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Knowledge of diamonds and stones is something that fascinates me. There is so much to learn and I am always interested in those who can teach us! Today's expert is the very knowledgeable Garry Holloway of Melbourne based Holloway Diamonds. Holloway Diamonds is not only renowned for their stunning work, but the brand is also a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council whose members are committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the jewellery industry from mine to retail. We're delighted to welcome Garry to Polka Dot Wisdom today!
Please tell us a little about your background. Did you have someone special in your childhood who influenced you?
I was backpacking to Europe after graduating as a Geologist. Bought some gems in India and Sri Lanka, bought some tools in London and started setting the gems in my own designs. My Dad taught me that you can make anything you want and we had a shed choc-a-block full of all sorts of tools.
Pink and white diamond cluster ring
How did you first gain your appreciation of fine jewellery?
As a Geologist I had developed an appreciation of gems and minerals.
What was the catalyst for moving this interest into a career?
When I returned from London and looked around at the jewellery stores I could see there were big gaps in what was on offer and how badly customer were treated. They felt they had to get dressed up to even take a repair in; jewelers were foreboding.
How long has Holloway Diamonds existed?
35 years, and yes there is lots of history and countless stories – many good, and some not so good like chasing armed robbers all around Camberwell and Burwood at high speeds.
Platinum continuous diamond band
Do you design and make the jewellery you sell (on your premises)?
Do we ever! It was the big gap that I saw 36 years ago. I bought all the skills that were subcontracted out under the one roof. This made commission and custom design work practical because we make what people tell us and think they are going to get. Not what the illiterate subby thinks the salesperson who can't draw wrote on a job packet.
Can you describe the design process?
Cutting is a separate thing, rarely do jewellers cut gems to order.
The process begins with Granma's diamond, or we have the gems in stock, or our gemmologists bring something in from a cutter overseas or a local wholesaler. Our designers sit with clients at a desk and show our wide range of existing collections. From this, and if need be with the assistance of an actual jeweller, we arrive at a unique new design which we then implement with tight and consistent quality controlled processes. Our craftsmen have all won design awards and have together close to 200 years total experience. Finally one of our Registered Valuer's completes an insurance valuation.
What gems do you most enjoy working with?
The girl's best friend! We are acknowledged as Australia's leading diamond experts, especially when it comes to the most important of the 4C's – diamond cut quality.
Is there a trend towards using more coloured stones, whether they are diamonds or other gems?
Colored diamonds have long been our forte. Pink and champagne, black diamonds and recently we have introduced a fabulous range of fancy yellow diamond engagement rings that are really worth looking up on our website.
Cushion cut fancy intense yellow diamond platinum ring
We're newly engaged and I want to ask you to design my ring. How do I go about approaching this process?
Walk in the door. Allow at least an hour or maybe two. You will find it is one of the most wonderful experiences ever in your life.
Are pearls more popular with a particular age group, or do they look great on anyone?
Pearls have become a bit passe. Farming practices keep getting more and more efficient and prices keep falling so clients who bought a strand for +$10k several years ago are unhappy that they see the same or better for less than half the price.
Any sage advice for the unwary when buying pearls?
Buy what looks good and suits your lifestyle. Don't think there is any investment value because the supply is unlimited.
Tahitian pearl and diamond earrings
With publicity surrounding the dangers of harvesting pearls and the mining of diamonds, what measures do you take to ensure your customers can have confidence in the ethical practices of the industry?
We are the first and only company in Australia to have undergone the most rigorous corporate social responsibility audit in the world. The Responsible Jewellery Council was set up in London in 2006 to ensure conflict diamonds, child labour and environmental destruction is not part of our supply chain. Our diamond cutters and suppliers have also undergone these audits.
We'd like to thank Garry for sharing his knowledge and time with us today. For more information on the beautiful jewellery at Holloway Diamonds visit the website.
All images courtesy of Garry Holloway
Want more? Check out these posts from the archives:


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Deathspank - Dated
EA sent us this PR, dating the release of Deathspank for consoles. No mention of a PC version, as usual:
EA AND HOTHEAD GAMES DELIVER DEATHSPANK DIRECT TO GAMERS ON JULY 13TH(Quite Possibly) The Funniest RPG Ever Made Serves up A Healthy Heap of Humor this Summer
Guildford, UK. – June 22, 2010 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and leading independent developer Hothead GamesTM announced today that the upcoming downloadable action-RPG, DeathSpankTM, will be released on July 13th for PlayStation®Network and July 14th for Xbox LIVE® Arcade. Gain quests from a colorful cast of characters, and vanquish evil with fast and furious action as DeathSpank scours the world for a mystical artifact. DeathSpank will feature local co-op gameplay, allowing friends to team up on the same console as both DeathSpank and his trusty, magical sidekick, Sparkles the Wizard. Developed under the direction of The Secret of Monkey Island creator and industry icon Ron Gilbert, DeathSpank combines Gilbert's unique humor and wit with fast, addictive action-RPG gameplay, making for a hilarious and massive epic quest for justice.
The game puts players in the mighty boots of DeathSpank, the "Dispenser of Justice", "Vanquisher of Evil" and "Hero to the Downtrodden". His life-long destiny is to embark on an epic journey in search of a mysterious and magical artifact known only as, "The Artifact". DeathSpank will feature local co-op gameplay, allowing friends to team up on the same console as both DeathSpank and his trusty, magical sidekick, Sparkles the Wizard. Sparkles' abilities are magical, serving as the perfect complement DeathSpank's weapons-based attacks as the duo battle against the intolerant minions of injustice.
Along the way DeathSpank and Sparkles will rescue some orphans, defeat a local tyrant, help an aging adventurer, and dive headlong into an even deeper mystery in an epic action RPG that includes collecting loot, solving crazy puzzles, witty dialogue, collecting loot, a ton of weapons, fun and accessible action, and of course, colleting loot.
DeathSpank will be available for download begininning July 13, 2010 on the PlayStation Network for $14.99, and July 14, 2010 on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 1200 Microsoft Points. DeathSpank is rated "T" for teen by the ESRB. For more information on DeathSpank, please visit, www.deathspank.com.
Information aboutDeathspank
SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Hack & Slash
Platform: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Release: Released

subset: commoncrawl


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Constitution Check: Is the government too big for checks and balances?
"The growing dominance of the federal government over the states has obscured more fundamental changes within the federal government itself: It is not just bigger, it is dangerously off kilter. Our carefully constructed system of checks and balances is being negated by the rise of a fourth branch, an administrative state of sprawling departments and agencies that govern with increasing autonomy and decreasing transparency. ... The fourth branch now has a larger practical impact on the lives of citizens than all other branches combined."
– Jonathan Turley, George Washington University law professor, in an article in The Washington Post on May 26, titled "The rise of the fourth branch of government."
Americans have been fretting over the growth of the national government since at least the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War. And the fretting has been at the level of deep anxiety since the New Deal–era expansion under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the present day, the rise of an entirely new and sometimes powerful political movement—the tea party—can be traced directly to this continuing concern.
But to suggest that it has gotten out of control, that it has outgrown the functioning of a system of constitutional checks and balances, is to misunderstand the way that system works in the era of really big government. Not one of the three constitutionally defined branches in Washington is noticeably weaker than it was at some point in the past. And not one of them is bashful about monitoring, and at times frustrating, the "fourth branch"—the Cabinet departments and the regulatory agencies.
Having government power, and all of the official institutions in Washington have that, does not necessarily mean that its use will never have to be justified, or that its use will never be checked or even overwhelmed.
A few questions that are being asked and answered today illustrate the point:
How soon, after revelation of the Internal Revenue Service's aggressive review of tea party organizations' tax-exemption pleas, did investigations arise—in Congress, at the Justice Department, and at the IRS itself?
How confident can President Obama and his Cabinet be about putting into place all parts of the new federal health care law, when more than a handful of states are refusing to go along with key facets of it?
How much unchecked power does the president have to carry on his policy of "targeted killing" as part of the war against terrorism, when Congress, outside interest groups, and even the federal courts are asking probing questions about its extent and its justification?
How free is the president to make temporary appointments to federal agencies, as a way to get around Senate filibusters of some of his nominees, when the very power of appointment is sharply restricted by a federal court and is now being tested in the Supreme Court?
How content can a regulatory agency like the Environmental Protection Agency be that a massive program of regulating global warming will be allowed to go into effect without being challenged in a federal court?
How long will it be before the State Department's handling of the terrorist attack on our diplomatic mission in Benghazi is no longer the subject of congressional inquiry?
The answers to some of these questions, of course, are that America's polarized political system generates at least skepticism and sometimes even hostility to this or that government program or event. But that is not the complete answer.
If there is one common denominator in each of these questions, it is that a check or balance, theoretically available within the structure of government, gets energized in the practical world by some lawyer or some advocacy group. If America now operates in the shadow of a huge administrative state, that is matched by a nearly-as-large lobbying and advocacy community.
The civic gladiators who now make the system of checks and balances actually work are energetic; they have money and talent; and they have every incentive to keep an eye on what the national government does. And it may sometimes be forgotten, they have a constitutional right to do just that: the First Amendment guarantees them a "right to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
And it is a simple fact of life that virtually everything the national government does, in virtually every field, is likely to be perceived in some quarter as a "grievance" that needs fixing—or, at least, needs to be challenged.
Professor Turley's complaint about a "fourth branch of government" that governs "with increasing autonomy and decreasing transparency" is in a real sense a fanciful notion. It might be real, if there were no lawyers and no lobbyists and no advocacy organizations, and no media to pay attention to all of those who have gripes or agendas.
Concentrations of official power may, indeed, be a threat to a free society, but when there are private concentrations of civic power—dueling "factions," in James Madison's words—the threat probably is being kept pretty well under control. The Founders, perhaps, had more faith than some of their contemporary descendants do that the idea of checks and balances does work to forestall tyranny.
Lyle Denniston is the National Constitution Center's adviser on constitutional literacy. He has reported on the Supreme Court for 55 years, currently covering it for SCOTUSblog, an online clearinghouse of information about the Supreme Court's work.
Recent Constitution Daily Stories
Settling scores: The duels of our forefathers
10 fascinating facts about President John F. Kennedy
Constitution Check: Will drone policy be tested in court?
The Next 10 Amendments: Right to bear arms


