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Pech-Merle cave horses, above. Ancient European art...
Nov/2011: genetic testing confirms ancient horses carried "spotting genes" BBC NEWS article
The Chinese emperor Wu Ti ( 2nd C. BC) eventually secured the "Heavenly Horses" of Ferghana (112 - 101 BC) to import to China to improve and replace the native stock. Among those horses are depicted spotted horses. Chinese trade with the west insured a steady flow of improved horse flesh entering China. Spotted horses had been common in China for the last 2000 years as evidenced in surviving art.
The Persian conquest by the Mongols, below
Persians claim the ancestor of all spotted horses to be Rakush (aka Rakhsh), the spotted warhorse of the hero Rustam who lived approximately 400 BC. Rakush was said to be sired by a white demon, a symbol of good. The exploits of Rakush and Rustam are detailed in the 11th century epic Shah Nameh of Firdausi. The stallion's spotted color is described as "rose leaves scattered over a saffron backround".
This illustration, below, is from a miniature of the Commentary of Saint Beatus de Liebana written around 776 on the Apocalypse of St. John , a favorite work of Spanish scribes of the late 9th to 12th centuries.
Below: map of the ancient Persian Empire 500 BCE (click the image to enlarge it)
From the first imperial mausoleum in the history of China - Qin Dynasty 208 BC - these bronze imperial chariots with spotted horses were unearthed in 1980: click to enlarge them:
LP Spotted Horses in History
from the ancient Chinese Heavenly Horse to the Lippizano Stud


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May 10, 2012India and Pakistan Are Finally Repairing TiesTimes of India, Times of India | |||||
AP Photo As exemplified by the recent success of the 2nd Aman ki Asha economic conference in Lahore, ties between India and Pakistan are experiencing an upswing. Propelled by the yearning for greater commercial intercourse, acrimony and distrust have decreased. Capitalising on this positive momentum requires incremental steps that build confidence at the people-to-people and business-to-business levels. Fortunately, indications are that the desire for a new India-Pakistan dynamic, one that is based on mutual respect and draws on the shared cultural heritage of the two peoples, is strong. Both New Delhi and Islamabad would do well to nurture this sentiment. TAGGED: Pakistan, India RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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text: Butter plays a huge role in cooking and baking and, as with so many other key ingredients, the better the quality the better the taste of the final product. I use only unsalted butter, which is usually made with cream that's fresher than the cream in salted butter. Salt acts as a preservative, so the cream lasts longer, but that's not always a good thing because it covers up the freshness. Using unsalted butter also gives you control over the amount of salt in the finished dish.


text:
Happy 150th Birthday London Underground
Opened on 9 January 1863, the Tube turns 150 today. Here at Bags Of Love, we are celebrating this anniversary with a special edition featuring few interesting facts about the Underground :
Did You Know?
1. Only 45 percent of the Underground is actually in tunnels.
2. Aldgate Tube Station, on the Circle (Yellow) and Metropolitan (Magneta) line, is said to have been built on a Plague pit where hundreds of victims of the Bubonic Plague of 1655 were buried.
3. Angel Tube Station on the Northern Line is Western Europe's third longest escalator at 60m/1971ft, with a vertical rise of 27.5m.
4. The District (Green) Line has the most stations: 60.
5. Hampstead on the Northern Line is the deepest station, at 181 feet.
6. The station with the most escalators is Waterloo: 23
7. A terrible statistic is that the most popular tube suicide time is around 11 am.
8. According to a 2002 study, air quality on the Underground was 73 times worse than at street level, with 20 mins on the Northern Line having the "the same effect as smoking a cigarette".
9. Every week, Underground escalators travel the equivalent distance of going twice around the world.
For more facts, please click here: 150 Tube facts by Telegraph
Until then, "Mind The Gap".
Philip Hatcher said January 24, 2013, 9:40 am:
This cushion would make an interesting addition to the London Transport Museum shop.
They do not currently apper to be offering such a product for sale on their website -
rebecca said January 24, 2013, 4:58 pm:
It surely would fit into the souvenirs list. Thanks for the tip, will definitely look into it.


text:
A lacrosse equipment company apologized Friday for an ad campaign that prompted a boycott by Charlotte Hounds midfielder Jovan Miller.
Warrior Sports also has removed all references of the controversial "Ninja Please" tagline on its site and social media accounts. The company is a major investor in Major League Lacrosse.
"We are not using it anymore and we do apologize if it was taken the wrong way," Warrior Sports Chief Marketing Officer Dave Dixon told NBC Charlotte, the Observer's news partner. "If we had thought it was going to be offensive, we wouldn't have done it."
Dixon said the company was attempting a play on words to sell the "Dojo" shoe. Still, many people online didn't buy the explanation, noting the offensive meaning is the first that comes up in a Google search.
Miller, a Syracuse graduate and former All-American, said he first noticed the campaign tagline being used on Twitter a few weeks ago.
"It kind of alarmed me at first," he said. "The actual meaning behind 'Ninja Please' is the 'N-word Please.' They put ninja in it to kind of disguise it."
Miller said he later learned the tagline was from an ad campaign for Warrior Sports.
He said while he "didn't feel like there was necessarily malice behind it," he thought the tagline went too far. He said he reached out to the company and, in the meantime, began giving away all of his Warrior-branded gear.
On Friday, the Warrior Sports' chief marketing officer said he left a message for Miller.
But the company does not plan to further the effort. "We apologized, we pulled it from the site and we are moving on," Dixon said.
Miller, who is one of only three African-American players in the league, said he was hoping the company will use this as a "teachable moment" for the sport about racial sensitivity.
As for his future in the league, which rests upon his willingness to wear Warrior gear during games, Miller is still unsure.
"I can't really answer now. Obviously I want to play until my body can't play anymore, but I also want my heart to be in my play."


text:
REITs are flush with cash and pricing only going higher for Institutional quality assets in the US , it is a natural move to reach over the borders to markets where opportunities abound. Europe is ripe for the picking and Asia while highly priced in certain markets, still presents many opportunities.
To read more, click here.


text:
Active GIF Creator Create fabulous animated GIF images (banners, buttons, and other graphics) for the Web. You can even make movies with pictures created by internal image editor or any image editing program (Windows Paint, Adobe Photoshop and dozens of others). Active GIF Creator can optimize GIF to make it smaller. Import /export to other graphical formats, batch mode and other tools will make you work easier. A useful utility for web designers for creation of animated graphics. text commentaries gif creator tiff files
AT File Mole Low-level editing ANI, CUR, ICO, WAV files. Extracting icons, cursors and bitmaps from EXE, DLL, OCX, CPL, SCR files and saving theirs in ICO, CUR, BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG formats or copying to clipboard. Support alpha blending. Zoom for preview. AT File Mole is a shareware software filed under graphic editor utilities. scr files png file wav files
IconLover This graphics utility lets you scan your files, folders and local drives for icons. Program stores all found icon information in icon collection files (ICC) or icon libraries (ICL). You can copy individual icons to the clipboard or save them as ICO or BMP files. Graphics shareware IconLover is listed in icon tools, icon searchers, desktop utilities, image managers, icon utilities, icons, image editors, utilities, icon editors and managers, icon managers tools. png scan files customize windows
Falco Icon Studio Falco Icon Editor is a Graphics Tool to create, edit and export icons. Create professional looking icons with ease. Falco Icon Studio is a shareware software filed under graphic apps icon tools utilities. lasso image editors falco
PicViewer This graphics tool is an image viewer/converter and file manager. The program allows you to view, convert, print and manage your images and supports most common image file formats: JPEG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, etc. Plug-ins display HTML pages, play multimedia files. This graphics shareware PicViewer is categorized under multimedia. asf show image gif jpeg
R-Wipe & Clean Complete solution to clean private records of your on- and off-line activities such as temporary internet files, history, cookies, autocomplete forms and passwords, recently opened documents list, Explorer MRUs, temporary files, etc. Wipe files and unused disk space using either fast or secure erase algorithms. All files and folders can be combined in wipe lists to erase them in a single procedure. Supports both the FAT and NTFS file systems. R-Wipe & Clean is a shareware software filed under online privacy, file and disk management, disk utilities, file utilities, recovering utilities, system utilities, backup and restore, hard drive utilities, file management, optimizers, diagnostics, optimizers utilities. trial version background task predefined time
MyEraseR POP3 spam filtering utility,mail checker, daytime and finger client with socket 4/4A/5 proxy support with or without authentication. Complete log file will be generated, doesn't require installation and will never add new registry key entries to Windows database. MyEraseR is licensed as shareware and filed in anti-spam, mail checker, finger, daytime client section. socket 4 registry key proxy support
#1 Classic Solitaire Great Solitaire Value! A simple interface makes our game easy to learn and play. It's also entertaining and full of features... An internet high score page so you can share your best games with the world. An interactive hint system to help you polish your game. A variety of ways to cheat so you can win in the middle of your losing streak. Many more features and options. Overall, an inexpensive way to have a lot of fun! skill levels high score best games
DialServer This internet tool adds a unique set of extra services to Windows XP for the dialup user. For dialup internet connections it provides a means to lock the connection, accumulate usage statistics and ways to remotely access your system. Incoming calls are processed/routed with caller information displayed, logged and spoken on the local and remote Windows 98,ME,2000,XP systems. It also includes an in-built scheduler to tie things together. distinctive ring maximum number windows address book
Exchange GroupCalendar 3 clicks, that's all you need to use your sophisticated Exchange 2000 or 2003 server for what it was designed to do: Easy Collaboration. Exchange GroupCalendar enables anyone who can count to three to install and manage an unlimited number of company shared calendars. The perfect tool to help your team collaborate trough Outlook. Either at your desk in the office or at home over the internet. public calendars internet exchange collaboration
Internet TV & Radio Player Software that allow you to watch 950+ free Internet TV channels and listen to 1000+ online radio stations on your PC. All Internet TV channels and radio stations are from 100+ countries with nearly 100 different languages (English, Spanish, German, Chinese, French and more). If you are interested in alternative programming, learning languages, foreign cultures, entertainment, news or more, this is a good choice for you.
Copyright © 2003-2010 Filesland Software Download Archive


