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With the launch of our latest book Photography For The Web we have decided to do something a bit different - a competition - but with photographers in mind.
The format is going to be treasure hunt style - we'll be giving you a series of things to photograph - and there will be some great prizes, ranging from copies of our new book to a grand prize which is pretty fantastic.
I'm nailing down the details now, but the competition will launch on Monday so I'll be back with specifics in the next day or so.
I'm too busy with work and things so haven't got time to do this. Have fun with it everyone else! Alison
Day 3 is just starting.
(click the link ^)
(click the link ^)
Sounds interesting. I'd like to be involved.Alison
The winner was chosen and I moved my updated post to here.
The winner was chosen and I moved my updated post to here.
Well thank you Judge for all the work critiquing the photos. Nicely done. When will the next photo contest be?
I cannot wait! When do we start?!
To quote
The Rules:
Photos must be shot in allocated 24 hour period. Photos from five years ago are not allowed.
Entrants may take part as many times as they like, but an entrant may only win once (except for the grand prize, for which everyone that submits 7 photos goes into the draw to win).
No goofy Photoshop effects or overdone photo-manipulation. Entrants are allowed to correct colour, contrast, and make minor tweaks such as removing litter or distracting objects from a photo, but no surreal colours or crazy filters.
900 - 2000 px length for the longer side of the photograph.
DPI doesn't matter.
JPG or PNG.
Upload as attachments or the threads will start taking forever to load.
Have a look at this thread for the details.
That sound absolutely fantastic! can you please tell me that can the photo have been taken already.and what's the licensing agreement to use the photo's.
I want to participate. Please tell me How I can participate? and Where is information to post phost photos.
Hi guys,
It seems to be great so i'll definitely consider about that as it is really interesting.
I'll have to dust off my camera and put in some good batteries :goof:
@ParkinT Do you mean the Photo Challenge - What is it? Sticky?
Personally I don't see why you couldn't mention it there, though there won't be much of a "what is it" if members need to know what to photograph beforehand.
It sounds interesting. Can the photo have been taken already? What is the licensing agreement for the photo?
I'm not sure exactly what you mean as I don't spend any time in this forum, but in theory - sure!
I'll post the rules shortly
That sounds awesome!!! I love treasure-hunt type things. I will definitely try to be involved <3
woo hoo!
Can we promote this competition over on the "Monthly Photo Challenge" area in 'Photography'?


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Dmytro wrote:On the other hand, the aspects mentioned - "noble truths, dependent origination, three characteristics" are the pillars of rationalistic and doctrinal Western Buddhism, and the expression "Noble Truth" a Western invention. These aspects were selected to represent a "doctrine" of the Buddha's Teaching, while there's really no doctrine.
The noble truths, dependent origination, three characteristics, etc. are common and pervasive in all the doctrinal schools: Theravāda, Sarvāstivāda, etc. For example, the four noble truths are the objects of knowledge that are penetrated and understood when attaining the noble paths. The Sarvāstivāda developed a detailed framework on the sixteen aspects of the four noble truths which are to be sequentially understood in a cognitive series. (The Theravāda developed an alternate version of sixteen aspects, which they maintain are penetrated and understood at one time.)

subset: commoncrawl


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We are happy to share the new Microsoft Project sessions at SharePoint Conference 2012 November 12-15, 2012 in Las Vegas. We have put together an amazing lineup of sessions and product experts such as MVPs and Program Managers from Microsoft to tell & demonstrate the new Project story. In addition to great sessions we will also have hands-on-labs, a product booth, and a FREE readiness pre-event: The Best of the New Project Ignite. Donât miss #SPC12, REGISTER today, and see you next month in Vegas!
(Sessions are listed here and filter for the Project Portfolio Management workload)
Best Practices for How to Leverage Project Online Based on Customer Feedback
Project Online is a new service on Office 365 and, following early adoption programs, a number of customers have deployed it in production. Through these early engagements, we have received valuable feedback that has shaped a set of usage best practices. If you are considering Project Online, this session is well worth your time to learn how customers are leveraging the unique capabilities of Project Online and to gain valuable insights to help you plan your deployment.
Luke Humphrey
Choosing the Right Project Management Solution for Today and the Future
When it comes to project management, every individual, team, and organization has unique needs. Microsoft's vision for project management is to enable individuals and teams to choose the tool that is the best fit for their specific project while still delivering the visibility that their organization needs to ensure focus on the right priorities. This session will help you understand how all the solutions across Office 365, SharePoint, and Project fit together so you can chart a realistic approach to project management for your organization that will deliver immediate value with an eye to the future.
Chris Crane
Delivering Winning Projects in SharePoint With Microsoft Project
The new Project gives you powerful new capabilities to enhance your project collaboration experience with SharePoint. This session provides an overview of Project Professional 2013, demonstrating key scenarios and features that enable you to effectively plan, track, and share your plans so everybody is on the same page and the project is delivered on time and budget. A significant amount of time will be spent demoing the great new capabilities of the new Project used in conjunction with SharePoint.
Heather Heide
Fast Track Your Project Management Office (PMO) with Project Online
In today's fast-paced, project-centric work environment, the ability to coordinate multiple projects with distributed teams, and making high-level strategic decisions based upon consolidated project progress, risk and resource usage information is critical. Microsoft Project Online is a cloud-based, enterprise-wide solution designed to fast track your project management office to meet these challenges. In this interactive session, you will learn practical steps on how you can easily build a project management office (PMO) based on Microsoft Project Online.
Dux Raymond Sy
Introducing Project Online, a New Office 365 Service
Project Online is the *new* Office 365 service that enables teams and organizations to manage their day-to-day work, plan mission critical projects and prioritize portfolio investments to maximize business value. This session provides an overview of Project Online and Project Pro for Office 365 and how to get started. We will be spending a significant amount of time demonstrating Project Online don't miss it!
Christophe Fiessinger
Overview of Building Apps for Project & Project Online
This session is focused on business aspect of added value of applications for Project 2013; it's targeted at both SharePoint Customers and Partners. Customers could learn about additional value that those Apps could deliver to them and partners should learn about success and best practices building them.
Jan Kalis
Overview of Business Intelligence and Reporting using Project Online & Project Server 2013
Learn how Project Online and Project Server 2013 leverages SharePoint's new business intelligence capabilities to provide easy, yet powerful, reporting options for the enterprise. See how Project Server data can be surfaced in real-time reports and dashboards using such tools as Business Connectivity Services, Visio Services, Excel Services, PerformancePoint and OData!
Andrew Lavinsky, Mike McLean
Overview of Project Portfolio Management Using Project Online & Project Server 2013
Project Online and Project Server 2013 enable teams and organizations to get started with Project and Portfolio Management (PPM), right from managing day-to-day work, to prioritizing portfolio investments for maximizing business value. This session provides an overview and demonstrations of both the online and on-premise capabilities of Microsoft's *latest* Project Portfolio Management (PPM) solution.
Christophe Fiessinger, Pradeep GanapathyRaj
What's New for Developers in Project 2013
The new Project offers flexible online and on-premise solutions for project portfolio management (PPM) and everyday work, enabling you to effectively execute and achieve strategic priorities. This session, will provide an overview and demonstrations of what's new for Developers extending Project desktop & Project Server 2013.
Eli Sheldon, Chris Boyd
What's New for IT Professionals in Project Server 2013
Project Server 2013 offers flexible online and on-premise solutions for project portfolio management (PPM). This session will provide an overview of what's new for IT Professionals and consultants deploying Project Server. Agenda covers, Project Online, architectural changes, upgrade procedures, and administration improvements.
Chris Boyd, Jean Donati
What's New in Designing Workflows and Managing Work Requests With Project Online & Project Server 2013
Project Online and Project Server 2013 delivers significant enhancements around business process management, workflow authoring using SharePoint Designer and Visio, and managing work requests and ideation using SharePoint lists. This session will provide an overview and demonstrations of these key innovations.
Kia Amiri, Sam Chung
|Customer Showcase: Upgrading Revlon to SharePoint and Project Server 2013
|Present how SharePoint grew at Revlon from 2003 to 2013. The timeline starts at 2003 with deployment of Project Server 2003 up until current time, with a planned upgrade to SharePoint 2013 and Project Server 2013. We will show how the product grew, sometimes by decree and sometimes organically. We will show how we've built up enthusiasm, sponsorship and momentum behind Microsoft Office stack to turn around the image of the IT organization. Additionally, we'll show how we support, upgrade and maintain the products, deal with 3rd party solutions as well as any custom development while decommissioning legacy applications. We will also highlight where we're planning on taking the implementation with Office 2013, and how we integrate it with other applications.
|Piotr Prussak, Pritam Dahake
|Customer Showcase: How Merck uses technology to provide Integrated Business Planning
|Merck Research Labs has been on a journey over the last two years to dramatically improve the effectiveness & agility of the organization in planning and managing its pipeline in an integrated manner. With that objective, the Connectivity Program has combined key process improvements with enabling technology to establish integrated capabilities that enable improved information management & access as well as enhanced team collaboration. Built atop SharePoint 2010 and Microsoft Project 2010, Merck Connectivity has introduced rigor into the planning and execution of Merck initiatives, given Merck executives insight into their investments and has leveraged SharePoint, Office and Project as a platform to deliver value back to the business.
|Phyllis Post


