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By Rob Knies
June 28, 2006 12:00 AM PT
Search technology has become ubiquitous among Internet users. Who among us doesn't find themselves using search on a daily—often hourly—basis? It's become virtually a Web given: Find white rectangle, start typing. It's what we expect; it's what we do.
But while search has achieved deep penetration into the nooks and crannies of the Web environment, much remains to be achieved to plumb the depths of search's potential. While the technology has come a long way in recent years, it's still in its infancy. Much work remains to enable users to gain effortless access to the information they seek.
Ji-Rong Wen and Zaiqing Nie are at the forefront of that continuing effort.
Wen and Nie, researchers with the Web Search & Mining Group within Microsoft Research Asia, are pioneering research into Object-Level Vertical Search, a technique that has shown promising results in enhancing the search process to provide fine-grained results reaped from sifting through a variety of Web pages to deliver precise information to user queries.
"We want to develop a better search engine for some specific domains," Wen says. "We want to develop a better search engine."
Object-Level Vertical Search takes a refined approach that is a significant advance from traditional Web search. The latter paradigm is based on a page-level relevance ranking approach, in which pages that receive links from many other pages are adjudged to have more value by the very fact that they are popular. If more people link to a given page, it must have something to offer—that is the presumption.
In reality, we all know what happens. A search query returns a list of Web pages, some of which may have more relevance to what we are seeking, some with less. It's up to us, then, to start clicking on likely candidates and scanning the pages for the information we want.
It works, to a degree. We're in the neighborhood, but we're still looking for the right house. Object-Level Vertical Search is designed to put us on the doorstep.
"In Object-Level Vertical Search," Wen says, "we want to extract and integrate information from the Web about specific objects.
"For example, in academic search for a researcher, his information may be distributed on different Web sites. We need to collect, extract, and integrate all of this information. On one Web site, we may find the e-mail address of this person. On another Web site, we can find his telephone number and his publications.
"We collect all this information and integrate it. Then, after extraction and integration, the results will be a virtual page containing all the related information about this person."
The "vertical" in Object-Level Vertical Search refers to a specific domain, such as academic search or product search, both of which have been incorporated into Windows Live™. The "object" is an item embedded in Web pages or Web databases, such as a product, a person, a paper, or an organization.
Wen and Nie began working on the concept a couple of years ago, on a project called Libra that eventually developed into Windows Live Academic Search.
"At that time," Nie recalls, "we came up with this object-level vertical-search idea."
Adds Wen: "We realized that traditional search technology could not meet our requirements."
Those requirements were to improve on existing search.
"Object-level search is better," Nie says, "in terms of enabling us to get more specific information about real-world objects.
"In the vertical domain, people are really interested in information about specific objects, not the pages themselves. For example, if you are a researcher, you always want to find information about other researchers and conferences and journals. If you want to find information about the best researchers in the world, and you use a basic search engine, it's very difficult to find who the popular researchers are in a particular domain. But using our object-level search engines will specifically give you a list of researchers and extract and integrate the information together. The user can have a much better understanding as a result of a query."
The approach taken by Wen and Nie is the first to develop the idea fully on a large scale from a Web-search perspective. In a 2005 paper entitled Object-Level Ranking: Bringing Order to Web Objects, authors Nie, Yuanzhi Zhang of Peking University, Wen, and Wei-Ying Ma, a principal researcher for Microsoft Research Asia, debuted the concept of PopRank, which computes the popularity of the objects within a specific domain, rather than the popularity of the Web pages.
"We found," Nie says, "that, using our PopRank model, our ranking accuracy improved a lot."
Such success doesn't come easily, though.
"Our model is much more complicated," Wen confirms. "In the academia-search domain, there are multiple types of objects: authors, papers, conferences, journals—all these things.
"In addition, the relationship is more complicated. There are paper-author relationships, author-author relationships, paper-paper relationships, paper-conference relationships. We need to differentiate different object types and different relationships at the algorithm level. We need to assign different weights to those different relationships and then change the algorithm."
It's the same, popularity-based ranking idea taken to whole new, more refined level.
"If you're looking for papers in data mining, how do you select papers to read?" Nie asks. "You may want to read some papers because they are cited by many other papers. You may also want to read a paper if it is written by a famous researcher. You may also want to read a paper if it was published in conjunction with a high-quality conference. Because of all of these reasons, a paper may become popular. But our research was about the more important factor: What determines the popularity of a paper?"
There are a series of steps involved in the Object-Level Vertical Search process:
"After this stage," Wen says, "you can see that we have transformed the Web-page information into structured data."
"The most important part," Nie says, "is extraction and integration."
Adds Wen: "Web pages are very diverse. The same information is encoded with different formats on different Web pages. Our extraction and integration algorithms have to be very robust to deal with the variety of Web pages. But the good news is that we have developed a very good algorithm to do this, based on some machine-learning techniques."
Wen and Nie continue to refine their techniques to provide an even more effective search experience.
"We are currently working with the MSN® search team and shopping team to build better search technologies," Nie confirms. "We need to focus on two things. The first is to continue to improve the extraction and the integration accuracy. Actually, they want us to do it perfectly! This is challenging, but we are approaching that goal.
"The second thing is that, after we extract and integrate the objects from Web pages, we want to provide better ranking. Object ranking is different from page ranking, so we need to investigate this problem more deeply.
"And we want to apply our framework to more domains. We want to use this for blog search, restaurant search, job search. You can imagine that there are many, many instances in which this could be used."
For the foreseeable future, the page-level search technique will continue to play a significant role in delivering search results to Internet users. Object-Level Vertical Search, though, adds another dimension to the evolution of search technology.
"I think they will co-exist," Nie says. "The traditional Web search engine is still viable in terms of coverage, easier to use. We still need something like page-level search.
"But in our Object-Level Vertical Search engine, we have a new ranking algorithm. We have a whole new architecture to do search. We just hope that, in the future, if we expand our technology to more domains, we hope more and more users will use our search engines to get more precise and accurate information."
Wen agrees.
"As we build more search engines for important vertical domains that enable users to get more precise answers and knowledge about objects in that domain," he says, "more people will make a switch from general domain page-level Web search engines. That's an ambitious goal."