text: Cyrus released her second studio album under her own name entitled, Breakout. Cyrus said Breakout was inspired by "what's been going on in my life in the past year." Cyrus co-wrote all but two songs on the album. "Songwriting is what I really want to do with my life forever, [...] I just hope this record showcases that, more than anything, I'm a writer." The album debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart with a first week sales of about 371,000 copies. As of July 31, 2008 this was the second-biggest sales week of the year for a female artist; Mariah Carey's E=MC² previously sold 463,000 copies in its first week. "7 Things" was the first single to be released from Breakout. The single debuted at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100. Two weeks later of released, it rose sixty spots from number 70 to number nine.


text:
The School of GeoSciences holds accreditation by The Geological Society and the Royal Meteorological Society for the following undergraduate degree programmes:
Our taught postgraduate Geographical Information Science (GIS) degree programme holds accreditation with the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors (RICS).
The University register of professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) is available on the Quality Unit webste.
This article was published on Jul 12, 2011


text:
We had a teacher retiring in November and we wanted to have a small get together to say our goodbye's. We called the Regency and spoke with the general manager and asked what they could do. Jules and his team went out of their way. Clark's Pub does not usually open until 5pm but they offered to open it free... More
- Also Known As:
- Westford Regency Hotel Westford
- Westford Regency Hotel
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Booking.com, Orbitz, Cheap Tickets, Hotels.com, Priceline, Travelocity, EasyToBook, Venere and Tingo so you can book your Westford Regency Inn reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


text:
Creamy Fruit Dessert
Talk about a sweet dream. This Creamy Fruit Dessert is prepared with a fat-free cream cheese base. mandarin oranges, peaches and pineapple all make a special appearance in this decadent dessert.
(Make 4 serves)
Amount Per Serving: 145 Calories, 7 g. Protein, 26 g. Carbohydrates, 2 g. Dietary Fiber, 2 g. Fat, 2 g. Saturated Fat, 3 mg. Cholesterol, 190 mg. Sodium, 333 mg. Potassium, 126 mg. Calcium
- 4 oz. of fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of fat-free (plain) yogurt
- 1 tsp. of brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract
- 1 can (11 oz.) of mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can (8.25 oz.) of water-packed sliced peaches, drained
- 1 can (8 oz.) of water-packed pineapple chunks, drained
- 4 Tbsp. of shredded coconut, toasted
- Combine cream cheese, yogurt, sugar and vanilla in small-size bowl.
- Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat until smooth.
- Combine oranges, peaches and pineapple in separate bowl. Add cream cheese mixture and fold together.
- Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with shredded coconut. Serve immediately.
- >Note :Mandarin oranges have about 40% less vitamin C than oranges do, but they have nearly three times the vitamin A.
Source : MayoClinic
Related Recipes
Recipe Under : 100 to 200 Calories - No Cook


text:
"Laughing is also good for your respiratory system."
Tags: Also | Good | Laughing | Respiratory | System | Your
54% of people like this quote
Allen Klein
Author details
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Laughter, and the broader category of humor, are key elements in helping us go on with our life after a loss.
Allen Klein
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In looking for humor, keep in mind this guideline: Sometimes it takes a little time to see the humor in your upsets; you may not find something to laugh about immediately.
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When we are dealing with death we are constantly being dragged down by the event: Humor diverts our attention and lifts our sagging spirits.
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Humor can alter any situation and help us cope at the very instant we are laughing.
Allen Klein
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Children remind us to treasure the smallest of gifts, even in the most difficult of times.
Allen Klein
57% of people like this quote


text:
Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
Holy Qur'an 6:162
Source: praise-allah
Islamic Quotes
Tumblr's huge collection of inspirational, beautiful, funny, amazing pictures, photos, images, quotes, one-liners about Islam, Allah, Quran, Hadith, prayer, love, life, friendship, happiness, society, sirah, artworks, nature, etc. Also includes meme and Islamic funfacts.
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text:
GREASE and flour one 9-inch round baking pan; set aside. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Pour half of the batter into prepared pan; spoon remaining batter evenly into 12 paper-lined medium muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for 9-inch cake layer and cupcakes. Cool cake and cupcakes in pans 5 min.; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.
POUR milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 1 to 2 min. or until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping.
CUT a small piece from side of round cake. Remove and save cutout for snacking. Frost top and side of cake with pudding mixture. Decorate with chocolate sprinkles and licorice to resemble baseball mitt. Frost cupcakes with remaining 2 cups whipped topping. Decorate with decorating gel to resemble stitches on baseball. Place one cupcake on "mitt" and remaining cupcakes on serving plate. Store cake and cupcakes in refrigerator.
serving size = 1 piece


text:
Another shutdown when gaming
Last response: in CPUs
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text:
A 20-year-old woman wrote about prank that she pulled on her mother.
She wrote, "My mom told me to "behave myself" before leaving for on a short trip out of state. So, I just wrote this fake article about myself and had our neighbor send it to her...'
The article claimed that she had been arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter and public indecency after getting catching a shoplifter at a local Wal-Mart.
The article also said that witnesses saw her tackle a 43-year-old man and repeatedly stab him in the face and genitals with a nail file when he tried to escape with his stolen items.
She later posted that her mom had been tipped off my a family member before she even read the fake article.


