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by Staff Writers
Tel Aviv, Israel (SPX) Nov 10, 2011
According to scientists, carbon monoxide (CO), a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas, is not only a danger to the environment but also highly toxic to human beings. Found in the exhaust of vehicles and generators, CO has been dubbed the "silent killer" because excessive inhalation is lethal, poisoning the nervous system and heart.
Now, in a surprising twist, Prof. Itzhak Schnell of Tel Aviv University's Department of Geography and the Human Environment has discovered that low levels of the poisonous gas can have a narcotic effect that helps citydwellers cope with other harmful environmental factors of an urban environment, such as off-the-chart noise levels. This finding indicates that CO, in small doses, is a boon to the well-being of urbanites, better equipping them to deal with environmental stress.
The research has been published in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
Gas combats noise pollution
Instead, Prof. Schnell and his fellow researchers wanted to measure how people living in an urban environment confronted stressors in their daily lives. They asked 36 healthy individuals between the ages of 20 to 40 to spend two days in Tel Aviv, Israel's busiest city.
The test subjects travelled various routes to sites such as busy streets, restaurants, malls and markets, by public and private transportation or by foot. Researchers monitored the impact of four different environmental stressors: thermal load (heat and cold), noise pollution, carbon monoxide levels, and social load (the impact of crowds).
Participants reported to what extent their experiences were stressful, and their input was corroborated with data taken from sensors that measured heart rate and pollutant levels. Noise pollution emerged as the most significant cause of stress.
The most surprising find of the study, says Prof. Schnell, was in looking at levels of CO that the participants inhaled during their time in the city. Not only were the levels much lower than the researchers predicted - approximately 1-15 parts per million every half hour - but the presence of the gas appeared to have a narcotic effect on the participants, counteracting the stress caused by noise and crowd density.
Turn down the volume
The study's next step is to investigate how environmental loads impact the more vulnerable segments of the population, such as infants, the elderly, and those with medical conditions such as asthma. "We would be able to tell more accurately under what conditions vulnerable people shouldn't go out, and more importantly, identify areas that are still safe, helping to increase freedom of movement," notes Prof. Schnell.
But for now, urban dwellers can all contribute to making their environment a less stressful one by turning down the noise, he suggests. The findings indicate that most of the noise in an urban landscape is generated by human activity, and if individuals made an effort to reduce the noise they were making, they could help to reduce the environmental load placed on their neighbors.
This research was carried out in cooperation with Dr. Oded Potchter and Yaron Yaakov from the Department of Geography and the Human Environment, Prof. Haggai Hermesh from the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Yoram Epstein from the Heller Institute of Medical Research, and Dr. Shmuel Brenner from the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.
Our Polluted World and Cleaning It Up
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Decline in dead zones: Efforts to heal Chesapeake Bay are working
Baltimore MD (SPX) Nov 10, 2011
Efforts to reduce the flow of fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay appear to be giving a boost to the bay's health, a new study that analyzed 60 years of water quality data has concluded. The study, published in the November 2011 issue of Estuaries and Coasts, was conducted by researchers from the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Center fo ... read more
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King Kim Names His Heir
South Korean media outlets are reporting that North Korea's Kim Jong-il (right) has chosen his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, as his successor. Little is known about Kim the younger, except that he was born in either 1983 or 1984 and is considered the most capable of the Kim brood.
Kim Jong-un, born either in 1983 or early 1984, was educated in Switzerland and intelligence sources have said he appears to be the most capable of Kim's three known sons.
Even by North Korea's opaque standards, very little is known about the son, whose youth is a potential problem in a society that adheres closely to the importance of seniority.

subset: commoncrawl


text: On 17 Jun 2003, Richard S. Crawford wrote: > I've tried commenting out this line in /etc/inittab, but when I restart > the computer, the line is restored to /etc/inittab. Replace word "respawn" with "once" and see what's happening. Maybe it will not restore. If this doesn't help you'll have to trace the script which alters inittab. The suspects are /etc/init.d/setserial and ppp. To disable init.d script, rename it. ML


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Nevada DMV issues License to Google self driving Cars
The Nevada department of Motor Vehicles has reported on their official website on Monday that Nevada DMV has approved the Google license application to test autonomous vehicles on Nevada Public Roads. Google self driven car test license has been first of its kind in United states under new laws and regulation.
Before issuing the license the car has been tested on the along freeways, state highways and neighborhoods both in Carson City and the busy Las Vegas Strip. A special number plate has been designed for the test vehicle which will be easily recognizable by Public and Law enforcement. The Logo design is:
The director of Nevada DMV Bruce Breslow said about Logo design "I felt using the infinity symbol was the best way to represent the "car of the future". When there comes a time that vehicle manufactures market autonomous vehicles to the public, that infinity symbol will appear on a green license plate.
Google is the first company to file an application with the Nevada DMV to test their self autonomous system. To file for an application for a license in Nevada DMV any automobile company or individual has to submit:
- Proof that one or more of your autonomous vehicles have been driven for a combined minimum of at least 10,000 miles.
-Complete description of your autonomous technology
-Detailed safety plan
-Plan for hiring and training your test drivers.
As per Nevada DMV other automobile manufacturers have also shown interest in these Licenses. So it may be in recent future we will see other license being approved.


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Jennifer Hayghe Appears In Guest Recital Jan. 29Jan. 26, 2001
by Richard Veit
Acclaimed pianist Jennifer Hayghe, the last student of the late Adele Marcus, will present a recital at Baylor University at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, in Roxy Grove Hall. The program will include music by Robert Schumann, Ludwig van Beethoven, Alexander Scriabin, Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt.
The recital will open with two major works that are staples of the keyboard repertoire--Schumann's Kinderscenen (which includes the beloved "Träumerei") and Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101.
Following intermission, Hayghe will turn to several shorter compositions from eastern Europe. She will play three etudes by Scriabin, a nocturne by Chopin, one of the three Petrarch Sonnets (No. 104) of Liszt and then Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6.
Among Hayghe's notable performances as a solo recitalist are those with the Mostly Mozart Festival in both New York's Avery Fisher Hall and the Tokyo Bunkamura. She also was recently a soloist at Carnegie Hall at the Adele Marcus Foundation Inaugural Concert, featuring performances by other former students of Marcus, including Agustín Anievas, Jon Kimura Parker and Byron Janis.
This recital is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Baylor School of Music at 710-3991.
More News ...


