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DWTS4: Randall's Costume Retrospective, Week 3
Randall has been incredibly busy traveling lately, but he is still gracious enough to offer his insight on our favorite costumes from seasons past 🙂 Let's see what he has to say about the tango & jive costumes from week 3 of season 4!
Apolo & Julianne's costumes: "Definitely a LOT of fun paying tribute to Uma/John with a retro style costume. Apolo looked great with his slick and shiny hair pulled back ala John Travolta."
*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson
Billy Ray & Karina's costumes: "Looking back at these photos, I don't even recognize Billy Ray nor Karina!!! I think that Billy Ray looks BEYOND dashing in his tango costume – sophisticated, masculine and definitely elegant. And Karina! The upswept hairdo, and that magnificent gown…..killer looks for a good tango! The sleeveless jacket for Billy Ray was great, as it minimized any raising of his shoulders, which is SO difficult to control when dancing a ballroom dance, especially the tango, which automatically creates tension in the shoulders. Without suit sleeves, the softness of the shirt minimized any tenseness that may have occurred while dancing."
*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson
Laila's costume: "The palazzo pants were a nice twist on the typical tango costume, and with Laila's long legs, they really soared! The snake/serpentine rhinestone trim along that (long and sexy) back in navy and hematite stones – stunning! Laila has such a phenomenal physique that we wanted to showcase her beautiful shoulders, and went with a sports cut halter neckline. What great shoulders, huh?"
*photo courtesy ABC/Carol Kaelson Read more..


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Parenthood already has one of the biggest casts on network TV, but it's ensemble just keeps growing. Last season added Adam and Kristina's baby daughter, Nora, and saw the return of Sarah's ex, Mark Cyr (Jason Ritter). For Season 4, which premieres on Sept. 11 at 10/9c, the NBC drama has added a few more fresh faces. There's Victor, Julia and Joel's adopted son and, of course, Emmy winner Ray Romano, who will play yet another love interest for the eldest Braverman daughter. "I've been talking to Ray a bunch about his character and he's really excited about doing it," executive producer Jason Katims tells TVGuide.com. "He's a fan."
But Sarah's complicated love life — including whether or not she accepted Mark's surprise proposal — is far from the only obstacle the Bravermans will face. Katims filled us in on Romano's "acerbic" new guy, Amber's promising new romance, Julia's tough juggling act and whether there's another new Braverman baby on the way for Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Jasmine (Joy Bryant). As usual, it sounds like you should have your Kleenex ready.
Ray Romano joins Parenthood for multi-episode arc
The burning question on everyone's mind is: Will Sarah (Lauren Graham) say yes?
Jason Katims: The answer is going to be in the first episode. We're very excited to have Jason Ritter come back on the show because we didn't know whether or not he was going to be available. I think things are moving forward in their relationship. The wrinkle that we're throwing in is this new character played by Ray Romano who is going to wind up being Sarah's boss, but also a complicating factor to the relationship between Mark and Sarah.
How does Ray Romano's character compare to Mark? What kind of relationship will he have with Sarah?
Katims: Where we've seen that Mark is so flexible and open, Ray's character, Hank, is the opposite. He's a little bit acerbic and cynical. He has had life experience, so, in a weird way there's something that fits better between Hank and Sarah than with Sarah and Mark. It begins with her getting a job with Hank, who is a commercial photographer. Sarah gets a job as an assistant in this small photography studio. We want to watch as their relationship develops over time and, at the same time, watch Sarah and Mark's relationship develop and have those things slowly build to a conflict and try to follow it in a way that feels real.
Last year, Sarah and Mark clashed about whether to have a baby. Will that issue come up again?
Katims: What we have seen already and what we would continue to observe is that they're so great together, but they're also at different stages of their life. It's going to be very important for Sarah to also figure out her career and figure out things like moving out of her parents' house. This is an exciting year for her because it's a year of really trying to figure out some things in her life and taking the bull by the horns.
Watch full episodes of Parenthood
What's coming up for her kids this season?
Katims: We have always liked the idea of Amber working in Crosby and Adam's recording studio, so that's something we're going to establish this year. She's musical and she is an aspiring songwriter, so we thought it would make perfect sense. Then we also have an idea for a really interesting love story for her this year in a way that we haven't done before with her. What's great about Mae [Whitman] is that you really have watched that character evolve over the three seasons so far. So we want to go to the next step and have her get involved in a mature relationship.
So it's something that's more lashing than her previous relationships on the show?
Katims: It's not without its challenges, but yeah, it's something that is going to be a deep, real love.
What will marriage look like for Crosby and Jasmine?
Katims: I always get excited on a show, especially going into Season 4, when you get to explore a dynamic you haven't gotten to before. This gives us an opportunity to look at the first year of a marriage. It allows us to do a lot of interesting closed-ended stories — stories like sharing a checkbook, and figuring out how they're going to be as parents together. Not only as parents, but as people, and establishing what kind of couple they're going to be together. We have one story line coming up about making plans for the weekend and how much to plan stuff versus play it by ear. These two people are really very different in a lot of ways [and need] to find a balance with each other.
Get the return dates for Parenthood and the rest of NBC's lineup
Is there any talk of them having any other baby?
Katims: I don't know yet. It's definitely something we've discussed. It's so funny because a lot of times we'll have these discussions as writers and you feel like you're having a discussion with your wife: 'I don't know. Are they ready to have another baby? Is it time? Well, she's not getting any younger.' We do have two new children on the show with Adam and Kristina's baby, Nora, and Victor, the 8-year-old son that Julia and Joel have adopted. I'm not sure when we would be ready to tell that story, but it's definitely something that I think would be, at some point, something we would want to play.
Another big element of the finale was the introduction of Victor. How will he shake up Joel (Sam Jaeger) and Julia's (Erika Christensen) world?
Katims: He shakes it up in a big way. Especially when you adopt a child who is a little older, it's one thing to say you're going to become a family and it's another thing to have that actually happen. We'll see that journey of Victor really becoming integrated into this family and the challenges that it takes to get there. It is a very serious subject matter and we want to honor what it would really be like. It's always great when you're dealing with a story that you feel will take a season to tell because there are so many aspects to it. We're excited to watch not only how this affects the inner-workings of their nuclear family, but also how it affects Julia emotionally and her work life.
Can you elaborate on Julia's struggle?
Katims: For the first time, Julia feels like she's not able to do it all. That's always been her mantra — that would she would be able to have the big career as a lawyer and also be able to be a great mom. I think that when she doesn't feel that it's necessarily working or as easy and natural as she thought it was going to be, it starts to affect her work. She feels like she needs to spend more time at home and she lets the ball drop on a couple things at work. It begins to create a very anxious environment for her and does come to a head fairly early in the season.
Check out photos from Parenthood
What's ahead for Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter) this year? Is Haddie (Sarah Ramos) really headed to college 3,000 miles away?
Katims: Haddie is headed for Cornell and that is something we're going to be dealing with very much at the beginning of the season. Max is going to be entering middle school this year, and we're excited to tell the challenges that that brings him. I hesitate to go too much into it because I want to keep some of these things close to the vest, but we always feel that we came into the show through Adam's eyes and so we definitely have some big stories to tell for them.
It would have been very easy to have Haddie attend a college nearby like Berkeley or Stanford, so why did you choose to send her away for school?
Katims: I just felt that the story of when somebody moves out at that age is such an intense time. I had the same feeling when I did Friday Night Lights and we wanted to play the reality and let them graduate and watch them move on and watch what they wind up doing. I thought it wound up being a very important part of the show. I wanted to take the same approach with Parenthood.
And now Drew (Miles Heizer) could be next.
Katims: Drew might be next. He's a senior. That's also another big story to tell and a lot of what we feel is contributing to Sarah's need to really get her life together. We've watched Haddie graduate, but Kristina and Adam still have Max and Nora. With Drew leaving, that's going to be a really intense thing for Sarah because she's going to be empty-nested.
Season 4 of Parenthood premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 10/9c on NBC. Do you want Sarah and Mark to tie the knot? Should Crosby and Jasmine have another baby? Sound off in the comments below!

subset: commoncrawl


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CRN India Web Gets a Facelift
11 Feb, 2013, 06:37 GMT
MUMBAI, February 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
CRN India, a part of UBM India Technology Media group and India's No. 1 IT Channel media publishing house, unveils a new look of its portal - http://www.crn.in. The new website is a step ahead towards offering its audience the best platform to engage, network and partner with the community. The new website features easier navigation, easier interaction, better networking and opportunities.
"We are excited to bring a completely new website of CRN to our readers with several new features. CRN over the past couple of years has seen a significant increase in its online readership and to cater to the growing online readers, we will continue creating more initiatives like virtual events, webinars, marketplace, community forums and much more," said Dhaval Valia, Executive Editor, CRN India.
The whole idea was to enhance the user experience. Now the users can access news based on various classifications such as national, international, company and industry segments. This ensures that users can pick and read only relevant news. It also now has a special section namely the "Role Model" & "Get Personal". The "Role Model" section features some of industry's role models and their journey both as an individual and as a professional. The "Get Personal" is a web section that talks exclusively about the personal side of key channel industry partners. The portal also now has a rich library of digital print issues in the "Print Archive" section.
A lot of attention now also goes into what's known as "Community". This section is a mix of two - Discussion Forum and Gallery. The discussion forum is a place for the community to post updates and initiate discussions on areas including technology, business, associations and the likes. It also offers a unique platform namely the "Marketplace" to the channel community to engage into buying & selling, announce partner requirements, schemes, offers and also post jobs.
To learn more, visit http://www.crn.in.
http://www.crn.in witnesses huge number of visitors comprising of IT distributors, system integrators and resellers.
For advertising opportunities, contact:
Ranabir Das | +91 98200 97606 | email@example.com
Sanjay Khandelwal | +91 98117 64515 | email@example.com
Sudhir K | +91 97407 76749 | firstname.lastname@example.com
About UBM India:
UBM India is a part of UBM plc which is a leading global business media company. We inform markets and bring the world's buyers and sellers together at events, online, and in print, providing them with the information they need to do business successfully. We focus on serving professional commercial communities, from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewellery traders, from farmers to pharmacists, around the world. UBM worldwide organizes 300 events, publishes 200 magazines and periodicals and host 200 websites.
UBM India with its technology and publishing division - UBM Technology Media, started in May 2007, brought the power of trusted IT media brands to technology and business decision makers through online properties, IT gatherings and industry-leading magazines with renowned IT brands like CRN (http://www.crn.in) and Information Week (http://www.informationweek.in), TechOnline India (http://www.techonlineindia.com); Bank & Systems Technology India (http://www.banktechindia.com). ESC India; Interop; FTS; ICSC and other customized IT-related events are innovative marketing solutions to help create long-term, profitable relationships with technology builders, sellers and buyers.
Primary Media Contact: Sanket Karode, email@example.com, 91-22-61727403
SOURCE UBM India Pvt. Ltd.