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Henderson not concerned about mechanical flaw
PHOENIX -- Brewers reliever Jim Henderson spent the team's off-day Thursday looking at video of recent Spring Training outings, and he discovered a mechanical flaw that Henderson believes could explain his struggles so far.
The 30-year-old, who broke through to the Major Leagues last season after parts of 10 years in the Minors, has surrendered nine earned runs, eight hits and eight walks in 5 1/3 innings. That includes Cactus League outings with the Brewers, two World Baseball Classic games for Team Canada plus his scoreless inning in Canada's pre-tournament exhibition against the Brewers. His velocity has been fine, but Henderson's command has been erratic.
"I'm not too worried about it," Henderson said. "We'll fix one thing, and that will help the whole delivery."
Henderson said he was beginning his delivery with his hands too close together, which gave him trouble "clearing" his right hip as he began to rotate, which in turn altered his arm slot. He planned to work on the adjustment in a side session Friday, and he is scheduled to pitch an inning against the Reds on Saturday.
"With my kind of funky delivery, the timing needs to be right," Henderson said.
Henderson is still penciled in as the Brewers' setup man to closer John Axford. He succeeded in that role during the second half of 2012 to the tune of a 3.52 ERA in 36 games.
Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brew Beat, and follow him on Twitter at @AdamMcCalvy. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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In the year since the Rana Plaza collapse we've been working hard to increase the transparency of our supply chain. Whilst we have not, and do not, use the factory and suppliers affected in the disaster we recognise that the issue is wider than this incident. We want to be clear with our customers about our current manufacturing ethics and provide an update on the work we are currently doing with our suppliers and extended supply chain.
So, who makes our clothes?
Our clothes are made mainly in China, Turkey, India and Portugal but we do also manufacture in other Far East and European countries for some of our products. We have Ethical Auditors in each of these countries who work with us to ensure our suppliers are adhering to our Ethical Code of Conduct. The Code helps us deliver continuous improvements over time in areas such as safe working environments, compliance to legal minimum wages and work hour regulations. We check there is no child labour and that workers are treated fairly and not experiencing discrimination in the workplace. We also speak to workers directly to check they know their workplace rights, and should they want to, know they can organise to bargain collectively.
Do we manufacture in Bangladesh?
We have two factories in Bangladesh that manufacture White Stuff products. Since the Rana Plaza factory collapse we have looked closely at our business practices to see if improvements can be made. Here's what we have done in the past year:
- We have added a buildings safety inspection clause to our auditing procedure
- Given our auditors guidance on this new clause through training
- Continued to audit our two factories with heightened focus on structural safety; both have been ethically audited with satisfactory results
More information about the work we do with the ETI and our Ethical Code can be found here.


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The former Siena coach believes that his team did enough to make it to the showpiece in Rome, also praising versatile midfielder Luca Marrone.
The Serie A champion was beaten 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, after it was previously held to a 1-1 draw at home last week, yet the Bianconeri boss believes they did enough to come out victorious over 180 minutes.
"We certainly deserved better over the 180 minutes, but Lazio went through and congratulations to them," he said at the press conference. "The last chance had a decisive bearing, because we would have qualified had it gone differently. The lads played an excellent game, but that's soccer and we can only take note of it."
Conte then went on to say that Luca Marrone has a bright future ahead of him, while stressing that he is happy with his team's efforts.
"Marrone? I envisage a great future for him in the center of defense, but he also did well in midfield.
"I'm happy with how my players expressed themselves. We know exactly where we've been lacking in this recent period."
Juventus will be looking to return to winning ways when it travels to Verona to face Chievo on Sunday.
Follow GOAL.COM on


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The Classic Slip-Ons need no one to sing their praises; they have become such a part of skate culture and contemporary style, effortlessly proving their iconoclastic relevance from the skate spot to the big screen and every walk of life around the globe. Their popularity comes from unmatched quality, and they have hence become a big time influence on our Off The Wall efforts to innovate, every step of the way.
(based on 319 reviews)
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92% (261 reviews)
(261 reviews)
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94% (262 reviews)
(262 reviews)
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Most Liked Positive Review
Fun & Stylish Shoes
I fell for Vans checkerboard slip-ons the very first time I saw Sean Penn wearing them in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." I thought they were just about the coolest shoes I'd...Read complete review
I fell for Vans checkerboard slip-ons the very first time I saw Sean Penn wearing them in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." I thought they were just about the coolest shoes I'd ever seen, and I just had to get myself a pair. I've had at least one pair in my closet at all times ever since. I thought they were totally amazing back then, and I still feel that way about them today. Obviously a lot of people agree, because they seem to be more popular now than ever. I currently have 3 pair that I wear really frequently. I love them for their high style and for their versatility -- they look great with just about everything. They always draw favorable attention/comments too, which is fun. I suspect I'll be wearing Vans slip-ons for as long as I live or as long as they're made, which I hope in both cases will be forever! :-)
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nice looking, falls apart
I love the shoes but this is the 2nd pair Ive purchased in the last year and they have both fallen apart. I shouldn't pay [$] dollars for something to last 4 months.
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old school comfy
By Scrap Swope
from Philly, Pa.
About Me Casual, Comfortable, Style Driven
Comments about Checkerboard Slip-On:
Classic and comfy. I have 3 pairs and wear 1 every day.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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By Rubens
from Washington, DC.
About Me Casual, Comfortable
It was every that I wanted.
excellent service
By WILLY
from costa mesa
my son loves the colors, went to 2 different Vans local stores and couldn't find it so we ordered online.
Vans stole my design!!!
By VisitingProfessor
from Northampton, MA
I ordered a custom pair made in this exact design two years ago. Obviously one of the top Vans designers saw my shoe and "knew" - intuitively - that it was one of the best and most stylish check slipons ever conceived. And here we are today...
disappointed for the first time
By jpsulli
from Quebec, Ca
About Me Casual, Style Driven
After having worn vans for the better part of 25 years I have finally beeb disappointed with a pair I ordered online. I've always bought the same size whether online or in a storefornt so I ordered this pair with my usual specs and had them delivered to a spot I was visiting in the states. Getting there I was counting on wearing the shoes as the only other footwear I had was a pair of heavy motorcycle boots. I was shocked when my foot barely made it in to the shoe. The upper was ALOT tighter than usual and ended up constricting my foot. Thinking they would stretch a little but unfortunately not enough.Having worn them, returning was not an option so now I have a pair of Vans that I need to cut he webbing to try and see if that solves the issue. I love the shoes but might start having to by them exclusively at retailers again.


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Did The New York Times really run a front-page article Saturday on small investors pouring money into stocks? I can attest that it was. Otherwise, if you had any doubt that bullish sentiment is now at extremes, you need to only glance at the Fear and Greed Index put out by CNN Money. This is not anecdotal, as CNN inputs actual indicators into this number, and "extreme greed" here is currently at 94%.
Source: CNN
Based on a longer-term chart of these numbers provided by CNN, if this ratio has been higher in the past few years, it would only have been by a mere tick: This is the neighborhood where the index has topped since 2010.
Source: CNN
I do realize that, according to the pundits, we are no longer in a post-crisis period -- so perhaps this ratio will make it all the way to 100%. Oh, heck, if we are no longer in a post-crisis period, why not above 100%?
On an anecdotal level, I've noticed that the chatter about a "low" CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has seemingly fallen away from the discussion in the past few days. A few weeks ago it was all anyone talked about. As longtime readers will know, I don't read much into a low VIX. But I decided to take a look -- and, lo and behold, the VIX has not made a lower low in a week. Yet everyone has stopped discussing it. My experience is that, when everyone fusses over something it won't amount to much, but we should pay attention when the chatter stops.
So, while I don't see much value in the low VIX itself, I am interested in the sudden lack of attention to it. This probably means the indicator is due for a pop of some sort -- just as a reminder that it's still there.
Really, why shouldn't we see some volatility this week? A Federal Open Market Committee meeting is scheduled, it's the end of the month and the employment report is due out Friday. Furthermore, bond yields are once again on the verge of breaking out.
Of all the U.S. Treasury charts I look at, the five-year is the most interesting. It carries the flattest tops, so it's the most obvious potential breakout. If its yield goes above 0.85%, that gap just shy of 1% will beckon. The base measures to 1.15%.
Of course, with the market always trying to prove folks wrong, wouldn't it be something if a breakout accompanied this FOMC meeting, only for the employment number to take the indices right back down? Either way, you should respect a move above 0.85% in the five-year.
In Top Stocks, Helene puts her 20+ years of experience in technical analysis to work for you. Take advantage of Helene's time-proven approach and her action-oriented analysis of technical indicators. Try it now. Get a 14-Day Free Trial.