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Archive for Thursday, March 20, 2008
Local contractor low bidder for Riverfest Park work
March 20, 2008
It would appear the same local contractor responsible for the first stage of construction of the new De Soto Riverfest Park will also do the second.
Five bids were opened last Thursday for the second stage of construction of the park's $676,000 first phase. The low bidder was R.L. Construction of De Soto, the same contractor awarded the contract for the brush clearing and initial earthwork at the West Bottoms site.
City engineer Mike Brungardt will recommend the De Soto City Council approved Duncan's bid when it meets Thursday.
Duncan's bid for $535,500 was $27,000 less than the engineer's estimate and $64,000 less than the closest bid submitted by Blacktop Paving of De Soto.
"We had pretty tight bids on the low end," Brungardt said. "The low to high was a bit of a spread but I think some of that was with the electrical work."
Duncan's base bid was $13,000 more the the city has in the budget to complete the park's first phase, Brungardt said. There is no contingency fund.
With the land prepped, the final work on Riverfest Park's first phase will include installation of sidewalks, construction of a performance stage, installation of electrical wiring and water lines, completion of gravel roadways and grass seeding.
The park is to be the home of the De Soto Days Festival starting in 2009. Its supporters hope it will become a popular spot for events that attract people to De Soto.
The hope is the park will be ready for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce's Blues and Barbecue and Barbecue Contest scheduled for October.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The U.S. ambassador to Pakistan on Thursday predicted another terrorist attack in the country, saying President Pervez Musharraf has "stirred up a hornet's nest" with his crackdown on Islamic extremists.
Since Musharraf banned five radical Islamic groups in January, there have been three attacks on foreigners, all blamed on Muslim militants.
"I expect there will be another attack here," Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin said in an interview with The Associated Press a week before ending her assignment in Pakistan.
She noted that two of the attacks -- one in the heavily defended capital of Islamabad and the other against French engineers working for Pakistan's navy -- were a direct assault on Musharraf's authority.
Four people, including two Americans, were killed in a grenade attack March 17 on a Christian church frequented by foreigners.
A suicide bombing on May 8 killed 14 people, including 11 French engineers helping Pakistan build an Agosta submarine. One of the dead was a Pakistan navy officer assigned to protect the French engineers.
Militants with links to the al-Qaida terror network also are blamed for the kidnapping on Jan. 23 of American Daniel Pearl, the South Asia bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, who was later killed.
The threat of more attacks has others worried.
Britain on Wednesday recalled some of its diplomats from Pakistan and urged its citizens to avoid traveling to the country, citing terrorist threats made against two British consulates. The Australian government also urged its citizens to leave Pakistan.
The United States scaled back its diplomatic presence after the church attack.
Chamberlin, who took up her post last August, is returning to the United States for family reasons.
Musharraf's support for the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan enraged many in predominantly Muslim Pakistan. But Chamberlin said Pakistan's assistance in tracking down al-Qaida and Taliban fugitives has been unfailing.
"Pakistan has no interest in having uncontrollable al-Qaida on their soil. They are making extra effort to stop that," she said.
Concerning the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir, she said the situation is "very serious."
"We are very concerned about the threat of war," Chamberlin said.
But she refused to say whether the United States believes Musharraf is doing enough to crack down on groups opposed to India's rule over part of Kashmir.
Washington's concerns over Pakistan's role in the Kashmiri insurgency are part of "our private dialogue," she said.
India says Pakistan-based groups are behind the separatist attacks in Kashmir that have brought the two nuclear neighbors to the brink of war.
A million troops, along with tanks and heavy guns, are on alert along the frontier and Pakistan is considering sending more, including some of the troops helping U.S. special operatives hunt for al-Qaida and Taliban fugitives.
Pakistan has said it needs international help to get India to the negotiating table. India says it won't talk until Pakistan ends its help for insurgents.
Chamberlin said Secretary of State Colin Powell is on the phone regularly with leaders of both countries, urging negotiations without preconditions. Powell is sending his deputy, Richard Armitage, to the region early next month to try to defuse tensions.
Pakistan says the Kashmiri insurgency is a "freedom struggle" and gives moral and diplomatic support to its cause.
"There is no clear firewall between terrorists and freedom fighters," Chamberlin said.
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Joshua 1:7-8New International Version (NIV)
7 "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Cross references:
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In Reply to: Re: To Lynne W. and Susan posted by Susan on August 31, 2000 at 23:31:35:
: : Did i tell you im from asia? and i havent heard of Sindroid or whatever medicine you guys are talking about. It could be that my doctor is conservative or our medications here are out dated! I am hyper...i had my RAI in 97 and havent been taking any anti-thyroid drug since then. Im only taking inderal which is a beta blocker for my palpitations. My last TSH test showed a 0.04 level. That's way bad huh? My doctor still didnt give me any medicine! she's really conservative! Why didnt the RAI cure my hyper? I guess it was just a small dose since i was only 19 when i took it! You think i took it really early and it would casue serious side effects since i was still a teenager then! Im starting to get tired from all this! I had it hyper since i was 12! I'm still young...22...and i feel im missing out of sooo many things since i suffer from hyper! Plus the fact that i may be infetile because of it :( I'm glad you guys are there...i can share my thoughs and fears!
: Teresa, WWW.about.com has good information on the thyroid and related issues check it out. Synthroid is for hypothyroid and is a replacement PTU is for hyper and lowers your T4 levels. As far as the RAI not working 1st, did you only have an uptake done or did you go in a 2nd time and have a major dose of RAI? Some times they even miss judge with the massive RAI and have to do it a second time. If you can find another doctor more knowlegable in the endocrin (glands) system you might get different care. I do not know your situation and how your medical system works. I wish you the best.
: Susan
I agree with Susan. It sounds like you may need another dose of RAI. at least get on some kind of antithyroid drugs if not another dose of RAI. If you want to have children, you may want to go straight for the RAI as it will be quicker. Your TSH is very low and I had a miscarriage with a TSH of .03 as the embryo can't implant properly when you're that hyper.Good luck to you Lynne W
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Local officials in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn unveiled a new security initiative Sunday in response to the murder of Leiby Kletzky, the 8-year-old boy slain after getting lost on his way home from day camp nearly a year ago.
Kletzky's father was at the unveiling, though he was too emotional to speak.
More than 150 surveillance cameras will be placed outside schools, banks and synagogues throughout the community.