text:
Sen. Webb went on the offensive today and denounced the Lieberman/Kyl amendment as warmongering and a big fat, wet kiss to the "William the Bloody" Kristol wing of the GOP—including the star of the Neocons: Dick Cheney. Lieberman is setting the stage with all his Iran amendments that have the sole purpose [...]
Read The Full Article:
I was reading about the global warming discussions at the UN yesterday, and I couldn't help but wonder, why on earth does this meeting matter? The major nations aren't interested in doing anything real, and in particular the US still has over a year left of an administration that's allergic to environmental progress.
Fortunately, Mark Goldberg helpfully explains the relevance and the context:
[T]he significance of today's meetings needs to be understood in the longer term. In 2015, Kyoto will expire. As the thinking goes, it will take two years to negotiate a successor to Kyoto, then another four years for member states to actually ratify the treaty.So it's going to take a while to get this thing rolling, and even longer to get ratification, and it's important to start building toward that all now despite apparent intransigence. Well, then. That does make sense.
In December, the process of negotiating a successor to Kyoto will kick off with a meeting in Bali. This meeting will be largely technical in nature, i.e. what sort of carbon emissions targets should be achieved and how to set up a global carbon credit market. The purpose of today's meetings was not to talk about those technical issues, but to inject some desperately needed political will into the Bali meeting.
On the September 24 edition of Eyewitness News on WABC in New York City, co-anchor Liz Cho introduced a segment in which reporter Jeff Pegues spoke with patrons of Sylvia's, the famous Harlem restaurant, about Fox News host Bill O'Reilly's comments following his recent trip to the restaurant with Rev. Al Sharpton. Cho stated: CHO: Shock tonight over comments made by conservative and controversial talk-show host Bill O'Reilly. On his daily show, O'Reilly made disparaging[...]
Read The Full Article:
DNC Press
Voters Deserve to Know: Would Giuliani, McCain, Romney, and Thompson Stand with Bush and Veto Children's Health Care?
Washington, DC -- The leading Republican presidential contenders have stood stubbornly behind President Bush on issue after issue and now they also appear to be standing behind his threat to veto health care for low-income children. America's voters deserve to know: Would Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson veto the children's health care bill that Congress will likely pass today?
Bookmark/Search this post with: buzzflash | delicious | digg | technorati Technorati Tags: Alerts SCHIP 2008 race Republicans health careThis is great to see:Burlington, VT-- Earlier today the political organization founded by Howard Dean, Democracy for America, endorsed Donna Edwards for Maryland's 4th Congressional district. Donna Edwards ran against Rep. Al Wynn in the 2006 Democratic[...]
Read The Full Article:
Quinnipiac. 9/18-23. All voters. MoE 2.8% (July 9 results)
If the 2008 election for United States Senator were being held today, do you think you would vote for Frank Lautenberg the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate?
Lautenberg (D) 39 (40)
Generic Republican (R) 36 (33)
What a dilemma for the GOP! New Jersey voters hate all their politicians, and routinely give them terrible numbers. But they hate Republican politicians more than they hate Democratic ones. Yet every cycle it seems that Republicans sink millions into this horrifically expensive state, only to see a seemingly vulnerable Democrat win election easily.
And in a year where they won't have enough money to wage a proper defense of their embattled seats, could they really afford to sink their limited funds into what would be yet another quixotic bid in the Garden State?
Still, Lautenberg is 83, and the state has no shortage of great Democrats who could easily retain the seat.
Perhaps it's time for him to move on and give Reps. Rush Holt, Rob Andrews, or Frank Pallone, or even (one of my favorites) Newark Mayor Cory Booker a chance.
Doolittle gets zinged twice by writers on Politico. First, this item titled Scandals take a load off Craig, others:
Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.), who also lost his committee post following an FBI raid, have been consigned to the Get Lost Caucus ? a highly unofficial, exceedingly exclusive, nobody-chooses-to-enroll kind of club. It is four members strong, with potential for growth.
The guidelines for qualification: First, you hit a few legal snags (a raid, an indictment, an arrest), then you lose your committee assignments (or, in the case of Craig, your ranking status).
Lacking clout and commitments, you are the congressional equivalent of walking pneumonia, wounded and worn but still showing a pulse. (read more...)
Furthermore, allegations of corruption are threatening additional members? standings. Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.) has been under federal investigation over his ties to imprisoned lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Doolittle, who won only 49 percent of the vote last year, has stubbornly refused to step down even as Republican strategists privately concede he cannot win reelection.
We've been watching Virginia turn more blue for a long time, and no doubt this is an exciting development. Indeed it seems clear that Virginia is, at least right now, the Democrats' best pick up opportunity in the Senate, that the Democrats have a chance[...]
Read The Full Article:
Don't forget to give all your money to Donna Edwards through this link. If the kossacks beat us, the terrorists will have won!
Last night David Shuster produced a brilliant 78 seconds of tape that underscores the truly loathsome, soulless hypocrisy of the modern GOP. Representative Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee was on to do the honors castigating MoveOn with scripted[...]
Read The Full Article:


text:
December 1, 2009
In the summer of 2008, the History Channel debuted Jurassic Fight Club, a blood-spattered ode to prehistoric violence. Not to be left out, the Discovery Channel is set to enter the ring with its own new series, Clash of the Dinosaurs, and it, too, will leave viewers awash in dinosaur gore.
Unlike the History Channel show, however, Clash of the Dinosaurs will be organized according to four different themes rather than specific clashes. The show will spotlight "Extreme Survivors," "Perfect Predators," "The Defenders" and "Generations," though precisely which dinosaurs will appear in each installment has not been released. But whatever dinosaurs star in the show, there is little doubt that they will bite, kick, stomp, claw and otherwise attempt to incapacitate each other in computer-generated encounters.
This is not to say that there will not be some science along the way. Paleontologists Thomas Holtz, Bob Bakker, Ken Carpenter, Matt Wedel, Lawrence Witmer and others will explain the relevance of different adaptations and biological features that factored into the conflicts showcased in the series. The show will certainly be a bit on the sensationalistic side, but at least there will be some input from professional scientists to balance things out. For a sneak peek at how Clash of the Dinosaurs will mix the two, check out some of the promotional clips that have been released on the Discovery Channel website.
Clash of the Dinosaurs begins to air in the US on December 6 on the Discovery Channel.
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2 Comments »
Neat. Sure it be nice to see shows that show actual paleontology but eh the show looks pretty neat.
Since it seems a bit violent thought it looks like younger kids will be watching Dino Dan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3v3ccJYNro) instead.
Yeah that was basically just a huge hint that another dinosaur show is coming on.
looks interesting. In one of the preview clips they showed two deinonychus attacking and bringing down a juvenile sauropod. They even said they would start eating it alive. I still don't understand why raptors are thought of as these super predators who can bring down prey so much larger than themselves (I'm talking about size gaps measured in tons). What's the evidence that they were as vicious as everyone thinks they are?
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text:
API Dates Missing
There is a problem with the API. It affects all API clients.
Previously, the API returned dates in the following format (this is also the format described in the documentation):
"Sun Apr 29 23:59:59 2007"
They're now being returned in this format:
"Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:59:59"
Note the addition of a comma, relocation of the year and date fields.
Asked by Bluetoo Development on Aug 05, 2012 - 04:09
David Trey on Aug 05, 2012 - 05:59
thank you very much for your report, I have passed it to the developers.
Best regards,
David Trey on Aug 05, 2012 - 07:34
This issue has now been fixed.
Best regards,
Bluetoo Development on Aug 05, 2012 - 16:14
This appears to still be an issue.
Dates are now being formatted as follows:
Sun 30 Sep 2012 23:59:59
This still does not match the format described in the API documentation. Not the positions of the day and year values.