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Exeter-Hampton area senior club updates and trips. Please send Exeter-Hampton area Senior News to firstname.lastname@example.com.
n BRENTWOOD SENIORS: meet the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Community Center, 190 Route 125. Social hour and appetizers are at 11 a.m., business meeting at 11:30 a.m. and luncheon buffet at 11:45 a.m. Call Eugene Orcutt at 642-4597.
n ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION (ARA): Open to Seacoast residents 55 years and above. Annual membership $50. Continuing series include Great Decisions discussions on Monday mornings, physical fitness Tuesday and Thursday mornings, writing group Tuesday afternoons and play reading Friday afternoons. www.unh.edu/ara/ or call Carol Caldwell at 343-1004.
n EPPING SENIORS: meet every second Thursday of the month, 1 p.m. at Watson Academy Community Center.
n EXETER WOMAN'S CLUB: a member of the international General Federation of Women's Clubs, meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday (September-May), at Langdon Place Community Room, Hampton Road, Exeter. This volunteer group continues knitting hats for chemo patients, sewing comfort pillows for cancer survivors, sewing bags and hospital gowns for Operation SMILE, gives a scholarship plus helps a variety of charities. 778-1287.
n EXETER AREA GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS: meets at 7 p.m., the second Thursday of each month, September to May, at the Exeter Senior Center. Call 778-7237.
n MEALS ON WHEELS: serves luncheons at noon Mondays through Thursdays, and at 11:30 a.m., Fridays, at the Exeter Senior Center, 30 Court St., Exeter. Suggested donation of $2. Reservations required. Call 778-8196.
n NARFE: (National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees) Seacoast Chapter 1790 meets in March, April, May, September, October, November, and December, generally on the fourth Thursday of the month except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Lunch is at 12:30 p.m. 926-3472.
n SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB: of Hampton meets the second Thursday at 10 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, 525 Lafayette Road. There will be coffee and snacks at 9:30 a.m. 929-9963.
n NEWMARKET RECREATION DEPARTMENT: 1 Terrace Drive, Newmarket, has senior trips planned. Call 659-8581 or fax 659-2761.
n NEWMARKET SENIOR CITIZENS: meets the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Center on Beech Street Extension. Anyone 55 and older is welcome to join.
North Hampton
n PASA: Programs for Active Senior Adults (PASA). Meetings at North Hampton Town Hall, 233 Atlantic Ave., North Hampton. Third Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. Monthly group outings. New members always welcome.
n OLLI: (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Granite State College): offers a wide variety of short courses, classes and trips for New Hampshire residents age 50 and over. Annual membership is $40. For schedule and other information, call 513-1377 or e-mail: email@example.com and visit www.olli.granite.edu.
n SOUTHEASTERN RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION: meets in October, November, April and May. The programs feature entertainment, lunch and a short business meeting. A scholarship from the group is awarded each year to a high school graduate planning a career in education. For information, call Mary Ann Jenness at 679-8395.
n THE NORTHEAST PRIME TIME CLUB: is offering upcoming trips for all seniors in the Seacoast area. Call the Portsmouth office for reservations and/or information. 422-9869. Trips sell out quickly. All day trips include, tax, tips, transportation, tickets and meals.
Northeast Prime Time Club trips
n DEC. 31: NEW YEAR'S EVE DAY TRIP. Trip to the Castleton Ballroom in Windham, N.H., for the hit show "One For The Road." A unique Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin tribute. Jimmy Mazz and Patrick Tobin come together to bring you the ultra cool personalities of "The Chairman of the Board," and "The Prince" of the Rat Pack. Patrick's look of a young Sinatra is appreciated and amplified by his low vocal resonance as he belts out hit after hit. Jimmy portrays Dean's signature look, swagger and smooth vocal style as he sings the hits and many great one-liners Dean was famous for. A great show along with a wonderful sit-down lunch, champagne toast, and noise makers for just $79. Note; Inclement weather day is Jan. 1.
n THE STRATHAM SENIORS (76'ers): is a local social organization open to all seniors of Stratham and surrounding communities. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month from September to June from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stratham Fire Station municipal room. A pot luck lunch is provided by members followed by information speakers or programs. Fun field trips are planned by the Stratham Parks and Recreation Department. Informative fliers with telephone numbers are available at the Stratham Wiggin Library at 10 Bunker Hill Road. Call 778-7600 or 580-1230. The next meeting will be held Dec. 18. This will be the traditional Yankee Gift Exchange Swap. Each couple or individual attending should bring a wrapped gift for the swap. The gift should not exceed $10 in value. Join the fun and enjoy a good lunch. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
n SEASIDE ELDERLY DAY OUT CENTER: 441 rear Lafayette Road, Hampton, provides its clients with home cooked meals, socialization, individual and group activities, crafts, projects, cards, bingo, among other activities. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details about the center, call Susan Armstrong at 929-5988 or visit its Web site www.seasideelderlydayoutcenter.com.
North Hampton
n YOGA CLASS: SolAmor Hospice offers free yoga class specifically for caregivers, family members who care for a loved one who is ill. The class takes place every Friday from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. at the SolAmor Hospice office in the Citizens Bank Building at 65 Lafayette Road, North Hampton, third floor. Yoga instructor, Sue Ebbeson, is certified in classical yoga from Yogalife Institute located in New Hampshire. She has practiced yoga for more than 12 years. This class is suitable for all body types, ages and abilities. To register call or e-mail Loretta Mangano, MS, ATR Life Care Coordinator at SolAmor Hospice at 964-5183 or firstname.lastname@example.com. For information about SolAmor Hospice, visit www.solamorhospice.com.
n SOLAMOR HOSPICE: seeks compassionate community members who are good listeners and who can spare a few hours each week to provide companionship to patients at end-of-life. The company provides all the necessary training. For information or to request an application, contact SolAmor Hospice at 964-5183 or email@example.com. Space is limited. Apply soon.
n SEACOAST VNA: offers a monthly blood pressure clinic from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the agency office, 29 Lafayette Road, in North Hampton. This service is free of charge and no appointment is necessary.
n LAMPREY HEALTH CARE: Senior Transportation Program offers weekly shopping/errand trips and monthly day trips to senior citizens and disabled adults in Brentwood, Candia, Danville, Deerfield, Durham, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampton, Kingston, Lee, Newfields, Newmarket, North Hampton, Northwood, Nottingham, Raymond, Rye, Seabrook and Stratham. Call 659-2424 or (800) 582-7214.
n SERVICELINK: A New Hampshire source for information about aging, chronic illness, adult disabilities and care giving. Staff and volunteers are available to answer questions regarding: transportation, health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, in-home care, housing, legal planning, health issues, financial matters, prescription drug assistance and more. ServiceLink also offers cell phones for seniors or disabled individuals (911 calls only). Call ServiceLink at 334-6594 (Portsmouth office) or (866) 634-9412 (toll free), visit the office at 270 West Road in Portsmouth or www.rockinghamservicelink.com.
FOOT CARE CLINIC: Seacoast VNA offers the following foot clinics: Webster at Rye Skilled Nursing Facility in Rye, 9 a.m. to noon, the first Tuesday of the month; Seacoast VNA office at 29 Layfayette Road in North Hampton, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., second Thursday of the month and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., fourth Tuesday of the month; Seabrook Community Center in Seabrook, 9 a.m. to noon, third Wednesday of the month. Call (978) 552-4747 to make an appointment. The suggested donation varies by location and will be discussed when the appointment is scheduled.


text: I recently purchased a "mint" set of Tama Starclassics, but they had been used by a semi pro drummer who had the quiet heads top and bottom on every drum and the no drill Pearl modules on each drum. My hobby is drums, I am an old guy who likes drums and I buy and sell mostly on line. My question is I have ZERO experience in the quiet heads, triggers ect, and wondering where would be a good place to sell? Even the Bass drum head is mesh, I havent taken it apart yet to see what all is inside it. Thanks for any advice!