"If we can save one life with this investment by the state, it will be worthwhile," said state Sen. Dean Skelos.
Assemblyman Dov Hikind said $1 million was invested in the security system.
Kletzky was walking home alone from day camp last July when he got lost and encountered Levi Aron, the man accused of drugging, smothering and dismembering him. Parts of Kletzky's body were found in a nearby dumpster and in Aron's freezer.
The discovery overwhelmed the grief-stricken community.
While officials said preventing crime is the number-one reason for the cameras, they also hope it will help deter potential terrorists from targeting the mostly Jewish community.
Residents don't seem to mind the cameras. Few noticed one at 48th Street and 13th Avenue Sunday.
"We live in a world where there's terrorism and things like that, so maybe it will help reduce crime," said Gary Dworkin.
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2. Claims will not be considered unless filed by exhibitor prior to close of exposition.
3. Under no circumstances shall anyone other than a Convention Center electrician make electrical connections.
4. All exhibitor's cords must be of the 3 wire grounded type. All exposed non current carrying metal parts of fixed equipment, which are liable to be energized, shall be grounded and U.L. listed.
5. Rates quoted for all connections cover only the bringing of service to the booth in the most convenient manner and do not include connecting equipment or special wiring.
6. All electrical, phone and data service comes from floor utility boxes. (no overhead installation).
7. Each 110v service connection is 1 cord with 1 outlet.
8. Advance orders must be received a minimum of ten (10) days prior to exhibitor arrival for move in and paid in full prior to start of the event.
1) Select the event you will be attending below by double-clicking on the Name of the Event. The events are listed in date order. If the event you are ordering service for is not in the list, please contact our Utility Services Department at (205)458-8898 or e-mail our Service Desk.
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HONOLULU Amanda Renfro tossed a one-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts, helping the unranked Texas Tech softball team record its first-ever win against Texas Saturday in the Paradise Classic.
Tech shortstop Paula Workman went 2 for 3 with three RBI. Her two-run single keyed Tech's three-run fifth inning before Tech went on to claim a 4-0 win against the No. 19 Longhorns.
Earlier in the day, Tech suffered a 6-0 loss against No. 20 Hawaii. Freshman pitcher Sherri Oronoz hurled a one-hit shut-out in her collegiate debut.
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" Units 6 & 7, Omni Leisure Complex, Greenside Place, Edinburgh,EH1 3AA.Tel: 0131 524 9300 "
This is my local when I am in the City. I've known about it for about a year and a half, but never made it round there. We eventually got round and now will alawys go there for a few drinks and the occassional meal.
Situated in the Omni Centre in Edinburgh. This centre has a Cinema, Gym and the rest is made up of Eating and Drinking places such as Slug and Lettuce, Pizza Hut, Chinois Chinese Buffet and Frankie and Bennys. The Omni Centre is about a 6 minute leisurely walk away from Princes Street and how you get to it is if you are at the Waverly Train Station steps (imagine you have just walked up them!), turn to your right, cross at the traffic lights, walk down the hill and you just follow the road all the way down past John Lewis, but on the opposite side. The Omni centre is set just back a bit from the main road. You can go in the main entrace to the centre, but this Bar is way at the back, so you will have to walk all the way through. The easier way is to cut through the square outside of the Centre and there is an entrance at the back of the building that takes you straight into the Bar. There is also tables, chairs and benches outside that you can take your drinks and meal out to.
This is marketed as an Australian Theme Pub, and although it has austrailan themes all over it, I always think of Theme Bars being tacky and full of loud people. I've been in here mid afternoon and the odd evening and although it ca get pretty busy, it isn't overbearing and you don't wait too long to get served either.
The staff here are nice and i've not had a surly or bad member of staff yet. A few of them are Australian and perhaps that add to the value of the Pub.
Inside is pretty spacious. The bar is set on the left hand side of the room and also the kitchen is here as well. There is a few stools at the bar as well. The seating seems to be split into 2 categories and all seats have tables at them. The first half of the room has tall stools with tall tables, and the other part of the room has comfy leather wrap around chairs and a square table at the right height. This is where we always sit, as it seems more comfy than trying to hitch up onto a stool. The 1 word of critisism would be that because all the seating, tables, bar and flooring is a dark brown colour, then it can look a little dingy in my view, so perhaps the odd lighter colour would go a long way. There is a Pool table, dance floor and DJ booth in here as well!
There is stuffed Koala's and kangaroos around the place and the odd Australian flag. There is 6 Large Plasma Televisions dotted around the place and they are broadcasting a mixture of Sport and Music Channels. Oddly enough the sound is often on both Tv's so you can hear the Music with a mix of Sports commentary going on in the background.
The toilets are great. The women's toilets have a few mini Televisions around the sink area, full lenght mirrors and you can even pay £1 and use their GHD's up there. Not sure how long £1 gets you, but a pretty smart bathroom. Also the flush sensors are automatic, so you just wave your hand in front of them and they flush! I've been told the men's toilets are the same (even down to the GHDs), but they have tv's at the usinals as well. The bad point about the toilets are that you walk alond a windy corridor and then up 20 stairs, so the corridor may make you dizzy after a few drinks and also if you are not careful you may fall down all the stairs.
Now down the important part - the Food and Drink. The last time we were there we saw they had launched something called a Boomerange Card - What's that? Well for £3 you get a little plastic card and that allows you 25% off everything you buy. The prices are already resonable for Edinburgh City Centre, but this makes it even better. A pint of Beer is normally £2.90, but now down to £2.20, and a 2 pint Pitcher of Cocktail is normally £7.50, but is down to £5.80. I always get a Pitcher to myself if we are settling in for a couple of hours as they are delicious and pretty cheap at that. The Cocktails are all named after Australian themes such as Screaming Gallah, and Kicking Kangaroo. Also with your Boomerange Card you get a unlimited Vodka and Red Bulls for £1.50. Made with Smirnoff and proper Red Bull. We bought the Card in March and it runs out end of August, so we've certainly had our money back with it.
The food here is nice as well. They serve huge Burgers, and you get all the toppings on them, Chips, Onion Rings, Coleslaw and Salad and with your Card it costs £4.05. Other grub they serve is Pies, Pasta, Fresh Sandwiches, a few desserts and the odd starter. I wasn't taken with their started and dessert range, but I guess they focus on Pub grub more than anything. they also serve Kangaroo steaks and burgers - but I wouldn't even go there!
A great chilled out place to eat and drink. The atmosphere and prices are great.
If you go to Google and type in Walkabout and then the city you are looking for it will bring the website up, as they are all different for the different cities (well they were the last time I checked!)
Looking for a cool sports bar, night club or party venue with an Australian twist in Edinburgh? Look no further! Walkabout to the rescue!