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The genetic code of the most common form of hereditary breast cancer has been mapped for the first time, offering hope for diagnosis and treatment of the disease in the future.
Researchers say they have "fully sequenced" the DNA of two breast cancers caused by a faulty BRCA1 gene, which is responsible for aggressive and highly drug-resistant tumours.
The team from the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) say they hope that their work will lead to more tailored treatment for patients.
Dr Rachael Natrajan, one of the scientists involved in the study, said: "It is exciting to find new genes which could be involved in causing and driving breast cancer. Now these have been identified we have to do more work to find out the role that they play.
"Ultimately, this knowledge could help us develop new treatments that target the specific defects of each patient's disease."
Breast cancers genetically passed down through families account for up to 10% of all cases, affecting around 4,500 people in the UK each year.
The scientists said cases caused by the BRCA1 gene are "usually aggressive" and "do not benefit" from targeted drugs such as tamoxifen and herceptin.
The research, published today in the Journal of Pathology, found that despite both tumours being caused by the same source they mutated in almost completely different ways.
Professor Jorge Reis-Filho, who co-authored the study, said: "This research has big implications for how we treat hereditary breast cancer in the future.
"We often consider patients with a faulty BRCA gene as one group but our work shows that each tumour can look very different from each other genetically. Now we understand this, we can start to identify the best treatment strategies to save more lives of hereditary breast cancer patients."
Using the information gathered they then scanned the genetic code of several other breast cancers and discovered three genes, not previously linked to the disease, which they believe are worth investigating further.
The study also included teams from the Institut Curie in France, the University Medical Centre Utrecht in the Netherlands, The Cancer Research UK London Research Institute in London and the University of Nottingham.
Last week the ICR, writing in the British Journal of Cancer, said all women under 50 who are diagnosed with triple-negative (TN) breast cancer should be screened for the BRCA1 gene fault, which also carries with it an additional high risk of developing ovarian cancer.
It said the screening could identify hundreds of extra women every year who may benefit from tailored therapy.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive, Breast Cancer Campaign said: "These results reinforce our understanding that each breast cancer develops differently, even from the same inherited faulty gene, and so treatment options need to be tailored to each patient to ensure the best possible outcome. The work targeting the causes of breast cancer will be continued by Dr Rachael Natrajan with her new five-year scientific fellowship, funded by Breast Cancer Campaign."
A bra which hope to detect breast cancer in wearers, before it can be seen in traditional scans, has shown promising early results. In a series of clinical trials, the bra successfully detected over 90% of breast tumours at a very early stage. Click here to read full story
According to new research, a genetic link has been made between breast size and breast cancer risks. Medical News Today reports that genetics company 23andMe has identified seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) - or genetic variations - significantly associated with breast size. Click here to read full story
Stress can hasten the spread of breast cancer to the bones, research suggests. Studies of mice showed that responses to stress made it easier for tumours to take root in the bone. Click here to read full story
Breast cancer screening leads to thousands of women undergoing unnecessary treatment despite saving lives, according to an independent review. Click here to read full story
Cancer Research Technology (CRT) has launched a spin-out company that will develop a next-generation of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) surgery to treat - and melt - cancer tumours. Click here to read the full story...
Almost half of women with the most common form of early breast cancer could be spared chemotherapy thanks to a genetic test, research suggests. The Oncotype DX test involves the examination of genes taken from a sample of a tumour removed during surgery. Click here to read the full story...
Breast cancer could be detected in seconds using new, anti-landmine technology. British scientists have developed a revolutionary breast-screening system that uses anti-landmine technology to detect cancer in seconds. The radio-wave scanner is safer, cheaper and less painful than traditional mammogram X-rays, and unlike the current system, can be used on women of all ages. Click here to read the full story...
According to new scientific research, eating a low glycemic index (GI) diet could drastically decrease the risks of breast cancer. Click here to read the full story...
The controversial link between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer has resurfaced, with health experts claiming that there is no solid evidence that HRT increases breast cancer risks. Click here to read the full story...
New scientific evidence has indicated that common preservative chemicals found in underarm antiperspirants and thousands of other everyday products, can be detected in breast cancer tumours. Click here to read the full story...
Cancer drugs that are designed to shrink tumours by cutting off the supply to their blood may be doing the opposite and helping them spread to other parts of the body, a study has warned. Click here to read the full story...
A new treatment for breast cancer has been discovered after scientists found that breast tumours can be killed in minutes - by boiling them Click here to read the full story...
Women who have a strong family history of breast cancer should avoid drinking alcohol, a new study suggests. Health experts warn that women whose mothers, grandmothers and aunts have had breast cancer, are more than twice as likely to develop the disease than non-drinkers. Click here to read the full story...
The UK is lagging behind other countries on survival rates for breast, bowel and cervical cancer and has much higher hospital admission rates for asthma, research shows. Click here to read the full story...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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SEP 03, 2013 - Time
A Must Read - Share
When you visit your doctor for your annual flu shot, don't be surprised if he sounds more like your local bartender and asks, "What's your pleasure?" For the first time in decades, Americans will have a wide range of vaccine options this flu season. Since the 1940s, health-conscious citizens have pretty much had only one way of getting immunized: a shot containing three strains of the influenza virus. In recent years, a nasal spray and higher-dose vaccines were added. But this flu season, there are seven ways to get immunized against influenza, so there's a vaccine for practically everyone.
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text:
Family Law
Family Law Questions? Ask a Family Lawyer Online.
Nothing has been filed yet. I am actually trying to ascertain whether I am going to file for divorce, or if, in fact, I am going to 'believe' that the affair is truly over. Trust is clearly an issue, and while I would like to believe that the affair and all contact is over, I feel the need to verify for my own peace of mind, so to speak.
So, if I am to understand correctly, the 'trapped' information for 'blocked' calls is, in fact, stored somewhere in the phone company's records. But, I would need to file an action of some sort and then request a subpoena duces tecum with the specific dates/times of the original 'blocked' calls that were made to the phone line in question in order to obtain the information I seek.
Is this correct?
DISCLAIMER: Answers from Experts on JustAnswer are not substitutes for the advice of an attorney. JustAnswer is a public forum and questions and responses are not private or confidential or protected by the attorney-client privilege. The Expert above is not your attorney, and the response above is not legal advice. You should not read this response to propose specific action or address specific circumstances, but only to give you a sense of general principles of law that might affect the situation you describe. Application of these general principles to particular circumstances must be done by a lawyer who has spoken with you in confidence, learned all relevant information, and explored various options. Before acting on these general principles, you should hire a lawyer licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction to which your question pertains.
The responses above are from individual Experts, not JustAnswer. The site and services are provided "as is". To view the verified credential of an Expert, click on the "Verified" symbol in the Expert's profile. This site is not for emergency questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service (last updated February 8, 2012).