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Olt optioned to Triple-A so he'll see time every day
MESA, Ariz. -- The Rangers sent third baseman Mike Olt to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, so he'll get the chance to play every day. He will continue at third base and right field. Olt came to camp with the chance to make the team as a reserve right-handed bat.
But Jeff Baker, who took a .467 batting average into Tuesday's game with the Cubs, is likely to win that spot. Baker can play first, second, third and both corner outfield spots.
The Rangers also know that with Nelson Cruz and David Murphy eligible for free agency after the season, Olt is their best power-hitting prospect at the upper levels of the Minor Leagues. He should be a candidate to replace one of them in the lineup next year, and they want to make sure he continues his offensive development at Round Rock.
"It's good in that I will get more [at-bats] and get back on track," Olt said. "I view this as a positive. They want me here as an everyday guy, not as a bench guy. So I'll go down, get my [at-bats] and get back on track."
Olt went into Tuesday's game against the Cubs hitting .194 with two home runs and five RBIs. In 31 at-bats he has six walks and 12 strikeouts. But he also played excellent defense at third and showed he could play right field as well. The Rangers liked what they saw from him out there as well.
"He did well. He did extremely well," manager Ron Washington said.
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Café owner Alice O'Brien is raising money for a servicemen's charity inspired by her partner who is serving in Afghanistan.
Miss O'Brien, 19, who runs the Caen Hill Café by the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes, dressed up together with her staff last Friday and raised more than £500 for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust.
The money was raised through her takings that day, a raffle and a bring and buy sale.
Although not the peak season for the café, Miss O'Brien was delighted with the support from customers.
She said: "There was a really nice atmosphere in the café. I did coffee and cake at a recommended price of £3.50 and I was really pleased with how much we raised."
Miss O'Brien's partner, Adam Bentley, 21, is serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Afghanistan.
He deployed in September and will be returning to Devizes next week for a ten-day break after which he will return to finish his tour until April.
Miss O'Brien and Mr Bentley have been together for three and a half years and both went to Devizes School.
Miss O'Brien said she speaks to Mr Bentley on the phone about once a week and they email each other.
She said: "It's really hard him being over there. I worry about him all the time. He is okay.
"I wanted to raise money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust so that he knows I am doing something to help.
"The trust do a lot for Marines who have been injured and it's a really good charity."
The charity helps wounded and injured Royal Marines and those still serving and facing successive tours in high threat environments.
The trust provides adventure training for those returning from operations, funds homecoming events and finances memorials.
Miss O Brien took over the Caen Hill Café earlier this year and said it had been a very good first year.
She will continue to collect donations for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust through December.


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Summit schools beat out state in TCAP test
August 9, 2012
Just-released results from the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program show Summit School District students did equal to or better than other state schools in almost all content areas.
"We were very excited to see that Summit School District scored as well or better than the state on 26 of 27 tests," said Heidi Pace, district superintendent.
The TCAP tests students in grades three through 10 in the subjects of reading, writing and math. Science evaluations are given to grades five, eight and 10.
Summit students scored at or above the state's proficient and advanced scores in all tests and in all grades except for seventh grade writing, which fell below the state percentage by one point. Proficient and advanced scores were above the state by as high as 18 percent, a feat achieved in ninth-grade writing. Those secondary-education level scores had some "huge gains," and was what the district was most excited about, according to the district's director of assessment Bethany Massey. Other notable scores at that level include 64 percent proficient and advanced in 10th-grade science (15 percent above the state), and 53 percent proficient and advanced in ninth-grade math (16 percentage points above the state). Massey hopes those gains are due to teachers' implementation of "strategic interventions," or working together to figure out areas that need more focus.
The district's growth percentile rankings also beat the state median – which is the 50th percentile – in 2012 by 5 percent in reading, 6 percent in math and 4.5 percent in writing.
> District gains in eighth through 10th grade in all content areas.
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> District scores were above the state between 4 and 16 percentage points in math for all grades.
> Breckenridge Elementary School had the highest scores in the past six years in third- and fifth-grade reading, and in third- and fourth-grade math.
> Dillon Valley Elementary gained 16 percentage points in third-grade writing in addition to showing gains in third-grade reading and math scores.
> Frisco Elementary School showed a 23 percent gain in third-grade writing and an 11 percent gain in fourth-grade writing scores.
> Silverthorne Elementary School showed gains in third-grade reading and a 12 percentage point gain in fifth-grade reading scores.
> Summit Cove Elementary School showed a 20 percent gain in fourth-grade writing as well as gains in fifth-grade math and reading scores.
> Upper Blue Elementary School fifth-grade class increased writing scores from fourth to fifth grade.
> Summit Middle School had the highest scores in the past six years on eighth-grade reading, writing and math.
> Summit High School showed gains and had the highest scores on all tests in all grades in the past six years.
Based on results, Massey said writing has been identified as an area to focus on across the district, as well as making inferences in reading.
Last school year was the first the TCAP, a state-mandated test to determine students' mastery of content, has been administered. The transitional test replaces the Colorado Student Assessment Program, and will be replaced with a new assessment system in 2014.


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SIX people were treated by paramedics after a two car smash on the A35 in Winterbourne Abbas earlier today.
Motorists faced long tailbacks following the crash which happened just before midday, and the six people were treated on the roadside.
Dorset Police was also called to the incident, which happened between Chalk Pit Lane junction and the B3159, and involved a red Ford KA, registered to a man from Rochester, and a red Skoda Yeti, registered to a woman from Bridport.
The accident was on the Eastbound carriageway but was causing slow traffic in both directions.
The injuries suffered by the six people were not thought to be serious and they were not taken to hospital.
The road was finally cleared and reopened shortly before 2pm, after the local authority was also required to attend after the accident due to an oil spill on the road.


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Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing Recipe
5 4 5
When it's time to start the cookie-baking season, this recipe always kicks off the festivities. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it's too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. —Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington
VERIFIED BY Taste of Home Test Kitchen
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and ginger
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/4 teaspoon butter flavoring
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-1/2-in. cookie cutter into desired shapes. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.
- For icing, beat confectioners' sugar, butter, extracts and flavoring in a bowl. Gradually stir in enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost cookies. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
Originally published as Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing in Country Woman Christmas Annual 1997, p35
Reviews forGingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing
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Average Rating
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2014
"Can you freeze these cookies, either plain or iced and ready to go??"
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2012
"Amazing cookies! The absolute best gingerbread ever created!"
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2012
"These are the absolute best gingerbread cookies I have ever had!!!!!!! I put red hots on them instead of the icing and you just can't stop eating them!"
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2011
"I found these several years ago in an old Country Woman Christmas book. I've made them every year since. They're quite good, but for the icing I use only butter and not the butter flavoring, trying to keep from anything artificial. In my opinion, it would ruin them."


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At Xtrons, we have the perfect car head unit for you. We have a huge range of single din and double din systems to fit many different makes and models. Have a look through our units, and please do get in touch if you have any questions about creating your ideal car stereo system.
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We have developed a company that listened to what the public wanted from an in car entertainment product provider. We offer great products for realistic prices all with great customer service.
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Mark Walford, who last week took over the reins from his father Tim at their Sheriff Hutton establishment, heads to Doncaster today with a fighting chance of training his first winner.
Walford, a former successful amateur rider, saddles Fentara in the featured £10,000 Larkshill Engineering Handicap Chase and the nine-year-old is fancied to lift first prize on only her third start of the campaign.
A winner last season at Kelso and Hexham, Fentara pulled up on her reappearance at the end of November, but she fared much better three weeks ago at Newcastle when chasing home the in-form Tutchec.
That outing should have had fitness benefits for Fentara, who is a useful mare on her day and who will have the assistance of Peter Buchanan. Walford has so far had two runners, but he could well make it third time lucky this afternoon.
The Doncaster card starts with the Eventmasters Corporate Hospitality Novices' Chase, which has attracted only two runners, but is not to be missed.
All eyes will be on Rock On Ruby, the 2012 Champion Hurdle winner, who made a winning debut over fences at Plumpton last month. He faces a smart rival in Mr Mole, who, although disappointing at Ascot last time out, had previously shown useful form to win at Warwick.
Rock On Ruby, trained by Harry Fry, will need to master the Paul Nicholls-trained Mr Mole if he is to reinforce his claims in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham next month.
Nicky Henderson has an impressive strike-rate on this course and the Lambourn trainer has every chance of enhancing it.
Henderson boasts solid prospects with Vaniteux (1.50), Electrolyser (2.25) and One Conemara (3.35). Barry Geraghty rides the trio.
At Wolverhampton's twilight meeting, North Yorkshire trainers have good prospects of making their presence felt with David O'Meara having every chance of completing a first and last race double with Dansili Dutch and Winterwell.
Dansili Dutch (5.00), who will be contesting the apprentices' handicap under Jack Garritty, was twice a winner on this course in November. She ran well for a long way when fifth to Prime Exhibit here last month and is entitled to go close this time in a modest-looking contest.
Nap selection Winterwell (8.00) is of even more interest.
Danny Tudhope's mount has yet to get her head in front, but she has finished second in three of her six starts, including when chasing home Crisis Averted in maiden company here last time. This run-of-the-mill handicap and an extra furlong may see her home in front.
Crisis Averted (7.00) goes for the six-furlong handicap after his course-and-distance success three weeks ago over Winterwell. That was the three-year-old's public debut and he won despite showing obvious signs of inexperience. There is more to come from Crisis Averted, who will be again ridden by Lee Topliss.
The raiding party from North Yorkshire also includes Ollie Pears' Lean On Pete (5.30), a course-and-distance winner last year, who finished third to Secular Society here recently on his first outing for six weeks.
Racing selections
Doncaster today
1.20 Rock On Ruby, 1.50 Vaniteux, 2.25 Electrolyser, 3.00 Fentara, 3.35 One Conemara, 4.10 Elenika, 4.40 Torgamah Lad.
Wolverhampton today
5.00 Dansili Dutch, 5.30 Lean On Pete, 6.00 Boogangoo, 6.30 Eva Clare, 7.00 Crisis Averted, 7.30 Very First Blade, 8.00 Winterwell (NAP).
Today's other meeting: Huntingdon.
Tomorrow's meetings: Bangor, Kempton, Newcastle and Wolverhampton.