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Texas angler Gary Klein wanted to tuck himself somewhere in a creek along Guntersville Lake and hope it worked.
BIRMINGHAM — Texas angler Gary Klein wanted to tuck himself somewhere in a creek along Guntersville Lake and hope it worked.
His plan for fishing along the Tennessee River didn't prove fruitful. Confetti fell on the winner of the 44th Bassmaster Classic on Feb. 23 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, and it wasn't Klein holding the trophy high above his head before thousands of fans.
The scene was in stark contrast to Klein's first Classic in 1979, when the weigh-in was held "on the shore and probably 100 people in the parking lot."
Klein, of Weatherford, entered the Classic field composed of 55 anglers in sixth place on the B.A.S.S. Millionaires and Top All-Time Money Winners with earnings of $1,920,941. He qualified for this year's Classic by Angler of the Year point standings.
I first met Klein about 20 years ago long after he'd fished his first Classic. You'll never meet a more humble pro angler. He talks as if he's known you for years and is as competitive a fisherman as you'll come across.
It would have been bittersweet for Klein, the very definition of an underdog, to win in the Bassmaster Classic on his 30th try.
No matter how hard he tried, or how many people were rooting for perhaps the biggest underdog in the field of 55 anglers, 2014 wasn't the year for Klein. He never put together a pattern for catching five-bass limit bags.
"I do know one thing," Klein said on the eve of the tournament. "One thing is, I'm just going to go fishing and enjoy it. It's one of the greatest fisheries right now that we have in the country.
"I hope everybody takes care of it because I've experienced Guntersville just not too long ago where it wasn't a top fishery. In fact, people avoided it because there was no population in it, but they were smart enough to realize that.
"They're not killing off vegetation the way they did before, and they are letting things come back, so hopefully everybody will take care of it because it is a good fishery."
That's Klein at his best, talking about a fishery and sport he loves.
Klein's 30 qualifications for the Super Bowl of bass fishing are second behind the 32 of legendary Rick Clunn, who is tied with Kevin VanDam as the anglers to have won the Classic world championship the most — four times.
"I feel honored," Klein said of his veteran status among the 2014 Bassmaster Classic field. "I know I worked and I earned it."
Klein, the only angler to have qualified for the Classic in five consecutive decades, couldn't help but feel some annoyance at having never won the Bassmaster Classic.
"Part of it is a little bit of frustration because I haven't won one yet," Klein said, explaining he felt he had three won prior to this year's tournament, but, "I've just had a little hiccup that cost me the victory."
That naturally weighs on him.
"That's always hard to some extent, you always think about it," he said. "I used to make a joke with myself about, well, I'm going to break Roland Martin's record because he had fished 25 and never won."
Now Klein has 30 Classics in the rearview mirror without a win. Who knows how many more Classic championships he'll fish.
Klein, a two-time Angler of the Year, is a competitor who loves another day in his outdoor office.
He has competed in 357 B.A.S.S. events with eight victories — the seventh most in the sport's history. He's fourth in the B.A.S.S. record book with the most consecutive Classic appearances with 17 from 1984-2000 behind Clunn (28), VanDam (24) and Larry Nixon (18).
Klein knows how close he's come to winning the Bassmaster Classic, and that fuels him.
"I got to experience for a very short window of time the sense that I had won the Classic," Klein said, referring to the 2003 championship won by Michael Iaconelli. "Mike was the last angler to weigh in. I knew it was going to be close. I had not seen his fish. Somehow he caught a 3-pounder right there at the end, but I'm thinking he still doesn't have anything.
"Other people who had been looking in the livewells said, 'You've got him,' and I let myself believe that I was the champion before I actually weighed my fish, and of course, when I came in and weighed my fish, I took the lead.
"Then I stood on stage even up until the time that Mike put his fish on the scales, living it, and it was a really cool feeling, and that's probably another reason why I'm so dedicated to making it because I would like to relive that, because that was pretty awesome."
As high a feeling as that was, the low of not winning hasn't killed Klein's spirit.
"That doesn't wipe you out or ruin your career," he stressed. "I mean, that's just what it is, but if there's ever one fish that I hope somebody killed, filleted and ate, it is that one Mike Iaconelli caught that beat me.
"If he wouldn't have caught that fish, and it was like his last cast, then I would have won the championship.
"It is what it is. That's what makes it fun."
Klein isn't about to stop having fun, not without having experienced the felling of holding the Bassmaster Classic trophy atop his head as the world champion.
"You know it would be really a cool thing," he said. "I know that I'm not going to give up. I'm going to come out here and do the best I know how to do, and the best I know how to do is fish and give myself an opportunity."
That's all any angler can do and really all any fan can ask.
Times Sports Editor Kim Craft can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @GT_Kim Craft.