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Step2 Step2 Step2 Tool Chest Dresser
Product Description Product Specifications Product Description From the Manufacturer Exciting tool box looks are the perfect storage solution for a child's room. With plenty of exciting decals and durable poly construction, this dresser mak...es organization fun. It also perfectly complements the Step2 Stock Car Convertible Bed and Speedway Storage Chest. Product Description 756000 Features: -Dresser.-Realistic tool chest styling with pretend ''wheels'' on bottom.-Four doors open to reveal two generous shelves.-Theme the entire room and save with the racing room rombo.-Ages 2 and up. Includes: -Includes genuine branded racing decals. Assembly Instructions: -Minimal adult assembly required. Added on March 02, 2013 Read More
Unique desk and easel to accommodate two artists! Dry erase board includes clip to hang projects. Desk with workspace for creative... projects. Storage area above desk holds art... awetmore West Salem, OH 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Mon, Dec 24, 2012 art easel desk My daughter was so excited. My 19 month old grandson will love to use this. He is already writing. I would recommend this product to a friend. Was this helpful? Yes No Flag doesn't have one , Thu, Dec 13, 2012 Great Products for kids gift for child who is young enough to start an interest in the art and crafts of different things. Very versatilbe for a child with a strong will to explore everything Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Ashlyn's Mom , Wed, Nov 28, 2012 Doubles as a ladder for my 20 month old I really like the product, but my little girl loves to climb on top of the desk. The attached bench is deceivingly step-stool-like. Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Anonymous , Mon, Mar 12, 2012 Daughter loves it! Overall, very easy to assemble and use. The bench comes in very handy as our daughter seems to prefer sitting down to draw instead of standing up (She is 2). Only complaint that I would have is that the white board material seems a little cheap. Sometimes hard to clean with all the marks unless you really scrub hard (we are using Dry Erase crayons and not markers). Doesn't seem to be your typical white board that can be easily wiped. I'm sure using markers would make things easier, but with our daughter only 2, we don't want stains from markers :) Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Mama Fee , Tue, Dec 13, 2011 MUST HAVE toy for all ages! My daughter loves this product. She even recently fell asleep with a marker in her hand because that is all she does these days! I can't recommend this enough! Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Anonymous , Tue, Dec 6, 2011 Perfect I know she will love it Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Anonymous , Tue, Nov 29, 2011 Perfect gift great for organizing Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Anonymous , Tue, Sep 27, 2011 Great product Great product for 2-year old. Gave as a birthday gift. Was this helpful? Yes No Flag G.S. , Sun, Sep 11, 2011 personal space for a todler perfect for 2 to 5 year olds. my grandaughter is a tall 2 year old and feels so special having her own little desk to be creative.. Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Crystal [@] , Sun, Aug 14, 2011 Perfect for Creativity! My children love using the Art Desk Easel for drawing, writing, reading, etc. It's large enough for my eight year old and small enough for my three year old. Two of my children can be working on it at one time which is a huge plus. One can sit and draw on the table part and one can stand and draw on the easel part. The only negative was that the white board easily chips around the edges. Was this helpful? Yes No Flag Read More
Product Description Up and down they go on this classic teeter-totter with a new modern look! Features two side contoured seats wi...th easy grip handle bars. Fun styling and colors compliment the back yard. Maximum weight 162 lbs. Limit 2 children. Durable poly construction lasts for years of use. Ages 3-6. if(isI18NConvReq()){ $("#desc a").hide(); } Added on August 17, 2011 Read More
Product Description Neat and Tidy Cottage Playset Makes It Easy For Kids To Play without Making A Mess in the House The Step 2 Nea...t and Tidy Cottage is the perfect place for little boys and girls. They can let loose their imagination while running the little household. The cottage comes with a working doorbell, mail slot and play phone. For parents, the best feature is that this playhouse is designed to keep dirt off your kids and off of your kitchen floor. Kids will love the Neat and Tidy Cottage Playset for playing outdoors on a good day or inside when the weather's a shark, giving them something to do when they are bored or have friends over. It can also be handed down to future generations when your children get too old to play with it. Step 2 Neat and Tidy Cottage is perfect for kids ages 18 months to 6 years old Assembly is required before children can play in the cottage Molded plastic design means it can be transferred in one piece to any room in the house It is designed to keep a clear view of your child when in use and is the perfect toy for a daycare or preschool Two AAA batteries are required although not included with the cottage Take a moment to look at some more offerings from Step 2 if(isI18NConvReq()){ $("#desc a").hide(); } This product comes with: Instructions / Assembly Added on January 24, 2013 Read More
Product Description Year-round playhouse with molded-in floor keeps kids out of the dirt, and dirt out of your house! Product feat...ures a molded-in floor which is a Mom favorite! Open design provides easy view of children at play Working doorbell, pass-through mailbox, and play phone (phone design may vary) Molded-in kitchen table, faucet, burner and two seats Working Dutch door and shutters Playhouse interior 45" (1.14 m) tall Durable, poly construction Requires 2 "AAA" batteries (not included) Adult assembly required if(isI18NConvReq()){ $("#desc a").hide(); } Added on March 09, 2013 Read More
Product Description This fort and slide combination is great for kids who love the outdoors! Fort features mesh ventilation window...s. Fabric is durable, weather resistant, and detachable for off season storage. Fresh new color pallet compliments any back yard. if(isI18NConvReq()){ $("#desc a").hide(); } Added on January 28, 2012 Read More
Features: Unique ''X'' design legs provide superior durability and stability Durable table and chair set for arts, crafts and more... Table and chairs wipe clean easily making clean-up time a breeze Suitable for 2 years and over Accessories not included High quality, durable construction Stylish, fun colors coordinate perfectly with children's bedroom or play room decor Weight and Dimensions SeatingSeating Height - Top to Bottom: 20.75 inches Seating Width - Side to Side: 15.25 inches Seating Depth - Front to Back: 14.75 inches Seat Height - Floor to Seat Surface: 10 inches Seat Weight: 3.25 inches Additional Weights and Dimensions: Table Height - Top to Bottom: 19.5 inches Table Width - Side to Side: 27.125 inches Table Depth - Front to Back: 27.125 inches Overall Product Weight: 21.5 lbs Specifications Assembly Required: YesASTM Certified: Yes Product Warranty: 2 Years against manufacturer's defectsTools Needed: Screwdriver CPSIA or CPSC Compliant: YesGeneral Conformity Certified: Yes Table Top Material: PlasticTable Base Material: Plastic Hardware Material: Stainless SteelNumber of Items Included: 3 Pieces Included: Table and 2 ChairsNon Toxic: Yes Weather Resistant: YesWater Resistant: Yes Fade Resistant: YesUV Resistant: Yes Insect Resistant: YesRot Resistant: Yes Chip Resistant: YesTable Design: Indoor children's table Table Shape: SquareRounded Corners: Yes Table Legs: YesNumber of Legs: 4 Removable Legs: NoLeg Glides: No Seating Included: YesSeating Type: Standard Chairs Number of Chairs Included: 2Attached Seating: No Seating Color: BrownSeating Material: Plastic Seating Cushion Included: NoNumber of Chair Legs: 4 Removable Chair Legs: NoChair Leg Glides: No Seating Weight Capacity: 75 lbsNested Seating: No Seating Storage: NoMinimum Age: 2 Total Seating Capacity: 2Outdoor Use: Yes Product Care: For general cleaning we recommend mild soapy waterCountry of Manufacture: United States Read More
Features: Picnic table Large, easy-to-clean tabletop With umbrella Durable table and chairs set provides hours of outdoor activity... fun Perfect for outdoor dining, games, projects and more Suitable for outdoor or indoor use Seats up to six children Suitable for 3 years and over Unobtrusive design blends with traditional landscapes and backyards Looks realistic and ''naturally playful'' Protects from the sun and the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays Protective qualities: Fade resistant Warm sandstone color and stone ''paver'' textures For residential use only 2 Wide benches that seat 6 children comfortably Weight and Dimensions SeatingSeating Height - Top to Bottom: 10 inches Seating Width - Side to Side: 42 inches Seating Depth - Front to Back: 7 inches Seat Height - Floor to Seat Surface: 3 inches Seat Weight: 3.25 inches UmbrellaOpen Umbrella Width - Side to Side: 60 inches Open Umbrella Depth - Front to Back: 60 inches Pole Height - Top to Bottom: 66 inches Umbrella Weight: 2.5 inches Additional Weights and Dimensions: Table Height - Top to Bottom: 20.5 inches Table Width - Side to Side: 43 inches Table Depth - Front to Back: 40.75 inches Overall Product Weight: 32.5 lbs Specifications Total Seating Capacity: 4Assembly Required: Yes ASTM Certified: YesProduct Warranty: 2 Years against manufacturer's defects Tools Needed: ScrewdriverCPSIA or CPSC Compliant: Yes General Conformity Certified: YesTable Top Material: Plastic Table Base Material: PlasticHardware Material: Stainless Steel Number of Items Included: 2Pieces Included: Table with Attached Bench and Umbrella Non Toxic: YesWeather Resistant: Yes Water Resistant: YesFade Resistant: Yes UV Resistant: YesInsect Resistant: Yes Rot Resistant: YesChip Resistant: Yes Theme: NatureTable Design: Picnic Table Table Shape: SquareRounded Corners: Yes Table Legs: YesNumber of Legs: 4 Removable Legs: NoLeg Glides: No Seating Included: YesSeating Type: Bench Number of Benches Included: 2Attached Seating: Yes Seating Color: GreenSeating Material: Plastic Seating Cushion Included: NoSeating Weight Capacity: 300 Nested Seating: NoSeating Storage: No Umbrella Included: YesMinimum Age: 3 Outdoor Use: YesProduct Care: For general cleaning we recommend mild soapy water Read More
This unique and Functional bookcase doubles as a storage chest. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms or playrooms, this unit can hol...d books up to 11'' tall and features a pink lid with 5 1/2 cubic feet of storage space. Features: Bookcase holds books up to 10'' (25.4 cm) Large display shelf above Storage chest with permanently attached lid that slides up and safely out of the way Contents not included Ages 2 and up Frame Material: Plastic Surface Material: Laminate Care and Cleaning: Wipe Clean With a Damp Cloth Over 5.5 cubic feet (0.16 m3) of storage space 3 Year Limited Warranty Weight and Dimensions Overall dimensions: 38'' H x 28.5'' W x 21'' D, 27 lbs Overall Height - Top to Bottom: 38 inches Overall Width - Side to Side: 28.5 inches Overall Depth - Front to Back: 21 inches Overall Product Weight: 31 lbs Specifications Country of Manufacture: United States Read More
The perfect finishing touch to your child's bedroom or playroom. With ample storage, a child-friendly lid, and racing-inspired sty...ling, this colorful toy box is a delightful addition to any child's room! Features: Permanently attached hide-away lid lifts up easily and slides out of the way Top display shelf has a raised lip for more secure storage Large storage capacity holds tons of toys or stuffed animals (not included) Includes plenty of real racing decals for customization (decals may vary) Bright colors and racing decals create a sporty look Storage capacity: 6 Cubic feet (0.17 cubic meters) Weight and Dimensions Overall dimensions: 32'' H x 34'' W x 20.5'' D, 15 lbs Overall Depth - Front to Back: 34 inches Overall Height - Top to Bottom: 32 inches Overall Width - Side to Side: 20.5 inches Overall Product Weight: 15 lbs Specifications Collection: Children's FurnitureCountry of Manufacture: United States Read More
The Nessie? Table Lamp, inspired by the Loch Ness Monster, is a great new way for teens or anyone with a desire for fun to light t...heir space. The lamps are perfect for reading, homework, or as a light addition to a desk or night stand. The bendable neck can twist and turn in all directions to shine the light... Read More
27" H Table lamp in black finish provides a functional accessory and elegant lighting. Set of 6. Available in Black, Burgundy, Gre...en, and Ivory. Read More
This Zebra collection lamp is a great reading lamp. Won't flicker and won't get your eyes tired while reading. The natural lights ...reflects true color of images. Available in white, blue, pink and yellow. Set of 6. Read More
Vicka 19"H table lamp with brush silver stand and touch kind of shade will add elegant and style into any room. Luxurious and stun...ning, the lamp features crystal decoration on the top and a round... Read More
Take home what you love about HGTV: stylish product solutions for today's lifestyles. The Graphic Control collection delivers and ...update in color, pattern and style through bold graphics, technical materials and high-gloss surfaces and textures. The collection is about the freedom of... Read More
Take home what you love about HGTV: stylish product solutions for today's lifestyles. The Community collection utilizes stylistic ...influences and inspirations derived from native rural and folk traditionsis defined by the clever juxtaposition of old and new world design. Irregular textures and... Read More
Intricate design and fine detail really make the Dot Lamp one of a kind. Lamp measures 6? Diameter x 15.25? H and features small d...ots decorating the shade to create an intricate pattern. The punched shade allows for a beautiful aura of light to shine through for extra glow. The brushed chrome base... Read More
Twin Motion Lamp - Yellow Wax/ Blue Liquid; Red Wax/ Yellow Liquid Twin Motion Lamp - Yellow Wax/ Blue Liquid; Red Wax/ Yellow Liq...uid. Double motion double fun! Measures W:5??H: 16.14??D:5? if(isI18NConvReq()){ $("#desc a").hide(); } Added on March 25, 2012 Read More
Melon jar shaped porcelain ceramic lamp in a rich red color with an intricate floral pattern in white and dark brown. Lamp is moun...ted on a round rosewood base and ships with a pleated white lamp shade and decorative finial. UL approved hardware uses standard U.S. light... Read More