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"Hazing" is defined as any intentional or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are students at an educational institution. (Student Rules).
Hazing is not limited to activities involving alcohol or strenuous physical labor; it is any intentional or reckless act. Look at this way, if you cannot find it in the student organizational handbook for "must do" or "requirements", then it could be hazing.
Hazing does not exist to bond you to your organization. Most individuals don't enjoy being made to feel stupid, uncomfortable, or ridiculed. If you did not like the activities you were made to do, or the humiliation you endured, then why do it to someone else. It was not fun for you, then it not going to be fun to others. Many times we try to justify our action with – no one got hurt, or it just fun.
What about rituals and rites of passage that each organization has ingrained as part of the organizational tapestry? Rituals and rites of passage are typically upheld by members of the group…..why? If it is something silly or humiliating and it makes you uncomfortable and the intent is to make you feel worthless; you should ask 'Why are we doing this?' because usually if one stands up against the action, you will find others will stand with you.
Hazing is not only dangerous…it's illegal. Don't get caught in a situation that could be harmful to both you and others!


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2. As prolific as Beethoven was, he wrote only one opera. Its name, please.
3. It was written by Meredith Wilson, it starred Robert Preston, and it even had a song about Gary, Ind. The title?
4. He was known as the March King, this American who wrote military and patriotic marches. What was his name?
5. We all know what marvelous instruments Stradivarius made, but do we know his first name? What is it?
6. And what kind of instrument did Ignaz Bosendorfer manufacture in Vienna? It's still being made all these years later.
7. "You make me smile with my heart" is one of the immortal lines from "My Funny Valentine." Sinatra sang it best of all, I think. What Broadway show (then movie) is it from?
8. You think you need an easy one? OK. Who made "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" a hit?
9. So brides often walk down the aisle to Wagner's "Wedding March." What large work is it from?
10. Two wonderful Hoosier songwriters gave us, among other masterpieces, "Stardust" and "Night and Day." Who were they? No, they didn't collaborate. Each one wrote one I've included.
11. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, it is one of the greatest money-makers of all time. Name the film.
12. "Seventy-Six Trombones" set our feet keeping time in what film?
13. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written during which war?
14. Mendelssohn wrote the other famous wedding music many of us used as a recessional. What Shakespeare play is it written for?
15. "If music be the food of love, play on" is from what play?
16. E.B. White wrote a wonderful children's book about a swan born without a voice. What is the title?
17. William Congreve wrote an oft-misquoted line: "Music has charms to soothe the (blank) (blank)." Fill in the blanks.
18. "I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man – who could ask for anything more?" Who wrote the lyrics to accompany his brother's rousing melody?
19. Where does one find "The Song of Solomon," sometimes called "The Song of Songs"?
20. This musical is thought by many to have changed forever the format of musicals. It included songs "Pore Jud Is Daid" and "Surrey with the Fringe on Top." Name the musical.
Bonus (if you need one): Name the beautiful musical that was based on the music – and life – of Edvard Grieg.
Answers: 1. "Singin' in the Rain"; 2. "Fidelio"; 3. "The Music Man"; 4. John Philip Sousa; 5. Antonio; 6. piano; 7. "Pal Joey"; 8. The Beatles; 9. the opera "Lohengrin"; 10. Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter; 11. "Sound of Music"; 12. "The Music Man"; 13. War of 1812; 14. "A Midsummer Night's Dream"; 15. Twelfth Night; 16. "The Trumpet of the Swan"; 17. "savage breast"; 18. Ira Gershwin 19. The Old Testament; 20. "Oklahoma"; Bonus: "The Song of Norway."
You scored at least 75, yes?


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Discover Offers Cashback Gas Station Bonus
RIVERWOODS, Ill. – Discover Financial Services is offering its Discover More and Discover it cardholders the opportunity to earn a 5-percent cashback bonus on up to $1,500 in gas purchases this summer.
From now through Sept. 30, cardholders can earn up to $75 in cashback bonuses when filling up at the pump. Consumers must first activate the program by logging into the Discover Account Center on the Internet or by calling Discover on the phone.
"Discover cardmembers who are commuting or traveling can earn up to a $75 cashback bonus for the many miles they drive during the summer months," said Heather L. Roche, vice president of rewards at Discover. "Whether you're driving to and from games or gatherings, or taking a road trip vacation, we believe the rewards will add up quickly all season long."
Once customers exceed $1,500 on gas purchases this summer, the cashback bonus reverts to the standard agreed-upon rate.
Riverwoods-based Discover Financial Services is a direct banking and payment services company well known for its Discover card.


text:
- Availability:
- In Stock
- Product Code:
- Nano 900 Power Red
- Brand:
- Apacs
Available Product PromotionsPeace Sale 10% Discount --OR-- Combo - Buy 2 Rackets at 20% Discount Get 20% off on all bags with this racket
Available Options
The Apacs Nano 900 Power (Red) racket has a very similar looks as the Yonex Armotec 900 Power racket.
- Apacs Nano 900 Power is designed for tactical and semi-offensive players.
- The racket is made to help players produce control and power using Apacs latest technologies, MicroTi and ElasticTi.
- MicroTi is loaded into the top of the frame to help hold the shuttlecock like a bow holding an arrow.
- The ElasticTi which is loaded into the frame and the shaft of the racket help to store and release the energy, as bow pulls and releases an arrow to its target.
- It's an ultra light racket with a head heavy frame (for attacking purpose). It provides the power to smash hard plus good control and to defend smashes.
- Continuous drive of the shuttle using this racket is easier and painless as it is considerably light. Retrieving smashes is easier as well due to the light feel of the racket.
- Surprising opponent with drop shot is very easy. Trick shot is also very good as the racket is easy to control. With less energy, smashing is as powerful. This racket is truly good for smashing and control.
|APACS Nano 900 Power (Red) Specifications
|Frame Material:
|Ultra Hi Modulus Graphite + ElasticTi (Titanium forge)
|Shaft Material:
|Ultra Hi Modulus Graphite + Nano Carbon
|Medium - Stiff
|85g +/- 1 (4U-G2)
|Max Tension:
|285mm +/- 3
|Special Features
|Isometric head frame
|Equalizes the length of main and cross strings in the stringbed, enlarging the sweet-spot for more consistent accuracy even on off-center hits.
|76 Grommets system
|This single-pass grommet holes construction provides more grommet holes, creating a high-performance stringing pattern that puts 7% more durability.
|Ultra Light Weight and Head Heavy Balance
It provides the power to smash hard plus good control and to defend smashes.
|Control support Cap
|The Control Support Cap provides 88% wider flat surface compared with an ordinary racket for better gripping, fast swing-through and the quicker maneuverability.
|Racket Specifications
|Ultra Hi Modulus Graphite
|Ultra Hi Modulus Graphite
|85g +/- 1 (4U-G2)
|Max Tension
|Balance Point
|285mm +/- 3
|Special Features
|ISO Head; Box Frame; Armor Power; 76 Grommets;
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text:
Confirmation builds on our baptism and unleashes its potential.As the Compendium says, "The effect of Confirmation is a
special outpouring of the Holy Spirit like that of Pentecost.
This outpouring impresses on the soul an indelible character and
produces a growth in the grace of Baptism. It roots
the recipient more deeply in divine sonship, binds him more
firmly to Christ and to the Church and reinvigorates the
gifts of the Holy Spirit in his soul. It gives
a special strength to witness to the Christian faith" (Compendium
of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 268).In the apostolates and schools guided by the Legionaries of
Christ and by the members of Regnum Christi, formation courses
are given to youth who wish to receive this sacrament
to strengthen their faith and become courageous witnesses of Christ
in the world. Some Regnum Christi members also help out
as confirmation teachers and catechists in their parishes.