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AN investigation is underway today after a car ploughed in to a Chinese takeaway in a Hampshire village.
Eye witnesses saw the Ford Fiesta mount a pavement before careering into the Lotus House in Fair Oak, which was open at the time.
The glass frontage of the takeaway, on Summerlands Road, was destroyed by the force of the crash, which happened at around 9pm last night.
In minutes the emergency services had arrived with police, two ambulances and a fire engine descending on the scene.
People gathered and watched while the drama was unfolding in what is a small village shopping precinct.
Royal Mail worker Steve Dickeson had left the premises moments earlier with his takeaway when he heard a "hell of a crash".
He said: "I had just come out of the Chinese and was parked there, then when I started to back up I thought, what was that?
"It made a hell of a crash and she must have really hit that throttle."
"I don't know why it happened. Whether she was trying to put her foot on the brake and accidentally hit the throttle, I don't know."
Miraculously nobody was reported to be injured in the drama and there were not thought to be any customers in the shop at the time.
The vehicle was being driven by a woman thought to be in her 50s or 60s.
Mr Dickeson said there was also a man in the car and that the owners of the shop were unable to leave the building while glass was being cleared away.
This morning the Lotus House was boarded up and nobody was answering the phone at the business, which advertises Chinese and European takeaway options.


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By Lisa Tallyn

Staff writer

Several area residents took part in a "Big Conversation" about The Big Move— Metrolinx's plan to improve transportation throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area— Saturday afternoon.

Metrolinx hosted a public roundtable meeting at the Gellert Community Centre that drew about 35 people from Halton Hills and Milton. It was the second meeting in Halton.

"We (GTA and Hamilton residents) have one of the longest commute times in North America. We actually are above Los Angeles," said Metrolinx President and CEO Bruce McCuaig.

He said the average commute time is 82 minutes and by 2031 if there aren't any improvements to transportation that time will jump to 109 minutes.

The Big Move— Metrolinx's solution— is already underway with $16 billion worth of construction ongoing now including $1.2 billion being spent to upgrade track infrastructure on the Georgetown GO line "so that we can actually have more service on the Georgetown corridor," said McCuaig.

Other current projects include Mississauga Bus Rapid Transit, Union Station to Pearson Express train, and Toronto York-Spadina Subway extension.

"This is a beginning," said McCuaig. "This isn't enough."

In the next wave of projects McCuaig said they would like to move all GO Rail corridors to two-way-all day service.

"We would like to electrify the Georgetown corridor. If we can move to an electrified system we can have more trains on the same amount of corridor," said McCuaig.

"Our objective is to have more train service starting in 2015 to take you into Toronto," said McCuaig.

For Milton residents, however, Metrolinx has proposed a delay in implementing two-way, all-day rail service to Milton from a 15 year to a 16-25 year planning horizon. Some Milton residents at the meeting expressed their disappointment and frustration with that news.

McCuaig said the Milton line faces challenges because it's owned by CP Rail, and improvements to the track needed to increase service goes through downtown Streetsville for example and would result in "significant community impact" there.

"It's going to take a significant investment— over a billion dollars over time— and it's going to take us a bit of time to do that, and we have to have an agreement with CP."

The next wave of projects in The Big Move plan include a Dundas St. Bus Rapid Transit which would connect Burlington to Oakville to Mississauga to Toronto and a Yonge North Subway Extension.

"We would like to carve off about 25 per cent of our available funds going forward to actually invest in local services and transit," said McCuaig.

The cost for the next wave McCuaig said is $34 billion over the next 15 years. The big question, is how to pay for that.

He said in the past funding has come from transfer payments from federal and provincial governments, but he said "we don't have a dedicated revenue source" like places such as London, Paris and Montreal. In London drivers pay a congestion charge when they drive into the city, in Paris there's a payroll tax where employers make a contribution based on their number of employees. Other options for collecting revenue for a transportation system mentioned might be sales tax, fuel tax, property tax and tolls.

Halton Hills Councillor Jane Fogal took part in a discussion about funding options and said they believe a charge could be included in people's income tax, but didn't support it being put on property taxes.

"The federal government has to be at the table along with the province," said Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette, who also didn't want to see a charge on property taxes.

Metrolinx is to report to the Province and municipalities with its best advice by June 1 on funding the next wave of projects.

For more information or to comment visit bigmove.ca


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Photographer's Note
Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Andalucia is an event that literally transforms towns and cities across this region. Processions of elaborately decorated floats with Jesus and Mary statues, groups of pointy-hood wearing Nazarenos (penitents), and shrill brass bands, walk slowly through the streets, from their parish church to the cathedral and back. It is an amazing experience, and a great time to come to Andalucia, but this year the word "suspendido" (canceled) was very often displated on information boards in Malaga, because processions were canceled because of the rain :(
Photo Information
- Copyright: Wiktor Czerwinski (MoreTravel) (912)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2011-04-24
- Categories: Festivals
- Camera: CANON 450D, 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS, 72 mm UV HOYA
- Exposure: f/8, 1/800 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2011-05-01 23:13
Viewed: 1271
Points: 0


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|Tolkien Descriptive Bibliography
Subject: Tolkien Descriptive Bibliography
by Findegil on 2010/10/15 4:35:38
Through 30 November, Oak Knoll Books are offering a 30% discount on more than 400 of their backlist titles, including J.R.R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography, thus $65.80 rather than $94.00. A PDF catalogue may be found here and the pertinent HTML catalogue page here.