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First Place
Second Place
Angus Blacksail
I'm new to the server, but these are the two I immediately have fun with whenever we're on, so they happily receive my vote. (Eldradra, and Arto)
Thanks to the team and everyone for the well run Trade Fair! I saw 40 people on Ferrell at one point, so rock on people!
If Fellock doesn't get some recognition this month, I quit Avlis.
It's not often that a character leaves me stunned and not knowing how to reply but Ony managed!
I foresee great things with Khazak. Plus he's a dorf and everyone loves a grumpy dorf.
Bloody bloody!
ok so my vote is technically for them in the first few days of April, but their back and forth play at the trade fair was hilarious!
Fellock - when Fellock is around, I'm sitting in my chair laughing, because of the hilarious things that come out of his mouth. It's great to see that he's gotten involved in several groups and with several players. "Pickle and Bird" seriously? Ha! He's consistent and always IC, which makes the RP a lot of fun. Glad he's come to join us on Avlis!
Moriand sets the bar for focused psychopaths on Avlis. Spend enough time around him and his brand of crazy starts making you wonder whether you're playing the game as hard as you can. He's always in character, hyper-driven, and never relents. Kudos.
Vaako SandFireStorm is a rude, crude, frightening little badass of a half-size. He's a good fighter and a good friend, and my character knows that come hell or high water he's got my back.
Lilliana is my standard I'm not sure who I want to vote for so I just vote for awesome because she is awesome; and evil, but mostly awesome.
Kassha has an incredible talent for making both character and player laugh hysterically while remaining true to his concept. He clearly knows a great deal about his craft but seems incapable of not being silly.
Ronan as always is just brilliant, no, creepy, no, umm better then .. everyone?
I always look forward to Fellocks presence. He has such funny comments that always makes me laugh - the player is a great RP'er.
Argle, the quintessential Red Order Ganoom of awesomeness!
Berry and her packbear have joined us recently. She is a joy to RP with. She's innocent, curious, and often lets her thoughts leak out of her mouth. Good stuff! Secretly, I'm waiting for the day that she gets Tor's Tyeduan whip and starts barking orders and snapping the whip, but that's just me being silly.
I'm a bit biased but its not easy to play a character that's completely subservient to another PC. Washelg continues to make me laugh and gets enough veiled insults on Cural to let people know there is something happening behind his thick, abrasive skull.
A shout out for the new Dorf on da block! Khazzy ... keep on swingin' da axe, swingin' da ass (I mean axe!)
Gann was fantastic, as usual. He is such a great character.
Fletcher has returned to Zvidureth and the world rejoiced.
Angus is a character that I wasn't sure how to take at first. He's a Malekite Blackguard that seems to enjoy life on the surface. Upon further inspection, he simply enjoys doing whatever satisfies him at the time (or whomever satisfies him at the time) and doesn't concern himself with the morality or ethics of it...like a Malekite.
Everybody loves Lawful Grumpy dwarves. (Khazak Silvershield)
Tallion gets my vote because not only does he pass along plot info he passes along plot info while in disguise and making damn sure that no one can figure out who he is and that one encounter was epic.
Fellock inspires me to play my own Bard better.
Sammy. Nuff' said
Love Fellock, birdy cracks me up every time.
Berrys been great this month
I simply adore Fellock the kenku too many times has this character made me laugh.
We cannot disregard flutterbye and her unyielding commitment to Norman, well done!
Angus has a heart and mouth so black you got to love it.
Kiara a perfect example of a deadly beauty
And THAT'S how I became the Mayor of Zvidureth!
The new gnolls have been fun to play with.
Tor is as stalwart and unmovable as his rock in Zvidureth.
Ronan has been a joy to RP with, first he tempts my Mage to the dark side and then keeps her there with Stellar Roleplaying.
Fellock is just plain funny, I've seen the cowardly rogue played a few times, but never this well. Let's just hope Zerub never catches up with him!
ICE Turtles Rule! Land Sharks dru'le!
It's been such a difficult task to narrow it down to just two people this month, for real. Vote 1 goes to Fellock. That Kenku is great to pal around with, and I'm glad to see the player having so much fun with him. You never know what's going to come out of his mouth.
Vote 2 goes to Angus "Ang" Blacksail, because all of your moms can't vote for him, and someone should!
Lots of people I could mention, I had a fun time at the trade fair with everyone who stopped by to talk, trade, buy or sell. Thanks to everyone I encountered there who took the time out.
Sammy - what a nice guy. Every time I've met him with my characters, I've always found myself liking this dude, no matter who I'm on. Oh yeah - doors everywhere, beware!
Rodrick Goodman, another nice dude - it's always good to see more Paladins about. Hope to see more of him!
Tallion Taleme - Got one of my characters into a lot of trouble, creative role play and really does makes the PC feel like "it has character". Looking forward to watching this one grow in Avlis! I've enjoyed the character and has enriched mine for sure.
Fellock - It was really tight between Tallion and Fellock. Fellock's character is refreshing and really portrays a "Classic Adventurer" feel. Trying to discover his path and his destiny. I've enjoyed this character too and has added something to my own character.... "History".
Been enjoying my time with some baby mages of late. Special mention to Kaldo and Rosa Evrion and Rosa Lightbringer for being super fun!
Fellock has been a birdbrained treat.
Lily Be'letane continues to be a bitter lemon of delight and sharp edged wit.
Tor is a steady rock of quality RP as always.
Gann is the best sport on Avlis.
Fellock is a bird. I like birds.


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my first craft show!
Man! Craft shows are a lot of work!! But I'm really glad I did it. It was held at a small local school, which was the right size for my first show. There was a decent crowd, and I had … Read More
Man! Craft shows are a lot of work!! But I'm really glad I did it. It was held at a small local school, which was the right size for my first show. There was a decent crowd, and I had … Read More
I haven't been posting much lately because I've been busy adding greeting cards and printable invitations to my etsy shop! The greeting cards are $3.50 each or 4 for $10. All of the invitations are $5 each, and you will … Read More
If you follow me on Instagram, you might recall that Jane got a new bedroom. She is a very light sleeper, and we have always had an extremely hard time getting her to fall asleep/stay asleep/even go in the corner bedroom. … Read More
I'm 100% sure that I would kill a terrarium if I planted one, so I will continue to admire them from a safe distance. However, I have recently come across some in non-living forms that I would confidently welcome into … Read More
A couple of weeks ago, we took a vacation-y trip to Cincinnati (as opposed to a family visit trip to Cinti). We had a super-duper lot of fun, starting at Kings Island: We got rained out in the afternoon, but that … Read More
First – these hanging flower pots from Menards (only found in stores) are really nice and inexpensive! They're only $10 a piece! Definitely a nice alternative to these. The picture doesn't do them justice. They are much brighter in person. I … Read More
It's been almost exactly three years since I did the last CB2 shopping spree, so it's high time to do another! I'm still dreaming away at all the things I could do with our still unfinished basement (although we have … Read More
First and most importantly, Jane got her first pair of Chuck Taylors: When I told her what these shoes were called, she reminded me that Chuck is what Peppermint Patty calls Charlie Brown. Of course. Secondly, I got a new … Read More
The following are by Amy Lighthall: (click on image for link) And these are by Amanda Shufflebotham from Graffik Heart:
I'm not sure how this has happened again, but I stumbled upon something amazing on my own and not via some design blog…! My ebay feed (again) had been showing me a listing for a red canister, but I always … Read More
available now in my etsy shop!
Now that calendar "season" is over, I am now selling the designs from my 2014 wall calendar as individual prints in my etsy shop. print 79 print 80 print 81 print 82 print 83 print 84 print 85 print 86 print … Read More
Apparently collecting vintage playing cards is a thing, and I need to start doing it ASAP. I first stumbled upon a few during a random etsy search and figured there might be more out there like it. 1 – 2 … Read More
Holiday decorating at our house is officially a thing now. (Here's Halloween, fall, and Christmas if you missed it.) I was trying to be festive for Valentine's Day in small and simple ways, all the while avoiding pink as much … Read More
These were taken last fall at our house (with my iPhone 5S and edited with a PicMonkey effect). Jane Marie had just turned 4, and we had just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. My, how we have changed in 2 years!! And 8 … Read More
In a sea of ugliness at Walmart, this lovely lamp practically jumped off the shelf at me recently and begged to be noticed. I almost spoke out loud and asked it what the hell it was doing at Walmart, but … Read More
It's so far past Christmas that I hesitate to even share any of this stuff, but if I don't, it's going to bug me. So, here smashed into one post are all of the holiday related things I wanted to … Read More