text:
Chinese Translation
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text:
Nov 21, 2013
TEL AVIV [MENL] -- The Israel Air Force plans to market its enhanced Kfirfighter-jet.
Nov 04, 2013
ANKARA [MENL] -- Turkey has again intercepted Russian military aircraft.
Oct 07, 2013
ANKARA [MENL] -- Turkey has been preparing for an air war with Syria.
Sep 10, 2013
LONDON [MENL] -- For the first time, Syria has expanded air force operationsand confronted a NATO ally in the Mediterranean Sea.


text:
prizeotel a-z,
view all information at a glance
More information about prizeotel…
Is there a hotel brochure or a price list?
No, as a budget designer hotel we place great value on our advertising on the Internet and therefore do not offer any brochures. Since we always offer the current day price, there are no price lists for prizeotel.
Designer rooms in prizeotel…
How are the prizeotel rooms furnished?
The 127 fully air conditioned rooms are all furnished with 180 x 200 cm long High Comfort beds, 32" flat screen TV, desk, iLamp with integrated loudspeaker and iPod/iPhone connection, a cupboard or luggage rack (if desired), designer shower with rainforest showerhead and free high speed wireless LAN internet access in the entire hotel and all rooms.


text:
Mets could offer free agents backloaded contracts now
Marc Carig of Newsday says the Mets could offer backloaded contracts to entice free agents with multi-year offers.
"You can borrow some from the future," a person with knowledge of the situation told Carig.
However, Carig says the Mets won't splurge on a major deal, but they hope this strategy gives them more options in the free-agent market this winter.
As for addressing their current needs in the outfield or catcher, the source told Carig they could acquire a variety of platoon players and attempt to piecemeal a short-term solution together.
When asked about his willingness to backload new contracts this winter, Sandy Alderson told reporters in October, "I don't like to pay for today with deferrals until tomorrow."
Michael Baron, Contributor
This Buy-Now, Pay-Later strategy doesn't necessarily speak to what Alderson told reporters in October (and what he's said over the course of his tenure here), which makes me skeptical the Mets will actually do this. I understand the Mets must get creative in order to address their needs, but there's a very fine line here and the team needs to be very careful how they use this strategy, even if it's for short-term deals. This is the same strategy that helped them get into the mess they're in now, which has caused them to have payroll constraints and overvalued contracts.


text: The Propper™ Foilage Green Gen III Fleece Jacket is made by Propper™, the brand trusted by the military and law enforcement professionals worldwide. The Propper™ Gen III Fleece Jacket can be worn with several outerwear parkas used by the military or worn by itself. Constructed with lightweight Polartec® Thermal Pro® material, it effectively retains body heat with little bulk. If you need tough, durable, reliable clothing you can rely on, count on Propper™.


text:
top stories
Engaging with tax agents
ACCA has read with concern and disappointment the recent report Engaging with Tax Agents by the National Audit Office. The accompanying press release focuses on a single issue, the incidence of underdeclaration of tax in returns filed by represented taxpayers. Not only is the tone of the finding unhelpful, and its basis doubtful, but it diverts attention from the far more constructive recommendations contained with in the body of the report.
We are concerned also at some of the apparent shortcomings in the underlying data, research and methodology. The report falls short of the standards required of a key piece of government funded research.
The first finding of the report is that HMRC recognises the importance of tax agents and has taken steps to improve its interactions with them. Whether the steps have been successful or not (in recent months as all sides acknowledge there has been a declined in HMRC's performance) HMRC openly acknowledge that without the support and goodwill of tax agents the system would collapse altogether and ACCA remain committed to the ideal of a good working relationship between HMRC and agents.
The second finding is that there is scope to improve tax compliance through tax agents. In itself this is a natural progression from finding one, but the evidence adduced in support is neither timely, complete nor fully analysed. Good compliance involves getting tax right, neither over nor under paying. The HMRC data, collected from closed enquiries, records only underpayments. It does not identify the number of tax payers, represented or not, who erroneously pay too much tax. Moreover, the data relied upon dates (at its most recent) from the 2004-05 tax year for income tax, and 2003-04 for corporation tax. The income tax sample is small (5,000 returns out of around 10,000,000) and the report focuses almost entirely on data from one year, although information was available for 2002/03 and 2003/04. The data does not record whether the agent filing the return was professionally qualified. It does not record (or at least, the analysis does not identify) whether any underpayments arose as a result of error, mistake or evasion, nor does it attempt to define those three terms. The executive summary quotes a figure for tax underdeclared as a percentage of total for 2004/05, yet the main report says this information is unavailable. The sample size for corporation tax is so small that the one difference between represented and unrepresented corporation tax payers has to be disregarded as 'not statistically significant'.
The research does point to some areas which are worthy of further research – why does it appear that represented tax payers are more likely to underdeclare? Are they more or less likely to overdeclare? Does it make a difference if the agent is qualified to what sort of underdeclaration is made, and the value of it? Once HMRC knows the answers to these questions, it will be in a position to address them and help agents improve their clients' compliance. Until then, publishing the half completed research as a basis for conclusions does a disservice both to tax payers and their agents.
The NAO figures tell us that 35-40% of the tax due from the unrepresented sample was owed (and underdeclared) by just 26% of them. Taking an extreme example, even if each of them originally declared just £10, the average value of a correct or overdeclared return was £730, and of an underdeclared return £1,350. The evidence clearly indicates that the underdeclarations in the unrepresented population are primarily attributable to those with the largest bills. This is not the message that the NAO chose to highlight. It is admittedly no more conclusive than any other finding based on this evidence, but should at least be given equal prominence.
The third NAO finding is that HMRC could reduce its costs of dealing with represented taxpayers, specifically by saving money through a reduction in the quantity of inbound post and telephone calls it receives from agents. To add more value to this otherwise self-evident statement, NAO has tried to analyse what issues agents contact HMRC for, and how these could be dealt with more efficiently. The work is a useful start, although the small size and timing of the samples they worked on might perhaps prove the value of further research rather than standing alone as the basis for conclusions. But what is worrying is the attempt to put a value on the time spent by HMRC dealing with agent communications. ACCA has been unable to identify the link between the estimated costs from the October 2009 report Dealing with the tax obligations of older people and the figures quoted in this report. The Detailed Methodology tells us that the unit costs from the October report were uprated for average earnings index, but the October figures of £6.62 per letter and £3.59 per telephone call applied to 'around 2 million items of post [and] around £1m telephone calls comes to just £16.8m. This report estimates the cost of queries at £26m, a short fall of £9.2m which ACCA does not believe can be explained by 12 months of inflation and 200,000 emails. ACCA does not believe the £26m to necessarily be wrong; indeed, agent queries are likely to cost more to deal with than average taxpayer contacts, but does believe that there should be more clarity about the methods used.
Finally, the report has found that HMRC is developing a new strategy for dealing with tax agents. This is not so much a "finding" as simply a statement of fact, but as the report notes it will involve investment in new systems and approaches and 'buy-in from the tax agent community'. This last point is crucial, and both HMRC and agents recognise that for their working relationship to improve there needs to be goodwill and effort on both sides. This makes the divisive and controversial tone of the earlier 'findings' on the probity and competence of tax agents all the more concerning.
ACCA are one of [six] professional bodies to have written jointly to the National Audit Office setting out their concerns about this report. You can find a copy of that open letter here:
The report itself, as well as the Detailed Methodology and the press release can be found at http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/1011/tax_agents.aspx
If you have any comments or evidence to submit on this report, please email ACCA at email@example.com