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You know that Spring is in the air when there's a new look and feel…
Whether it's the sight of green grass after the snows, longer daylight hours or a birdsong whistling through the trees, you know there are brighter days ahead.
All of the waiting for change and renewal was worth it. Here's just a taste of the renaissance about to burst at Voices.com.
In response to your feedback and requests for more profile themes, we've been working on just that!
There are 22 new themes in total. In April, expect to find these fun themes available for use in your account! Let's take a look, shall we?
Just an Ordinary Day
This is the default theme, so if you haven't selected one, this is what your website theme is. This theme incorporates slick simplicity that gives you freedom and confidence ensuring that your Voices.com website is professional, elegant and trendy.
Big City Baby
Whether you live in the big city or within you beats the heart of a metropolitan, this theme in its cool shade of blue, complete with a cityscape silhouette, identifies you as being a cosmopolitan talent with the profile to match.
Adventures in Voice Acting
Does your voice sound like fun, crisp, and loves adventure? Check out this alpine theme and soar above the rest. If you are a skier you'll doubly appreciate this breath of fresh air and enjoy the mountain view and unparalleled prospects at Voices.com.
Surf's Up
Riding the wave of voice over on the west coast? Glide your way through the rat race and surf till your heart's content by choosing this oceanic theme. Perfect for Californians and those who live the life in laid back coastal regions around the globe.
The Emerald City
The wizard doesn't live here, but you can! If you like the big city feel but prefer greener pastures, this theme will suit you just fine. A living city, feel the energy that emanates from this emerald gem. Great for those of an eco-friendly disposition.
Do you remember the animated film Fern Gully from the early 90s featuring Robin Williams? Return to the rain forest, Batty-free, and enjoy the tranquility of nature's delights with this beautiful array of greenery. Go green.
God's Country
Keep with the nature theme, launch into spring, and feel the earth move under your feet with the sound of music. Heaven knows it's not easy being green! Here's a theme that will inspire and uplift while differentiating your profile from those of other voice actors.
Green Tiles
Notice how a little glitter can bring out the best in a hue? This neat green tile theme is simple, direct and doesn't ask any favors. Bathe in the pristine sanctuary of this no-frills, no-nonsense option and get your voice over storefront working hard for you.
Floral Passion
Slip into this sumptuous vision of absolute beauty. The sultry sun kisses the skyward reaching petals of the rose, lush and ripe with anticipation of the new day and the opportunities it brings. Got some spice in your voice? Try Floral Passion.
Peachy Keen
Farmers Market, Georgia Peach, Nature's Candy, whatever you like! Pick one right off the tree to personify and infuse your profile with the robust vitality of orange. This theme will make your taste buds applaud and captivate visitors.
Polka Party
Grab your partner and try this fun, spirited pattern on for size. The dots are jumbo, retro and oh so funky! The next time you want to make your web presence move to the beat of a different drum, consider the orange polka dots theme.
Orange Tiles
The sister theme to the Green Tiles, this theme is vibrant and sassy, with a touch of saffron. Reflect your talent and make use of the 'acoustic' qualities embedded in its sensible, durable ceramic finish. Try it out and see what happens.
Precious Pink
Be dazzled by the exquisite splendor of this delicate pink flower. This delicious flower stands out and will help you to stand out too. Gentle, warm and gorgeous, try this theme to bring out your sensitive, feminine side in a professional manner.
Swoosh, there it is!
For the ladies out there who like chic, clean expressions of girl power, this flirty theme allows you to let your spunky side shine and hoists your voice to new levels of empowerment. Take this one for a spin and embrace sheer fun!
Pink Tiles
Soft, subtle rosey tones make for another delectable palate. If you liked the tile concept but were looking for something a little more on the feminine side, Pink Tiles fits the bill and is a brilliant choice. Dress up your profile with a quiet gracefulness.
Who could say no to tulips in springtime? These little beauties will set the tone and give a youthful glow to your website at Voices.com. Step aside, roses! Tulips are where it's at. One click of the mouse could change everything.
If you like bubbles this will make your day and provide a squeaky clean garnish for your website! The mercury inspired metallic edge is a gender friendly design and is usable on both male and female voice talent profiles.
Overachiever? Want to get your point (and your voice) across in style? Attract the sort of clients you desire and the type of voice over work you excel in. Perfect for the teacher's pet in you. If you like this one, you'll love what's going to happen this year!
Do you crave technology? Brand your website in the image of your computer. This neutral, sleek design has technical genius written all over it. If you're serious about your gear and want to show it, pick this theme as your template of choice.
For all of you mathematical types, allow us to introduce "Gradient" for your viewing pleasure. Why have one shade of gray when you can have sloping pathways of color that celebrate the kinetic prowess of your art? To what degree are you interested 😉 ?
White Tiles
How's this for a conclusion to our tile quartet? Swathe yourself in this neutral, tidy theme. This silvery template presents you with an argentine visage and creates a subtle boldness to promote your voice over services online.
Which One Will You Choose?
Do you like the new designs? Which one best represents you? Add your comments below.


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2011 Men's Championship combatants square off today in second round
BEMIDJI - Last summer in the Men's Championship title match Johnny Larson of Springfield defeated Matt Skarperud of Omaha 2 up to capture his second Birchmont.
In today's second round the pair will stage a rematch of that battle as Larson downed Sam Shafer of Brooklyn Park 3 and 2 and Matt Skarperud escaped Zach Israelson 1 up in 19 holes during Wednesday's action.
The rematch will begin at 12:42 p.m. and joining them in the group will be Collin Lervick of Chashassen and Daniel Cavanagh of Perham. Lervick eliminated Tim Fiechtner of Fargo 3 and 2 Wednesday while Cavanagh bounced Jeff Wiltse of Bemidji 5 and 4.
Another intriguing second-round match-up today pits Bob Brink of Bemidji against Tom Jenkins of Plymouth. Brink has not participated in the Birchmont since winning the title in 2004. Jenkins claimed the crown in 2009 and was eliminated in 20 holes by Brink in the semifinals of the 2004 tournament.
The pair will lock horns at 12:15 p.m. Also featured in the group will be a match between medalist Josh Bergrud of Grand Forks and Michael Strain of Motley. In Wednesday's play Bergrud thumped Dave Grand of St. Cloud 5 and 3 while Strain defeated Michael Sloinski of Grand Forks 4 and 3.
Wednesday's other winners included Tim Skarperud of Grand Forks, Toby Palmiscno of Bemidji, Bill Carlson of Fargo, Duane Wages of Grand Forks, Sam Matthew of Roseville, Chris Curb of Bemidji, Jack Elliot of Fargo and Luke Sheetz of Grand Rapids.
"Bob and I are going to have a fun match," Jenkins predicted. "Whenever I play against a good friend like Bob I try to treat it like another match in terms of giving putts. There will be a comfort level in the match because we are good friends but if we are tied going into No. 17 I think that comfort level will disappear.
"I'm sure we are going to be friendly on the course but the bottom line is we are both here to win the tournament. And we both know what it takes to win the Birchmont," Jenkins added.
Wednesday against Musich steady golf was all Jenkins needed to advance.
"It was a good match but I didn't have to do anything special," Jenkins said. "Brett didn't play his best and I stayed in the match by making a bunch of pars."
That formula probably won't work today.
"I'm going to have to play better against Bob than I did on Wednesday," Jenkins said. "Bob is not going to make many mistakes. Average golf may get me to the 16th hole but it won't take me any further."
Based on the qualifying scores, Brink's win over Logan Palmer was one of three first-round upsets. Another was Palmiscno's 3 and 2 victory over Jake Sanders of Crookston. Sanders qualified at 144 while Palminsco shot 151.
"It was an even match with many pars and many halves of the holes," Palmiscno, who faces Tim Skarperud in today's round, said. "Neither of us was up more than two holes until the very end."
The 13th hole proved to be the turning point in Palminscno's victory. Sanders had trimmed his deficit to one hole after winning No. 12 with a par and after the drive on No. 13 seemed in position to win another. Sanders, however, went past the green with his approach and had to settle for a bogey. Palminscno was able to scratch out a par and his lead was back to two holes.
"It's always nice to win that first match," Palmiscno said. "If you want to make it to Saturday you have to be prepared for a marathon. If you go out and make pars you are going to do well but at some point you are going to need a round of a couple under par to win."