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Comments about 'Brad Rock: Gary Andersen lays out a plan to upset Boise State'
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- Most recommended
So, let me get this right. Anderson recommends:
1) not letting Boise score a lot
2) try and get turnovers
3) run the ball well.
That's some great insight! I'm sure KW never thought about that.
Plus, why does Anderson care about "poking the giant." Not really "conference foes" anymore.
- 6:07 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (4)
- Report abuse
Some blueprint plan. This coming from a coach who has been run over by a team two years in a row. "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play." We are all waiting to hear how the utes defeated BSU in the bowl game to see if those wonderful plans worked out. Let's see how a team that is going to the "Conference of Champions" can handle a little 'ol team that is a MWC wantabe. The very conference that the utes are smearing at every chance. Go play with the big boys now....uhhh maybe not.
- 6:14 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (1)
- Report abuse
I'm not a dreamer but I love cheering for the little guy, the underdog, and this will be no different. I say don't count the Utes out yet. I know, I'm a Cougar fan to the core, but I would love to see Utah upset the Broncos. Why? well frankly, because it will make BYU look good too! If the Broncos blow away the Utes in a lopsided win, how does that make BYU look? Utah being exposed/humiliated on national tv by Boise will do nothing to enhanced BYU's image, especially after we lost to them (Utah) in the regular season. So, go Utes!!! Yep, my motives are somewhat selfish but so what? Go get 'em, Utes!!! You can do it!!!
- 7:26 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (5)
- Report abuse
Maybe Utah should try getting the BSU kicker to miss two chipshots in the final seconds. Think of how close Boise was to playing in the BCS. To be honest, they should have been playing there even with that loss.
- 7:38 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (4)
- Report abuse
Forget about how this makes BYU look (a very strange reason to cheer for your
rival when you consider we've recruited vs. one another for years). This isn't
about BYU anyway...
Let's get to the heart of it: BSU is better all-around on all sides of the ball, better coached and super hyped up for this game after narrowly missing a BCS opp.
BSU by at least 30 points.
- 7:44 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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Rock reports: "The other half, of course, is talent. In that area, Andersen
said the teams are 'very close.'"
Hah! I'll take heart and consistency over all the talent in the world every time.
Even at that, I'd say it's a major stretch on Anderson's part to assert that Utah is "very close" on the talent scale, as talent has much more to do with implementing it than possessing it.
Just watch: BSU in the fifties. U of U in the teens.
- 8:18 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (1)
- Report abuse
The vegas spread was only 17 last I checked. I beleive it should be closer to
25, but whatever the spread, the Utes have a chance in this one and they have to
execute their game plan.
The coaches will need to make changes at the half to stay in the game and it could go down to the wire.
And if we need lady luck on our side to pull it out, I wouldn´t turn her out.
Utes by 2 in a nail-biter.
- 8:24 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (2)
- Report abuse
"Andersen is careful not to take sides. No reason to offend a conference
This just in, Rock. Boise and USU will be in different conferences next year -- unless you know something we don't.
- 8:32 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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I'll take BSU minus the 17 points any day. Utes will get slaughtered. It's
gonna be embarrassing....
Results of the game aside, the author and interviewee missed the most important key for anyone playing BSU. TCU. UO (Oregon, not OK) or Auburn this year: You have to control time of possession and keeep their offenses off the field. Only by long sustained SCORING drives could Utah or anyone hope to beat these elites. Sorry, Utes, streak ends now.
- 8:35 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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Utes should save their blackout gear to wear on Thursday. Actually they should get some camo gear as they will want to hide after the beating they receive from BSU.
- 8:44 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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the blueprint to stopping boise comes from their loss to nevada. true, the kicker missed 2 easy field goals, but the nevada D held off boise's attack long enough to get them back in the game and get them a win. if it wasn't for that break in coverage at the end of the game then the kicker doesn't even get a shot at those field goals. if nevada's defense can hold off boise state, then utah's can too. establishing the run will be quite a tall order though. nevada ran all over boise, but utah isn't as committed to the run as nevada is nor can they run it as efficiently either, but they need to expose boise between the tackles.
- 8:56 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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Utah will compete hard and it should be a good game to watch. I doubt BSU covers this large point spread.
- 9:14 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (1)
- Report abuse
The Utes are in for a long game I am affraid. However, I'd rather play Boise and get whipped than play the worst team ever to make a bowl game (UTEP).
- 9:15 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (1)
- Report abuse
GO UTES!!! I'm a big time Cougar fan but I'm pulling for you guys to get it done and make the state of Utah proud.
- 9:24 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (4)
- Report abuse
Gary Anderson has no idea how to stop or slow down the Broncos. He has been blown out the past two years, if Utah wanted to know how to slow BSU ask Nevada. Turnovers are not going to happen. Kellen Moore is the most accurate Quarterback in NCAAF. he has a touchdown to interception ration of 33:5, and in many games didn't even play the 4th and a lot of the third quarter. BSU is a more rounded team, and i believe they should still be going to a BCS bowl. Look how Terrence Cain did against BYU's secondary. he was 2/7 8 yards and 2 interceptions. Boise State has a much better secondary than BYU so Utah will have to rely on their running game, oh and by the way Boise state has the sixth best rush defense in college football.
- 9:28 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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Hey eastcostcoug, Didn't Utah St. beat Byu by double digits? When is the last time Utah lost to Utah St. do some research.
- 9:41 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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- Report abuse
The game will be decided on the field by athletes, not the Uncle Rico's of the world on the Des News comment boards.
- 9:45 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (7)
- Report abuse
If Uncle Rico were playing, Utah would win... The case is he is not, so this is
what will probably happen.
Utah 10
- 9:55 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
- Like (3)
- Report abuse
I love the picture at the top of these comments. Coach peterson has a big
confident smile, but Kwitt looks like he does not really want to be there at
all. His aura says overmatched and what will I tell the team after we get our
third tail-whipping of the year. We all know Boise is still steamed about that
loss to Nevada, and are going to take it out on the Utes.
I predict this is the last time we we see the U of U in a bowl game for some time. Any Ute fan that thinks they are just going to go into any PAC-X+ii (little i's for the little guys, Colorado and Utah) stadium and win consistantly is up in the night. The Utes are going to have to rethink their team goals, starting with HOPING to be bowl eligible each year from now on.
It will be fitting to have a big loss to start the Utes new theme "HOPE not to be an also-ran" in the new PAC-X+ii
Boise St 52 Utah 24
- 9:55 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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This is the last guy I would listen to on how to get an upset over Boise State.
- 9:57 a.m. Dec. 20, 2010
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Victor Cruz: 'Excited' about exploiting Julian Edelman, Patriots secondary
|01.31.12 at 12:22 pm ET
Giants receiver Victor Cruz, on a podium at Super Bowl Media Day, acknowledged in response to a question from Deion Sanders that he has indeed cracked a smile while watching film of the Patriots secondary. He referred to Patriots receiver/cornerback Julian Edelman in suggesting why the Giants are looking forward to facing the Patriots.
"A little bit," said Cruz. "You're watching film, just naturally, when you see one of their defensive backs is a wide receiver and he's going to be potentially covering you, you automatically get excited and just understand that it's not his natural position and you want to exploit that. So obviously, as a receiver and as a competitor in general, when you see a matchup that you think you can exploit, you want to take advantage of it."
Giants defense end Osi Umenyiora, who recently acknowledged that Patriots offensive lineman Matt Light "gets under [his] skin," was crestfallen to hear that Light was not available during Media Day, reportedly due to illness.
"Matt Light, please get well soon," Umenyiora said at Media Day. "I hope to see you on Sunday. You are one of my greatest friends."
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text:
RAPHAEL TENTHANI Associated Press
BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — Malawi's president, Joyce Banda, said Saturday she has nullified an election because of alleged irregularities and has ordered that a new vote should be held within 90 days. But a judge said her instruction was invalid, signaling uncertainty ahead for the politically fractious nation in southern Africa.
The dispute followed Tuesday's election, which was troubled by delays and other problems at some polling stations as well as scattered unrest. Banda was vice president and came to power in 2012 following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.
Mutharika's brother, Peter, was a prominent challenger to Banda in the vote. Some of his supporters stoned shops and vehicles in the capital, Lilongwe, after Banda's announcement. Soldiers later patrolled the streets.
In announcing a new election, Banda said she would drop out of any new race for the leadership of the country, which is heavily dependent on foreign aid and has been troubled by a government corruption scandal.
"Malawians should elect a leader of their choice, but I will not take part in those elections," Banda said.
A High Court judge, Kenyatta Nyirenda, said he had granted a stay order against the presidential proclamation, allowing vote-counting to proceed.
"She does not have powers under the Constitution to stop the elections," he said.
Maxon Mbendera, head of Malawi's election commission, urged electoral staff to keep working in order to complete the vote count.
Malawi uses the first-past-the-post system, meaning that the candidate with the largest share of votes, no matter how small a percentage of the total votes cast, is the winner. Aside from the presidential vote, legislative and local elections were also held on Tuesday.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Sure, you could grill another hot dog. Or, you could try one of these 30 recipes for foods you never knew you could cook on the grill.