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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Three euphorbias that look like cacti
Very few groups are as large and varied as the genus Euphorbia. According to Wikipedia there are more than 2,000 euphorbia species, comprising everything from annual weeds to trees. The genus also includes the many wood spurges (Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia amygdaloides, etc.) and other familiar sights like the good old poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).
Of particular interest to me are the succulent euphorbias, of which there are hundreds of species. I haven't counted, but I'm sure I have upwards of 20 in my collection. I will do a more comprehensive post about them at a later date. Today I want to focus on three small euphorbias that look just like cacti although they are not related to the Cactaceae family (all cacti are native to the Americas while most succulent euphorbias are native to Africa). The fact that these two completely unrelated plant families look so similar is due to convergent evolution—the Wikipedia article on convergent evolution even uses the example of a Euphorbia obesa and an Astrophytum asterias cactus to illustrate this concept.
If you've followed my most recent posts you know that I'm making a concerted effort to better organize my plant collection and to move plants that are currently in small 3- or 4-inch containers into larger pots to make it easier to water them. This past weekend, I created two succulent bowls and I planted a Maihuenia poeppigii cactus into an unusual shallow dish. In addition, I combined three small cactoid euphorbias into a community pot:
- Euphorbia horrida, which looks like a small barrel cactus
- Euphorbia makallensis, which as a juvenile reminds me of a Mexican fencepost cactus (Pachycereus marginatus) although as an adult it forms mounds that look a lot like Euphorbia resinifera
- Euphorbia mammillaris 'Variegata', which looks like a cartoon version of a saguaro made out of cheap white plastic
|Euphorbia makallensis (left), Euphorbia horrida (back),
Euphorbia mammillaris 'Variegata' (right)
|Euphorbia makallensis
|Euphorbia horrida
|Euphorbia mammillaris 'Variegata'
|Euphorbia mammillaris 'Variegata'
New growth, possibly getting ready to flower
I thought that these three euphorbias complement each other very well so I planted them together in a shallow azalea pot. Voilà, a miniature cactus garden, consisting of three plants that aren't cacti at all.
|Miniature "cactus" garden
Maybe I should add small figurines of cowboys and horses?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Unusual container for an unusual cactus
One of the plants I bought at Annie's Annuals & Perennials last month was a strange little cactus from southern Chile called Maihuenia poeppigii (check out this post for more information).
|Maihuenia poeppigii
(kudos to those of you you can pronounce it)
At first I thought a handmade hypertufa container along the lines of what you see in the next photo would the most appropriate way to present it. I've never experimented with hypertufa before but I've been wanting to since reading this post on It's Not Work It's Gardening. Hypertufa is right at the top of my "want to do" list for this spring.
|Photo source: mygarden.lt
Then, as I was going through my stock of plant containers in an attempt to organize and declutter, I came across this unusual looking creation. It's not deep enough to be called a "pot," so I'll call it a "dish."
I bought it from Stockton potter Steve Pate on a field trip with the Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society (SCSS). While not practical in the utilitarian sense of the word, I think it's a thing of beauty.
A light bulb went on in my head, and in no time I had made a mound for my Maihuenia poeppigii. I topped it with chunky gravel to simulate what the cactus' native habitat might look like. (Plus, I like the look.)
Definitely an unusual presentation, but I can already see the cactus spreading out across the mound.
I'm hoping Maihuenia poeppigii will grow slowly so it can stay in this dish for a while, but I know that eventually it will have to be moved.
But by then I should have gotten around to trying my hand at hypertufa.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Whipping up a batch of succulent magic
After exposing my tendency to amass plants in yesterday's post, I decided to make productive use of my collection and whip up a couple of new succulent bowls. While this doesn't reduce the number of plants I have, it makes maintenance easier because I don't have to hand-water quite so many small pots which dry out very quickly in hot weather.
Ingredients: Two bowls I had sitting around, a bunch of succulents, a bag of Black Gold Cactus Mix, and Osmocote Plus 6-month time release fertilizer for a bit of nutrition.
Recipe: Fill bowls with soil, sprinkle in some fertilizer, add plants, done.
|I picked succulents with a variety of colors and textures
|To my own surprise, I ended up using all of these plants
|I often make my own succulent mix (read this post to find out how) but I didn't have any coir left so I decided to do the next best thing: Black Gold Cactus Mix. Unlike some succulent mixes that contain peat (which I hate because it's almost impossible to rewet), this product is 40-50% pumice and drains exceptionally well. I also add a sprinkling of Osmocote Plus slow release fertilizer for nutrition. While most succulents aren't greedy feeders, a bit of fertilizer does result in nicer plants.
|Good stuff in this cactus mix!
The result of my efforts, while pleasing, doesn't make you go wow quite yet. I'm hoping by the time summer rolls around these plants will have filled in nicely. It's always a fine line between stuffing too many plants in a bowl and not enough. I left a little bit of room for some trailing sedums which will add a vertical counterpoint to the round shapes of the rosettes. Surprisingly, my collection is very light on trailing plants so I need to buy some first.
|The green pencil-like stems sticking out of the ground are a Euphorbia leucodendron
|Red bowl from a different perspective
|I love how the apple green of the aeonium contrasts with the purple of the echeveria (middle) and Graptopetalum pentandrum (right)
|The variegated plant in the foreground is an Aeonium decorum 'Sunburst'
I was very surprised to see how many pots I managed to empty. Two of these went in the ground, but all the others were planted in these two bowls. It was very satisfying to see so much progress!
|More pots mean more room for new plants—just kidding!
The two bowls are now on top of the fence next to the front porch. While matching bowls would have looked more uniform and elegant, everything about our garden is eclectic and traditional style is definitely not what I'm going for.
|Next order of business: Clean and rearrange the display stand
|Bowl #1
|Bowl #2
The bamboo on the right is Asian lemon bamboo (Bambusa eutuldoides 'Viridividatta')
Friday, February 24, 2012
Am I a plant hoarder?
I've been buying too many plants since fall, and in the winter everything went into a holding pattern. I put pots wherever there was room, often stuffing them into nooks and crannies on the front porch or under the eaves. As warmer weather returned, I began to spread them out along the walkway so the plants could get much-needed sunshine. But I'm beginning to be bothered by how haphazard it all looks, meaning it's time to do something about it.
I may have crossed the line from gardener—somebody who buys plants based on actual need—to hoarder—somebody who likes to amass plants for no reason other than to have them. Actually, I prefer to call myself a "plant collector." That sounds a tad more sophisticated than "hoarder."
Let me share some photos with you so you can appreciate the full extent of this mania. Am I a lost cause, or are things maybe not quite as bad as I think?
|It doesn't look horrible—yet!
|From here it actually looks kind of OK
|Ignore the blue strawberry pot with the echeverias—that one I do like. It's the other assorted pots that are the problem.
|Small Yucca rostrata. It won't be large enough to use in the landscape for many years. I have two more of this size.
|The three Dioon edule 'Palma Sola' seedlings I recently bought on eBay
|The two smaller pots in the lower right are echeveria and aeonium cuttings I got from fellow succulent lover Candy "Sweetstuff". The two larger pots contain echeverias I bought last fall at the Succulent Gardens Extravaganza. They are showing signs of winter damage…
|…especially this Echeveria gibbiflora 'Arlie Wright'. I should only buy succulents in the spring after somebody else has overwintered them!
|The two larger pots on the right came from the recent UC Botanical Garden winter sale. The other two I got at Walmart for 75% off. It's hard to resist a bargain even when you don't really need that particular plant!
|Kalanchoe 'Fang'. Hey, it was only $0.75 a Walmart!
|The potted succulents in the back are a permanent fixture in this spot. The pots in the foreground are just hanging out temporarily. The larger black nursery pot contains an Encephalartos lehmannii, a cycad from South Africa.
|Nandina domestica 'Filamentosa', one of my favorite recent purchases. It's such a unique plant, I don't quite know how to best use it.
|Giant coreopsis (Coreopsis gigantea) from Cactus Jungle. It will eventually go in a nice pot.
|Tree euphorbia (Euphorbia lambii) from Annie's Annuals. It will eventually be planted in the succulent bed by the front door, seen in the 2nd photo above, but it'll live in a pot until it's taller. Hopefully extra fertilizer will help speed things along.
|What was once a shoe rack now serves as an overflow rack next to the front door. I will make a concerted effort to combine small (4") pots into larger community pots.
|This table on the front porch looked nice a few years ago but has since then degenerated into another plant holding area
|At least this tray looks neat. These cacti lived on top of the front yard fence last year but had to be moved to a sheltered spot during the rainy season.
|More plants on the table on the front porch. The terracotta bowls will be moved back into their old spots on top of the fence very soon so we can actually use the table again.
|Ephiphyllum 'King Midas' from Annie's Annuals. It'll go in a hanging planter to be suspended from the front porch roof. See, I do have concrete plans for some plants! I's just a matter of following through.
|Cactus community pots I put together last summer. I'm thinking of redoing them and putting at least twice as many plants in each pot, considering that they grow so slowly. That would free up valuable floor space, too.
|And finally the cactus and succulent display stand. I will completely rearrange it this spring so it looks less haphazard. Smaller plants will be combined into community pots.
And then there are the plants I bought as bonsai candidates: Japanese boxwood, dwarf pomegranate, cotoneaster, some dwarf azalea, etc. Some are even "real" bonsai starters from Lone Pine Gardens. While I'm still intrigued by bonsai, I don't feel the same urgent desire to dive into it that I had in the fall. I think it's because I feel a bit intimidated, considering that bonsai has such a long tradition and so many rules. I know, it's silly to feel that way since my goal isn't to enter a bonsai competition, just to create some interesting specimens for myself.
In any case, it doesn't look like these plants will be bonsai'd anytime soon. That's not a problem per se because the larger these plants grow, the better suited they will be for bonsai treatment.
|Assorted bonsai candidates
|Chinese elm (Ulmus parviflora 'Yatsubusa')
|Heart-leaf ivy (Hedera helix 'Scutifolia')
|Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens 'Nana')
|This is what I have in mind with the Japanese garden juniper above


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Ok after finding out that I need a visa to get into Vietnam, and I have to go in 3 weeks. From what it seems it will take longer than 3 weeks to get my visa.
Philipines is looking like a good option. But where? I will be there end of september to october. I am flying out of Macau or Hong Kong.
I am looking for wind, consistent wind. I would prefer chop or waves, but will take what I can get.
any suggestions?


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What does a small child have to do to survive in South Kordofan, Sudan?
December 21, 2012 Leave a comment
Hi everyone,
What does a small child have to do to survive in South Kordofan, Sudan? This photo says it all. How can we possibly even begin to imagine what it is really like for them to be in this horrific situation? The accompanying question is, why do we continue to do so little to help them?
An eerie silence suddenly descends upon Kauda's market as people scan the skies for the source of the distant yet all-too-familiar throb of Soviet-manufactured plane engines.
"Antonov!" the cry goes out, and people scatter, diving into the nearest hole or scrambling for cover wherever they can. After a few minutes the engines fade and people get up, dust themselves off and attempt to get on with what passes for normality for the beleaguered inhabitants of Sudan's Nuba mountains.
"Women and children usually constitute the largest number of casualties from these bombing raids," says Ahmed Kafi, local co-ordinator for one of the few international NGOs that still maintains a presence on the ground. "Most of the men and older children learned long ago to take cover when they hear an Antonov approaching, but the younger ones often run in panic and there is nothing in the world that can prevent a mother from chasing after her children."
From "World again turns blind eye to people of Sudan's Nuba mountains," by Peter Moszynski
Then this morning's news: Two Antonovs dropped 28 bombs in the town of Kauda in South Kordofan. Amazingly, no one was reported as having been killed. A few days ago in the village of Eieri a family of five was not as lucky. They were killed.
Here is one little helpful thing you can do. Ask the UNSC, AU and US to Provide Civilian Protection in Sudan. To sign the petition, click here.
Thank you.
Barbara English
Executive Director, Living Ubuntu
(949) 891-2005