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This past September brought bleak news to the parents, students, and teachers at a northeast Dade grade school. Rumor had it that an Oak Grove Elementary staffer had walked off with thousands of dollars in school funds, necessitating a drastic cutback in supplies and the cancellation of all field trips for the academic year.
While school administrators rushed to squelch the talk of belt-tightening, they couldn't deny that money was indeed missing. A routine year-end audit this past summer had uncovered a discrepancy in the school's ledgers, and Dade County Public Schools auditors and police had opened an investigation into the matter. Officials were mum on the sum, but Oak Grove scuttlebutt put the figure near $30,000, swiped from various school kitties by a light-fingered secretary working without close supervision.
This past Wednesday, details of the investigation and crime were made public with Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Octavio Visiedo's formal recommendation to the school board that the secretary, Gloria Walker, be fired for forgery and grand theft. According to Louise Harms, executive director of the school system's Office of Professional Standards, Walker allegedly forged her principal's signature on thirteen school checks from November 1992 to this past April, when she took a parental leave of absence. Harms says Walker is accused of embezzling a total of $13,189 from the school's internal accounting budget, which includes the principal's discretionary account, student fundraising money, and PTA and booster club donations. In a letter sent to Walker by Superintendent Visiedo earlier this week, he explains that he is recommending "that the School Board suspend you and initiate dismissal proceedings against you...for violation of the Manual of Internal Accounting procedures, misappropriation of school funds, and conduct unbecoming a school board employee." The school board will take up the recommendation at its December meeting.
The 34-year-old Walker became an employee of the school system in 1976 as a student worker. She worked as a clerk and a word-processing technician before taking the secretarial post at Oak Grove. The latest evaluation in her personnel file, from May 1992, rates her as a "satisfactory" word-processing operator in the Bureau of Procurement and Materials Management. While an earlier, interim evaluation pointed out problems in Walker's interpersonal skills and in her work efficiency, the May 1992 evaluator remarks, "Gloria has demonstrated a great amount of effort and self-control in trying to correct these deficiencies and has been successful."
Even though the school board is "99.9999 percent sure" to adopt the administration's termination recommendation, Dade County Public Schools spokesman Henry Fraind says Walker's fate isn't quite finalized; she has until mid-December to request a hearing to contest the dismissal. Meanwhile, the issue has been referred to the State Attorney's Office.
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Louise Harms says the monetary shortfall already has been taken care of, and that students' education was not disrupted by its disappearance. Walker herself, though, is another matter; she was unreachable for comment and didn't return messages left at her North Dade home. Harms says Walker didn't return to work after taking leave this past spring, and that she was last seen by Oak Grove employees last June, when she visited the school. She also notes that Walker has failed to sign several receipts for letters informing her of the administrative process regarding her pending dismissal.


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OMYF Community Spotlight: Osceola County's Education Foundation
By John Denton
June 7, 2012
ORLANDO – For a second consecutive year, the Orlando Magic is helping Osceola County's Education Foundation shape the lives of children and give them hope for the future.
Through a $20,000 grant to the Education Foundation's Bookmark Buddies Club, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, a McCormick Foundation Fund (OMYF-MFF) is enabling the Osceola County schools to aid third-graders who are struggling with their reading. Of the 300 kids who participated in the program, 97 percent of them went on to pass the F-CAT and advanced in school.
But teaching children reading skills appropriate for their age levels extends well beyond performance on a standardized test. It also gives them a better chance at having a successful life, said Kathy Carr, the executive director of Osceola's Education Foundation.
"The thing that I think is particularly neat is that this says to me that the Magic (through the OMYF-MFF) care about the future of the kids and not just what is happening to them in the moment. This says that they want to help change kids lives so that they will have a better future," Carr said. "We know through research that most kids who end up incarcerated can't read. So by saving these children early on and turning their reading around and giving them the ability to learn all of the other courses in school it changes their lives.
"And another part of this is if you are a third-grader and you can't read then it really destroys your self-esteem and the other kids are making fun of you," Carr continued. "So, all of the issues of getting behind in school, not being able to read and having low self-esteem, all of them send kids in a wrong direction. By changing this one little thing in the third grade you can make all the difference in the world for these kids. So I really feel like the Magic (through the OMYF-MFF) are changing our children's lives."
The Osceola County Education Foundation was one of 19 non-profit organizations to receive grant money totaling $1 million from the OMYF-MFF this year. It's the second consecutive year that the OMYF-MFF has given $1 million away, raising the total to approximately $17 million given to local non-profit groups over the past 22 years.
Three organizations were the beneficiaries of $100,000 grants: the Orlando Health Foundation (Howard Phillips Center), the Osceola Council on Aging and the Conductive Education Center of Orlando.
The other 2012 grant recipients are: Adult Literacy League ($30,00), Apopka Family Learning Center (Justice & Peace Office) ($53,000), Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida ($75,000), Bridges of Light Foundation ($35,000), Community Coordinated Child Care ($35,000), Early Learning Coalition ($50,000), Foster Grandparent Program ($75,000), Foundation for Orange County Public Schools ($50,000), Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools ($20,000), Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida ($75,000), Foundation of Osceola Education ($20,000), GROWS Literacy Council ($30,000), Hope CommUnity Center ($40,000), Gift of Swimming ($20,000), Boys' Town of Central Florida ($50,000) and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida ($42,000).
Making a difference in the community is clearly as important as winning on the court to the DeVos family, owners of the Magic. Magic Chairman Dan DeVos said recently that the mission of his father, legendary Magic owner Rich DeVos, is for the franchise to positively affect as many lives as possible while also putting a winning product on the basketball court.
"This means a lot to (Rich DeVos) and that's what drives him. Making a difference in the community is what he's all about," Dan DeVos said. "We've learned from him that we're here to try to make a difference in people's lives in a lot of different ways. This is one of those ways that we can impact the community in a positive way. … It says a lot about the franchise for the respect that it has for this community and it also says a lot about the community itself. We're just a vehicle that the community respects and understands and it benefits everybody. Everybody is working together and we're playing our role."
Osceola County's Bookmark Buddies Club targets third-graders who are on the cusp of reading and they just need a little help. Often, when those students get some personalized tutoring and one-on-one attention, they can make the strides necessary to read on a third-grade level.
The students are matched up with a staffer who specifically works with them to teach to sound out words and comprehend sentences. The three staff tutors work on a part-time basis, covering several schools in the Osceola County school district.
Carr said without the grant money from the OMYF-MFF the program would likely die out because of a lack of funding. She shudders at the thought of what might happen to some of the children in the program without learning how to read at a young age.
"This is for the kids that probably just don't have anybody at home reading to them and somebody who is focusing attention on them. These kids have the ability there, but they just need an adult to help them find it," Carr said. "Right now with the economy the way that it is, we'd probably have to limit the program without the Magic's help. This grant is a huge component of our funding and it's really helped a lot. With donations down it's really been a tough year and we're very thankful for the Magic (through the OMYF-MFF) funding this project because it's so important for our kids."
The OMYF raises community dollars annually through donations, auctions and events such as the Black Tie and Tennies Gala and the OMYF Golf Tournament with matching funds at $0.50 on the dollar provided by the McCormick Foundation. The McCormick Foundation has been providing matching funds for the OMYF since 1994 (OMYF-MFF).
To learn more or make a difference with a donation, visit omyf.org.