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A slice of the world's most sought-after collection of rock memorabilia is being rolled onto the auction block.
WolfgangsVault.com, featuring 30,000 vintage items – from 39-year-old Chuck Berry concert tickets to 18-year-old Grateful Dead mugs – is putting its first lot on eBay today.
Among the artifacts up for bid are a handbill from The Beatles' 1966 Washington, D.C., show, starting at $1,550, and a Woodstock poster signed by its graphic designer, at $1,750.
Also coming from the $60 million archives – amassed over three decades by the late music promoter Bill Graham – are never-before-released videos of live performances of some of the biggest acts of all time.
Those include Peter Frampton "Coming Alive" and Lynyrd Skynyrd belting out "Sweet Home Alabama" at Graham's 1972 Day on the Green series in San Francisco.
The weeklong auction marks a first for collectors, who handpicked the items they wanted to bid on. In all, 358 items have been set aside for the new monthly auctions. (p. 19 Metro)


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The Halton Hills Arena Users Group (HHAUG) Stay at Home and Play campaign is in the homestretch with $1.89 million raised of the $2.2 million goal.

Campaign organizers hope to top that goal in the next four months and to help lead the way for the important Acton phase of the fundraising. Acton resident Kathleen Dills, who is also Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce general manager, has accepted the position of campaign co-chair.

"The arena is such a strong focal point for the community and I'm really looking forward to the community stepping up to support it," said Dills.

She said the facility is used for so many activities including seniors' events, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, figure skating and teen community dances.

"People need to shop and play locally. It's so important to a vibrant community," said Dills.

Dills will be working with the other campaign co-chairs— Finn Poulstrup and Bob Hooper— as they focus their fundraising efforts on Acton businesses and residents.

She is following in the footsteps of her grandfather and father who both took part in fundraising campaigns in the community— her grandfather Arlos Dills for the one to build the Acton wading pool in the 1950s, and her father David Dills for the campaign to put artificial ice in the arena in the 1960s.

Dills said there are still several naming/dedication donation opportunities in the Stay at Home and Play campaign available including the Name-A-Seat program that allows donors of $500 to have their name/business recognized on a designated seat in the new rink.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the campaign is asked to contact Dills at the Chamber office at 905-877-7119, or home 519-853-2024 and they can email her at firstname.lastname@example.com

The campaign was initiated as part of the HHAUG financial pledge to the Town for the much-needed Mold-Masters SportsPlex and Acton Arena and Community Centre expansion.

The Mold-Masters SportsPlex expansion is complete and the facility now offers four arenas and court surfaces. Ground was broken for the twinning of Acton Arena last Wednesday. That arena is expected to be ready for use next September (2015).


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NewsJune 8, 2009 - Updated on January 20, 2016
American reporters get "very severe" 12-year sentences designed to scare all foreign journalists
Reporters Without Borders is appalled by the sentences of 12 years of "reform through labour" which a North Korean court passed today on American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee after convicting them in a sham trial of an unspecified "grave crime" and illegally entering the country.
"These 12-year sentences are a terrible shock for all those who have repeatedly insisted on their innocence," Reporters Without Borders said. "The sentences are much more severe than anything we had imagined. The authorities in Pyongyang must urgently reverse this decision and allow Ling and Lee to rejoin their families."
The sentences were clearly designed to scare journalists trying to do investigative reporting in the border area between China and North Korea, which is ranked as Asia's worst country in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.
The North Korean state-run news agency KCNA announced today that the trial of Ling and Lee before the country's top court, which began on 4 June, had "confirmed the grave crime they committed against the Korean nation" and their "illegal border crossing."
Arrested on 17 March 2009, Ling and Lee were initially accused of "hostile activities" as well as entering the country illegally. The two journalists, who work for the California-based web television station Current TV, had approached the border from inside China in order to cover the trafficking of North Korean women across the border. Their guide is being held by the Chinese authorities. Ling is of Chinese origin and Lee is of Korean origin.
Reporters Without Borders took part in recent rallies in support of the two journalists. Ling's sister, Lisa Ling, said: "I will say with absolute certainty that, when they left US soil, they never intended to cross the border into North Korea. If at any point they did, we are truly sorry and we know the girls are too."
Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, who was recently detained for three months in Iran, said in a message of support: "Laura and Euna, I pray that you remain strong and know that neither your families nor you are alone. I hope that a way will be found to return both of you to your families as soon as possible."


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You could make a case for Atlanta who go up against Philly, or Indy, who were a disgrace against Houston. The Steelers are also a team looking for revenge and I pity the poor Seahawks when they travel to Pittsburgh. The Chiefs will also be looking to find their footing after being crushed by the Bills at home and good luck to them as they visit the muscle-flexing Detroit Lions.
All those teams will be feeling a sense of urgency heading into Week 2.
However, the team that may be feeling the most heat are the Dallas Cowboys who blew their game against the Jets last Sunday night thanks to some bonehead play from quarterback Tony Romo. So in reality its not the Cowboys in search of the must win its Romo. In the game against the Jets, the Boys led 24-10 early in the fourth quarter and were in full control of the game. But then Romo started committing blunders as only he can. Up by seven he fumbled on the one-yard line and in the final minutes of the game, threw a lame interception that resulted in the game-winning field goal. Dallas owner Jerry Jones came to Romos defence this week, but what else could he have said. The Cowboys are on the road again this week as they are in San Francisco to face the 1-0 49ers. They just cant afford to lose this one.
The Kansas City Chiefs had to be completely shocked by how poorly they played against Buffalo in their season opener at home as they absorbed a 41-7 hammering. It was hardly the way to open up in defence of their division title. In the second half, the Chiefs never made it across midfield, an unbelievable stat. On the day, QB Matt Cassel threw for just 119 yards. Pitiful. Now this week they find themselves on the road, against an up-and-coming team in the Lions, who disposed of the Bucs on the road 27-20. The Lions figure to be a sterner test than the Bills so the Chiefs better get it turned around quick. The Lions will be sniffing blood here.
My only advice for this one is to be all lubed up, bet the over and sit back and watch what should be an impressive aerial show. The Chargers have never started out 2-0 under coach Norv Turner but they have a shot here thanks to quarterback Philip Rivers and a stiff defence. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had a field day last week against Miami as he threw for 517 yards and four touchdowns. He wont have as easy a time against the Chargers pass rush. Brady, by the way, has won 28 consecutive games at Gillette Stadium.
Its the second coming of quarterback Michael Vick but his first one in a starting role. Two years ago in Atlanta he was Donovan McNabbs backup and received some garbage time late in the game. This time he enters the Georgia Dome as a conquering hero and leader of the Eagles Dream Team. The pressure, though, is squarely on the home team after the Falcons put in a flat performance in Chicago when losing 30-12 to the Bears. Falcons QB Matt Ryan rarely loses at home so this one should go down to the wire.
- Ravens rush LB Terrell Suggs last week was once again a thorn in Pittsburghs side as he sacked QB Ben Roethlisberger three times and caused two fumbles in Baltimores shocking 35-7 victory. This week his sights will be set on Tennessee QB Matt Hasselbeck.
- Carolinas Cam Newton (below) came out of the blocks like Usain Bolt as he threw for 422 yards in a losing cause against Arizona. There were all kinds of concerns regarding Newton coming into his first regular-season NFL game that he couldnt read defences, that he wasnt prepared but his athleticism won the day. This Sunday doesnt figure to be as easy as in the Panthers home opener, he faces the mighty Green Bay defence.
- LeSean McCoy has established himself as one of the premier running backs in the league. He is an elusive runner and in the open field causes many missed tackles. In last weeks opener against the Rams, McCoy gained 122 yards on 15 carries and scored one TD. He goes against the Falcons defence Sunday which last year gave up 474 yards of total offence against the Eagles in a game Philly won 31-17.
All those Kansas City believers took one on the chin in Week 1. Which leads me to one of my cardinal rules never bet against the Buffalo Bills. Its not that they have a good team and all that, its just that whenever I take them they lose, if I go against them, I lose. Its a lose-lose situation. Looking towards Sunday, everybody and their uncle will be jumping on the Pittsburgh Steelers who were humiliated 35-7 by Baltimore and now open up at home against the less-than-skilled Seattle Seahawks, a notoriously poor road team. If youre looking down the road and saving the Steelers for later, the Jets look like a good bet against Jacksonville. And then theres those Bills at home against Oakland, a team that plays poorly when on the east coast. The Bills could be 2-0. Good God!
7,842 The number of net passing yards in the opening-week games which is the highest total of any week in NFL history.
14 The number of quarterbacks who threw for at least 300 yards in the opening week.
2-6 The record of the NFLs eight new coaches in the opening week of the season.
20-2 The career record of Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan when playing at home.
28 The number of consecutive victories recorded by the Patriots Tom Brady when he has played at home.
Eagles QB Michael Vick vs. Falcons Defence
When Michael Vick returned to the Georgia Dome two years ago in a backup role he received a positive reaction from the Falcons fans. Now hes back in a starring role. It will be interesting to see if there are more Vick jerseys in the crowd than fans wearing the Falcons colours and No. 2 of Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan. Vick was underwhelming in last weeks victory over St. Louis as he was 14-for-32 for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Hell have to pick up the pace against a highly motivated Atlanta defence.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers vs. Patriots QB Tom Brady
It wouldnt be a surprise if both quarterbacks threw for 400 yards as they are two of the very best in the biz. Rivers, though, is just 1-4 vs. the Patriots in his career. Last week Rivers threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings while Brady had a field day as he shredded the Dolphins defence for 517 yards and four touchdowns. Look for the Patriots secondary to have a tough day against the Chargers receivers who are tall and physical. In the opener, Patriots slotback Wes Welker had eight catches for 160 yards, including one for a 99-yard TD.
Chiefs centre Casey Wiegmann vs. Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh
Wiegmann is a veteran of 15 seasons but he and the rest of the Chiefs O-line may be overmatched here as nobody plays defensive tackle with the ferocity of Suh. How good is he? Just ask Chiefs head coach Todd Haley who when asked about Suh, replied: Some of the problems that Suh presents I dont know there are answers for, to be quite honest with you. This guys a dominant inside player that can really disrupt the game plan if you let him and you just got to find ways to not allow that to happen. Thats not good.