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Then I should be truly indebted to the 37thinker website which has copied my articles in full (right down to my internal backlinks) here and here. Now please stop copying my articles without my permission and come up with your own content! You're not doing China's reputation any good.Read More...
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Topic: My mom has been diagnosed with intrahepatic cc
Hello everyone, my name is varun, i'm from Bangalore, India. My mom aged 53 yrs has been diagnosed with intrahepatic cc about 2 months back, we attempted surgery to resect the tumor, but it couldn't be resected as it has already infiltrated the blood vessels and they just ended up doing a bypass. Her jaundice is almost gone and she's just like a normal person. Doctors say chemotherapy or radiotherapy is almost useless and ineffective. However there was one doctor (oncologist) who we met who suggested chemotherapy using gemcitabine along with biological therapy. Also, when the surgery was performed, a biopsy of the actual tumor wasn't done, and a biopsy of only the lymph nodes were done which didn't reveal any cancer. The oncologist says, the surgeon should have definitely done a biopsy of the tumor at least using a brush to get some cells, and the surgeon says biopsy of the actual tumor is never done.
We also got a tumor marker test done, CEA, which was slighty out of range (4.78) and CA 19-9, was normal. We are a little confused now, it is cc 99%. Anyway, Could anyone please tell me how effective biological therapy or chemotherapy is?


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And, of course, the fine print:
Get free shipping on your next order when you spend over $100. The discount will be automatically applied to your purchase; no promo code required. The subtotal of your purchase must be $100.01 or greater after any promotional discounts have been applied. Additional fees such as tax or shipping and handling do not apply toward your minimum subtotal requirement of $100.01. Offer applies to standard shipping only. Certain items that require additional shipping and handling are excluded from this promotion and do not apply towards your $100.01 subtotal minimum. Offer subject to change.
The only thing better from shouting for ice cream... is shouting for someone to bring you your ice cream spoon. This hand-stamped piece of of silverware makes it perfectly clear what you eat with it, though it doesn't say how often (a suggestion: daily).
The vintage silver-plated tablespoon is approx. 7'' long, and is hand-hammered, so yours will be completely unique. (Though it will be similar to the one pictured, it won't be exactly the same.)
Spoon will read, "[Your name]'s ice cream spoon," in capital letters.
This product ships from the maker within 7 days, via USPS
Our custom items are made just for you and cannot be returned except for damage or defect. However, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please contact our customer service team and we will do whatever we can to make it right.


text:
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+ View Larger Image
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Product Details
Panasonic KX-PRL262B + (2) KX-PRLA20
is a Premium Series Dock Style Phone with iPhone5 Integration Capability and features
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This Model also provide the facility to play the content streamed from smartphone through built-in speakers and the handset functions as
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The Panasonic KX-PRL262B + (2) KX-PRLA20 has lots of exciting features for all customers. When looking for Panasonic KX-PRL262B Series make sure to check out all the Panasonic KX-PRL262B + (2) KX-PRLA20 has to offer. Also don't forget to purchase a PremiumStore extended warranty for future protection of the Panasonic KX-PRL262B + (2) KX-PRLA20. PremiumStore sells the Panasonic KX-PRL262B + (2) KX-PRLA20 as a Brand New item. These are just a few of the reasons to buy a Panasonic KX-PRL262B + (2) KX-PRLA20 from PremiumStore today!
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All logos displayed on this page are registered trademarks with their respective organizations.
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text:
Dell Deal a Turning Point
The Dell (DELL) transaction could be a major turning point, not just for credit, but for rates too.
Full disclosure, I'm long Dell bonds, which obviously makes recent news that Dell is seriously considering a leveraged buyout very painful. But that's not what I'm here to write about. Consider what this proposed transaction is: A steady-cash-flow-but-slow-growth company taking advantage of low interest rates and favorable credit conditions to increase leverage materially....593 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
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- AM FM Radios
- Antennas
- WiFi & Internet
- Audio
- LED Light
- Emergency Supplies
- Closeouts
Prices shown in currencies other than US Dollars are estimates based on current exchange rates. We will charge your credit card in US Dollars on the day your order is shipped, and the conversion to your local currency will be done at the prevailing rate by your credit card issuer.
C. Crane will not mark your parcel as a "gift", declare a value lower than the actual price paid, or otherwise prepare false customs information.
You may have noticed this new acronym popping up on some of our products. RoHS stands for Restrictions on Hazardous Substances, and it's a directive that could have a huge impact on the production and disposal of consumer electronics. First adopted in Europe in 2006 (and later adopted in California in 2007), RoHS restricts the use of six dangerous substances in lots of common electronics. According to the official RoHS compliance Web site (www.rohs.eu), the RoHS symbol indicates that "new electrical and electronic equipment put on the market does not contain any of the six banned substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, poly-brominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), in quantities exceeding maximum concentration values."
While some military and medical equipment is exempt from RoHS compliance, the electronics governed by the standard are among the most common you'll find in your home, from radios to MP3 players to cell phones and (increasingly) computers. In practical terms, the standard protects factory workers at the production level, sharply reducing their exposure to hazardous substances. The standard also has a profound impact on the disposal and recycling of electronics, in that disposed substances will no longer have at least six of the most hazardous chemicals formerly found in electronics, and recycled electronics will not expose workers to toxics as they harvest components.
The GeoBulb® MR16 will save you money and they will last a long time. This MR16 LED light bulbs uses just 3 watts of power and lasts up to 50,000 hours. The Geobulb® MR16 will save you energy and it offers a good return on your investment. If you run an MR16 LED bulb for 24 hours a day, seven days a week as found in some commercial installations it is possible to save about $200.00* above the retail and electrical cost of a standard incandescent M16 bulb (over five years).
The High Brightness, energy saving Geobulb® MR16 easily replaces conventional bulbs in indoor applications where a 20 Watt, 30 degree beam Halogen or incandescent bulb is used. High-quality materials, technique and over a decade of experience went into creating this LED bulb. You could be conserving precious resources and benefit financially by changing a simple light bulb.
Many commercial and residential situations exist where small MR16 bulbs are the best option to display artwork and to set the right ambience. However, the vast majority of MR16 bulbs are hot Halogen or incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescents do not factor into this small bulb market because of their inherent large size. The tiny size of an LED lends itself to small bulb applications like MR16 bulbs, allowing for compact, bright bulbs that consume very little electricity and generate little heat. The new GeoBulb® MR16 is a good choice to replace hot, energy guzzling 20-Watt MR16 bulbs. Up until recently, it was impossible to construct a High Brightness long lasting LED MR16 bulb. We have more experience building and testing LED light bulbs over a longer period of time than most companies.
It is smart to use energy as efficiently as possible. Our easy to get fuel resources are expected to start running out in a few generations. The Geobulb® MR16 is one of the best solutions to help extend our energy resources and you will be financially rewarded too because it is as easy as changing a light bulb. You will also help stop the burning of over 700 pounds of coal or an equivalent energy source to create electricity by using the GeoBulb® MR16.
The GeoBulb® MR16 is dimmable but a Electronic Low Voltage type dimmer must be used. Damage may occur if the wrong type of dimmer is used. See below for examples**
** Here are two Retailers who carry the correct low-voltage dimmers:
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**Here are 3 Retailers for Low Voltage Track Lighting Products:
|How we calculated your Return On Investment (ROI):
An Important Note: The GeoBulb® MR16 LED Bulb (Cool White) comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. If returned within 60 days of the purchase date, a refund will be issued based on your original payment method. Because this is a closeout item the parts & labor warranty is void. Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you.
|General Specifications
|GeoBulb® MR16
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|Cool White
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|1 13/16"
|1.3 oz.
|No Product Warranty
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.


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Same-sex marriage is legal as of about a minute ago in New York! It's a step in the right direction, at the very least. i don't know much more than that, it being it just came out.
Views: 245
That's amazing. I honestly prepared myself to beleive that would not pass.
Yay! We win!
Loren also posted this in Atheist News, likely more comments there. Andrew Cuomo is my next boyfriend. Oh wait, he's straight.....
You never know...
© 2017 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Richard Haynes. Powered by


text:
Abingdon United recorded their first home win of 2012 with a shock 2-1 victory against the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West play-off chasers Sholing.
The home side, whose last home win was against Didcot Town on Boxing Day, had Sholing on the back foot early on and took the lead when Aaron Parfitt's free-kick was powerfully headed home by Luke Carnell at the far post.
Five minutes later, Abingdon had a let-off when Kevin Gibbens's chip hit the woodwork.
At the other end, Ricky Allaway went close with a header as Abingdon kept up the pressure.
After the break, Abingdon kept up their grip and doubled their lead.
Sam Packer was fouled outside the area, with Sam Collier firing the resulting free kick through the wall and past Mike Hookway in the Sholing goal.
Abingdon almost added to their lead, but Hookway turned Matt Biddle's volley onto the bar and away.
Five minutes from time, Lee Wort cut the deficit after a swift turn and shot under the body of James Foster.
But Abingdon played out the final few minutes comfortably to record back-to-back victories.
Abingdon Utd: Foster, Biddle, Carnell, Allaway, Angell, Kingsbeer (Bird h-t), Evans, Parfitt (Christodolou 90), Packer, Collier, Young (Doyle 90). Subs not used: Longford, Smith.
Attendance: 55.