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1. Go global. In the past few years, winemakers from Austria to Argentina have embraced biodynamic winemaking, so where do you begin your tasting tour? If you're new to biodynamic wine, Etty Lewensztain suggests looking to France. "To me, biodynamics automatically connotes France," she says, "and the Loire Valley in particular stands out for its concentration of growers who embrace this style of winemaking."
2. Follow your fancy. Prefer a Merlot to Cabernet, or a Sauvignon Blanc to a Chardonnay? Your tastes might discriminate, but thankfully biodynamic farming doesn't. "I've seen stellar examples of biodynamic wines made from a whole host of grape varieties ranging from Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris to Barbera and Carignan," Lewensztain says, "I've never thought of biodynamics as working better or worse with particular grape varieties."
3. Don't be cheap. As with most purchases, when it comes to wine, you usually get what you pay for. "Biodynamic wines are not particularly cheap," says Lewensztain. "Still, you can find some fantastic examples in the $18 to $45 range."
4. Bring in the funk. You've picked out your bottle and popped the cork—but what is that smell? "Biodynamic wines tend to show earthy, savory, funky or barnyard aromas," Lewensztain notes. "So people who try these wines for the first time shouldn't be surprised if they smell a little bit like a farm." Some people really enjoy these more rustic notes, but if you're looking for a little less farmstead, simply swirl the wine around in your glass a few times to help the funky aromas dissipate.
5. Stay young. While many wines benefit from a few years of aging, most biodynamic bottles taste best when fresh. "Keep in mind many biodynamic wines are bottled using little or no additional sulfites," Lewensztain says, "which act as preservatives to help extend shelf life of a wine." Without added sulfites a wine's nuance can fade quicker than its more conventionally produced counterparts, so it's usually best to drink biodynamic wines within a few years of bottling.
6. Variety is fine. Keep in mind that all agricultural products have a tendency to change, especially those crafted with minimal chemical intervention, like biodynamic wines, so if the same wine tastes a little different from bottle to bottle, don't fret. "These wines may show some bottle variation," says Lewensztain, "and can evolve more than commercially produced wines." But that's part of what makes biodynamic viticulture so inherently dynamic. "Wine is a natural, living product, and biodynamics really demonstrate this concept well."
Ready to take the biodynamic plunge? Here are a few bottles to get you started:
Cousin Leduc Le Cousin Rouge Grolleau 2010
Crafted from the near-extinct ancient grape variety Grolleau by lauded Loire Valley biodynamic producer Olivier Cousin, this bottle offers assertive berry fruits, bright acid and a gripping tannic structure that begs for a bowl of beef stew. $22/750 ml.
Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Rosso 2010
In southern Sicily, 20-something winemaker Arianna Occhipinti has built her reputation on producing stellar wines made from the Frappato grape. In 2009 she converted to biodynamic farming practices, and her SP68 Rosso (named for the road that passes her house)—a blend of Frappato and Nero d'Avola—is bright and zingy with a youthful exuberance. $25/750 ml.
COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2008
The uncle of Arianna Occhipinti, and one of the most highly regarded producers in all of Sicily, Guisto Occhipinti crafts this elegant mix of Frappato and Nero d'Avola. Pop open alongside Arriana's bottle of the same blend for two stunningly different, yet equally engaging interpretations of the two grapes. $30/750 ml.
Semplicemente Bellotti Rosso 2010
The Piedmont region in Italy's northwestern corner has long been known for its approachable, food-friendly wines and this biodynamic blend of Barbera and Dolcetto offers loads of fresh fruit flavors (think juicy cherries and blackberries) with just enough heft to stand up next to spicy pasta dishes. $18/750 ml.
Maysara Pinot Gris 2007
The grapes for this bottle come from a 532-acre parcel of land in the foothills of Oregon's Coastal Range. Notes of fresh herbs and a sturdy minerality find balance among delicate fruit flavors of citrus and pears. $18/750 ml.


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Kansas Fish and Wildlife: Outdoors-men and Women Pay for Wildlife Management
OutdoorHub 01.04.12
Pratt, KA— Hunters and anglers pay for wildlife management in Kansas. If you've heard that before, you were probably talking to an employee of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). There is a popular myth, probably because KDWPT is a state agency, that general taxes pay for its programs. Actually, State General Funds make up less than 7 percent of the agency's budget, and that money is dedicated to state park programs and administration. The bulk of KDWPT's budget is derived from the sale of licenses and permits, and the rest of the budget used for wildlife and fisheries management comes from federal funding — a self-imposed excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment lobbied for by hunters and anglers themselves.
This funding can be traced back to the beginning of modern wildlife management. In 1900, wildlife populations in the U.S. were dwindling to dangerously low numbers, and some species were near extinction. Wildlife management, while desired, wasn't funded by Congress or the states. And even though there were Kansas laws on the books designed to protect game populations, there wasn't funding to pay for enforcement.
In the 1930s, hunters and the hunting and shooting industry urged Congress to act before it was too late for many wildlife species. Congress acted by extending the life of a 10 percent tax on ammunition and firearms used for sport hunting and earmarked the funds to be distributed to the states for wildlife restoration. On Sept. 2, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, now called the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (P-R) after its principal sponsors, Sen. Key Pittman of Nevada and Rep. A. Willis Robertson of Virginia.
The money has been distributed to the states based on the number of hunting licenses they sell pay for wildlife-related programs on a 75-25-percent match. State license and permit fees make up the states' 25 percent. Since P-R was signed into law, more than $2 billion in excise taxes has been sent to the states, which matched $500 million for wildlife restoration.
How is the money spent? Nationwide, more than 62 percent is used to buy, develop, maintain, and operate wildlife management areas. Four million acres have been purchased, and nearly 40 million acres have been managed for wildlife under agreements with private landowners. Twenty-six percent of the funding is used for surveys and research, two efforts extremely important to the evolution of modern wildlife management programs. But it's accurately called the Wildlife Restoration Act. Since it was signed, historical wildlife population comebacks have been witnessed again and again.
Great comeback stories abound. In 1900, numbers of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and pronghorn, once abundant, had dwindled dramatically in North America, and all three species were extirpated from Kansas. Today, whitetails and wild turkeys provide great hunting statewide, and a strong, huntable population of pronghorns — a species unique to the continent — thrives in western Kansas. Whooping cranes, while still endangered, have grown from fewer than 40 to more than 400. And the once endangered national symbol — the bald eagle — has recovered so dramatically that it has been removed from the endangered species list.
Following in the footsteps of Pittman and Robertson, Sen. Edwin Johnson of Colorado and Rep. John Dingell Sr. of Michigan sponsored the Sport fish Restoration Act in 1950. Commonly called the Dingell-Johnson, or D-J, Act, this legislation was modeled after the P-R Act, bringing revenue to sport fish conservation efforts from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and import duties on fishing tackle, yachts, and pleasure craft, plus a portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. That money is distributed to the states based on fishing license sales and also requires a state 25-percent match. The funds are used for fisheries management programs and boat access.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program (now considered two parts of a common program). Since they began, nearly $14 billion has been generated and apportioned back to the states. Recipient fish and wildlife agencies have matched these program funds with more than $3.4 billion. Grants to the states from the Sport Fish Restoration program can be used for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education. Money from the Wildlife Restoration Program is used for projects to restore, conserve, manage and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitat, as well as projects that provide public use and access to wildlife resources, hunter education, and development and management of shooting ranges.
Through the WSFR, Kansas receives approximately $15 million annually. Last year, WSFR funds helped the department purchase land at the Parsons Ammunitions Plant that will be managed for public hunting, and Fancy Creek Shooting Range at Tuttle Creek State Park was enhanced. Popular programs such as Walk-In Hunting Access, Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitat, and Community Fisheries Assistance Program would not have been possible without WSFR.
WSFR leverages license and permit revenues and allows the department to provide direct benefits to wildlife, as well as anglers, hunters, and boaters. And while the programs funds are usually specific to game animals and sport fish, they benefit all wildlife and fish. Because so few of our wildlife species are hunted or fished, habitat enhancement efforts benefit many more nongame species.
If you enjoy wildlife in Kansas, you can thank hunters, anglers, and the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. All of our wildlife resources and most of our outdoor recreation have benefitted from this far-reaching program that was started 75 years ago by some visionary people.


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Welcome to the Mitsubishi Cement Corporation's official website. We hope that you will find the site to be informative and educational. Mitsubishi Cement manufactures all of the major types of Portland and Specialty cement used in the California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah markets.
The Cushenbury plant is located on the rim of the Mojave Desert and has been an integral part of the community and its commerce since 1988. View the Community Section to see how we are involved!
Corporate Office
151 Cassia Way
Henderson, NV 89014
Telephone: (702) 932-3900
Cushenbury Site
5808 State Highway 18
Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
Telephone: (760) 248-7373