text:
Support Westmoreland County Businesses.
by Karen Fetter
As the holiday season approaches, many Westmoreland County residents
have made visiting the Overly's Country Christmas display a tradition.
Located at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds in Norvelt, this mesmerizing
holiday light display of 2.4 million twinkling lights is unlike any other.
Not only can cars drive through the meticulous and animated light display,
but sightseers can also walk through the many attractions that make Overly's
Country Christmas so special.
The holiday experience begins with the drive-through tour of the light
display. The donation fee per vehicle is $10.00 Monday through Thursday and
$12.00 Friday through Sunday. There is an additional fee for limousines,
extended passenger van or minibuses.
Next, visitors can park and then enter into the village area. No one
should miss the extensive model train display or treats of hot chocolate or
funnel cake. You can even buy marshmallows and sticks and head over to the
bonfire for roasting and caroling. Children can ride a mini train or the
entire family can hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage that travels throughout
the village. Santa is even on location before Christmas to pose for photos
with youngsters.
Now, if shopping is what you desire then do not hesitate to visit the C.
Edgar & Sons General Store for gifts and memorabilia. Many of these
attractions are enclosed in old-time wooden structures to simulate a
village. Visitors truly feel like they are experiencing a winter
wonderland! And the best part is that all donations from each vehicle
support charity, a goal that creator Harry Overly wanted to carry on beyond
his own capabilities.
Harry originally started the light display over 50 years ago at his home
in Armburst simply to entertain his own four children. Suddenly, people
began to drive by to see the extensive display. Harry decided to expand the
display onto his 7-acre property. Even with more lights he did not stop his
attention to detail. Now it wasn't just neighbors, but people from coming
from all over the region. At this point people started to help Harry and
volunteer to play Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves. They passed out lollipops to
those driving by. Then one woman's act of generosity shifted the focus of
the light display. She handed Harry a one-dollar bill and thanked him for
entertaining her children. He told her that there was no charge and she told
him to donate it to charity.
From that moment Harry decided that the money raised would be donated to
benefit children's causes. During the 35 years of his house display he
donated nearly one million dollars to the Free Care Fund at Pittsburgh
Children's Hospital and children's medical services at Westmoreland Regional
Hospital in Greensburg.
After the 1983-84 seasons, Harry suffered a heart attack and was forced to
take a year off. The community felt lost without seeing the infamous light
display. So the next year, groups from schools, business, and friends and
neighbors all volunteered to make sure the display would go on. Today nearly
600 volunteers work to make the light display happen!
Then in 1991 he announced that a new and larger site would be needed so that
the display could grow and help more children. Idlewild Park hosted the
display for a transitional year until Overly's Country Christmas found its
new home at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds.
In 1994 the display was incorporated to ensure its continued success for
years to come. That success has come to fruition and is known not just by
local residents, but nationally as well. Overly's Country Christmas has been
featured on "Good Morning America" and on other television programs and was
named one of America's Best Outdoor Light Displays by Good Housekeeping in
IIn addition to donating money to charities, Overly's Country Christmas
also helps the community in other ways through programs such as "Family
Moments Programs" and "Share the Magic." The Family Moments Program allows
families to experience Overly's Country Christmas at no charge in order to
build family bonds and communication, a need that has become necessary to
fill for at-risk families in Westmoreland County as well as Somerset,
Allegheny, and Fayette counties. The Share the Magic program donates any
extra food products from the holiday season to local women's and children's
shelters, homeless shelters and food pantries. Overly's Country Christmas
also collects donations of new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable food items and
pet food to help local nonprofit organizations.
Furthermore, Overly's Country Christmas has worked with the Westmoreland
County Juvenile Probation Department since 1994. The troubled youths can
give back to the community and help to continue to provide holiday memories
and traditions to everyone who visits.
Although Harry has now passed away, his memory will continue to live on
through the Overly's County Christmas light display each year and how it
reminds people what the holiday season really means.
If you are thinking about visiting Overly's Country Christmas display
this season you should consider the following tips to make your experience
as enjoyable as possible. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. so it is best to
arrive early and plan on spending about 1 to 1.5 hours. Follow Overly's
Country Christmas on Twitter or on Facebook for announcements of any changes
in closing times if the weather is inclement. The busiest time to visit the
display is on weekends in December, specifically Saturday nights. Wait times
can be as long as an hour. Also, be aware that the line is weaved through
the fairgrounds so the course may be muddy. And lastly, dress warm so you
can enjoy the outdoor village after you see the light display.
The 2012-13 display will begin on November 16. Hours include Sunday
through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to
11:00 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New
Year's Day.
Be sure to make this holiday season complete by visiting Overly's Country
Christmas light display! For further information, visit www.overlys.com,
follow on Twitter or Facebook, or call 724-423-1400.
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Find the Businesses, Services, Organizations, and Events in
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in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
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Influential subcommittee takes aim at JPMorgan
Recall that when the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations decided to take a closer look at Goldman Sachs, the results ended up being a problem for the bank's top executives.
After the subcommittee forwarded its result to the DOJ with a recommendation that CEO Lloyd Blankfein and others be prosecuted for perjury, the department ultimately declined to bring any charges. But not before Blankfein and others were forced to lawyer up, and not until after the mess proved to be a huge distraction.
So what to make of the news that the same subcommittee is turning its attention to JPMorgan Chase? Bloomberg reports that, "The Senate panel is unencumbered by many of the political restraints faced by other congressional committees. As a permanent fixture in a chamber whose members only have to run for office every six years, the panel has the resources and the appetite for spending months or years issuing subpoenas, interviewing witnesses and poring over documents. The subcommittee's work also stands out in a town where investigations and white papers often dissolve into partisan strife. By a tradition unique in Congress, the minority party's staff is involved throughout the inquiry. Members from both parties tend to stick together when presenting conclusions."
The panel is actively seeking witnesses. At some point, it will no doubt call CEO Jamie Dimon to testify. Pleading the fifth will be out of the question, so he'll have to prepare assiduously. A lot will be on the line.
For more:
- here's the article