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After a sluggish December, importers of Mexican watermelons report stronger markets in January — and they likely will last a lot longer than that.
"It's going to get a little short, and a little crazy," said Brent Harrison, president of Nogales, Ariz.-based Al Harrison Co. "I'm afraid there will be a bidding war."
The Jalisco and Nayarit growing regions likely will wind up production in the first half of February, Harrison said. Between then and early April, supplies will be tight.
"We're looking at a gap the second half of February and most of March," he said. "We're already starting to see some of the effects of it."
Also, strong domestic demand in Mexico is luring producers with the promise of being paid in cash, Harrison said.
"It's hard to compete with that."
Rising prices in mid-January are driven by supply more than demand, said Ward Thomas, owner of McAllen, Texas-based Majestic Produce Sales.
"They're going up right now due to a lack of supplies coming in," Thomas said Jan. 16.
That was a welcome relief after a sluggish start to the import season, he said.
Jimmy Henderson, owner of Warren Produce LLC, McAllen, agreed.
"Demand has been off for the past month," he said Jan. 16. "It was pretty slow, then all of a sudden, you have 40% less coming in. It caused the market to react quite a bit."
On Jan. 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported prices of $5-6 per melon for 15-pound to 18-pound red-flesh seeded melons and $5-7 per melon for red-flesh seedless watermelons, the same price as last year at the same time.
Henderson doesn't see that changing anytime soon.
"We'll see a lot higher f.o.b.s for the foreseeable future," he said. "There are no new areas to change the supply side until mid-March."
New growing regions will come on before then, but they're not big enough producers to likely make much of a dent in markets, Henderson said.
Looking back on the pre-rain market, Henderson isn't quite sure what kept demand in check.
"I wish I could tell you," he said. "It really concerned me. We had a mild December, but the crossings compared to last two years were down, and the markets were also down" from the past two years, he said.
What troubles Henderson the most is that the sluggish movement and markets may have been primarily due to forces beyond his and other importers' control.
"Malaise in the economy is my guess," he said. "And that's scary — it's hard to fight."
And while the weather problems in Mexico will buoy markets for a while, the industry could be in for another lull if demand doesn't pick up before the domestic deals begin this spring.
"We'll have domestic watermelons by the end of March in Florida," he said.
If demand hasn't picked up by then, the industry could be in for a glut.
The rain-delayed lighter supplies in January dovetailed with typical post-holiday market behavior, said Jeff Fawcett, sales manager for Edinburg, Texas-based Bagley Produce Co.
The combination of stronger demand and lighter supplies came not a minute too soon.
"The last few weeks have been brutal," Fawcett said. "Pricing should strengthen. I feel February, March and April will be pretty decent months."


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Wade at #1 is right. He's freaking amazing. His only issue is health, and that comes from just playing hard and giving it his all.
Look at Granger, he's already admitted he doesn't play hard all the time to play longer. Not something I want or want to hear from the leader of my team.


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Get an overview of this hotel4-star Bogota hotel in Chico with 2 restaurants
Popular property highlights
Located in Chico, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Virrey Park, World Trade Center, and Del Chico Park. Iserra 100 Shopping Mall and Rockefeller Casino are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Hotel Features
This smoke-free hotel features 2 restaurants, a bar/lounge, and a rooftop terrace. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, a conference center, and 24-hour room service.
Room Amenities
All 75 soundproofed rooms provide free WiFi, free wired Internet, and Select Comfort beds. For a bit of entertainment, LCD TVs come with cable channels, and guests will also appreciate thoughtful touches like pillow menus and slippers.
Guest Highlights
- Good location
- Breakfast and onsite restaurant
- Helpful staff
Hotel Parque 97 Suites
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wired and wireless Internet access.
This 4-star property offers access to a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms. 3 meeting rooms are available. This business-friendly hotel also offers a rooftop terrace, multilingual staff, and concierge services. For a surcharge, the property provides an area shuttle within 100 km and a roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request). Onsite self parking is complimentary.
Hotel Parque 97 Suites is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
- Total number of rooms - 75
- Number of floors - 8
- Bar/lounge
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Concierge services
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Shopping center shuttle (surcharge)
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Laundry facilities
- Meeting rooms
- Multilingual staff
- Rooftop terrace
- Porter/bellhop
- Luggage storage
- Free self parking
- Conference center
- Number of meeting rooms - 3
- Year Built 1998
- Area shuttle (surcharge)
- Number of restaurants - 2
- 24-hour business center
- Shopping on site
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Television in common areas
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Soundproofed rooms
- Laundry facilities
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Premium bedding
- Soundproofed rooms
- Free newspaper
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Minibar
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Slippers
- Shower/tub combination
- Rainfall showerhead
- Desk
- In-room safe
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Cable TV service
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Room service (24 hours)
- Down comforter
- Pillow menu
- Sleep Number by Select Comfort mattress
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
Where to Eat
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning between 6 AM and 10 AM.
Pomarrosa - This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Terraza - Overlooking the garden, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting).
24-hour room service is available.
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
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 50 per night.
- Cribs (infant beds) are available.
- No pets or service animals allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- The national sales tax (19%) is charged upon check-out to citizens of Colombia regardless of length of stay and to foreigners staying 60 consecutive days or more. Foreigners on a tourist visa are exempt from this tax. Furthermore, the tax may apply per room when the room is shared by a taxable and a nontaxable guest.
- Resort fee: USD 3 per person, per night
Optional extras
- Airport shuttle fee: USD 23 per vehicle (roundtrip)
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 50 per night
Hotel Name
- Hotel 97
- Hotel Parque 97
- Hotel Parque 97 Suites
- Hotel Parque 97 Suites Bogota
- Parque 97 Suites
- Parque 97 Suites Bogota
- Suites 97
- Hotel Parque 97 Bogota
We should mention
If you are traveling with a child your property may require you to present the following documents: Parents traveling into Colombia with a child under 18 may be required to present the child's birth certificate and photo ID (passport for foreign visitors) upon check-in. If a relative or legal guardian is traveling into Colombia with the child, that relative or legal guardian may be required to present a notarized consent of travel signed by both parents and a copy of both parents' ID. If only one parent is traveling into Colombia with the child, that parent may be required to present a notarized consent of travel signed by the other parent. Visitors who plan to travel with children should consult with a Colombian consulate office prior to travel for further guidance. This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
Food and Beverage Offer
Book a stay in any room or rate category and receive a 10% food and beverage discount at the property restaurants Pomarrosa and Terraza.
Food and beverage discount details provided at check-in. Taxes and gratuities may not be included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Offer subject to availability. Offer is not valid with groups/conventions and may not be combined with other promotional offers. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.


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HOUSTON - The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend will provide flawless weather for any outdoor plans you have.
Temperatures will be seasonable, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s through Monday and beyond. You'll need jackets in the morning, maybe a light sweater in the afternoon, and don't forget your sunglasses as you head out the door!
This weekend's weather pattern is much more tranquil than that we had at the start of the week. High pressure is in control and will provide a gentle southeast wind through Sunday. That will provide a slow, steady warm-up as we bathe in the sun and draw in mild Gulf air.
On Monday, an unimpressive cold front will limp through the area without causing much of a stir. Don't expect any rain on MLK Day. In fact, don't expect many clouds, either. The atmosphere will be moisture-starved, so the only shift in our weather will be a wind shift. A northeast breeze will take over and put the brakes on our warming trend. It won't cause a big cool down, though, as temperatures will stay in the 60s in the afternoon.
Fortunately, for those of us who are enjoying the break from the wet, cold, gloomy weather from earlier this week, the bright and relatively balmy weather will hang around through most of next week. In fact, temperatures will be in the 70s by next Thursday. Our next chance for rain will be next Friday.
Get your full weather forecast any time at JustWeather.com.
More Weather:
- Houston JustWeather.com
- Severe Weather Alerts
- Weather Maps and Radars
- Radar Loops
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Copyright 2013 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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~And if you're only here to see Eli --> scroll down ~
so cute---both the quilt and the babe! :)
I say this almost every time you post a photo, but .... he is just ADORABLE! You have the cutest baby in the world :)
Two lovely 'works in progress'!
I love that dictionary fabric - could you let me know what it is? Want some!
Eli is ADORABLE. You are so brave to be going to craft fair. Everyone asks me what my dream job would be and I continually say a that I would love to make crafts and sell them at craft fairs and markets. Lucky you! Hope that it all goes well.
that fabric is fabulous! whose is it? Cant wait to see the whole quilt!
I love the text fabric! Did you make it or find it somewhere? So cool! Your little guy looks so sweet.