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LOS ANGELES - Cats. Dogs. Those can be fighting words in some circles.
Cats are "nasty, stinking creatures," says Mark David of Warrensburg, Mo. And dogs? They're noisy, disruptive and "lick you and themselves," counters Sanford Reikes of Louisville, Ky.
Clearly, there are dog people and there are cat people. But it's not much of a contest: 74 percent of people like dogs a lot, and only 41 percent like cats a lot.
Cats win the dislike vote handily, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll. Fifteen percent of the adults questioned said they disliked cats a lot while the number who said they disliked dogs a lot was just 2 percent.
Joseph Moreus, 61, of Westminster, Calif., understands why dogs come out on top.
"They have more personality. They are loyal," he said. "Cats are all about cats, but dogs are interested in pleasing their owners. Cats don't care if they please you or not."
And cats can be destructive, said Joy Rasch, 70, of Kennewick, Wash., who gets mad at the neighborhood cats who kill robins, quail and squirrels in her back yard. Male cats will spray their territory or get in the wood pile at 3 a.m. and "screech like bad brakes on a car," she added.
Of course, cat lovers, if smaller in numbers, are equal in passion.
"Cats are 1,000 times smarter than dogs," said Bonnie Hanson, 77, of Sioux Falls, S.D. She and her late husband had a black Siamese cat, Kitty, that she said "always wanted to comfort people, anybody who was ill or unhappy."
"My husband would have chest pains and wouldn't tell me. But Kitty would come and look at me and I'd know. We called him our psychic Siamese," she said. "Every cat I ever had was a help and a comfort."
About 59 percent of American households own pets, according to the poll. About 74 percent of pet owners polled said they had dogs, and 47 percent said they had cats.
Those most likely to dislike cats were blacks, Hispanics and married men. Men were a bit more likely than women to say they disliked cats.
Dog people are more adamant about their preference than cat people, the poll found. Of those who owned only a dog, 34 percent said they disliked cats; of those who owned only a cat, only 5 percent disliked dogs.
But all the sniping doesn't mean there is no harmony in the country. Sixty percent of all adults said they liked both dogs AND cats.
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I talked to a few fans today while running errands, and they unanimously classified last night's loss as the most frustrating of the season. And it didn't include a blown save, which I thought was a prerequisite.
Must have been all those wasted scoring opportunities. The four consecutive innings with a runner at third base and one out that didn't alter the score. The failings coming against a division rival that's trying to pull away in the wild card race.
Going into tonight's slate of games, the Orioles actually rank third in the majors with a .277 average with runners in scoring position, trailing the Cardinals (.329) and Tigers (.286). They're 14th with a .236 average with runners in scoring position and two outs.
With a runner at third base and fewer than two outs? The Orioles are tied for sixth with a .335 average.
Their recent stretch of games hasn't done much to enhance their clutch image. They were 2-for-14 with RISP last night and stranded 15 in a 4-3 loss to the Rays. In the last three games, they're a collective 10-for-42 (.238) with RISP and have stranded 37.
Going back a little more, they're 13-for-57 (.228) with RISP and have stranded 51 in the past five games.
Teams are batting .214 with runners in scoring position against Alex Cobb, who's making his 15th start tonight for the Rays.


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This is a difficult one as I love Iceland and I also hate it. Firstly I love the prices, most things in store are cheap cheap cheap however often the quality is the reason for the low cost. Its great to buy foods such as oven chips (their steak chips are the best I've ever tasted) and their own brand of magnum type ice-creams. If you are on a diet its great for the weight watchers meals they have an extensive range for a third of the price and at least you know what you're getting quality wise. I often call in to my local store at lunchtime, I can do my shopping if I spend over £25 they will deliver it to me when I get home from work, shame they don't put the shopping away for me to (lol) Also you can collect stamps I tend to buy a couple on each visit, I'm sure they'll come in handy the week before payday!
To sum up its great to call in for some basics but not great for a large shop especilly if you are on a health kick as its mostly processed inexpensive food
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This site is a life saver! I had found myself in a huge amount of debt and I watched GMTV one morning where Martin Lewis was discussing financial matters. That evening I checked out his website and discovered I had a chance of getting refunds from credit and store cards. They had charged me on numerous occasions late payment fees, which I accept were my fault however I was spiralling into debt and this was creating more stress. Anyway this website enabled me to get some of this money back and solve some of my financial problems. The site has all other kinds of advise ensuring for example you are not paying too much council tax, voucher codes advise on banks and much more. If you register with the site they send you regular e mails keeping you up to date with all the latest info. They also have forums so you can get advise from others and chat about any issues you may have. Its certainly worth a look
This foundation is a must have in any girls make-up bag and that's a fact. At the age of 29 after trying numerous less expensive products, I have come to the conclusion that you do get what you pay for in some cases. Yes I know its £20 plus but firstly the bottle does last quite a while, the main thing though is that the foundation lasts all day. It covers really well as I don't always have the best skin so its essential that it lasts. If you can only afford one expensive make up product let this be the one. One tip though as the foundation is well glupy? I suggest when on holiday you pop it in the mini bar to ensure it goes on smoothly and that you don't have a great deal of waste. Finally I would suggest you consult with the Estee Lauder staff to ensure you get the perfect colour match as it can be deceiving in the glass bottle.
Mike Gayle is a brilliant author, i love all his books and recommend this one to everyone. Many books like this are written by women so its great to get a mans perspective on things! His books are easy reading however I have to admit corny as it sounds I could not put it down. This is a great read to take on holiday this summer. Honestly its not a complex book that's going to make you think however if that's what you want then these are not the sorts of books I'd expect you to pick up. In short the main character has broken up with his girlfriend and goes on holiday with his mates for a lads holiday. Many of us have been through similar experiences and can relate to this book. It humorous, uplifting and generally an easy read that makes you forget the world and relax. Enjoy I certainly did!!
Lets cut to the chase irregular choice shoes wonderfully unusual making the wearer stand out from the crowd. I own many pairs of irregular choice shoes and i adore them. They do not go out of fashion i have a few pairs that i have worn the last couple of summers. People always comment on them they are deffinatly a talking point! They can be dressed up or down depending on you mood, looking especially good with skirts, showing their full glory. To be honest though this pair and many others can not be worn in bad weather due to the material, however you may find they have a water resistant protection. Finally a wonderful part of these shoes is both the box and also the bottom of the shoes. They are decorated in all kinds of thinngs including unicorns, my little ponies and pretty much anything that could be found on programmes such as the magic roundabout!