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On the strength of an 11-minute trailer that earned a standing ovation at Cannes, as well as the chaotic story of its distribution here -- rights were snatched up by The Weinstein Company, only to be dropped after a re-edit and re-naming; Warner Independent Pictures ended up with the film -- Chen Kaige's The Promise had developed considerable buzz in the US. Set to open here early next month, it's now one of the handful of jarringly commercial, big-budget films showing at the Tribeca Film Festival. Unfortunately, however, the movie fails to live up to either its buzz or the visual potential hinted at in that Cannes trailer.
The Promise is set in a fantastic land, in which gods and men live side-by-side, and giant, color-coded armies battle for dominance. The film is dominated by set-piece combat scenes, none of which adhere to normal rules of physics; each features reams and reams of billowing fabric, movements of impossible grace, and long chases across whatever lovely obstacles present themselves, from trees and rooftops to human-sized birdcages and craggy landscapes. The plot, as you might expect, is of little consequence, serving primarily as an excuse for those battles and other CGI-enhanced scenes of dramatic beauty. Such as it is, however, the plot revolves are Quingcheng (Cecilia Cheung), a woman who, as a young girl, made an unfortunate promise to a goddess, accepting endless devotion and wealth in exchange for the inability to find and keep a true love. Inevitably, she falls in love with a man who kills for her, but because of circumstances and the man's hidden face, she believes her rescuer to be the fabled Master of the Crimson Armor (Hiroyuki Sanada), when in fact it is his slave (Jang Dong-Kun). Needless to say, great dramatic sacrifices are made, loves are lost, and lives are changed, all in gorgeous ways. The overly dramatic nature of the film, from the story to its elaborate, outrageous costumes, lends it an unavoidably campy air. The problem, however, is that, with only one exception, no one on screen seems aware of how their movie actually looks. Instead of giving into the over-the-top nature of their roles, the actors instead tend to approach them with an intense seriousness that renders many of the most romantic and dramatic scenes comical rather than powerful. The one except to this rule is Nicholas Tse, who plays Wuhan, the film's ultimate bad guy. Tse is both an actor a pop star, and has been a heart-throb in much of Asia since his teenage years. Perhaps because he is accustomed to being adored purely for his physical beauty rather than the strength of his acting and singing, he throws himself into the film's campiness with complete understanding. He plays up Chen's emphasis on appearances with unrestrained glee: posing even in the midst of battle, prancing proudly in his outrageous, feathered garb, and acting out his disgust with all the oversized verve the film demands. Particularly in the second half of the movie, Tse is so wonderful that he almost manages to improve the quality of The Promise by sheer force of campy will, dragging the rest of the cast along with him up to the level of absurdity at which the film requires them to operate.
Campy and outrageous as it is, The Promise is nothing if not lightweight -- much less, certainly, than its hyper-serious soundtrack, press, and trailer would suggest, but enjoyable nonetheless. Even those who are turned off by the less-than-stellar effects and the absurdity of its story will be hard-pressed to resist Tse, who seems, happily, to have ably grasped the silliness not only of the film at hand, but also of his own, surface-based status and reputation. On the basis of his performance alone, The Promise is worth seeing.
categories Reviews, Tribeca Film Festival, Cinematical


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It's often the last thing on your mind and the final thing you do (if you do it at all). The holiday time can be a frenetic build up to the last day in the office and suddenly it's handover time. It's really easy to either leave this important piece completely and 'hope for the best' or to do it in 30 seconds and think it'll be good enough.
The 'important piece' I'm referring to is this. How you decide (or if you decide) to manage your emails and inbox whilst you're on holiday.
You'll notice I said 'how you decide' because it is a decision you make and it's one that affects the quality of your holiday and the ease of your 're-entry' after your holiday.
If you're travelling on business it's different. Keeping in touch via your phone/remote email is easy enough now and a gap in timezones is usually manageable. There are still some steps you can take to make that easier and these are steps which buy you a huge amount of credit from those who are emailing you.