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The Wind Coalition – a nonprofit association that encourages wind energy development in eight south central U.S. states – has selected new leadership, including a new president and vice president.
The following wind industry veterans have been chosen:
Kevin Gresham, vice president of external affairs at E.ON Climate and Renewables North America, will be president. Gresham directs EC&R's governmental relations, federal and state regulatory activities, and public affairs across the U.S. He also serves as a member of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' (ERCOT) board of directors and as a member of the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association's board of directors. He also serves as vice president of The Wind Coalition's executive committee and chairs the American Wind Energy Association's State Policy Central Region Caucus.
Matt Langley, director of business development for Infinity Wind Power, will be vice president. Langley is responsible for Infinity's commercial activities, including power marketing, financing, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Infinity early this year, he was in a similar role at juwi Wind LLC, where he completed several acquisitions and developed juwi's market entry strategy for the Canadian market.
Thresa Allen, manager of market structure at Iberdrola Renewables, will be ERCOT chairwoman. She is the primary point of reference for Iberdrola Renewables with respect to market-specific operational and tariff-related items, specifically as they relate to wind asset management and wind integration within those regions. Prior to joining Iberdrola Renewables in 2004, Allen was with Enron and UBS Warburg Energy from 1990 to 2003, where she was responsible for natural-gas scheduling and various power positions.
Tim Conboy, director of government affairs at Acciona Energy, will be Southwest Power Pool chairman. Conboy started working in the wind industry in 2004 as managing director at Adirondack Wind Partners, where he managed the initial development of a utility-scale community wind project. He joined Acciona Energy in 2006 and, through February of this year, managed the development, acquisition and divestment of wind projects in the eastern U.S.
Vanessa Kellogg, director of governmental affairs for EDP Renewables, will be treasurer and secretary. She has been actively involved in The Wind Coalition since 2005 and served as a member of the executive committee from 2008 through 2011. In her current role, she is responsible for both legislative and regulatory policy within both SPP and ERCOT. She has worked closely with her industry and NGO counterparts throughout the south central region of the U.S. to help ensure that wind power interests are preserved and protected.


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Natural History Study of Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 2
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- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
This study will examine over the long-term the progress of patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), a condition associated with tumors of the nerves, brain and spinal cord. It will study patients tumors to learn how fast they can grow and if certain factors might affect their growth. It will also examine the effects of the tumors on patients abilities to carry out activities of daily living.
People between 8 and 75 years of age with NF2 may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures:
Initial evaluation, including hearing, eye and balance testing, gait (walk) testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain and spine, blood tests, and physical and neurological examinations.
MRI scans of the brain and spine every 6 months to follow the size and number of tumors.
Physical and neurological examinations and blood tests every 6 months.
Auditory tests every 12 months. These tests evaluate middle and inner ear function and the patient s ability to hear tones at different frequencies and to hear words at different volumes. The subject responds to tones and words that are delivered through earphones.
Eye examination every 1 to 2 years.
Gait testing every 12 months if a spinal cord tumor causes problems with sensation or muscle control in the arms and legs Subjects joints are measured while they walk across a room several times as scientific cameras record their movements.
Vestibular testing if the patient experiences changes in balance or undergoes treatment for vestibular schwannoma (a tumor that develops on the hearing and balance nerves). These tests check the function of various components of the balance system (eyes, inner ear, or leg and body sensation and muscles). They include:
- Videoelectronystagmogram Tracks subjects eye movements while they follow moving red lights with their eyes.
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potential Assesses subjects neck muscle movements in response to noise.
- Posturography Determines which parts of the balance system the subject relies on most. Subjects stand on a platform and try to maintain their balance while changes are made to the platform and the environment.
- Rotary chair test Subjects eye movements are monitored as they follow red spots and strips of light with their eyes while seated in a rotary chair that turns side to side at several speeds.
|Spinal Cord Disease Intracranial Central Nervous System Disorder Neurologic Disorders Brain Neoplasms
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Time Perspective: Prospective
|Official Title:
|A Prospective Natural History Study of Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)
- To determine the natural history (clinical and radiographic) of nervous system tumors in NF2
- To identify the stochastic factors that underlie the growth of NF2-associated tumors
|Study Start Date:
|January 8, 2008
The objective of this prospective natural history study on neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is to gain clinical and molecular insight into the effects of this tumor suppressor syndrome on tumor development and progression and to identify factors linked to symptom evolution.
Study Population
Two hundred fifty patients, ages 8-75, with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of NF2 will participate in this study.
Study participants will be evaluated with a thorough physical and neurologic examination upon enrollment. This initial outpatient evaluation will include ophthalmologic examination, magnetic resonance imaging with contrast of the craniospinal axis, NF2 research blood procurement and serum biomarker testing. Patients with measurable hearing will have audiology assessment performed during the initial visit. Patients with untreated vestibular schwannomas will have vestibular assessment performed during the initial visit. Whole genome/whole exome sequencing may be performed on blood or tissue obtained from subjects enrolled in this study who have surgery under a related study.
Patients with tumors that affect speech and swallowing production will be seen by a speech language pathologist at the following visit, where a standard clinical assessment of speech and swallowing function will be done. In patients with tumors that affect independent functioning associated with activities of daily living, a physical therapy and occupational therapy assessment will be performed at the following visit.
Subjects will be followed as outpatients for five years, during which clinical, radiologic and serum biomarker evaluation will be performed annually. Auditory testing will be performed annually for patients with measurable hearing. Patients with initially untreated vestibular schwannomas will be followed annually with vestibular testing. Ophthalmologic evaluation will performed every one to three years, depending on the severity of ocular lesions. Peri-operative speech and swallowing reassessments will be performed as medically indicated, when tumors that may affect these abilities are treated. Functional status testing will be repeated peri-operatively and annually thereafter when tumors that may affect independent functioning are treated.
If clinical symptoms attributable to any NF2-associated lesion are progressive in nature or warrant treatment intervention, testing may be repeated more frequently.
Outcome measures
Based on data derived from this study, we hope to identify factors that predict tumor development, forecast tumor growth and that underlie symptom formation. These findings should permit the safer treatment of the subset of tumors that will cause symptoms and avoid the unnecessary treatment of lesions that will remain stable (not requiring treatment) in these patients. Moreover, this prospective natural history study should be useful in identifying the stochastic factors that underlie the biology of these tumors.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|8 Years to 75 Years (Child, Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
- All patients will have the clinical diagnosis of NF2 by established clinical criteria or genetic testing.
- Males and females between the ages of 8 and 75.
- Capacity to undergo serial MRI scanning of the CNS.
- Clinically unstable condition that precludes serial clinical and imaging evaluation (i.e. Class 3 congestive heart failure, severe chronic renal insufficiency, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- Allergy or relative contraindications to MRI contrast agents.
- Contraindication to MRI scanning such as surgery that involves metal clips or wires, which might be expected to cause tissue damage or produce image artifacts.
- Patients with severe chronic renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), hepatorenal syndrome or post-liver transplantation.
- Patients who are pregnant at time of intake visit.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00598351
|United States, Maryland
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike
|Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
|Principal Investigator:
|Prashant Chittiboina, M.D.
|National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Additional Information:
|Responsible Party:
|National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00598351 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|January 10, 2008
|Last Updated:
|July 11, 2017
Keywords provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) ( National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) ):
Acoustic Neuroma
Vestibular Schwannoma
Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Brain Neoplasms
Neurofibromatosis 2
Spinal Cord Diseases
Nervous System Diseases
Central Nervous System Diseases
Brain Diseases
Pathologic Processes
Nerve Sheath Neoplasms
Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue
Neoplasms by Histologic Type
Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Genetic Diseases, Inborn
Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms
Nervous System Neoplasms
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
Neuromuscular Diseases
Central Nervous System Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Site
Neuroma, Acoustic
Neuroendocrine Tumors
Neuroectodermal Tumors
Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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Haren to start Friday; Ryu gets an extra day
LOS ANGELES -- While the Dodgers are rumored to be in talks for just about every starting pitcher on the market leading to Thursday's Trade Deadline, they have scheduled Dan Haren to start Friday night against the Cubs.
Haren, whose start was pushed back because of days off last Thursday and Monday, was inserted for Friday to give Saturday starter Hyun-Jin Ryu an extra day of rest.
Haren, 8-4 through June, has lost all four starts in July while allowing 20 earned runs in 19 innings. He also has allowed runs in the first or second inning in 15 of his last 16 starts.
Ryu will be pitching on five days' rest. In his two Major League seasons, Ryu's ERA is 2.80 on five days' rest, 2.59 on more than five, but 3.68 on four days' rest.
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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By Soham Sarkhel and Jatin Thakkar
Scorecard links: 1st ODI, 2nd ODI, 3rd ODI, 4th ODI, 5th ODI
India's run of not losing a bilateral series in Sri Lanka since 1997 continued successfully as they managed to see off a spirited Lankan challenge to clinch the 5 match ODI series 4-1. The Sri Lankans had their moments in the series but failed to capitalise on them and went on to lose their 6th consecutive ODI series against India.
Here is an overview of the series through the Impact Index lens.
Interestingly, there are 4 players above Virat Kohli on this list with a higher overall impact in the series. However, amongst the players who competed in all the five matches of the series Kohli had the highest impact as a single-skilled player (Malinga edges out only because of his Batting IMPACT). Virat Kohli had an impact on all the batting parameters in the series and topped the Pressure and the Chasing IMPACT charts for India—something in which he has been brilliant throughout his career. His performance in the 4th ODI where he scored an unbeaten 128 off 119 balls to help India chase 256 after they had collapsed at one point of time to 109-4 was the highest Batting IMPACT performance of the series and also helped India seal the series in their favour.
Kumar Sangakkara continued his brilliant run of form and again emerged as the highest impact batsman for Sri Lanka although he was highly unfortunate to miss the last two matches due to an injury at a time when Sri Lanka were trailing 1-2 in the series and needed him the most. In both of his innings he absorbed considerable pressure; more so in the 3rd ODI where he shepherded his team to a total of 286 after being reduced to 20-3 and registered the highest Pressure IMPACT for a batsman in the series.
Lasith Malinga emerges as the highest impact bowler of the series even though his wickets tally of 8 is equal to that of Thisara Perera and Irfan Pathan mainly because of his high consistency rate (20% failure rate). More importantly, Malinga provided two instances in the series where he swung the match in Sri Lanka's favour which unfortunately his team couldn't capitalise in the end. The first instance came in the 3rd ODI where he struck off consecutive balls to take out MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma and left India gasping at 180-5 chasing 287 for victory and the second performance came in the 5th ODI where he took out Manoj Tiwary and Suresh Raina again off consecutive balls to reduce India to 197-5. Even though his performances didn't result in a win for the Lankans, on a personal level he finally achieved to deliver against the Indians in the ODIs; something which he had failed miserably in his earlier encounters and for which he was highly criticised.
Irfan Pathan, who was initially dropped on this tour and made it only because of an injury to Vinay Kumar, emerged as the highest impact bowler for India in the series. His performance camouflaged the disappointing performances of the three other Indian pacers—Zaheer Khan, Ashok Dinda and Umesh Yadav who barely managed to cross 1 on their Bowling IMPACT charts. Irfan Pathan's high propensity to take wickets came to the fore again as he was instrumental in getting India the breakthroughs upfront on a consistent basis throughout the series as a result of which he also had the highest Pressure Building IMPACT amongst all the bowlers. His performance in the 5th ODI where he took 5-61 off his 10 overs to foil Sri Lanka's chase was also India's highest impact bowling performance of the series.
Both Lahiru Thirimanne and Jeevan Mendis impressed in whatever limited opportunities they got and were one of the bright spots for Sri Lanka in this series. Their performances in the 5th ODI, in particular was exceptional (even though it went in vain) where they forged a partnership of 102 runs for the 6th wicket after being reduced to 102-5, chasing a total of 295 runs.
Both Manoj Tiwary and Rohit Sharma finished at the opposite ends of the table with the former impressing immensely in the two opportunities that he got and putting forward a strong case for his selection above Sharma in the ODI team. Tiwary in particular impressed in the fifth ODI where he came in at a time when India were precariously poised at 87-3 before scoring 65 off 68 balls to give India a launching platform at the end. He also gave more than a handy performance with the ball (4-61) in the 4th ODI to reduce Sri Lanka from 152-2 to 218-7 and managed to increase his stakes for a regular place in the final XI.
Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews were the only two players (Tiwary is excluded because he registered a Bowling IMPACT in only one match) to register an all-round impact in the series (Both Batting and Bowling IMPACT over 1). Perera was also the second-highest impact bowler for Sri Lanka in the series and also gave the highest impact bowling performance of the series in the second ODI where he took 3-19 off his 8 overs to derail the Indian batting order which eventually resulted in the only Lankan win of the series. Angelo Matthews on the other hand had a good series as a batsman (had an impact on all the batting parameters) and also emerged as the bowler with the highest Economy IMPACT.
In all, 8 Indian players managed to have a Series IMPACT of over 2 as compared to only 5 players from Sri Lanka. While India were guilty of having only 1 underperformer (Series IMPACT of less than 1) throughout the series in the form of Rohit Sharma, Sri Lanka played two such players—Dinesh Chandimal and Tillekeratne Dilshan. While Sharma and Chandimal have been criticised enough in the mainstream media, Dilshan's name has been surprisingly missing on those reports.
Overall, India's Team IMPACT of 1.66 just shades out Sri Lanka's Team IMPACT of 1.50 which shows the intensity with which the series was fought and also that the 4-1 margin may just have been a bit too harsh on the Lankans.
For more information, please go to www.impactindexcricket.com