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Players tiptoe into social media
At first glance, the Facebook fan page for Epilepsy Advocate is like many others, with regular updates, shared links and a small base of supporters.
But the page, launched in October, is different from most in two crucial respects: it doesn't allow comments or even the ability to "like" an item.
Welcome to the world of social media for regulated industries like pharmaceuticals. The Epilepsy Advocate is a so-called unbranded community run by pharma company UCB, maker of epilepsy treatments. As a drugmaker, UCB has to take a cautious line with its social Web efforts for fear of running afoul of rules set for all pharmaceutical advertising by the Food and Drug Administration that often make what's allowed or not rather murky.
While UCB isn't mentioned on the site, the company still has obligations under the FDA regulations. For instance, if a user reported an adverse reaction to its treatment there, UCB would need to report it to the FDA. What's more, pharma companies can be held liable by regulators for people discussing off-label use of their products on their sites. That means the dynamic back and-forth of social media ends up getting replaced by a particularly static experience.
"The concept and value of the social medium as this unconstrained exchange is not consistent with the regulatory constraints," said Chris Kuenne, CEO of Rosetta, which built the Epilepsy Facebook page for UCB.
It is a common feature of many pharma-related Web sites that the key social features, like commenting, are turned off. Nexium, a drug from AstraZeneca, has a Facebook page that won't let visitors post to its wall, comment on its posts or share them. Yet the drugmaker does take a step towards social with a heavily monitored social area. All posts are moderated before they're posted to the site. The restrictions make the page a mostly one-way communications channel with only a handful of posts from consumers, and several discussion topics without any consumer input at all.
"One mistake can mean the FDA forcing the pharma company to take the drug off the market," said Shiv Singh, social media lead at Razorfish. "They're justifiably extra-cautious in this realm."
The gray areas that exist have led some pharma companies to shy away from the first tenet of social media marketing: listening. Some choose to use online monitoring data at an aggregate level since they are required to report any adverse conditions they come across. Jeremiah Owyang, partner at social media consultancy Altimeter Group, said that's even led to drug companies blocking employees from visiting social sites out of fear they'll come across a report of an adverse reaction.
Those fears might be unfounded. A report by Nielsen, parent company of Adweek, found that only one in 500 healthcare related messages met the four FDA requirements for reporting an adverse event: 1) an identifiable patient; 2) an identifiable reporter; 3) a specific drug; and 4) an adverse event. Still, the FDA does not have regulations specifically designed for online discussions. For instance, the current rules require reporting if there is an "identifiable reporter." Since many posters use Web pseudonyms, this would probably knock out most messages, but what's the expectation on the pharma company to track down the reporter's real identity?
"The challenge is an internal problem," said William Martino, vp of digital strategy at Saatchi Wellness. "It's a manpower problem. They may not be staffed for it. In an online world people expect immediate feedback."
The issue is pressing enough that the FDA last month held two days of hearings on pharma marketing in social media. The FDA did not offer additional guidance at the meeting, according to participants.
The larger problem of the regulations, said Kuenne, is regulations add costs, particularly in manpower, that make social programs bad investments. For instance, social media updates can sometimes need to get approval from a company's medical-legal regulatory departments.
"Rule No. 1 of what's becoming the 2.0 version of social marketing is having a much more rigorous view of what's the economic benefit to the brand" of programs, he said.
The other big hurdle regulations have placed on pharma marketers is they've exacerbated a tendency of the industry to lag behind the overall marketing industry in adapting new tactics. Digitas is helping clients by creating "social playbooks" that they can use to design their approach to the new channels, said Bruce Grant, svp, business strategy for Digitas Health.
"In our experience, much of the hesitancy in the regulated healthcare industry is the same hesitancy we saw in other industries of how to engage in a medium that marketers can't control," he said.
By Brian Morrissey


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An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University
(Contains additions, deletions, and corrections to the online version of the previously posted 2008-2010 Graduate Catalog.)
Equal Educational Opportunity Statement
The university is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation national origin, disability, or veteran status in its provision of services, activities, and programs, and in its treatment of students. Students seeking further information about this policy, or related complaint procedures for alleged discrimination or sexual harassment should contact the Dean of Students.
This catalog is a general information publication only. It is not intended to nor does it contain all regulations that relate to students. The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student or faculty member and The University of Texas at Dallas or The University of Texas System. The University of Texas at Dallas reserves the right to withdraw courses at any time, to change fees or tuition, calendar, curriculum, degree requirements, graduation procedures, and any other requirements affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled.
The online version of The University of Texas at Dallas Graduate Catalog is the official version and takes precedence over the printed version. The online catalog will be updated periodically and will contain all major policy changes that occur during the 2008-2010 catalog cycle.
Students are held individually responsible for complying with all requirements of the rules and regulations of the University and the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System. Failure to read and comply with policies, regulations and procedures will not exempt a student from whatever penalties the student may incur.
The University of Texas at Dallas 2008-2010 Graduate Catalog Supplement
Volume 32, Number 1
Copyright (c) 2008 The University of Texas at Dallas
This Graduate Catalog is published by The University of Texas at Dallas.
Address all correspondence to: The University of Texas at Dallas, 2601 N. Floyd Road, P.O. Box 830688, Richardson, Texas 75083-0688.
The physical address of the university is: 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080
The main entrance to U.T. Dallas is located at 800 West Campbell Road between Floyd Road and Waterview Parkway in Richardson.
Additional programs are located at the U.T. Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders, 1966 Inwood Drive, Dallas, Texas 75235.
Telephone: (972) 883-2111
Admissions Information: 972-883-2341 or 1-800-889-2443
(972) 883-6803 Fax
World Wide Web: http://www.utdallas.edu


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Bonding and Babies
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Thanks to MATHCOUNTS, AMC, and Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing for their contribution of thousands of problems to For The Win!
For the Win! (FTW)
For the Win! is Art of Problem Solving's Premier Game
FTW has it all: an unparalleled array of MATHCOUNTS-style problems, elite competition, customizable games, and player rankings. If you're looking to sharpen your competition skills, or just want to engage in good old-fashioned mathematical battle with friends or strangers, then this is the arena for you.
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Over 15,000 ProblemsThese problems are collected from a variety of prestigious sources: MATHCOUNTS, MOEMS, the American Mathematics Competitions, and the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, among others. Each individual problem is then curated by a Tibetan monk who develops a spiritual relationship with it as it's inspected for quality and rigor.*
*Tibetan monks pending


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Lady Flames tie for 10th in intercollegiate event at LaHaye
March 9, 2014 | Lynchburg, Va.
Liberty University's figure skaters turned some judges' heads, but also had their eyes opened during Saturday's and Sunday's United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) Eastern Intercollegiate Competition at the LaHaye Ice Center.
"The level of competition was actually much more advanced than the last time we hosted this event, when we didn't have as many schools here," Lady Flames Head Coach Tatiana Payne said. "We had a couple good performances, a couple girls who skated their best and had clean skates. But we have a long ways to go" before the next Intercollegiate competition, March 22 in Newark, Del.
Liberty, which skated without two of its top performers, tied for 10th out of the 16 teams and 144 individual skaters with six points.
The University of Delaware placed first with 141 points followed by Dartmouth University (105), Boston University (102). Sacred Heart (48), East Carolina University (33), Georgetown University (17), New York University (16), University of Connecticut (14), and Rutgers University (12) also finished in front of the Lady Flames, who tied with Towson University.
"The top three schools that came have a lot of depth within their programs," Payne said. "Boston University had over 23 skaters and each skater could compete in as many as five events. After gauging what the competition is like, I think we'll be a little better prepared going into Delaware."
Freshman Rebekah Hicks earned four of the Lady Flames' six team points with her third-place performance in the Ladies Preliminary Freeskate.
"It was a good, solid performance," said Hicks of her 1-minute, 39-second routine on Saturday morning. "The Preliminary skate was definitely the highlight. I think I did as best as I could have done. It was pretty exciting. It was fun to represent Liberty."
She danced to the Tango from the movie "Another Cinderella Story" and incorporated a series of jumps and spins into her program.
"It was upbeat and fun," Hicks said. "It had a waltz jump and a sit spin and a flip-waltz jump-toe loop combination, a Salchow and then a change of foot spin. The artistic impression was my favorite part."
Liberty's low-level team maneuvers tandem of Hicks, freshman Katie Proia, sophomore Emily Boyles, and sophomore Megan Mutchler scored one point for placing fifth out of seven teams Saturday night before its intermediate-level team maneuvers trio of senior Brigitte Kovar, Lauren Creekmore, and freshman Rebekah Leahy came in sixth on Sunday morning.
Kovar, who attempted a double axel in her short program that placed sixth, also earned one point for her fifth-place finish in the Ladies Novice Freeskate, which included double toe, double loop, and double Salchow jumps.
Novice is the third-highest division in USFSA, behind only Junior and Senior, which is Olympic-level. This is Kovar's first season on the team and it was the first competition the Lady Flames have entered.
"It was good to get to know what I'm going to be competing against and to just get a feel for it," she said. "Now I know what I need to work on and change."
She is looking forward to competing on the Olympic-sized rink at Delaware's Fred Rust Arena, the same rink Liberty's ACHA Division I men's and women's hockey teams will play on over the next two weeks.
"I think it will be easier for me because I like skating big," Kovar said. "I like skating all the way to the boards and getting a lot of speed so l like the bigger rinks."
Liberty's only Senior-level skater, senior Kelly Pollack, had to pull out of the weekend competition with a back injury, but could recover in time to travel with the team to Delaware.
"We anticipate those who are injured will be ready to go and we will be able to compete in 20 events," Lady Flames Assistant Coach Dawn Harter said.
In testing that followed Sunday's competition, Liberty senior Fantasia Remonvil passed her Senior Moves in the Field test; Kovar passed her Novice Moves in the Field, Novice Freeskate, and Solo Dances tests; Boyles passed her Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field and her Preliminary Freeskate tests; Claire Adams passed her Preliminary Moves in the Field test; Caileigh Gallagher passed her Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field test; Hicks passed her Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field and her Preliminary Freeskate tests; Maria DeFosse passed her Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field and Pre-Preliminary Freeskate tests; and Kylea Moyer passed her Pre-Preliminary Freeskate test.
Images by Lizzy Benson/Liberty University


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Pajama Gramma is the show for you, if you want the freedom and fun of running your life and your business in your pajamas. Show topics range from 'Daily Scare Share' (stretching your comfort zone) to 'Pain Killerz Challenge' (killing chronic pain and reclaiming your life) and 'What's SHE Up to now?' (business transformations that let you actually spend some time in your pajamas and get some sleep)!
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At its annual convention currently under way at the Wynn Las Vegas, the Truckload Carriers Association's board of directors approved several changes to the organization's official policies on drug and alcohol testing, sleep disorders, and on-board technology.
The revised wording is based on recommendations from the organization's Regulatory Policy Committee, led by Troy Robertson, associate general counsel for Con-way Truckload of Joplin, Mo. Since October of 2012, the committee had been tasked with examining the regulatory landscape and timelines for upcoming government rulemakings pertaining to the trucking industry. The following suggestions were implemented by the board:
Drug Testing
A new clause will be inserted into TCA's current drug testing policy. It states that the organization supports changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and/or Department of Transportation regulations to permit alternative specimens, such as hair, to be used to comply with federal drug testing requirements.
Sleep Disorders
TCA now supports a policy on sleep disorders which not only addresses a regulation, but also addresses the manner in which it is issued.
First, if FMCSA develops screening and testing standards for sleep disorders, TCA believes the agency should do so only through rulemaking, and not through the publication of regulatory guidance. (This is similar to a new policy adopted by the American Trucking Associations last fall.)
Secondly, TCA will support the development of any future regulation on establishing objective standards for sleep disorder screening, testing and treatment if the regulation: 1) focuses on conditions that pose a substantially elevated crash risk based on sound data and analysis, 2) is cost-beneficial, and 3) promotes effective treatments that minimize the impact to motor carriers and commercial vehicle operators.
On-Board Technology
TCA revised its policy language to support the development, testing and use of cost-effective on-board technologies that improve vehicle safety, driver performance, productivity, vehicle maintenance, and management. TCA supports federal motor vehicle safety standards for those technologies that have a proven significant safety benefit and a reasonable cost.
The newly approved policy changes take effect immediately.
"With these three new policies, TCA is prepared to address the regulatory initiatives that are certain to be presented in the near future," said Chris Burruss, TCA's president. "We are now in a position to help shape the rulemakings and put the wishes of our membership at the forefront of whatever new laws are created."