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Pregnant Halle Berry Marries Olivier Martinez!
We're on cloud nine about this happy news!
Cloud Atlas star Halle Berry got married to actor Olivier Martinez on July 13 in France, according to Us Weekly.
The 46-year-old Halle and 47-year-old Olivier have been together since 2010 and are expecting their first child together later this year. They met on the set of the 2010 film Dark Tide.
To see a photo of Halle in her wedding dress, click here!
"She trusts Olivier," a source said shortly after her proposed. "He makes her feel safe. He's a keeper!"
This is Halle's third marriage, following marriages to baseball player David Justice (from 1993 to 1997) and R&B singer Eric Benet (from 2001 to 2005). This is Olivier's first marriage.
The upcoming bundle of joy will be Halle's second child. The ageless actress and then-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry welcomed daughter Nahla five years ago.
Halle and Unfaithful star Olivier made headlines of the less happy sort in November 2012 when Gabriel and Olivier got into a brawl at her home.
Halle reprises her role as Storm in the next X-Men movie, out next year.
Congrats to the happy family! This is a perfect storm of happiness!
Source: Us Weekly


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LeBron James is touring Asia on a marketing mission. This is something that happened on the tour.
Will Jaylen Brown's intelligence, non-conformity keep some teams from drafting him
Professional sports organizations are not a fertile ground for people who are both smart and not looking to fit into a traditional mold. Old-school coaches want conformity. It is a bigger deal in the more militarized operations of football teams (college and NFL), but plenty of NBA teams are not looking for guys who ask "why?" instead of "how high?" when told to jump.
Enter Cal's Jaylen Brown, a likely top six pick in this NBA draft.
He's already broken with tradition and not hired an agent to represent him on his first contract (the players' union will do that for him) and that is just a piece of his personality. Marc Spears talks about it and with Brown in a fantastic piece at The Undefeated.
This is the kind of 19-year-old NBA draft prospect who, for instance, chooses to enter the draft without an agent, a young man who one NBA executive said could be deemed "too smart for the league…."
The NBA assistant general manager also said that Brown's high level of intelligence and inquisitive nature could intimidate some general managers and coaches. He added that he is a good kid who "doesn't fit the mold of a so-called basketball player."
"He is an extremely intelligent kid," the NBA assistant general manager said. "He took a graduate school class at Cal in his freshman year. He is a person who is inquisitive about everything. Because he is so smart, it might be intimidating to some teams. He wants to know why you are doing something instead of just doing it. I don't think it's bad, but it's a form of questioning authority. It's not malicious. He just wants to know what is going on. Old-school coaches don't want guys that question stuff."
I think this is the kind of teams should want in an organization, the kind they should seek out. I'm not a fan of blind allegiance. Honestly, if a coach can't explain why he wants you do do a specific drill or run a certain action on the court, that's on him. Everything should have a purpose.
Go read the entire piece. His style may turn some organizations off, but not the good, modern ones. And whatever team does draft him they get quite a player. Here is what PBT's NBA Draft expert — and Rotoworld writer — Ed Isaacson said about Brown.
Solidly built, Brown loves to use his body to attack the basket, often leading to an above-average amount of free throw attempts. He relies on his physical ability more than skill right now, but once he has some momentum on the way to the rim, he is hard to stop. His shooting, both mid- and long-range, isn't particularly strong right now, but it's not like his shooting form and motion are broken. With his body, Brown is also able to move to the low post in the right match-ups, using his strength to bully his way to the rim. Brown has improved as a defender this year, and is capable of guarding multiple positions, though he still needs some work on the basics.
Andrew Bynum update: He's blond now. If you care.
Andrew Bynum is 28 years old. He should be in the prime of his career, but he hasn't set foot on an NBA court since March 15, 2014.
So what is he up to in retirement? Becoming a blond.
I got nothing. Have at it in the comments.
Report: Knicks would like to trade for pick in 2016 draft
The rebuilding New York Knicks are without one of the key pieces needed to rebuild in today's NBA — a draft pick. The Knicks have zero in this year's draft. None. Nada. Zip. You get the idea. This sis not the fault of current team president Phil Jackson, he inherited a situation where this year's picks were in the wind (the first rounder gone as part of the Andrea Bargnani trade).
Jackson would like to find a way back into this draft, reports Ian Begley at ESPN.
The Knicks plan to acquire a pick in June's draft. The best-case scenario would probably be a late first-round pick but second-round is more likely. The club has shown interest in several players in recent weeks, including Indiana guard Yogi Ferrell, who has a workout scheduled with the club next month. New York also interviewed Kansas guard Wayne Selden at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago and has expressed interest in him as the draft approaches, according to league sources. Selden, a 6-6 guard, would fit the mold of the big guards Phil Jackson used in his Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Laker teams.
Of course he would like to trade into the draft. He's also like to lure Kevin Durant to the Knicks. Snagging a draft pick is far, far more likely, but the question remains who does he have on the roster to trade that teams would be willing to give up a pick for? Jose Calderon? Getting into the draft requires assets and — as has been the challenge for Jackson since he agreed to the job — the previous regime stripped this team of assets.
Still, expect Jackson to come up with something. But it's not going to be a game changer; he's going to have to win in free agency to get that.
Report: Sixers to explore trades for Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel
The Sixers are on schedule to have 7-foot Joel Embiid suited up for them next season at center. They may have 6'10" Dario Saric in from overseas (if not next season, the one after). They are about to draft 6'10 forward Ben Simmons with the No. 1 overall pick.
Where does that leave the two guys who were the core of the Sixers' front line last season, Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel?
Possibly on the trade block, according to Chad Ford and Marc Stein of ESPN.
The Philadelphia 76ers will explore trading Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel in the buildup to the NBA draft on June 23, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN that the Sixers are determined to gauge the trade market for both Okafor and Noel and are increasingly likely to move at least one of them in conjunction with the draft, in which Philadelphia holds the No. 1 overall selection for the first time since selecting Allen Iverson in 1996.
Ford said more on a 97.3 ESPN Philadephia radio interview, via the 700 Club at CSNPhilly.com.
"I think that they'll gauge the interest of both players. I think that there might be a slight preference for Noel, to keep him around with the Sixers, and I think you might be right, there might be a slight, better value for Okafor out on the market, but I think everyone agrees that that combination of those two players doesn't necessarily work. The Sixers needs to pick up assets, especially if they're gonna go ahead and do a Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram with the first pick in the draft. Then they're gonna need those assets to start to fill out their backcourt, because the 24th pick and [the 26th pick], you're not finding starters."
I doubt they would move either for another pick. Remember that "the process" is dead in Philly — the Sixers want to start winning more now under the Colangelos. How far they are willing to go down that road — and what pieces they may be willing to sacrifice — remains to be seen, but here is what GM Bryant Colangelo told NBC Sports after finding out his team got the No. 1 pick.
"I've been quoted as saying you can only have so many developing players in your fold," Colangelo said. "There's a lot to consider to finding a balance… I think there needs to be a blend of young talent and veterans on your roster, there needs to be a balance."
Okafor is what he is — he can score in the paint, he can rebound, he will get you some buckets, but he's not much of a defender and he's not an explosive athlete. He has a real place, a real value in the NBA, particularly while still on his rookie contract. The question is will the Sixers get good enough offers to make a swap.