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Hewlett Packard
10 Jan 2013 at 05:56
Sameer has arrived at the HP testing facility. Sameer you are lucky, what a great opportunity to go behind the scenes at HP. HP loves having Flat Stanleys visit. Today, Sameer helped out with testing and got to hang out with cool HP employees. Go Sameer!
With Sameer


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Trading Andre Ethier would make no sense for the Los Angeles Dodgers just six months after they awarded him with a contract extension. Of course, giving Zack Greinke a $147 million contract didn't make much sense, either.
But such is the way of the Dodgers, who are enjoying their newfound riches like a pauper who just hit the Powerball.
The Dodgers, however, quickly tried to defuse the Ethier speculation. Minutes after FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal introduced the rumors on MLB Network on Tuesday morning, he followed with a report saying the club has zero intention of moving its 30-year-old right fielder. They would, of course, listen to any inquiring team, and two AL clubs reportedly have called.
Conventional thinking would be that that Los Angeles would listen to offers for Ethier because trading him could help reduce its ever-rising payroll. After signing Greinke, the team's payroll figures to climb well north of $200 million, and that is before a luxury tax hit that could run another $30 million or more.
Ethier is about to enter the first year of a five-year, $85 million extension he signed in June—not long after the new ownership group had been awarded the club.
But reducing payroll apparently would not be the driving force behind an Ethier trade. Instead, the club could deal Ethier to open a spot in the outfield for free agent Michael Bourn, who would fill the need for a leadoff hitter. The Dodgers, in fact, likely would have to pay a chunk of Ethier's contract to trade him.
That the Dodgers are seeking a leadoff hitter also speaks to their free-spending ways. They already have a prototypical leadoff hitter in shortstop Dee Gordon, but he lost his position last summer when the Dodgers traded for Hanley Ramirez. Gordon is now believed to be available in a trade.
The Dodgers also are shopping starters Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano. Both veterans turned in solid seasons on bargain contracts in 2012 but have become expendable after the acquisitions of Greinke, Josh Beckett and just-signed South Korean lefthander Hyun-Jin Ryu.


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Like most non-Buddhists who get introduced to Buddhism through Zen, my knowledge of Theravada is rudimentary. I am familiar with terms like Shamatha and Vipassana (at least I feel I am) and would like to know if meditation practices of Zen tradition have any correlation with Shamatha and Vippassana.
My main interest is in the Zen practice of sitting in Lotus posture. Ideally, the practitioner would only require to just sit and relax and try to maintain the posture - instead of actively putting effort to concentrate the mind or analytically observe various phenomena. My question is, what would this Zen meditation practice lead to, according to Theravada perspective? Will it lead to Jhanas? Or will it lead to insight? In other words, is this Zen meditation a form of Shamatha (since there is nothing that we actually do than just sit) or Satipatthana (mindfulness) according to Theravada perspective?
And from Theravada perspective, what benefits will I gain if I consistently practice this method of "bare sitting"?


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Vail Daily letter: Know your food
February 7, 2013
As a frequent guest in the Vail Valley, I have become an avid reader of the Vail Daily. I enjoyed the article about organic foods and the problems with the label "certified organic."
I am a farmer from Illinois and the fifth generation on our centennial farm, a practicing farmer for 45 years and an accredited farm manager. I would like to assure consumers of food that there are many sustainable methods of farming other than and arguably superior to organic farming.
There are many attributes of organic farming that are admirable, but as the article pointed out, organic production is largely carried out by large corporate entities and is a marketing tool, not a lifestyle.
To a certain degree, marketing of food is a zero sum game. As consumer groups demand more organic foods (which generally yield 20-60 percent less), more land is devoted to the most profitable production.
Currently, world agriculture is able to keep up with the growing demand for food, not just in the Vail Valley, but also in areas less affluent.
The article also stressed the need to "know your farmer." I agree with this concept, but my acquaintance of farmers in the Vail Valley is limited (actually I know of zero farmers here). Less than 2 percent of the U.S. population are farmers, and it may be difficult for everyone to get to know and trust an actual farmer.
Recommended Stories For You
I encourage everyone to know their food and demand quality food, but please be careful of the conditions that you impose on other farmers and consumers.
Ron Young
Carlinville, Ill.