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Cakespy: Birthday Cake French Toast Recipe
Quirky, cute, sometimes controversial, always delicious recipes from Jessie Oleson.
Jessie Oleson (aka Cakespy) drops by every Monday to share a delicious dessert recipe. —The Mgmt.
Say hello to your new best friend, Birthday Cake French Toast. This recipe breathes new life into birthday cake that is past its prime, making use of the dry texture to absorb a rich, eggy mixture, which is then pan-fried (frosting and all) to yield a new breed of French toast that's beyond decadent. In the tradition of over-the-top morning foods such as Cadbury Creme Eggs Benedict, this makes for a sugar bomb of a plate, tasting far better than it has any right to, in a so-bad-it's-good sort of way.
- Yield:4
- Rated:
- 6 to 8 slices leftover birthday cake, chilled in the refrigerator overnight
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or light cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Dash of cinnamon or other spices, to taste
- 2 to 4 tablespoons butter, for frying
- Confectioners' sugar glaze or sprinkles, to garnish
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and any spices you'd like to add, until the mixture is fully combined and lightly frothy on the edges.
Remove your cake from the refrigerator. It will work if you haven't chilled your cake too, but chilling it overnight keeps the frosting from melting all over when you pan fry the cake. Slice the cake into thick slices.
Put 2 to 4 tablespoons of butter into your frying pan. Heat the burner to medium-high, and let the butter melt. Once it is lightly bubbling, you're ready to start frying your cake slices.
Dip each cake slice in your egg mixture, coating it fully on both sides (go ahead and submerge each slice). Place the dipped slice directly in the frying pan; depending on the size of your pan, add 2 or 3 slices at one time.
Let each slice fry for a minute or so, until it is lightly coming up on the sides (you can lift a side gently with a spatula to see if it is browning). Turn over and repeat on the opposite side, being sure to turn gently so that you don't let the frosting smear across the pan.
Remove from the pan and transfer to a serving platter or directly to plates. Repeat with the remaining slices until you've finished them all. If desired, top with a confectioners' sugar glaze and sprinkles. Serve immediately.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
The Teton County Planning Commission is a volunteer board comprised of five citizens who review and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on development and conditional use proposals, variances, as well as long-range planning projects, such as amendments to the official zoning map and changes to the Land Development Regulations.
You can find Plan Review Committee applications from the County GIS website by selecting the appropriate property from within the GIS web app.


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Biden Says McCain Using 2000 Playbook
Joe Biden said Wednesday that Republican John McCain is aiming the same kind of attacks at Democratic nominee Barack Obama that Biden had defended McCain against during the 2000 White House race.
"It's my greatest disappointment," said Biden, who described himself as "good friends" with McCain.
Addressing a fundraising audience of about 300 in Boston, the Delaware senator recalled how then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush and his supporters in 2000 questioned McCain's commitment to his fellow Vietnam veterans and even suggested the Arizona senator was the father of an illegitimate child.
Biden said he supported Al Gore for president, but nonetheless called McCain during the campaign and said, "John, where do you want me? I'll go anywhere in the country and I'll stand before press conferences and I'll testify to your character. You just tell me."
"What really disappoints me is the very tactics used against him, they're trying to use against Barack Obama now," Biden said. "It's literally saddening. I didn't expect it, I didn't expect it. But I guess I should learn to expect everything."
Biden, Obama's vice presidential nominee, did not get into specifics, but a spokesman said he was referring to a new McCain ad suggesting the Illinois senator supported sex education for kindergartners, as well as a recent ad from a McCain fundraiser that linked Obama to 1960s radical William Ayers.
Biden also said he would respond forcefully to anyone attacking Obama in the manner that the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth did when they questioned Democrat John Kerry's Vietnam record during the 2004 campaign.
"Swiftboating is not going to work this time, and the reason it's not is No. 1, I'm going to smack 'em right square in the chops," Biden said.
The McCain campaign stood by its assessments of Obama.
"Barack Obama's lone accomplishment regarding education is to extend sex education to kindergartners who have yet to develop reading skills," said spokesman Ben Porritt. "His record on education as with other issues important in this campaign provides ample evidence that he is completely out of touch with the values and needs of the American people."
The fundraiser comes at a pivotal point for the Democratic ticket. Obama is the first presidential candidate since Watergate-era campaign finance reforms to reject federal financing for his general election campaign. In forgoing the $84 million that McCain has accepted, Obama is banking on his ability to exceed that sum and raise enough to counteract an expected Republican advantage in special-interest group spending.
"The last thing all of your contributors need is another fundraising event, but, unfortunately, we need a fundraising event," Biden said. Changing his tone, Biden quickly added: "And not, 'unfortunately;' we have all of you doing an incredible job."
The senator, who mounted his own unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic nomination, also said he did not automatically agree to be Obama's running mate. Biden said he did so only after Obama assured him that he agreed that the stakes were large and the American people had an unquenched yearning for change.
"I actually demanded, I actually, before I would accept the nomination, I insisted that I spend three hours with him," Biden said of Obama. "... I wanted to hear from his own lips that he understood and believed that this was such an incredible moment."
In between his two Massachusetts events, Biden squeezed in a quick town hall forum in Nashua, N.H., where housing market worries topped voters' concerns. One question came from a real estate agent, another from a man who decried mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as corrupt.
Biden criticized McCain for comments he made in March warning against vigorous government action to solve the mortgage crisis.
"He said it's not the role of government to bail out big banks or small borrowers. Ladies and gentleman, that's failing to make a distinction between the predator and the preyed upon," Biden told an audience at Nashua Community College.
McCain's actual comment was, "It's not the duty of government to bail out and reward those who act irresponsibly, whether they are big banks or small borrowers."


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|Sat 10 Aug 2019, 10:00am–2:00pm
|Sat 14 Sep 2019, 10:00am–2:00pm
|Sat 21 Sep 2019, 10:00am–2:00pm
|Sat 12 Oct 2019, 10:00am–2:00pm
|Sat 9 Nov 2019, 10:00am–2:00pm
|Sat 14 Dec 2019, 10:00am–2:00pm
Nestled in the heart of Te Atatu Peninsula Township is our small, unique and friendly Auckland craft market.
On the second Saturday of each month (February to December) you'll find us in the Te Atatu Peninsula Library Foyer and (weather permitting) on the Verandah at 595 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland.
Important notes:
This is a small market which is growing. You will find updates on our Facebook page, and if there are any changes or cancellations. If the weather is unsuitable - the entire market moves inside to the foyer. Most stallholders prefer to be inside in the Community Centre foyer, and some like to be on the Library Verandah outside (weather permitting).
Inside - Te Atatu Peninsula Library Foyer: 10 am to 2 pm.
Outside - Library Verandah: 10 am to 2 pm (weather permitting).
Celebrate Kiwi creativity and talent with us. Experience an ever-changing smorgasbord of artisan and handmade products each market day, made by talented artists and craftspeople who love what they do.
We have different artisans, craftspeople and local small businesses attend each market day, and the range and number of stallholders can vary. Check our Facebook Page or our website for updates. (See details below).
We have permanent and casual stallholders; each month you'll find an ever-changing collection of creations. This includes - Hospice crafts; beautiful bath and body products; pure essential oils; natural handmade soaps and cupcake soaps; hand-poured soy candles; knitted/crocheted items; traditional handcrafts; unique gifts; children's clothes and toys; terrariums; art; handcrafted greeting cards. Who attends each month varies.
Enjoy our subtle background music while you browse the market. Relax under the trees in the village green, enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the nearby eateries. The Te Atatu Peninsula Library is open Saturdays and is a great place to visit before or after the market. They have many facilities, and are much more than a library.
The market is easily accessed by wheelchair and pushchair. Accessible toilets are close by, as are several Eftpos machines. Some stallholders accept payment by credit card and Eftpos. There's a fantastic playground for children too and several local cafes where you can grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a coffee. Parking is available in the car-park at the rear.
We're in a great location with easy motorway access and only 20 minutes from Auckland's CBD. Live local? Grab your bike and reach us via one of the cycleways, or board one of the regular buses to Te Atatu Peninsula. Bus stops are metres from the market and Te Atatu Peninsula Library.
We have spaces available to stallholders and small local businesses who love what they do. Spaces cost $5. We are a New Zealand artisan market and accept stallholders who make their own products. You need to BYO table and chair/s. We are unable to offer table hire.
If you are part of a charity or community group - get in touch about a space.
Our great little market is becoming more popular with stallholders. We do have a standby list which we review regularly.
Enquire today about a 2-metre space, or for more information - please do get in touch:
Mobile: 0274 753 341
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
**No glass cases permitted.
**No gas bottles & no cookers permitted.
We are predominantly an Auckland handcraft market and have up to a couple of food spaces available. You must display your Auckland Council food grading certificate at all times. If you're a baker, a jam maker or similar - do get in touch about a spot at our great little Auckland craft market.
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March brings a slew of fixes, features, and fan favorites to the Xbox 360 karaoke game Lips, with an early March title update delivering improved scoring and international leaderboards, just in time for Coldplay.
As a proud owner of Lips, I've often felt the game has given me far too much credit for my vibrato. I mean, I can vibrato as well as the next guy, but Lips thinks I'm some kind of vibrato machine. Hopefully that error will be fixed in the early March Lips title update, which promises to improve the game's scoring system, tweak vibrato detection, and launch global leaderboards, allowing me to see how much better everyone else in the world sings. Joy!
The update is scheduled for early March, ideally before the March 13th release of the Coldplay track pack, featuring three songs from the Grammy-award winning band: "The Scientist", "Speed of Sound", and "In My Place."
Below you'll full list of downloadable songs heading to Lips leading up to the Coldplay track pack, from this week's "How to Save A Life", The Fray's tune that Scrubs always uses when it wants to be serious, to March 6th's addition of Metro Station's "Shake It", quickly becoming the most annoying song of the decade.
Available Now!
Speed Up – Funkerman
How To Save A Life – The Fray
Swing Life Away – Rise Against
Available on 2/27
The Adventure – Angels and Airwaves
Amber – 311
In The Shadows – The Rasmus
Available on 3/6
Hook Me Up – The Veronicas
Lips of an Angel – Hinder
Shake It – Metro Station