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John Mackey stepped down as Chairman ofthe Board of Whole Foods Market Inc. last month, and ever since people have wondered if he was forced out. The question is a fair one given the uproar over Mackey's Wall Street Journal opinion piece which began by quoting former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher on the evils of socialism, and went on to condemn President Obama's healthcare agenda.
Mackey wrote in the WSJ piece:
While we clearly need health-care reform, the last thing our country needs is a massive new health-care entitlement that will create hundreds of billions of dollars of new unfunded deficits and move us much closer to a government takeover of our health-care system. Instead, we should be trying to achieve reforms by moving in the opposite direction—toward less government control and more individual empowerment.
The CtW Investment Group, a shareholder activist group, called for Mackey's removal because the WSJ piece damaged the grocery chain's reputation. In a letter, CtW cited Mackey's "lack of personal discipline and reputational risk," and labeled him a "liability because of his 'indiscretion.'" The letter said Mackey "attempted to capitalize on the brand reputation of Whole Foods to champion his personal political views but has instead deeply offended a key segment of Whole Foods consumer base."
The letter pointed out that after the WSJ piece, at least 26,000 people joined a Whole Foods boycott page on Facebook. "Numerous commentators have noted that a boycott of Whole Foods by politically progressive customers could cause a significant loss of shareholder value," the letter stated.
CtW Investment Group Executive Director Bill Patterson said,
This is not the first time Mr. Mackey's unsanctioned communications have damaged Whole Foods' image with consumers and investors. At a time when shareholders are looking for Whole Foods' management to focus on improving operations in an uncertain economy, we can not afford the risk to our Company's brand reputation caused by Mr. Mackey's indiscretion. He has become a liability and the board should begin the process of identifying a suitable replacement.
The January 4 issue of The New Yorker magazine contained a lengthy article profiling Mackey. Its author, Nick Paumgarten, noted that on the list of 13 books Mackey was reading, sent to him by a press representative, was a book titled, Heaven and Earth: Global Warming—the Missing Science. Paumgarten characterized the book as a "skeptical take on climate change."
Paumgarten said Mackey told him that "it would be a pity to allow hysteria about global warming to cause us to raise taxes and increase regulation, and in turn lower our standard of living and lead to an increase in poverty." He noted, "One would imagine that, on this score, many of his customers, to say nothing of most climate scientists, might disagree."
Whole Foods customers tend to be environmentally-conscious and hold progressive political views. Whether Mackey was forced out or not, it is never wise to deeply offend your company's customer base. As an article for Bnet asked, "Does he not know people who shop at Whole Foods?"
Ed Note: Post has been edited to correct the error on Mackey's position. He stepped down as Chairman of the Board and remains CEO of the company.


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A Fortune from FOSS: Treasure Chests of Hands-On Science Learning
While walking through my neighborhood recently, I noticed several large, colorful cardboard boxes in the back of a pickup truck parked in a driveway. Upon closer inspection, I recognized their labels: Each read "FOSS," the acronym for the Full Option Science System, a science curriculum developed about twenty years ago by staff at the Lawrence Hall of Science, a museum and learning center at the University of California at Berkeley.
As a novice teacher in the late 1980s, I had vaulted at the chance to join the FOSS pilot program, because it meant I would receive veritable treasure chests: cardboard boxes full of science manipulatives for group activities.
When I was a child, I had avidly read my science schoolbooks, despite their dry, lifeless, simplified passages, but actual experiments and explorations in the classroom were rare in my classes. Science learning had consisted almost exclusively of, for example, reading in a textbook about how seeds develop into plants, watching filmstrips that demonstrate how levers and pulleys and inclined planes work, studying charts illustrating how weather systems form, and viewing a movie about how animals adapt to their environments. But I could not remember actually handling a scientific implement until junior high school.
I know that even now, many elementary school teachers avoid teaching hands-on science because of their own uninspiring experiences and lack of scientific literacy (or, because of the demands of standardized testing, are given insufficient opportunities to teach science the way it should be taught).
Because of time constraints and my inexperience as a teacher, my science instruction was initially just as dull and textbook driven, but I wanted it to be different for my students. So I eagerly attended workshops on using the FOSS materials, and I happily hauled away box after box: one about magnetism and electricity, another that covered anatomy, another on geology, another that involved plants, and another full of weights and measures. More than fifteen years later, I can still picture the neatly packed materials and the anticipation with which I unpacked them.
Although my classroom-management skills were modest, and I had some difficulties with some students when I taught these science units, by and large I enjoyed the experience, and most students got a kick out of them, too. They assembled Halloween-style cardboard skeletons without my guidance, working in groups to figure out which leg bone connects to the hip bone, in what order the various bones of the hand are arrayed, and so on until they had assembled their own model of the human body's chassis.
Again without being told how to do it, they assembled battery-powered motors and ventured around the classroom to find out what is magnetic and what isn't. They examined samples of the minerals that compose granite (careful with the thin sheets of mica!) and picked apart flour-based "rocks" I had baked with pebbles, seashell fragments, and other components to simulate the constituent "ingredients" in stone.
My biggest triumphs in my three years of classroom teaching were associated with the wealth of hands-on materials FOSS provided. And I look back now and realize that I was enabling a basic form of project-based learning, even though it wasn't called that back then. The activities required math, writing, art, and other scholastic components to achieve the various objectives, and I was able to share with my students my own joy of learning by doing, not just by reading, and of making scientific discoveries.
I'm happy to see evidence that FOSS is still going strong. Are you a FOSS-enabled educator? Have you benefited from a similar program, or from assembling your own science laboratory of learning? Share your successes with hands-on science education.
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As I was reading your post about using the FOSS kits I could picture myself doing the same thing with the materials that come in our FOSS kits. I am what you call a FOSS-enabled educator. I have taken many teacher trainings on the FOSS kits and I am now instructing teachers on using the FOSS science kits as well. I love using these kits in my science class! I have to admit that I love science and teaching science so I was really excited when my school district decided to use these kits to help us teach our state standards. We still have to supplement some of the material, but it is wonderful having all the materials for hands-on activities.
I like you do not remember ever using anything hands-on in a science class until I was in junior high school. My third graders love science class when they know that we are going to be doing an experiment. I wish that someone could invent social studies kits to use in the class as well. The more hands-on we can bring into the classroom the better off our students are at relating what they learn to the real world.
FOSS kits are wonderful! I've taught elementary science for many years now, and I have seen wonderful learning take place with the help of hands-on science. STC kits and AIMs are different companies that do the same type of thing.
The magnetism & electricity kit that you mentioned has to be one of my favorites! I love how the activities lead the students to discover the information on their own.
I've also found that the kits, especially the FOSS kits, are very user friendly.
VERY valuable resources!
I have had very limited experience with the FOSS kits. At college they had some of the magazines from FOSS, but I did not encounter any of the kits. It sounds like a great hands on learning experience. I am very much interested in teaching in a hands on manner. I will have to look into the program more closely.
I hate to be the odd man out, but we used FOSS kits in our district and gave them up because they were too time consuming and not user friendly at all! Planning and preping for these lessons took more time than any other subject! With the demands of NCLB, we needed something we could ALSO read with students during reading time, etc. FOSS did not provide age appropriate or leveled materials for students to read. Our current program provides guided leveled readers AND hands-on materials. This is a much better combination for classrooms who need to integrate science and reading, science and social studies, etc. to get through the ever-increasing list of expected curriculum.
The very small and poor district (failing for 2 yrs MSIP) I teach in uses the Foss and STC kits. The idea is great, the problem is that the District is under the assumption that all the students are on grade level in all areas. In my experience the Foss and STC seem to be written on a grade level above that which they recommend, especiall the STC kits. In addition, STC is very time consuming in prep. I do have alife outside of my job. Half the kits don't meet state curriculum guides in scope and sequence. The Districts is under the misconception that their students are very bright, but I am finding that many are struggling to just achieve C's and D's using these kits. The kits do not allow for very much deviation to take in consideration modifications or learning styles. I have resigned from the district, laziness and lack of responsibility is being perpetuated and my principal is a newbie and looking to move on. I am also leaving the field of teaching, to much pressure on state test results that teachers are getting blamed for. Not the fact that my two grade levels have maintained a 65-70% attendance rate. Very depressing.
I have been teaching with the FOSS Science Kits for 3 years now. I have noticed that my desire for the kits depends on the group of students that I have. This year, I have a brilliant bunch of little sponges who love to learn and go above and beyond the expectations. This makes the tedious set-up and extensive planning time that FOSS requires a little easier for me.
I notice that after having taught with the kits in previous years, it is relatively easy for me to pick back up at the beginning of the next year. Sometimes I cringe at the sight of a certain experiement and other times I can't wait to teach it. I have learned to make the best of the program. I love creating extension activities for the kids to complete. We are lucky to teach in a county that provides us with booklets that map out the investigations and written assignments.
Overall, time is certainly a restraint when it comes to FOSS, but the kids love it and that is enough for me.
Dear Mark,
I agree with you that students learn so much through investigation and inquiry based instruction. I, also, did not have much experience in my elementary years with this type of learning. I had a wonderful professor in science that taught me the benefits of inquiry based instruction. I try to incorporate it in my class, but I teach every subject and find that time restraints limit me. What do you suggest? Great news, I just got back from a conference and was the winner of a FOSS kit. I chose Landforms!
Have you worked with the "Landforms" kit?
This is my first year using FOSS in an 8th grade science classroom and I have to say I am VERY disappointed!
The planetary science is extremely out of date, the population and diversity is cumbersome and takes up a lot of time. The chemical interation is OK ..but ... FOSS only meets about 40% of the MASS state science competencies.
Given my preference, I would use it sparingly because with NCLB I would be out of a job in a few years if I stayed exclusively with FOSS.
For Social Studies, take a look at the "History Alive" program. Our 5th graders love it and I have used the 6th level also. It is the most hands on social studies I have seen


text: It has a 18mm thin beam head. Grip size 4 5/8, condition a strong 8.5/10, comes with full length cover. Has Head Tape and leaded which all can be removed by buyer. $65 shipped any where in USA. Pics available upon request. I have references on TW Forum. Thanks for looking.