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Management bought ACT! 10 for the marketing dept. so I now have 5 users who need to use Zimbra and ACT!. No, they did not ask me first...
Up to this point, these users have been using the Zimbra web client, but I'm prepared to get them Outlook 07 if need be so that they can sync between that and ACT!.
If you've successfully used ACT! and Zimbra together or can point me towards an article on the topic, I'd sure be appreciative.
Thanks In Advance


text: Sword Girls is a free-to-play browser collectible card game from Zeonix and ChangYou done in a beautiful anime style, focused on strategic play, and using an innovative card-crafting system. Whether you're a novice or veteran CCG player, Sword Girls allows you to collect from hundreds of unique cards to build powerful decks. Duel other players, and challenge tough bosses in deep dungeons, all for free, and all right within your browser or Flash-enabled mobile device.


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Bluetooth Buyers Guide
Get yourself connected with our Bluetooth buyer's guide.
Bluetooth Buyer's Guide
As car technology specialists, Halfords can show you everything you need to know to get a Bluetooth setup going!
Why Halfords?
At Halfords, our staff are trained to know the ins-and-outs of Bluetooth and are more than happy to explain (or demonstrate) anything you may not understand. Whether you purchased your product from us 2 days ago or 5 years ago, we'll always be here to help. Plus you can always come back to us if you need refreshing on anything you feel confused about!
Bluetooth Basics
Bluetooth allows the transfer of data without having to use physical cables. 'Bluetooth devices' use electromagnetic waves to communicate with each other - they include mobile phones, hands-free kits, printers, keyboards and more.
Within cars Bluetooth is mainly used for hands-free calling. Besides making calls without handling your phone, Bluetooth is also useful for streaming music, pictures etc. to other phones and computers.
Synchronising data between your phone and computer makes it easy to keep up-to-date across all devices. You can even connect to the internet with your laptop using your phone's signal!
Once Bluetooth is 'enabled' on a device, it can then be paired up. When two devices are paired, they can exchange data with one another. Depending on the device, the Bluetooth radius will range from a few metres to 100 or more.
How do I get it to work?
After you've turned Bluetooth on (in your phone's settings), you can scan for other Bluetooth devices. Find the name of the device you want to connect to - this is either the product's item code, or a name you may have given it. You'll have to enter an identical pass code on both devices - once this is done, you're good to go!
What should I choose?
One thing to bear in mind when choosing Bluetooth headsets/speakers is that they are independent devices, so you have to have a separate phone in order for them to work.
- Headset - Headsets (earpieces) are small and convenient. They come in a load of different shapes and sizes.
- Visor Mount/Plug-in Speaker - A visor mount sits on your sun visor, whereas a plug-in slots into your cigarette lighter. Certain models can connect to up to five different phones!
- Fitted Hands Free Kits - Hands-free kits merge your speakers/mic with your car stereo. Some units let you browse phonebooks, photos and even listen to music.
As well as dedicated hands-free kits, we also stock sat navs and head units with Bluetooth functions. These allow you to make calls or stream music by connecting your phone to them. You can also stream music from your phone to your car stereo or wireless headphones!
If you're struggling to fit your Bluetooth kit, worry not! We can fit it for you for only £49.99 (€59.99). Take a look at our guide for more information.
View Car Bluetooth


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An exotic vanilla and crème brûlée bouquet, candied orange aromas and iris flower notes, all come together to excite the senses.
Patrice Pinet, Master Blender
Consistently recognised as one of the finest XOs in the world, Courvoisier XO is a very old blend of fine and well-matured cognacs, offering rich exotic aromas. The perfect balance of intense flavours have been patiently evolved and nurtured for at least two decades.
Perfect harmony and balance of aromas Aroma is everything for cognac. The character of each individual note is shaped by its terroir, grape, cask and years of maturation. This is why Courvoisier takes great care to nurture every possible aroma at every possible stage of the cognac-making process. In recognition of this quality Courvoisier is consistently awarded in numerous spirits competition (IWSC and San Francisco spirits competition).
Iris flower
The iris flower flavour, coming from our selection of the best cognacs, is amplified through maturation in our humid warehouses situated next to the Charente River and under the warm Cognac sun.
Crème brûlée
When a cask is toasted, it gives off an aroma of fresh bread as the flames caramelise the natural sugars in the oak. This gives younger cognacs obvious notes of vanilla and caramel, but gradually, over decades, these intense flavours soften to give us a delicate crème brûlée flavour.
Candied orange
Through the natural interaction of long maturation in our fine-grained oak casks, the cognacs give delicate sweet notes of candied orange.
NEAT: The rich and exotic aromas in Courvoisier XO have taken decades to perfect, so it's worth taking your time over such a remarkable cognac.
Conventional wisdom says that cognac should be warmed, but we recommend simply serving at room temperature before serving. Don't swirl for the first nosing; otherwise the cognac releases alcoholic aromas that overpower its more delicate scents. Thereafter, however, you might like to swirl between subsequent nosings to help release further aromas. But do it very gently for only a few moments.
FOOD PAIRINGS: The full potential of Courvoisier XO can be realised by complementing it with the right food. Ideal after dinner, its depth and harmony come into their own when accompanied with rich desserts, like crème brûlée and café gourmand.
Unlock our secrets, share our passion and journey through almost two centuries of our history at the home of Courvoisier, the finest cognac in the world.Book a Tour


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I couldn't let this one slide...
Per Dylan's website, it seems he's picking up a few indie heavyweights on his summer tour this year. In addition to shows with Dawes and Wild Feathers, he will also be joined at various points by:
My Morning Jacket
Richard Thompson
Ryan Bingham
I've seen all of these except Mr. Bingham (to whom I've warmed up thanks to this forum), but to have these folks under the same roof is like a mini traveling newport folk festival with plenty of electricity to spare.
Coming as this does amidst a flurry of other shows I've already committed to, this is still pretty tempting. And although I've never seen a truly great (or even very good) performance by Dylan up close, I wonder if the others might keep him on his toes. If anything, a few choice Woody Guthrie covers would be in order gien the pedigrees of the performers.
(Now to break the news to tha missus.... ;)) )