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New Honda Odyssey hits the Chinese auto market
Published on August 11, 2014 by W.E. Ning
The new fifth generation Honda Odyssey has been launched on the Chinese car market. Price starts at 229.800 yuan and ends at 299.800 yuan. The new car came with a new slogan: "Be Ultimate MPV". How catchy.
The Honda Odyssey is manufactured in China by the Guangzhou-Honda joint venture. It is one of the most popular MPV's on the market, competing head-to-head with the endlessly successful Buick GL8. The Odyssey is only available with one engine, which will seriously limit its appeal. The engine is the rather old 2.4 liter four-cylinder petrol unit with an output of 183hp and 243nm, mated to a CVT.
Chrome strip under windows ends up in a speedy arrow head. Fat chrome strip at the back…
… and an even fatter one at the front. Those poor 183 horses need to pull all that around!


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.- Pope Benedict XVI used his departure from German soil to reflect upon his four-day state visit to his homeland and to express confidence in the future of Christianity there.
"I encourage the Church in Germany to pursue with resolute confidence the path of faith which leads people back to their roots, to the heart of the Good News of Christ," said the Pope at Lahr Airport on Sept. 25.
Pope Benedict said that he hoped the past four days would reverse the societal trend of the past few decades to "remove religion from people's lives."
"This gives me confidence for the future of Christianity in Germany. As in previous visits, it was clear how many people here are bearing witness to their faith and making its transforming power present in today's world."
He said that he had particular cause for optimism given the presence of "large numbers of young people" at Saturday's youth vigil in Freiburg.
At the airport he received a farewell from German President Christian Wulff, who was accompanied by the country's civil and religious leaders.
Reflecting upon his four-day state visit, Pope Benedict outlined his personal highlights. He mentioned his opportunity to address the Bundestag and present "some reflections on the intellectual foundations of the state."
He also said that building bridges with other Christian churches, communities and non-Christian faiths had meant a great deal to him.
"Here in the land of the Reformation, Christian unity was naturally a high point of my journey. I would mention in particular my meeting with representatives of the Lutheran Church in Germany, which took place in the former Augustinian convent of Erfurt," said the Pope.
"I am profoundly grateful for our fraternal exchange and common prayer. Significant too were my meetings with Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christians, as well with Jews and Muslims."
The past four days have constituted Pope Benedict's first state visit to Germany. His previous two visits since his 2005 election to the papacy were made in a pastoral capacity.
Predictions of protest and lack of interest prior to this weekend's visit have largely proved unfounded. Both crowds and public support exceeded the hopes of the organizers.
"With vivid memories of these days spent in my native land, I now return to Rome," the Pope concluded before boarding the plane that would take him back the Vatican.
"With the assurance of my prayers for all of you, and for a future of peace and freedom for our country, I bid you farewell with a heartfelt 'Vergelt's Gott': May God reward you. God bless you all!"


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ASDA are to deliver 8,000 news babies by installing a minimum of 18 new maternity units across the UK this year, the store announced today. In addition, it is to carry out improvements to 14 of its existing stores and roll out the successful crèche format 'Little ASDA' to a further 9 sites within the next 11 months.
News of the expansion was announced today by ASDA Big Chief Kevin Littlehammer after the release of parent company Wal-Mart's full year financial results.
Said ASDA Chief woman Kerry Laughinghorse: "This is a huge investment which will enable ASDA to provide more and more and more to more and more and more across the UK than ever before."
Over 4000 new babies will be delivered by the new store build programme alone. An additional 2000 new babies will be delivered through ASDA's new 'Seasonal Plus Scheme' providing customers and colleagues with extra maternity facilities during peak mating periods.
ASDA will also launch its first environmental format with the launch of a tepee framed superstore in Stroud. The unique design, which marks the first stage in ASDA's new native American themed store build programme, is built on an old Gypsy site using timber from the original decorative caravans. That's how good they are.


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Sep. 11, 2013
Source: CHS news release
CHS Inc. (NASDAQ: CHSCP), a farmer-owned cooperative and a global agribusiness, announced today it has opened an office at Montevideo, Uruguay, making it the fourth South American nation in which CHS has operations.
CHS growth in South American markets supports the company's strategic goal of expanding its business platform to meet growing customer demand and adding value to its member -owners' investment.
"CHS expansion into Uruguay will further build our grain origination and fertilizer distribution capabilities, and is a strategic complement to current operational and logistical activities in Argentina and Paraguay," said Stefano Rettore, senior vice president, CHS South America.
Sebastian Lavista will manage the CHS Uruguay office. He will report to Ignacio Bosch, general manager, CHS Argentina. Prior to joining CHS, Lavista was responsible for commercial business with Glencore in Uruguay. He earned a bachelor's degree in International Business at Catholic University of Uruguay, at Montevideo.
CHS also has international marketing offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Paraguay, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Hungary, Jordan, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Ukraine.
About CHS
CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to helping its customers, farmer-owners and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS, a Fortune 100 company, supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain marketing services, livestock feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex� brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.