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WIKIMEDIA, LEONARD G.The United States should establish a $2 billion energy security trust fund dedicated to fueling research into technologies that would result in a new generation of cars and trucks that run on clean energy, President Barack Obama announced at Argonne National Laboratory last week (March 15).
"The only way to break this cycle of spiking gas prices—the only way to break that cycle for good—is to shift our cars entirely, our cars and trucks, off oil," the Chicago Sun-Times reported Obama saying to about 400 people in the lab's Center for Nanoscale Materials. "It's not just about saving money; it's also about saving the environment. It's also about national security. . . . Our reliance on oil makes us way too dependent on other parts of the world, many of which are very volatile."
The money for the trust fund, which Obama mentioned in his last State of the Union address, would come from selling leases to drill oil and gas on public lands over the next 10 years.


text: "Voices for Utah Children works to make Utah a place where all children thrive. We start with one basic question: "Is it good for kids?" At Voices for Utah Children, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. And to achieve this vision, we focus on five key areas that benefit the healthy development of all children." This organization was formerly known as The Children's Campaign of Utah.


text:
Services on Demand
Related links
- Cited by Google
- Similars in SciELO
- Similars in Google
- uBio
Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology
On-line version ISSN 1984-7033
ROSADO, Tatiana Barbosa et al. Detection of QTL associated with rust resistance using IBD-based methodologies in exogamic Eucalyptus spp. populations. Crop Breed. Appl. Biotechnol. (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.10, n.4, pp.321-328. ISSN 1984-7033. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-70332010000400006.
In Brazil the rust caused by Puccinia psidii Winter stands out as the most important disease of eucalyptus. The use of resistant genotypes is the main control method, which makes the detection of markers linked to rust resistance essential to the selection of resistant genotypes. In this study, an F1 progeny of 131 plants from interspecific crossings of Eucalyptus was used to identify markers linked to resistance genes for this pathogen. An integrated map was constructed for linkage group three based on microsatellite markers. For QTL mapping two methodologies based on alleles identical-by-descent (IBD) were used: single marker analysis of Haseman and Elston and the interval mapping procedure of Fulker and Cardon. Both methods showed significant association for the Embra 125 marker.The QTL that explained 42 % of the phenotypic variation was mapped to 0.02 cM of this marker by the Fulker and Cardon. Marker Embra 125 has potential use in assisted selection, thus increasing the efficiency of the selection of resistant genotypes.
Keywords : Eucalyptus grandis; Eucalyptus urophylla; Puccinia psidi; QTL mapping; molecular marker.


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Despite the election of Barack Obama and the general progression of culture into a post-racial world, there's still a whole lot of racism out there. It's just that now, instead of being out in the open in the form of, say, separate drinking fountains or specific parts of the bus where one can sit, it's more seething-below-the-surface these days. It's a joke told at a poker game among friends, or a slip of the tongue after getting cut off in traffic. Make no mistake about it: racism isn't gone. It's just a better concealed. So when overtly-racist stories find their way into the news, as in reports that a Kentucky church has banned interracial couples from attending services, it's a real shock to the system.
The story is this: a woman who's been attending services for years recently came back to town with her new fiance, an African man she met at her high-fallutin' college. As you'd imagine, the church didn't take too kindly to the new development. As you wouldn't imagine in 2011, the church leaders had a sit-down meeting and voted to officially ban interracial marriages:
"[T]he Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church does not condone interracial marriage. Parties of such marriages will not be received as members, nor will they be used in worship services and other church functions, with the exception being funerals."
Well, at least those types can attend funerals! There's really not a whole lot else to say about this other than: oh boy. Oh, and go fuck yourselves, Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church.


text:
Control of Irrigation Automatically By Using Wireless Sensor Network
In the field of agriculture the most important part is: to get the information about the fertility of soil and secondly moisture content of soil. After measuring these two factors a farmer can start sowing of seeds. In this paper, the authors are giving the brief outline about different techniques to measure soil fertility in order to check the productivity of crop. They are using here two devices to measure the constituents (potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen) of soil. After measuring fertility, they are proposing a system of automatic drip irrigation through microprocessor to measure the moisture of soil.
Provided by: International Journal of Soft Computing and Engineering (IJSCE) Topic: Mobility Date Added: Mar 2013 Format: PDF


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www.bungie.net | halo.bungie.net | bungiestore.com
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its like naruto but halo style
I love the multi color thingy... nice picture i wish i could do that
If u r reading tis, u r teh dumest pearson in teh hol world!- I r a kitteh and i aprove dis mesage.
this is to DCMAC13. F U C K YOU YOU MOTHER F U C K E R! WHY THE HELL DID YOU SAY THAT?
Acually i messaged him and he said he loved it just hel oves joking so...and if you like it so much PLZ rate
visit my file share here
lol, Very good, 10/10!
© 2017 Bungie, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Skip to comments.NYC subway bomb plotter found guilty on all counts
Posted on 05/02/2012 1:42:33 AM PDT by Olog-hai
A Bosnian immigrant accused of plotting to bomb New York's subway system as an "al Qaeda terrorist" has been found guilty on all counts, including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit murder and supporting a foreign terrorist organization.
Adis Medunjanin, wearing a black suit with a gray shirt and tie, gazed at family members as the verdict was read aloud in court Tuesday. His sentencing is scheduled for September 7.
"I want to commend prosecutors for the conviction of Adis Medunjanin," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. "His conviction stands as a stark reminder of terrorists' desire long after 9/11 to return to the city to kill more New Yorkers."
During the trial, prosecutors said Medunjanin traveled to Pakistan's tribal region with two high school friends, Pakistani-born Najibullah Zazi and Zarein Ahmedzay, an immigrant from Afghanistan. His friends have pleaded guilty to planning the attack with Medunjanin, testified against him and are awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors said Medunjanin sought to join the Taliban, but ended up being recruited by al Qaeda to perform a suicide mission back in the United States. Upon their return, Medunjanin and his two friends hatched a plan to rig backpacks with explosives and blow them up, prosecutors said.
"As this case has proved, working against sophisticated terrorist organizations and against the clock, our law enforcement and intelligence agencies can detect, disrupt and destroy terrorist cells before they strike, saving countless innocent lives," U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said in a statement on the verdict.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Execute him.
Make him ride the subways all night wearing a pinafore for about ten years, if he lives.
When is his execution slated for and can I get a ticket?
LOL! $10 says he'd last less than a week.
Get me one, too. I'll bring the popcorn & beer.
I suspect all his time in prison will be in "protective custody", essentially solitary confinement. If released into the general prison population he would probably be a target. In prison, terrorists probably rank right up there with child molesters.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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|1,400 sq. ft.
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|7 nights
New island condo located in Bradenton Beach Club: a small, luxury gulf-front complex that reaches from Gulf to Bay. Fully-equipped family-friendly unit has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a den. Great location: steps from pool and beach located in a lush, tropical setting with brick paved drives, clay tile roofs, and gorgeous landscaping. This new condo features a fully-equipped, spacious gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, premium stainless steel appliances, and high-quality cabinetry. Decor is 'kid-friendly' with temptations placed out of little one's reach and furnishings without glass doors and table tops. The 2nd bedroom includes 2 twin sized beds, as well as a queen-sized inflatable mattress. The den is equipped with a comfortable, full-sized convertible couch ("click-clack"). A large, screened lanai features a mosaic table and hurricane lamps.
Anna Maria Island was recently voted Number 1 2007 U.S. destination. A quaint, historic island (only 7 miles in length), AMI provides a unique atmosphere with free trolley rides (a trolley stop is located at the entrance to the complex), one-of-a-kind restaurants (fast-food chains and high rise complexes are banned from the island), antique shops, art galleries, and quiet residential areas.
We loved our stay at your condo! The rooms are spacious and the porch is great for outdoor dining. The kitchen is well-stocked for the meals we prepared. We found the pool to be sparkling clean and relaxing. The short walk to the beach or the bay is a great asset...it's easy to enjoy outdoor life. The condo is also centrally located and we enjoyed walking to several restaurants during our stay.
Our family was extremely impressed with the condo and its location. We enjoyed the well kept pool in the evening and the ocean right across the road during the day. The condo was very well laid out where my family of four had plenty of room and space. If anyone has small children this was a very kid friendly location. There were games to play, DVD movies to watch, and a pool that was clean well kept and safe. I plan on returning and enjoying this experience again soon. What an awesome experience!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your condo despite the unusually cold temperatures. The place was nicely decorated, fully stocked with anything we would need, clean, and comfortable. The hot tub was especially nice with the colder weather! Hope we'll be able to come back again in 2018.
My husband and I stayed here for a week with our three kids and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. We were able to book at the last minute and we are so thankful the manager/owner was able to accommodate us. The condo was clean and really a lot larger than I thought it would be.
We shared the condo with my sister and her husband. What a beautiful place! We loved the area - so much to do! The condo itself was roomy and so comfortable to come back to after a day at the beach. The beach is a walk across the street - beautiful sand, blue waters! We saw dolphins jumping in the water not far from where we were floating! So fun! Lots of great local eateries! No need to leave the island! This was the perfect get-a-way for our family!
What an incredibly condo! The accomodations were very well thought through and made our vacation at the beach the best its ever been! From the granite countertops to the screened in balcony, it seems like you guys thought of everything! We would whole-heartedly recommend this place!
Great condo for families! Loved the twin beds for the kids and the king bed was really comfortable. Kitchen is beautiful. Provides everything you need. Pool and beach are awesome!
Located on the narrow of Anna Maria Island, BBC straddles the Gulf and Intercoastal. To the west, an easy stroll across the street gives guests access to complimentary lounge chairs and lockers on a pristine, white, sandy beach. To the east, an elevated boardwalk leads to a covered porch with swing that provides a secluded spot to relax in the warm breeze, cast a fishing line, or enjoy the hidden treasures of Florida mangroves. A heated pool with outdoor spa and decorative waterfall is steps away and enhanced by a beautiful courtyard atmosphere. Parking is provided in a covered garage with motion sensor lighting and the option of an elevator or stairs that lead to this beautiful second-floor condo.
Other Activities: Shopping, Kayaking, parasailing, boating, jet skiing, shelling, Miniture golf, Close to Mote Aquarium, Ringling Brothers' Art Museum, Busch Gardens
|Property Damage Protection
|$125 + Tax
|Damage deposit
|Tax Rate
Rates are subject to change until reservation is confirmed. Minimum stay is 7 nights. Monthly and seasonal rentals available at discounted rates. Please inquire for specifics.