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About Scott Cleland
You are here
Predatory Search Practices are the Google Antitrust Problem
Submitted by Scott Cleland on Wed, 2011-07-13 11:34
The FTC is centering its Google antitrust investigation on Google's predatory search practices that anti-competitively abuse Google's dominant market power to thwart competition.
Google's Predatory Search Practices
The FTC would not have launched this investigation if it did not believe Google has dominant market power in search advertising, and as such, has special legal obligations to not abuse its market dominance to impede competition -- market obligations that non-dominant firms do not have.
Thus the focus of the FTC's antitrust investigation will most likely center around three complementary forms of Google predatory search practices that: anti-competitively undermine competition, that are provable, and that violate Google's longstanding public representations that: "We never manipulate rankings to put our partners higher in our search results..." (Important note: "deceptive practices" are illegal under the FTC's unique supplemental Section 5 antitrust authority.)
I. What is "Predatory Search Tying?"
It is important to note that Google is well aware of the market value and power of top ranks in Google's search results. Mr. Amit Singhal, characterized Google search as "the biggest kingmaker on this earth."
II. What are "Predatory Search Penalties?"
Google has great economic incentive to impede or eliminate vertical search competitors because vertical search represents the revenue growth frontier and real pricing power for Google.
Google is also aware of its unilateral power to penalize others' rankings. Google Senior Vice President Jonathan Rosenberg said: "We won't (and shouldn't) try and stop the faceless scribes of drivel, but we can move them to the back of the arena."
III. What is Predatory Search Exclusion?
Google has long been aware of the exclusionary power of owning the easiest access to content that users most want to search. This has been a key anti-competitive practice Google has used to augment and abuse its market power.
Google has violated Section 5 of the FTC Act in representing that Google never manipulates search results for its gain, when Google systematically manipulates search results via multiple predatory search practices.
In sum, no one can compete with Google Inc. if it anti-competitively engages in predatory search practices.
The FTC is not investigating Google for being a monopoly, it is investigating Google for the deceptive, anti-competitive, and predatory search practices of tying, penalties, and exclusion.


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Series: Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date
The 1964-P Lincoln Cent is very common in circulated grades all the way up to MS63 condition. In MS64 and MS65 it becomes a little tougher to find but yet still easily available and can be purchased raw for under $1 each. In MS66 condition it becomes scarce with a few thousand examples known. In MS67 it is one of the scarcer issues from the 1960's and there are probably no more than a handful of coins in existence that would grade MS67 or higher.


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News Release
Printer-Friendly Version
ETA News Release: [04/20/2009]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or Suzy Bohnert
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909 or x4665
Release Number: 09-0418-CHI
WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $100,383,562 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Illinois. Illinois qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to qualify for benefits. Illinois' approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery.
"Illinois recognizes the importance of providing an economic safety net to workers who have entered the workforce recently and lost their jobs through no fault of their own," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "It is the right thing to do for workers and is good for the state's economic recovery."
The Illinois Department of Employment Security can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.
"Federal stimulus dollars provide vital support to the people of Illinois as they cope with these difficult economic times," said Gov. Pat Quinn. "Our state intends to take full advantage of the Recovery Act by applying for all possible stimulus funds."
The Recovery Act made a total of $7 billion available in UI modernization incentive payments to states that include certain eligibility provisions in their UI programs. Each state can qualify for a share of those funds by showing that its law includes those provisions. To date, in addition to Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and South Dakota have been certified by the Labor Department to receive a share of the funds.


text: Sign up Regular Programs Application If you are human, leave this field blank. Full Name * Gender Male Female Date of Birth * Age Email Address * Mobile Number * District * 6th October Downtown Cairo Heliopolis Maadi Mohandessin Nasr City New Cairo (1st Settlement) New Cairo (5th Settlement) New Cairo (other) Zamalek Other District Street * Program Fundamentals 30sWLP Full Blast FullBlast Foundations Functional Body Building Grind I30 Juniors Personal Training Swim Squad Don't know Seasonal Programs WLP Session Schedule * 8 AM at Kattameya residence 9 PM at Kattameya residence HerSquad Session Schedule * 9 PM Sat to Wed at Kattamya Residence Please state any current or old Injury * Please state if you have any health condition that might affect your performance * Do you need anything special regarding the diet plan? * If there is anything else we should be aware of, feel free to write it down * Please write down the types of food that you do not eat * State the one time you lost weight the most following a nutrition plan? * Are you currently taking any medications? * Have you had any surgeries? * Are you taking any supplements? * When was the last time you were on a diet? * Swim Squad In which level do you see yourself at swimming? * Can't Swim Beginner Intermediate Advanced Do you swim on regular basis? * I Don't Swim on Regular Basis Once or More per Week Once or More per Month No How many strokes can you swim? (you can choose more than one answer) * I Don't Know Freestyle Backstroke Breaststroke Butterfly Personal Training Choose your preferred time range for training (you'll set the actual training time later with your coach) * 6 AM - 9 AM 9 AM - 12 PM 12 PM - 3 PM 3 PM - 6 PM 9 PM - 11 PM Any Time Please choose your preferred days for training * Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Do you prefer a certain venue? * Kattamya Residence Club Platinum Club Either Please choose your goal * Losing weight Gaining muscles Toning/ shaping Body building/ CrossFit General fitness Learning new skills Enhancing performance Please tell us more about your goal if needed, or if not mentioned above Please choose your preferred coach * I'm open for your recommendations Ahmed El Demerdash Mahmoud El Dinary Malak Koura Mostafa Nasser Nahla Asaad Randa Mahrous Please choose your coach's gender preference Male Female Either *Would you like to know more about our nutrition packages? * Yes, Please No, Thank You! TheSquadGames How do you consider your fitness level? * Beginner Intermediate Advanced Which Program do you currently attend at Fitsquad? * Grind Full Blast Terms of Service I, the undersigned, have voluntarily enrolled in a program of physical exercise offered by FITSQUAD EGYPT, which will include, but may not be limited to, running, aerobic conditioning, cardiovascular conditioning, weight training, strength training, resistance training, flexibility training, group exercises, and team training. In consideration of my participation in any FITSQUAD Program, I, on behalf of myself, my heirs, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby forever release and discharge and hereby hold harmless FITSQUAD EGYPT, and its managers, members, employees, trainers, partners, agents, contractors, sub-contractors, representatives, sponsors, volunteers, instructors, heirs, successors and assigns (collectively, "FITSQUAD"), from any and all claims, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses, rights of action or causes of action, present or future, arising out of or connected with my participation in this or any program offered by FITSQUAD, including any injuries resulting therefrom. This waiver and release of liability includes, without limitation, injuries which may occur as a result of (i) my participation in any FITSQUAD Program; (ii) my use of all amenities, facilities, roadways, and equipment utilized in any FITSQUAD Program; and (iii) negligence, fault or carelessness of FITSQUAD. By signing this waiver and release, I fully intend to discharge FITSQUAD from any and all injuries or losses suffered by me while participating in any FITSQUAD Program. Assumption of Risk I recognize that fitness programs might be difficult and strenuous and that there could be dangers inherent in exercise for some individuals. I recognize that some of the FITSQUAD Programs will be offered outside and I understand the risks associated with exercising outside, including but not limited to weather and uneven exercise surfaces. To the best of my knowledge I am in good physical condition and have no illness, physical limitation, health concern or injury that would be aggravated, would be the cause of any injury sustained, before, during or as a result of my participating in a FITSQUAD Program, or that would prevent me from participating in a FITSQUAD Program. I recognize that an examination by a physician should be obtained by all participants prior to involvement in any fitness or exercise program. If I have chosen not to obtain a physician's permission prior to beginning a program with FITSQUAD, I hereby agree that I am doing so at my own risk. In any event, I acknowledge and agree that I assume the risks associated with any and all activities and/or exercises in which I participate. I acknowledge and agree that no warranties or representations have been made to me regarding the results I will achieve from any FITSQUAD Program. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE THOROUGHLY READ THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY. I SIGN IT VOLUNTARILY AS MY OWN FREE ACT, AND NO ORAL REPRESENTATIONS, STATEMENTS, OR INDUCEMENTS APART FROM THE FOREGOING IN THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN MADE." * I confirm that I have read and understood the terms & conditions. * By checking this box, you agree that Your spot will be held for only 2 days after registration, otherwise your spot is subject to canceling, NO refunds or transfers once the program starts are allowed, and that You need to pay to confirm and secure your spot. In case of injury during the program, you can visit FitSquad's doctor for medical consultation, or you need to provide us with a medical report, to be able to offer you compensation. Submit