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The Experts are here to Help!
Information About the Area from our Experts
Crime & Safety
Jane Williams - Property Manager
The MNSU campus is very secure, with 24/7 police patrols on foot and in vehicles.There is a free Safe Walk service for any student, guest, or staff member who does not want to go somewhere on campus alone. Most arrests on campus are actually just alcohol-related, but burglaries are reported a few times a month. In Mankato, the violent crime rate is lower than the national average, however the property crime rate in Mankato is higher than both the Minnesota average and the national average. The Benning and Cambria/Judson parts of Mankato are easily the safest areas, and MNSU is square between them in the center of Mankato.
Economy and Jobs
Jane Williams - Property Manager
Mankato has a few main employers in town. The Mayo Clinic Health System employs 2200 people, Minnesota State University Mankato (MNSU) employs 1700 people, the Independent School District #77 employs 1400 people, MRCI WorkSource employs 1200 people, and the Mankato Clinic employs about 600 people. Mankato is a great place to live, and has made several national lists of best places to live for various reasons, including the number of jobs available, low unemployment rate, and low cost of living. In fact, the unemployment rate at Mankato is just 4%, far lower than the national average. This is great news for college students at MNSU since they'll probably be able to find work in town!
We Have 8 Minnesota State University Mankato Apartment Listings
Picture | Bedrooms | Rent | Address | Updated |
2 - 4 Bed | $459 - $609 | 0.55 miles from Minnesota State University Mankato | December 6th | |
1 Bed | $695 | 1.48 miles from Minnesota State University Mankato | December 6th | |
3 Bed | $1,170 | 2.4 miles from Minnesota State University Mankato | December 6th | |
1 - 3 Bed | $680 - $850 | 1866 Lee Boulevard, Mankato, MN | December 8th |


text:
- Partick Thistle News
- Fixtures
- Results
- News Archive
- Information
- League Table
- Statistics
- Squad
- Scottish Division 1 News
Falkirk 2-3 Partick: Report
Published : 09 Apr 2011 19:29:21Rss feed
Erskine double helps Partick to winChris Erskine's brace inflicted a damaging blow on Falkirk's promotion hopes as Partick secured a 3-2 win.Erskine needed just eight minutes to make an impact as he latched onto Martin Grehan's pass to find the bottom corner.The same pair combined again after 24 minutes to double the advantage and take Erskine's tally for the season to eight goals with a tidy finish.Patrick continued to dominate and Grehan's third assist of the afternoon allowed Kris Doolan to make it 3-0 after 62 minutes.But Falkirk launched a fightback and gave themselves hope four minutes later when Tom McManus poached from close range.The hosts continued to plug away and Carl Finnigan narrowed the deficit further with five minutes remaining, but Patrick held on for the three points.
Falkirk 2-3 Partick: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game as it happened.
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text:
The restaurant was very good - food, value for money and staff. For our one night stay, it was ideal. The room (appartment) was well appointed and would have been great for a longer stay. - Richard
very comfortable rooms, helpful staff and very central location - Lynne
Welcoming, great service. I especially liked the vegetable dish included in the breakfasts. - Anonymous
good location, and the revamp has been done well. Fresh paint, new carpets...... all goes a long way to making the hotel a little better. The dputy manager lady was awesome, she did her best to try make everything run smoothly in an obviously new staffed team. - Ryszard
We liked everything. The hotel deserves 4 stars, sadly, however, i'msure it counts against them that parking is a problem, and they don'thave a kitchen that provides room service. - Johan
Staff very friendly and helpful; everything within walking distance. - Louise


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Flash Actionscripting:Drag and Drop Initiates Action Effect
If you like the image and use it on your website, linking back to Free-StockPhotos.com is much appreciated. You can simply copy the following html code and paste it on your site:Description: this tutorial will show you how to Run effects based on dropped positions.
Level: medium
Go to Drag and Drop Initiates Action Effect tutorial
More Images from Photography Tips Category


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Business |
Businesses > companiesRelated Tags 1 - 33 of 33 businesses Add Your Business and Get Found - Free!australia Business businesses company Courier couriers cyprus freight local market movers moving Online providers reviews Services storage transport USA Washington B2B Trade Links Pvt. Ltd. Studio C Pictures, Inc. - 2 followers Alpari Financial Services Ltd F+N Worldwide - 1 followers RI Technologies Dark Angel Towing Services - Chicago, IL International Private Medical Insurance Magazine DC Moving Companies Referral Service Milestone Relocation Solutions Key Glass LLC. SharedLinuxHosting.net Platinum Ridge, Inc. JUDr. Miroslav Pastorek Iran Pharmaceutical Consulting Services Framlink Online Shipping Courier Companies in Australia Wollongong Freight Transport Company Transport Companies Humboldt Storage and Moving GrowFL The Anitroc Group, Inc. Courier Companies Australia Cypruslikethis.com Online Car Loan Rooftoproofing EZ Moving & Storage Who's Who Publications Online Car Financing Orange County Business Journal VanityTollFreeNumbers.com Register cyprus company Page:


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Slipknot is no stranger to pain. Indeed, the world's most brutal metal band has become legendary by tapping into the pain of youth, and giving it a soundtrack.
Their ferocious self-titled debut in 1998 remains one of those records that freaks you out the first time you listen to it, and never lets up. Within 60 seconds you hear a sample of Carlito Brigante screaming, "HERE COME THE PAIN!" and BAMMMMM! They explode with such an intense force, you instantly want to either run and hide, or jump around in hyperactive excitement.
When their follow-up Iowa was released in 2001, the band of masked wackos had taken on the stigma of being one of the most terrifying essences in modern music. Focus on the Family called Iowa "Diseased stuff...Clearly motivated by an unholy alliance." Naturally, the album was a great success, peaking at number three on the Billboard album charts and at number one on the UK album chart. Songs like "Heretic Anthem," "Disasterpiece" and "Everything Ends" solidified their role as the premier force in angst-driven metal.
You know that feeling you get when you demolish an office, swinging a sledgehammer wildly into desks and walls, computers and glass flying all over the place, ripping out the drop ceiling so the everything can crash down upon you? Iowa is like that, only louder and more violent. Music like this has become a sort of therapy for emotional confusion and pain, one that is way more effective than an entire cabinet full of pills.
Their live shows grew more and more intense, with members setting each other on fire, trashing the stage, jumping all around and even into the crowd. Of course, this in itself brings on its own form of pain, as seen from all the injuries sustained by Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson, well-known as the guy in the gas mask who will jump off balconies into the crowd, or set a band member on fire to make the concert that much more exciting.
"I've done severe damage to my entire body, from head to toe," Wilson laughs. "Concussions, head lacerations, breaking my heels, broken ribs, burns, you name it."
As Roadrunner Records prepares to re-issue Iowa, Wilson looks back on the decade between then and now, with a fond yet somewhat mature gaze. "I did get hurt quite a bit on the last tour, and I'd have to go to the doctor and get cortisone shots and other types of therapy to recover. It was very hard on my body; I'm not the age I used to be, obviously."
It was never just Sid getting wild, though. "We've set other members of the band on fire before, without them knowing. Corey's up there singing, we'll come up and squirt him with fluid, and then one of us would light him up. So I wasn't always alone in stuff like this. Clown would always kind of egg it on quite a bit, and Chris would get in there with us in the mischief."
This is all part of the Slipknot experience, Wilson explains. "I'm just going out and trying to have fun, and interact with the crowd, make them feel like they're part of the band, just as much as we're a part of them. It's a family...and it's a culture now. The fans need to know that they're just as much a part of the culture as we are. So, by me going out in the crowd - the antics and behaving crazy, wrestling around with Clown on stage, lighting each other on fire, whatever - shows that nobody's really exempt. Even the band is at the mercy of this culture. No one is safe, not even the band. We're all a part of it together; anybody can be taken out at any time."
After a decade of abusing his body for the sake of entertainment, Wilson says he started calming down, just a tad. "I kind of stopped going into the crowd, and started getting more crazy on the stage. So now, instead of jumping off 15, 20 foot objects into the crowd, I'm just jumping off 15, 20 feet objects and landing on my feet on the stage."
Then he chuckles, "But then recently, I broke both of my heels doing this. That's a pretty severe injury; it's the worst injury I've sustained on tour."
Wilson says that he does occasionally use cannabis to deal with his pain. "As I was beating myself up in the band, smoking weed started being a medical thing, as a pain reliever. I'm always in quite a bit of pain, actually, from my head to my toes, so there was quite a large amount of it being smoked to relieve this pain. I'd have pain from the moment I woke up and got out of bed, until I went and laid back down again.
"I have found other forms of treatment, since my pain level is so large, that the amount I'm having to smoke would at times leave me lethargic. So, more recently, I've been looking for other ways of pain relief, that seems to be more effective for the amount of pain I'm going through."
For Wilson, this means simply living a healthier lifestyle. "I try to do things that don't require a medication, so I've been doing certain types of therapy and exercises, changing my diet, trying to eat very healthy. Anything and everything I can do as far as health-conscious in terms of what I put into my body. And getting into a better daily routine of stretching and exercising."
Even so, he points out that cannabis has done wonders. "People have called it a 'miracle drug,' because there's all kinds of things it can be used for, to help people. But the medical industry and the people making the medications - the pills - they're looking at losing a ton of money if it was made legal, because it can be substituted for all kinds of medication, that make you way more lethargic, and are a lot more harmful to your body because of the other things that they add to it, all the chemicals in it."
He's optimistic in cannabis becoming available nationally, even as our interview was conducted on the same day that the Department of Justice publicly reneged on the administration's promise to not prosecute the medical marijuana industry. "We're slowly moving in that direction, and more and more states are accepting it," Wilson points out. "Once you get the majority of states, federal will essentially fall in line. Once they've milked all the money they think they can make from it being illegal, then they'll finally give in.
In the meantime, Wilson continues to make music as an extension to his soul. In addition to Slipknot, Wilson has made a strong name for himself as DJ Starscream, and more recently, he debuted a solo album, titled simply Sid.
"I wasn't really trying to think of what fans want to hear," Wilson says of his new record, "I was just trying to give a true expression of myself and my opinions and views of everything. If I'm gonna express myself, I'm gonna do it truthfully, honestly, and I'm not gonna hold back. I'm going to open up my chest completely, and let you see everything inside.
"There's absolutely no metal in it at all; it's kind of weird to people. There's also not a lot of DJing stuff in it. There's hip hop stuff, but not scratching or anything like that."
The result is a hauntingly tranquil journey into a new range of soul music that feels more like a marriage of Saul Williams and Tricky than anything related to metal. Indeed, just as Williams' Niggy Tardust album redefined the relationship between Rock, Hip Hop and Soul, Sid stands tall on its own, as a testament to boundless exploration of the sonic caverns within Wilson's soul.
Rich with pianos and Wilson's raw yet unique vocals, Sid delivers dark poetry with hypnotic and subtle tracks. "Punk Rock Noise" includes Sid playing an acoustic guitar and crooning about existentialism spawned from seeing a dead bird; "I Can't Save Ya" delivers thumping bass and raps about "now our country's disappearing/I want justice/I want freedom." There are certainly more lively tracks, such as "Nervous Central" and "Go The Distance," but it's all a strange departure from what fans of Slipknot have come to love.
And in that, Sid is a triumph, as one of the most impressive albums of 2011.
Sid is now available, and the Tenth Anniversary Edition of Iowa - a double DC/DVD set, complete with new artwork, live recordings, band interviews, music interviews and more - drops from Roadrunner Records on November 1.