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Jul 17, 2010
anyone know where i can buy a new rear diff mount or new bush if possible?
which one do you need? the rear plate that mounts to the subframe or the "front" rear diff mount?
TBH I spent a wedge on a bling item on the front rear diff mount, works a charm but over priced, the rear diff mounting plate I tigersealed and it is rock hard now.
I jack the rear up under the diff now without so much as a movement.
tube of Sikaflex or tigerseal will do the job for a tenner
its the "front" rear diff mount i need, i already put poly bushes on the one on the back, i can only it in the us (034motor sport)?
the 034 one is excellent, although not actually made by them... I fitted one of these (15 mins tops), I used their harder rubber carrier mounts and made a huge difference to the slap..
replacing the front snub mount was well worth it as well...
however its now highlighted the older other mounts.
Separate names with a comma.


text:
Corn Best Practices
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are the best recommended agronomic practices for growing a specified crop. These practices are based on research and experience and apply to corn under the specified agro-ecological conditions.
The recommended BMPs are not the only way to grow corn but are the best way determined by Netafim. The BMPs may change as additional proven research becomes available.
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for corn
On surface drip irrigation for corn
Agro-ecological situation
Conditions: Temperate, tropical and subtropical
Climatic requirement: Crop of warm climate and adequate moisture; the crop is sensitive to low temperature and frost
Radiation: 500 – 600 cal/ cm2/ day
Growing degree days: 2700 for 130 days crop
Rainfall: 600 to 800 mm/ annum
Relative humidity: 50 to 80%
Base temperature: 10 ºC
Optimum temperatures: for germination 18 – 20 ºC; for growth, daytime, 25 – 33 ºC and night time 17 – 23 ºC.
Comment: Delayed germination causes seed rot and reduced plant population. Heavy rains and water logging during pollination affects grain yield significantly.
Soil suitability: Fertile, deep, well drained clay loam to silty loam soils with good water holding characteristics
Soil pH: 7.0 to 8.5
Soil critical nutrient levels: 15 – 18 ppm NO3–N, 16 – 21 ppm P, 121 – 160 ppm K, 101 ppm Mg, 076 – 1.0 ppm Zn
Soil bulk density: 1.3 – 1.4 Mg/m3 - better favors root penetration, proliferation and soil water air relations
Groundwater table: Below 2.0 m
Critical soil salinity level (ECe): 1.7 dS/m above which yield decreases
Solis to avoid: waterlogged soils
Crop rotation
Proper rotation in corn system checks weeds, diseases & pests and avoids yield losses.
Without proper rotation, yield losses are 2 – 19% due to stalk rot disease.
Dry beans, soybean and potatoes are the best rotational crops for disease management.
Improved varieties
Along with yield potential maturity is of primary importance in selecting a variety and hybrid that will produce mature, high test weight grain during a normal growing season for a particular area.
Several hybrids are available for all types of corn and include double crosses, three-way crosses, single crosses, and modified crosses (or sister line crosses) depending on the country.
Planting material
Row spacing: 0.70 m to 0.90 m
Plant spacing: 0.2 m
Optimum plant density: Varies between 70,000 to 80,000 plants/ ha
Seeding rate
Varies with cultivar, planting date, seed size and cost of production
Generally 20 to 25 kg/ha
Seeding by dibbling or by mechanical planters
Land prepartion
Clod free seedbed with good tilth to express its grain yield potential, subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) installation and optimal soil water air relations.
Destroy the hard pan if any using either chisel plough or a subsoiler to a depth of 35 – 40 cm.
Primary tillage by mould board plough or disc plough and secondary tillage by disc harrows, tyned harrows or rotavator to achieve proper tilth.
Compost: 15 – 20 tons/ ha
Planting for better stand, yield and quality
Poor plant stand registers low yield
Soil temperature at planting: 15 – 18 °C
Planting depth: 3 to 5 cm under adequate soil moisture
Weed control
Managing weeds is critical for successful corn production.
Weeds compete for light, water, nutrients, etc., and reduce grain yields by 45% in Germany, 30% in Russia, 50% in India, 41 to 86% in USA and 40% in Indonesia, depending on the weed intensity.
Critical crop – weed competition period is initial 7 – 8 weeks.
Integrated weed control program involving crop rotation, manual weeding, good seedbed preparation, maintenance of optimum plant population, mechanical intercultivation and herbicide chemical applications.
Herbicides per hectare:
Before planting & at planting
Alachlor 2.8 – 3.4 kg
Atrazine 1.8 – 2.3 kg
Glyphosate 1.15 – 4.5 kg
After planting
Pendimethalin 0.95 – 1.9 kg
Glyphosate 1.15 – 4.5 kg
2, 4-D amine 0.26 – 0.52 kg
Paraquat 0.28 – 0.56 kg
Metribizin 0.085 – 0.170 kg
Irrigation system
Drip version: Surface or subsurface drip irrigation combined with fertigation.
Drip product: DripNet PC, Tiran, Dripline 17009, Super typhoon, UniRam and Python 22135.
Dripline spacing: 1.4 to 1.9 m with 1 lateral for every 2 crop rows
Emitter spacing: 0.4 m to 0.75 m - depending on soil texture
Emitter flow rate: 0.6 LPH, 1.0 LPH, 1.6 LPH and 2.0 LPH - depending on soil texture
Crop water requirement & irrigation scheduling
Estimate crop water requirements as a product of daily reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) by Penman-Monteith method and crop coefficient for a given day according to the plant developmental stages.
Begin with 0.3 Kc of daily ETo in the initial period, raise it to 0.8 to 0.9 at vegetative stage, 1.2 at tasseling, silking & pollination stages, and decrease it to 0.5 at maturity of corn.
Irrigation scheduling using leaf water potential measurement by pressure chamber at 1.4 to 2.0 MPa at different stages enabled efficient use of water, fertilizer & energy inputs.
Daily crop water requirement: 6 to 7.5 mm/day
Seasonal crop water requirement: 350 to 800 mm - under range of environments
Apply mineral fertilizers based on the targeted yield, leaf analysis results, fertilizer experiment results, leaf deficiency symptoms, nutrient uptake, soil analysis results, nutrient recycling, etc.
Nutrient uptake:
191 kg N
89 kg P2O5
235 kg K2O
73 kg Mg
57 kg Ca
21 kg S for a yield of 9.5 tons/ha
Recommended nutrient dose: 120 to 180 kg N + 45 to 80 kg P2O5 + 30 to 80 K2O kg/ha
Critical levels in plant dry matter: 2.9% N, 0.25% P, 1.9% K, 0.15% Mg, 0.4% Ca, 0.15% S, 15 ppm Zn, 25 ppm Fe, 15 ppm Mn, 5 ppm Cu & 10 ppm B
For fertigation use water soluble fertilizers such as urea (46% N), potassium nitrate (13% N & 46% K2O), monoammonium phosphate (12% N & 61% P2O5) and ammonium nitrate (34% N).
Pests & diseases
Important pests: Flea beetles, seed corn maggots, leaf minor, spider mites, white grub, wire worm, cut worms, leaf aphids, army worm, stalk borer, root worm and European corn borer
Important diseases: Seedling blight, corn leaf blight, bacterial leaf blight, anthracnose leaf blight, maize dwarf mosaic, common rust, common smut, ear rot, kernel rot and grey leaf spot
Detect outbreaks and identify problem areas by routine patrols.
Monitor economic threshold levels and take up appropriate plant protection measures.
Corn is mature when the grain has about 30 – 32% moisture.
The best time to harvest depends on your harvest and storage system.
Timely harvesting of grain corn minimizes lodging, less ear droppage, avoids water logging and harvesting losses.
Grain yield
Under drip irrigation and fertigation a good commercial grain corn yield is 10 – 12 tons/ ha depending on length of growing season and variety (10 to 13 percent moisture).
Water utilization efficiency: Varying between 1.6 and 2.0 kg/m3


