -- to start the series, but the actress playing Debbie in particular has become really good).
I think I've said it before here, Shameless is great for a very simple reason: I really care about the characters. Most series, even brilliant series, I don't really care a lot about the characters. Sopranos is a great example. Writing, acting, directing etc. all top-notch. Do I care about AJ, Carmela or Meadow, though? No. I don't. With Shameless, I find myself rooting for the Gallaghers like they were my own brothers and sisters. Even though, of course, the point of the show is that they can never escape who/what/where they are.
Shameless is great. It's probably in this thread from the last season, but Emmy Rossum not getting and Emmy nomination for it is ludicrous. That show has the best cast of child actors in my memory. It's a massive shame the way that show gets ignored.
Anyone else been watching Black Sails on Starz? Pretty good so far.
GOT's season 4 preview aired this past weekend also. Two more month, I can do this....
Just because you're offended, doesn't mean you're right. ― Ricky Gervais.
Oh, and the ending of True Detective was freaking nuts. Pretty bummed it's only an 8 episode mini-series.
Just because you're offended, doesn't mean you're right. ― Ricky Gervais.
Cannot wait for GoT. Why does it have to be until April....
Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.
[QUOTE=Since86;1787106]Anyone else been watching Black Sails on Starz? Pretty good so far.
I watched the first episode and had to actively stop myself from turning it off midway through. I like Pirates, but I feel like they were super-piratey and it seems like the type of thing that's been done a million times. I want to see a fresh take on pirates. Not those scarred, tatted up, rum drinking, philandering treasure seekers. I'd like to see a different take at this point. I thought the acting was pretty over the top too. Just not my cup of tea.
I love Shameless. I love the way this season is turning with Emmy Rossum sort of breaking bad a little bit.
There's a nice 15 minute preview of GoT S4 up on HBO's YouTube channel. I'm on my phone or else I'd link to it.
Black Sails just reminds me of Spartacus, which gave me similar issues. Historical setting, unnecessary sex that's actually obnoxious (I'm no prude, I thought Masters of Sex was the best new series this year, love most HBO & Showtime series, but sex in Starz series is so beyond the point it's just annoying to watch -- if I wanted to watch porn, I would watch porn), and although it's ridiculously early to make this claim, just a bunch of bland characters that don't really stand out from each other.
I really just think Starz doesn't "get" series. They ended their relationship with their award-winner, and keep doing the same thing over and over -- putting some softcorn porn historical action series on at terrible timeslots and wondering why their returns suck.
Really, something like Dune would kick ***, or if they would have done Watchmen that way (though obviously budget concerns there).


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Confetti Dot Decorator Crewel Euro Sham
No longer available
- Overview
Celebrate even small moments with the bright confetti dotted across our pillow cover. Beautifully embroidered with crewel stitching, the design dazzles with texture and a range tonal hues.
- 26" square
- Made of 100% cotton canvas.
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- Machine wash.
- Imported.
Mix + match our bedding to create your own unique look with our Design Your Own Bed Tool.
- Dimensions + Care
- Machine wash in warm water; gentle cycle.
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- Tumble dry on low heat; remove promptly.
- Warm iron as needed.
- Shipping Info
This item will arrive in 3-5 business days. Please proceed to the Payment & Review page of Checkout for a precise delivery estimate.


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SHEPHERDSVILLE - Before Bullitt Circuit Judge Rodney Burress would accept an agreement between the city of Shepherdsville and the Southeast Bullitt Fire District, a few alterations had to be made.
On Monday, the Shepherdsville City Council voted 4-2 to accept the amended settlement with Southeast Bullitt that would end over 11 years of litigation.
And, if the agreement meets the approval of Burress, only one fire district would remain in litigation over territorial and taxing disputes.
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Mail: Thanks for helping Aiden
Brewer at the Legislature: Mob rule
More opinion
Robertson and Delsing re-elected chair, vice chair of NWB
Goat Expo set first October weekend
More Ag News
For the first time in nine years, the North Platte High School softball team will be playing in the state tournament this week.
The Bulldogs (25-9), who are seeded seventh, will play No. 2 seed Omaha Skutt (24-4) on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in Hastings.
"We're super excited," Songster said. "It's a huge accomplishment. It says a lot about our program. We came so close last year and our girls were determined and competitive all year long. We were bound to have success."
It's been a long road back to state for the Lady Dawgs. For four straight years, from 2001-04, they went to the state tournament after wins in the Class A district against the other four outstate schools (Kearney, Grand Island, Columbus and Norfolk) with the help of dominant pitchers Bethany Nichelson and Krista Blakeman.
But then North Platte suffered five straight losing seasons. Songster, who was on the school's first competitive softball team in 1996 and became an assistant coach in 2002, took over as head coach for Sharon Kramer in 2008. Now, five years later, she has the Bulldogs back at state.
"It took a while for us to rebound," Songster said. "My first few years as a coach I feel were rebuilding seasons. But now we're back at state. We have a few titles under our belt and we hope that this is the start of a tradition."
There's a couple of differences between this trip to state and the four in the early 2000s for the Lady Dawgs. First, the state tournament is closer to home, now held in Hastings instead of Omaha.
The other difference is that NPHS is competing in Class B.
In Class B, North Platte will be the biggest school at state as opposed to playing larger schools from Omaha and Lincoln as was the situation from 2001-04.
Knowing that should give the Lady Bulldogs a boost in confidence, Songster said.
"Class B, Class A; it is what it is," she said. "But I think that with them almost making it in Class A last year, they know they can do it in Class B."
NPHS flexed its muscle last weekend in the district tournament, defeating Cozad 9-2 to open the tournament and then sweeping two from runner-up McCook, 3-2 and 9-1, to finish the tournament.
"From the beginning, the girls were ready to play ball," Songster said. "They relished being the host team and they were pumped. In game one (against Cozad), they showed they had a goal and direction. Then they won a tight first game against McCook. But in the second game, they were pumped and left no doubt they were the champs."
At state, North Platte will play the only team in the field it has played already this year in Skutt. The Bulldogs and the Skyhawks have played twice, with each team winning once.
"In a way that helps us because we know we can beat them," Songster said. "I am pretty sure that they weren't happy (with the game we beat them in). They only have four losses and we gave them one. So we know we can do it."
The No. 7 seed may be misleading, considering that North Platte continued to play nearly the same schedule of previous years in Class A. This year, they faced Class A state qualifiers Lincoln Southeast, Lincoln North Star and Grand Island.
Even if the Bulldogs were to lose to Skutt in the first game, they can work their way through the loser's bracket in the double elimination tournament.
"We're definitely prepared," Songster said. "The girls are competitors. They're excited, anxious and ready to go out and compete."
Flatrock Publishing, Inc.
1300 E 4th St., Suite F
North Platte, NE 69101