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Learn about the benefits deep brain stimulation has provided one East Texas resident.
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Convert DWG to Flash
Do you want to share and publish your AutoCAD DWG files on the web? Would you like to flash your DWG files for better sharing? Convert DWG to Flash rightly provides you an effective way to convertg your AutoCAD DWG files to Flash.
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Supported Input Formats | |
Supported Output Formats | |
Flash |
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November 3, 2009 "Net Neutrality" Nets Out to Government ControlBy Lee Cary
There's nothing neutral about the Obama administration's push for net neutrality. Do you suppose that, periodically, an ad appears in the Washington Post that reads this way?
Comfort food? Those include chocolate cake, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, chicken noodle soup, fried chicken, ice cream...all the foods that make us feel comfortable. Consider the titles of recent legislation. First, there was the Troubled Assets Relief Program. Relief is a comfort word. Who doesn't want relief when their assets are troubled? And it's troubled assets, not toxic assets. Toxic sounds dreadful. Then came the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Recovery and Reinvestment are like ham and eggs. Comfort words, both. Now we face America's Affordable Health Choices. It's the full combination plate of comfort words. All it needs is "and Effective" after "Affordable" to reach Nirvana. It would roll off the tongue nicely, too. America's Affordable and Effective Health Choices. There's another one on the near horizon. It's H.R. 3458, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009, proposed (yet again) by Reps. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). Its title says it's about "Freedom" and "Preservation" of the internet. Mashed potatoes-and-gravy stuff. What could possibly be awry with this bill's intent? The organization Free Press supports it. Its motto is "reform media. transform democracy." (Oh, oh. There's that "transform" word again.) Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, states:
That statement offers a veritable smorgasbord of comfort words: freedom; openness; public ... controls; economic innovation; democratic participation; free speech; promise. And the stark alternative if the bill isn't passed is an "Internet derailed forever." That's forever as in eternity. That's like being offered a gallon of freezer-burned Chocolate Pretzel Crunch ice cream for dessert after a meal of comfort food words. Ben's boss, Josh Silver, who runs Free Press, identified the evil opposition to net neutrality in a Huffington Post piece.
There's the enemies list: industry front groups; high-priced consultants (What? No moderately priced ones?); and the big bad cable and phone companies that "mislead and misinform" folks. (Cue the boos.) So, what does the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009 propose? Here's the official summary:
A lot of open doors in that language: "take certain actions"; "various aspects of the internet"; "certain charges." Plus, give internet service to anyone and everyone who wants it, as in "any requesting person." Here's what one of the bill's co-sponsors identifies as its basic intent:
So, to follow Ms. Eshoo's argument, the Internet has "thrived and revolutionized business and the economy." Now she, Mr. Markey, and the Obama administration want to regulate it so it will thrive and flourish. (So I take my truck into the dealership and say, "Fix my truck, Doug." Doug says, "What's wrong with it?" I say, "Nothing, it runs great. It just needs fixing.") Masked beneath the comfort language of the net neutrality bill are provisions that will effectively turn over management of the internet within the United States to the federal government via the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It's a power for which the FCC hungers. Perhaps it envies China. So there's nothing neutral about the Obama administration's push for net neutrality. "Neutrality" is a D.C. comfort word for control.
on ""Net Neutrality" Nets Out to Government Control"
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A collection of news and information related to Manchester published by this site and its partners.
Top Manchester Articles
Displaying items 56-66
Portland Still A Gap In State's Air Line Trail
Questions for Angelina
Farmington's Winding Trails Finds New Use For Trees Damaged By October 2011 Snowstorm
William "Bill" Louis Tchakirides, 66
Crime & Punishment: UConn's New Logo Leads to Controversy
A Country Estate In The Heart Of The Litchfield Hills
Column | May 3, 2013 | 4:58 AMThis column is for all of you who dream of having a little country estate. A place where you can walk along stone walls braced by giant maple trees every few feet. A place where you can roam across seemingly endless fields with views of the... -
Matt Molina, Wolfgang Puck win James Beard awards
Story | May 8, 2012 | 4:34 PMMatt Molina, the executive chef at Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza, was named the best chef in the Pacific region at the 2012 James Beard Foundation restaurant awards. Wolfgang Puck was awarded the lifetime achievement award.... -
James Beard awards includes one Florida chef nominee
Story | Mar 20, 2012 | 4:47 PMHedy Goldsmith of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in Miami has been nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef in the prestigious 2012 James Beard Foundation awards, the nation's most prestigious recognition program honoring professionals in the... -
An Undulating Journey To The State's Highest Falls
A Visit To Northern Connecticut's Scenic Three-State Skyline
Column | Mar 1, 2012 | 2:41 PMGrowing up, whenever the latest "Highlights For Children" magazine came I would tear through it looking for the "hidden pictures" puzzle and spend my walk back from the mailbox searching for things like a baseball bat, toothbrush and a slice of pie.... -
The Ridges And Peaceful Valley Of Lyme