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Prostitution (think of Amsterdam) used to be seen as a free market. Across Europe it's now viewed as mere exploitation
As the trials of elderly TV stars charged with 1970s sex offences grind on, I hear one universal shrugging defence. "Well, it was the culture back then, wasn't it?" Maybe, 40 years ago, from BBC Television Centre to the lowliest typing pool, men copped a feel and women didn't squeal.
But now it seems antediluvian that honking a colleague's breast would barely get you a slapped wrist, let alone a one-way trip to HR. If the allegations against Lord Rennard are to be believed, some men apparently still try to leverage authority over women to grab a sexual thrill. Yet there is almost universal agreement: this is wrong.
If this bulwark of male power can be blown away in a generation, could another? Do men…


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Join Our NCAA Tournament Pool For Big Prizes…March 16, 2010
One of my favorite events on the sporting calendar every year is the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament. Every year since I can remember my friends and family fill out brackets and watch the upsets and buzzer beaters with excitement. The fun part is that you don't have to know very much to be successful picking the games. My son Landon picks by the mascots. My daughter Abby usually chooses by what colors she likes. My son Luke watches dozens of games all season long and almost always does the worst of anyone :). Here are the rules for our pool on the blog.
Click Here.
Group Password: walkintheword
First Prize — A trip for two to an amazing conference I am speaking at in May (U.S. and Canada Only).
Second Prize — An brand new I-Pad filled with 'Best of' Walk in the Word Teaching.
Third Prize — All of my books personalized.
All entries who beat me will receive a copy of my new book When Life Is Hard.
Click Here.
Group Password: walkintheword
Happy Madness…


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This product is no longer available.
You can try these similar gifts instead.
Mother's Personalized Glass Jewelry Box
It's a big day for the bride and groom, but it's also an important moment for mom. Let her know that she has meant the world to them, and that they would never have become the happy person they are without her.


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Rackmount Multimedia Player CD, USB, SD, MP3
Product Code 70285
Retail Price
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Buy Today and Save $100.00 (25% from Retail)
We're sorry, this product is no longer available.
This CD / MP3 player is suitable for various PA applications (e.g. in theatres, pubs etc.) and offers the standard features such as continuous repeat, random, MP3 from USB storage media and SD memory cards. It is compatible with audio CDs, audio CD-R and MP3 CDs.
0 0
- CD / USB / SD / MP3 player
- IR remote control
- Title direct access
- Program function
- Various repeat modes
- Balanced XLR output
- Anti shock buffer memory 40 sec.
- 19 inch housing
- Product number: LDCDMP1
- Product type: Multimedia Player
- Components: USB memory stick port, SD card input, Audio/MP3 CD-Player (12 cm disc)
- Installed dimensions: 19" / 1 U
- Supported formats: MP3 file, MP3-CD, Audio-CD
- Outputs: 2 x stereo analogue
- Output connectors: RCA, XLR
- Display: multifunction LC display
- Controls: + 10, Folder +, Power, Reverse, pitch-, CD ejector, mute, Play / Pause, Play Mode, Fast forward, Folder -, CD / USB / SD, Direct access 1 - 0, Stop, Prog, AC voltage selection switch (115 V AC / 230 V AC), pitch+
- Frequency response: 20 - 20,000Hz
- Interfaces: IR sensor for remote control
- Cabinet material: sheet steel
- Operating voltage: 230 / 115 V AC
- Power consumption: 20W
- Width: 482mm
- Height: 44,5mm
- Depth: 270mm
- Accessories (included): Power cord, IR remote control incl. batteries, User's manual
- Weight: 3.2kg
- Other features: 40-sec. anti-shock memory
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Background Gender is one of the most frequently replicated predictors for suicide.
Aims To identify risk factors for suicide among males and females and to investigate whether risk factors for suicide differ by gender.
Method A time-matched nested case—control design was performed using Danish longitudinal register databases to obtain 811 suicide cases and 79 871 controls. Data were analysed using conditional logistic regression.
Results A history of hospitalised mental illness was the most marked risk factor for suicide for both genders. Unemployment, retirement, being single and sickness absence were significant risk factors for men, whereas having a child <2 years old was significantly protective for women. The relative risks for suicide differed significantly between genders according to psychiatric admission status and being the parent of a child <2 years. However, adjustment for these factors did not eliminate the gender difference in suicide risk.
Conclusions Risk factors for suicide differed by gender and gender differences could not be explained by differential exposure to known risk factors.
A number of studies have analysed the health and socio-economic indicators for suicidal ideation and behaviour, in which gender is one of the most frequently replicated predictors (Goldacre et al, 1993; Moscicki, 1994; Canetto & Sakinofsky, 1998). Identifying variables that indicate greater risk of suicide in different genders, as well as investigating whether risk factors associated with suicide differ by gender, are important tasks. Also, very few studies have examined interactions by gender for each of the risk factors while adjusting for other confounders. A previous study by Mortensen et al (2000) found that a history of hospitalised mental disorders, unemployment and being single were all associated with an elevated suicide risk in Denmark. The purposes of this study are to identify further the significant risk factors for suicide among males and females separately, and to examine whether psychiatric or socio-economic factors can explain gender differences in suicide risk and whether risk factors for suicide differ between genders in a large representative population-based sample.
The data for this study were based on three Danish longitudinal registers that were merged by using a unique personal identification number known as the CPR-number. The CPR-number is the equivalent of a person's social security number and is used across all registration systems in Denmark and can be logically checked for errors.
The first and basic register in our study is the Longitudinal Labour Market Register (Westergård-Nielsen, 1984), which includes a 5% random sample of about 240 000 individuals from the Danish population aged 16-78 years and contains year-by-year information on individual income, wealth, employment, education, marriage and other demographics for a 15-year span from 1980 to 1994. The second register is the Danish Medical Register on Vital Statistics (Sundhedsstyrelsen, 1992), which contains the Cause-of-Death Register recording the causes and dates of all deaths in Denmark. During the study period, suicides were identified from the Cause-of-Death Certification according to the WHO ICD-8 (World Health Organization, 1967) codes E950-E959 and ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1992) codes X60-84. The third register is the Danish Psychiatric Central Register (Munk-Jorgensen & Mortensen, 1997), which covers all psychiatric in-patient facilities in Denmark and cumulatively records all admission and discharge information such as dates and diagnoses.
Most socio-economic data included in our study were extracted from the Labour Market Register (Westergård-Nielsen, 1984), i.e. degree of unemployment, measured as the fraction of the year for which unemployment benefits were paid, and split into being in work, <20% degree of unemployment and 20-100% degree of unemployment; age pension, indicating retirement after age 60; disability pension, indicating retirement due to permanent disability before age 60; the seven mutual independent categories for labour-market participation status, including the three levels of employment, accepting an age pension, a disability pension and other social benefits and being a student; annual income and wealth (property or debt) divided into quartiles; educational level, grouped into three categories referring to primary school, high school and university level; marital status, classified into married or cohabiting and being single; being the parent of a young child, indicating having a child less than 2 years old; sickness absence, indicating an absence from work due to illness for more than 3 weeks; living in the capital area (referring to the Copenhagen and Frederiksberg municipality). All these data were cited according to information obtained 2 years prior to the matching time because some of them, such as annual income and unemployment degree, are finally constructed by authorities in the subsequent year, which means that information for the year preceding the year of death could be incomplete.
Further explanatory variables derived from the Psychiatric Central Register (Munk-Jorgensen & Mortensen, 1997) included psychiatric admission history, duration of current discharge period, diagnosis, etc. and were updated to the matching time. The psychiatric diagnoses contained in this data-set were based on the main diagnosis at the latest discharge. However, alcoholism and drug misuse were considered as separate variables irrespective of whether they occurred alone or in combination with other mental disorders in previous diagnoses. It should be noted also that information about the person was available only if he or she had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital or ward.
A time-matched nested case-control design (Clayton & Hills, 1993) was performed to select representative controls, where each person committing suicide was matched to a random subsample of all available controls, that is, all individuals who were alive and recorded in the Longitudinal Labour Market Register at the time of the suicide. Individuals selected as controls for each case were replaced after each specific selection. This procedure was followed for each suicide, resulting in a sample consisting of 811 suicide cases and 79 871 controls for the years 1982-1994.
The data were analysed in a conditional logistic regression model using the PhReg procedure in SAS version 6.12 for UNIX (SAS Institute, 1997). Odds ratios and 95% confidence limits were estimated. The Wald test was used to examine whether the risks in various categories were significantly different from the references. P-values of gender interaction were based on the likelihood ratio test, that is, interaction between a specified variable and gender was tested by comparing the likelihood value of the full model, including all variables and gender as main effects as well as gender interactions with each category of all variables, with the likelihood value of the same model excluding only the gender interactions with each category of the specified variable.
The main results of this study are shown in Table 1. The 3rd and 4th columns display the percentage distributions of cases and controls in different variable categories. The female:male ratios were 270:541 among suicides and 39 981:39 890 among controls in our study population.
The next two columns present the age-adjusted relative risks for individual variables. Some variables had the same impact on suicide risk for both men and women, e.g. being single, living in the capital area, ever having been an alcohol or drug misuser and ever having been a patient in a psychiatric hospital, and the relative risks increased or decreased in the expected direction. Some other factors, such as unemployment, income, wealth, having a young child and sickness absence from a job, had different effects on suicide for men and women. The influence of educational level on suicide risk was weak for both genders.
However, when all these variables as well as age were included in one model and adjusted for each other, the effects of most socio-economic indicators were either reduced, eliminated or even reversed. This is due to a strong association between a history of hospitalised psychiatric disease and these variables. As is shown in the 7th and 8th columns in Table 1, a history of hospitalised mental illness was the strongest risk factor for suicide for both genders. The highest risks for committing suicide were among those who had been discharged from psychiatric hospitals within the preceding month and those currently admitted. Compared with those never admitted, the relative risks for these two subgroups were 127.47 and 51.96 for men and 152.33 and 146.00 for women respectively. Moreover, in this multivariate analysis, being single, unemployment, retirement and sickness absence remained significant risk factors for suicide for men even after controlling for psychiatric history. For women, besides the history of psychiatric hospitalisation, there were no statistically significant risk factors except that having a child less than 2 years old significantly reduced the suicide risk.
In this study population, the relative risk of committing suicide among males v. females was 2.05 (95% CI 1.77-2.38) after controlling for age only, and 2.17 (95% CI 1.83-2.56) after further controlling for all other variables. This means that taking psychiatric history and socio-economic and demographic factors into account did not explain gender differences in suicide rates in Denmark.
The last column in the table displays the P-values of the results of the analyses as to whether the impacts of these variables differ for suicide between the genders. There were no significant interactions between gender and marital status, education level, annual income, wealth status, region, sickness absence from job and alcohol and drug misuse, respectively. However, the interaction between gender and having a history of psychiatric hospitalisation was obviously significant, with P < 0.01 which, in connection with the odds ratios displayed in the 7th and 8th columns, means that a history of psychiatric admission had a stronger impact on increasing suicide risk among females than males. Also, the gender interaction of having a child <2 years old was also significant, which suggests that being a parent of a young child was more protective against suicide behaviour for females than for males.
This study was based on individual data from three Danish longitudinal registers, which made it possible to analyse suicide in relation to a relatively wide range of health and socio-economic indicators in a large representative population.
The main finding of the present study was that hospitalised mental illness, in particular recent discharge from a psychiatric hospital or ward, appeared to be the most prominent risk factor for suicide for both men and women. Moreover, a history of psychiatric hospitalisation made the increased suicide risk higher in females than in males. However, this does not mean that suicide rates are higher among female than male psychiatric patients, because the suicide rate in the general population is lower in females than in males.
Another important finding in our study was that socio-economic risk factors for suicide differed among males and females. Unemployment, retirement, being single and sickness absence were still significant risk factors for men, even after controlling for psychiatric admission. For women, no significant risk factor other than mental illness was classified, whereas having a child <2 years old reduced the suicide risk.
However, the third finding was that there was no prominent gender interaction for most socio-economic indicators on suicide, except having a history of psychiatric hospitalisation and being the parent of a child <2 years old.
Many studies have found that the highest suicide mortality rates were for individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder (Moscicki, 1994; Dennehy et al, 1996; Harris & Barraclough, 1997; Heikkinen et al, 1997). In our study, 42.7% of male and 59.6% of female suicides had ever been admitted for psychiatric illness. Although our finding of a highly elevated risk after discharge was consistent with the findings, for example, of Goldacre et al (1993) in a national sample in England, the effect of psychiatric illness on suicide might still be underestimated since we only took inpatients into account and were unable to get information for those not meeting admission criteria. Similar underestimation could also be presented for both alcohol and drug misuse. Our findings that alcoholism and drug misuse increased risk in the age-adjusted analyses were concordant with the literature (Adams & Overholser, 1992; Heikkinen et al, 1995; Rossow & Amundsen, 1995; Taylor et al, 1999). However, with psychiatric admission in the multivariate analysis, there was no additional risk from alcohol or drug misuse. This is because information on alcohol and drugs was available only for those people who had ever been admitted to a psychiatric hospital or ward, and that substance misuse often is not reported as an auxiliary diagnosis.
Our results from the analysis only controlling for age confirmed previous reports that some health and sociodemographic factors, such as sickness absence, being single and living in large urban areas, were associated with an increased suicide risk (Johansson et al, 1997). On the other hand, our results that economic stressors such as employment status, income and wealth played a more important role in suicide for males than for females supported the hypothesis that men respond more strongly to changing social and economic conditions than women (Crombie, 1990; Taylor et al, 1998). Some earlier studies (Johansson & Sundquist, 1997; Lewis & Sloggett, 1998) had found an increased risk among the unemployed, and our study identified that this effect was prominent only for males both when controlling for age and when further controlling for all variables.
Our finding that people, especially women, who had a young child were less likely to commit suicide was consistent with previous reports (Hoyer & Lund, 1993; Heikkinen et al, 1995; Moscicki, 1997). Our result also supported the hypothesis first suggested by Durkheim, (1966) that the protective effect of marriage on suicide rates in women was largely an effect of having children.
The finding of high suicide risk for those living in the capital area was comparable with reports from most Western countries. Different effects of urban living between genders might be because women living in cities feel more alienated and socially isolated (Murphy, 1998).
Our study also found that an absence from work due to illness was significantly associated with a higher suicide risk only for males in the analyses both controlling for age and further controlling for all other variables. This indicates that physical weakness might more easily lead to a lack of self-esteem and confidence for men.
Since the psychiatric history, socio-economic factors and demographics did not explain the higher suicide rate in males than in females, there may be some other aspects, such as genetic factors, personality characteristics and stressful life events, that increase suicide risk. Unfortunately, such variables were not available in our study. Another limitation of our study was that information regarding most socio-economic factors was based on records from 2 years prior to the matching time, whereas psychiatric information was updated to the matching time. This would weaken the demonstration of the importance of socio-economic factors in comparison, even though they might have had their effect during the 2 years prior to suicide.
Clinical Implications and Limitations
The risk factors of suicide differed according to gender. Unemployment played a more important role in predicting suicide for men. But a history of hospitalised mental illness was the most marked risk factor for suicide for both men and women.
Psychiatric history and socio-economic factors did not explain the higher suicide rate in men.
Gender interactions were significant in relation to psychiatric admission history and to being the parent of a child <2 years old.
The impact of psychiatric history as well as alcohol and drug misuse might be underestimated.
Most socio-economic data were cited according to information gained 2 years prior to the matching time.
Data regarding genetic factors, personal characteristics and life events were not available.
We thank statistician Carsten Bøcker Pedersen for helpful suggestions regarding the statistical analyses in this paper.
- Received November 22, 1999.
- Revision received May 19, 2000.
- Accepted May 19, 2000.
- © 2000 Royal College of Psychiatrists