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The Insider (1999)
96% of critics liked it
(132 reviews) -
91% of users liked it
(56,536 ratings)
The Insider tells the true story of a man who decided to tell the world what the seven major tobacco companies knew (and concealed) about the dangers of their product. Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) was a scientist employed in research for a tobacco firm, Brown and Williamson. Not long after he was… More The Insider tells the true story of a man who decided to tell the world what the seven major tobacco companies knew (and concealed) about the dangers of their product. Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) was a scientist employed in research for a tobacco firm, Brown and Williamson. Not long after he was fired by Brown and Williamson, Wigand came into contact with Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), a producer for 60 Minutes who worked closely with journalist Mike Wallace (played here by Christopher Plummer). Bergman arranged for Wigand to be interviewed by Wallace for a 60 Minutes expose on the cigarette industry, though Wigand was still bound by a confidentiality agreement not to discuss his employment with the company. Despite Wigand's willingness to talk, CBS pulled his interview from at the last minute after Brown and Williamson threatened a multi-billion dollar lawsuit. The staff of 60 Minutes and CBS News were soon embroiled in an internal struggle over the killing of the story, and Wigand found himself the subject of lawsuits and a smear campaign, without his full story reaching the public. The Insider was directed by Michael Mann and also features Diane Venora, Philip Baker Hall, Debi Mazar, Colm Feore, and Rip Torn. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Michael Mann
- Written By
- Eric Roth, Michael Mann
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Nov 5, 1999 Wide
- On DVD
- Apr 11, 2000
- Studio
- Buena Vista Pictures
Critic Reviews
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
What I didn't expect was an intelligently absorbing entertainment that ran for two hours and 40 minutes, during which I didn't once look at my watch -- just about the highest praise I can bestow upon a film these days.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The movie reveals Michael Mann's unparalleled ability to fashion taut suspense from unpromising material.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Pumped up with sharp editing, vivid performances and a damning true story to tell, it's a morality tale with a hard contemporary punch.
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
It's a good thing Wigand isn't a conventional, come-to-the-rescue hero in The Insider, because, although Michael Mann tries for a victory dance, there's ultimately little cause for cheer.
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Mann turns a moral issue into riveting suspense.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Al Pacino
as Lowell Bergman
Russell Crowe
as Jeffrey Wigand
Christopher Plummer
as Mike Wallace
Diane Venora
as Liane Wigand
Philip Baker Hall
as Don Hewitt
Lindsay Crouse
as Sharon Tiller
Debi Mazar
as Debbie De Luca
Stephen Tobolowsky
as Eric Kluster
Colm Feore
as Richard Scruggs
Bruce McGill
as Ron Motley
Gina Gershon
as Helen Caperelli
Michael Gambon
as Thomas Sandefur
Rip Torn
as John Scanlon
Lynne Thigpen
as Mrs. Williams
Hallie Kate Eisenberg
as Barbara Wigand
Michael Paul Chan
as Norman the Cameraman
Linda Hart
as Mrs. Wigand
Robert Harper
as Mark Stern
Nestor Serrano
as FBI Agent Robertson
Pete Hamill
as N.Y. Times Reporter
Wings Hauser
as Tobacco Lawyer
Cliff Curtis
as Sheikh Fadlallah
Renee Olstead
as Deborah Wigand
Michael Moore
as Michael Moore
- Michael Moore (XVI)


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Publisher's Synopsis: Since their mother's death, Tip and Teddy Doyle have been raised by their loving, possessive, and ambitious father. As the former mayor of Boston, Bernard Doyle wants to see his sons in politics, a dream the boys have never shared. But when an argument in a blinding New England snowstorm inadvertently causes an accident that involves a stranger and her child, all Bernard cares about is his ability to keep his children-all his children-safe.
She Is Too Fond Of Books' Review: This is the third Ann Patchett novel I've read; I devoured Bel Canto in 2001, and read The Magician's Assistant earlier this year. I recently re-read Bel Canto (my review is here) for a book group discussion; it was interesting to re-visit Bel Canto so soon after reading Run. I wondered if Bel Canto would hold me spellbound, like it did with my first reading; it did! But, back to Run … I've been avoiding this review for weeks, because I've had such a hard time coming up with exactly why it didn't appeal to me. I wanted to like it, I expected to like it, truly; it just didn't "do it" for me.
Tip and Teddy Doyle are the adopted African-American sons of Bernadette and Bernard Doyle, an attractive, influential, politically-connected couple who also have an older son, Sullivan. Bernadette dies before the story opens; we meet Tip and Teddy in their mid-twenties and experience parts of their childhood through flashbacks. Bernadette's uncle Sullivan is a favorite who always makes time for Teddy; Patchett's writing is beautiful, as always:
… the priest had stories stacked up like dinner napkins. Father Sullivan said that they all belonged to Teddy, hundreds of stories waiting to be unfolded. They all started simply, beautifully, "When your mother was nine she got a yellow dress for her birthday. I was at the party. Everything she asked for that year was yellow. She wanted a canary and a lemon cake …"
Somewhere along the line Teddy's love for his mother had become his love for Father Sullivan, and his love for Father Sullivan became his love for God. The three of them were bound into an inextricable knot: the living and the dead and the life everlasting. Each one led him to the other, and any member of the trinity he loved simply increased his love for all three.
Run takes place over one 24-hour period; this compressed pace is exhausting, but very effective. One scene has a young girl running on an indoor track; Patchett writes in dense, terse, page-long paragraphs:
… She was picking up her pace now on the track, but not to where she would take it. She could have run this fast in the snow. She let herself float forward, every step a leap, her legs stretching out like scissors opened wide. She was a swimmer, a gymastics star, she was a superhuman force that sat outside the fundamental law of nature. Gravity did not apply to here. "Meditation in motion," her coach would say. She heard his voice in her head as she lapped the talking girls, as she swept past the one who was there to run. From the corner of her vision she could see the step-lunge boy stand up straight and watch her pass. She dried off his forehead with the breeze she made. She wasn't even trying …
Two stories-within-the-story intrigued me. The novel opens with the tale of a carved 18-inch statue of a woman, the Madonna bearing an uncanny resemblance to Bernadette. Patchett drew me in with the tale of how the statue was acquired generations ago by Bernadette's great-grandfather.
There is a second interlude that grabbed my attention – one of the characters is visited in a dream and we learn much of her background through this scene. It is a very clever contruct, and very effective with that character in that particular setting. I can't say more without the potential for spoilers, but those of you who have read the book will understand.
Perhaps the book didn't sit well with me because I feel the "lessons" or "metaphors" were drawn too heavily. As I reader, I wasn't allowed to draw conclusions with spare information the author dropped into the story. Rather, Patchett clunked me over the head with morals and heavy symbolism, including stereotypes of race and career choices, the meaning of the word run in the title, and the question of what defines a true family.
Many thanks to Harper Perennial which provided this book in conjunction with the online book club hosted by Gayle at Everyday I Write the Book. Click over to this post on Gayle's blog to read the opinions of others who participated in the discussion; they run the spectrum! Ann Patchett was interviewed as part of the Authors on Air series on Book Club Girl; the interview is very well done and will help you to learn more about the author and her motivations for writing Run.


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Libya gives up the presidency of the Arab Maghreb federation Libya-Mauritania, Politics, 12/9/2004
Libya announced today that its has given up its presidency for the Arab Maghreb Union because of what it described as the stumbled march of the union and the numerous violations made by certain members. A statement issued by the Libyan foreign ministry explained that among the violations that certain member states has collaborated with others outside the frames agreed upon. JANA reported that "progress being hampered due to many contraventions by some member states such as for instance: "- Applying the embargo imposed on Libya, although obligations stated in the Union conventions pardon such countries from being obliged to any external measures to be imposed on any member state. Nevertheless, they implemented what they had not been obliged to do. More over the treaty explicitly stated the unity of the Maghreb space. "- Mauritania's recognition of the Israeli entity, in clear contradiction to the strategic requirements and interests of the Union, and in a threat to the security and safety of the remaining members of the Union. "- Freezing the work of the Union and its work mechanism, and the lack of the effectiveness of its specialized councils, committees and the disruption of the meetings of most of them. "- Non-commitment to the implementation of most of the agreements concluded at the out set of the establishment of the Union, particularly those related to the freedom of movement, work, residence, and possession of properties to the citizens of the Union. "-Acceptance of some member states to cooperate with others outside the agreed frameworks, and what has been provided for by the conventions of the Union, and the response to external efforts to single out and select from among the Union's members states, in conformity to the interests of those foreign forces and parties, the latest of which is in going too far in implementing the so-called NATO's Istanbul initiative, and organizing of military maneuvers at the out set of next year, 2005 with the participation of the Israeli entity, the alliance states, and several union's member countries with all that this matter represents of in terms of violations of the union's conventions, and a threat to its existence and a menace to its people. "-Failure of the Maghreb ministerial investigating committee, formed by the Leader of the Revolution, in his capacity as President of the Union , to investigate the Mauritanian allegations and claims against Libya, in order to show the truth to the peoples of the Union and to the world. " Libya said in its statement that it had decided to leave the issue of the federation for the peoples of the Arab Maghreb states. Worthy mentioning that the Federation includes Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania andTunisian Worthy mentioning also that Libya has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the Arab League (AL) in protest of what it described as the weak performance of the AL and not taking into account the Libyan initiatives proposed to the AL.
Previous Stories: Al-Taye accuses Libya of a coupe attempt (10/18/2004) Libya investigate into the allegations of Mauritania (9/13/2004) Maghreb foreign ministers hold extraordinary session in Libya (4/26/2004) Secretary general of UMA holds talks with libyan official (10/14/2003) Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.
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