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Black Friday is here. Save 25% on all apparel, 20% on everything else. Use BLACKFRIDAY
breast fine art holly ivory flame maxoperandi naked nude organza texture
masterpiece fantastic
Cheers Scott…from you this is praise indeed!
Simply……………. Very beautiful, sensual and elegant! Rob :-)
Cheers Rob…great compliments…appreciated!
This one gorgeous! Love the pose texture and color…nice work Max ~
Thanks Mark…a few of us on RB have been swapping textures. Having great fun!
What a masterpiece!
Thank you so much Lynette xx!
Amazing !!! One of the best !!!
Cheers David…just trying to keep the lighting simple these days!
Thank you so much Shannon!
Magnificent! Amazing pose. Perfect!
Cheers Jay…Holly does these so well!
Fabulous work
Many many thanks!
Really nice work
Much appreciated Henrikn!
That'll do for me…thanks!
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Ghostly whisper saying "Go Outside". Created using my voice and Audacity for effects.
Human heartbeat
room had an exhaust fan running. great for large space
Fruitcake Hotel #6: computer generated music
Noise of an average logitech keyboard. Pretty well recorded (close up), normal style typing (faked though).
male breaths in and out
Male voice whispered Quick over here recorded on a samsung Android cell phone with the voice recorder
artificial rain made from granulated whispers condenses into recognisable speech fragments
Writing on a piece of paper in pencil. Recorded with a Rode NTG-2 mic into Zoom H4.
A recording of me whispering, then layered four times and a convulsion reverb effect added. Recorded using an MXL V63M ...
Walking on concrete sidewalk - microphone just ahead of the feet - SonyMD (MZ-N707)
Walking all the way home into the house, into the kitchen with chips frying in a pan. To get a ...
Recording with low levels, made in a British country house park, somewhere in southern England early summer, warm day, birds ...
Room tone captured from a medium sized bedroom
A recording of male & female footsteps walking on gravel made using a pair of spaced omni's on a boom ...


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Started truly cosplaying in 2007, still adore it and it's become one of my favorite hobbies. Mostly because I get to make everything myself before I show it off, and I love getting my hands dirty.
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Testimonies, Speeches and Comments
The NCPA has a highly effective office in Washington, D.C. that sponsors Capitol Hill briefings, conferences and testimony by NCPA experts before congressional committees. The NCPA serves as a source of "outside the Beltway" thinking for Capitol Hill deliberations.
Feb 07, 2003
Statement before the Democratic Policy Committees of the U.S. Congress
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the administration's budget request for FY 2004. I would just like to emphasize at the outset that I am not an administration official and do not in any way speak for the administration. Furthermore, while I am generally sympathetic with the administration's philosophy, I don't necessarily support every particular of its budget priorities. I am here speaking only for myself and not on behalf of the National Center for Policy Analysis, the Bush Administration, the Republican Party or anyone else.