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Excerpts from a lecture by Dr. Lourdes D. Servito
(Lecture delivered during the Division Journalism Workshop held at Pangasinan National High School, Lingayen, Pangasinan, Oct. 8-10, 2008)
1. Use the "You" approach or the 3rd person.
Ex: Are you health-conscious? Beware of milk and milk products with melamine.
2. Use the feature leads, NOT dull beginnings or "kitchen sink."
Ex: "The façade still stands. Newly-painted concrete walls are still seen erected. But all wooden structures from the roofs to the ceilings and dividers are totally charred and pulverized into black and grey ashes and soot."
"The majestic municipal hall is rolled down to complete ruins. The culprit? The four-hour-blaze; the September 15 flames that grilled the Calasiao Municipal Hall."
NOT Dull Beginning: "A fire hit Calasiao Municipal Hall last Sept. 15 destroying all the offices attached to it."
NOT Kitchen sink: "A raging fire consumed the Calasiao Municipal Hall at dawntime Sept. 15 which lasted for four hours; even when fire trucks were around until eleven in the morning and millions of properties and office equipment were destroyed but the lives of the inmates were saved and no one was reported hurt except the one and only fireman who tried to stop the fire at its peak hour."
3. Inject literary tint. Use the feature devices.
Ex: "What now Calasiao? Thy beautiful house is gone. Where will thou begin? You are like a queen robbed of a throne, or an orphane girl that lost its abode."
NOT: "What will happen to Calasiao after its municipal hall was burned?"
4. Use vivid descriptions. (Describing a place or situation)
Ex: "Up above the skies on a sunny afternoon, the white, thick, flat clouds form a wide floating plain landscape where angels walk their feet gently touching the soft floor."
NOT: "Above the clouds, you can see more clouds…"
5. Make comparisons alive by using analogies.
Ex: The earth – as Mother Nature
Mother Nature – as a lady
Destruction of the Earth and natural resources – like raping Mother Earth
Loved one 00 as pretty rosebud, apple of your eyes, puppy love, man/woman of your dreams.
"Mother Earth is now crying for help. Where have all the flowers and the trees, as well as the fishes gone? While nature's resources are given for man to live and be happy, it is also man that squanders and destroys them. Stop raping Mother Earth like a helpless lass!"
6. Use idioms as appropriate.
Ex: At loggerheads – fighting; not in good terms or can't see eye to eye
"Student leaders are at loggerheads over points for co-curricular activities."
Cross bridge – make a decision
Call the shots – decision-maker, head
"She calls the shots in a well-known corporate office in Manila."
7. Make a file of adjectives and descriptive phrases and associate words/terms, coined words which may form part of your file of ideas for feature writers.
Ex: Beautiful – charming, tantalizing, devastating beauty, enticing, majestic, magnetic, flawless, electrifying, lovely, pretty face, looking wow, queenly, princess, Cinderella, Snow White.
Handsome – winsome, Prince Charming, loveable, adorable, heartthrob, ideal man, dream boy, Mr. Right, or man of your life.
8. Write a catchy title, one that compels attention.
Ex: a. We are different, we are the same
b. A sparrow's paradise
c. Solidarity you
d. What now, Calasiao?
9. End with a big bang, with a grand finale NOT just a sense of finality.
A powerful quotation or question, end with something to remember
Ex: On meeting challenges:
"When the door is closed, windows will be opened."
A presscon experience:
"Indeed, my experience is a bit of hell and a bit of heaven."


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Search Soil and Water
The purpose of the Watershed Oversight Committee is to guide the implementation of the Agriculture Rule. This committee is charged with developing tracking and accounting methods for nitrogen and phosphorus loss from agricultural land in the Upper New Hope, Lower New Hope and Haw River Watersheds. The Agriculture Rule was adopted in August 2009, members of the committee were appointed by the Division of Water Quality in Fall 2009, and the committee began meeting in February 2010.
The composition of the committee is specified in the rule, and includes the following representatives:
A complete list of members with contact information is available here.
NCDA&CS Division of Soil & Water Conservation, Pat Harris, Director
Mailing Address: 1614 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1614
Physical Address: 512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh North Carolina 27604
Phone: 919.733.2302; FAX: 919.715.3559
Jobs | Mission Statement | Accessibility Statement | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture


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Anysja Manzer's last-second, potential game-tying 3-pointer bounced off the back of the rim and Melba's come-from-behind attempt fell short in a 48-45 loss to visiting Nampa Christian Nov. 27. [...]Read More
Yearly Archives: 2012
Melba Boys Struggle to Stay in Game
With a nearly new basketball team this year, with many seniors graduating last year, the Mustangs are still looking for their new groove. [...]Read More
Is Melba Senior Center Different from the Others?
Is Melba Valley Senior Center the only senior center struggling to make ends meet after the contract changes this year? What are the other centers in the valley doing to make a difference and k [...]Read More
Lisa Coral Thornton
Lisa Coral Thornton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 after a courageously-fought two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Her husband Brad, and other loved ones were at her side. [...]Read More
Don C. Bennett
Don C. Bennett, 89, a long time Kuna resident, died Monday, November 26, 2012, in a Boise care facility from complications of a heart attack and stroke. Don was born along with his twin sister Dorothy [...]Read More
Sandi Davenport
On November 24, 2012 Sandi Davenport was called home to be with God. Born June 6,1960 she leaves behind loving husband Randy and her 8 children. Sandi was a waitress at the Kuna Quik Wok and was loved [...]Read More
Jayden Bennett's brave battle comes to an end
Jayden Bennett wasn't thinking of himself the day before the cancer took his life. After a family dinner in downtown Kuna, Jayden, 11, told his grandma he wanted to go shopping the next day, to buy so [...]Read More
First elk
Sarah Noble of Kuna shows off her first elk, which she shot in the Owyhee Mountains recently. Photo submitted [...]Read More
First buck
Zach Thompson, son of Jason and Rachel Thompson, a seventh grader at Kuna Middle School, shot his first mule deer buck on Nov. 23 near Grangeville, ID. Zach was hunting with his dad, uncle, cousins an [...]Read More
'Welcome home, Randal Wright'
One moment in time changed the life of Marine Lance Corporal Randal Wright forever. On Dec. 8, Kuna residents will have the opportunity to say, 'Thank you for your service—welcome home.' [...]Read More


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May 30, 2016
Spring officially began today, and plenty of sunshine for the back part of the day greeted us, although we fell short of our normal high for this time of year. The full sunshine will turn mostly cloudy by the end of Thursday ahead of our next system that will be arriving from our west for Friday.
Friday will see showers and storms overspread the area as a warm front lifts north. Locations that end up south of the warm front will see temperatures potentially spike into the 70s while locations north will remain in the 60s. There may be a few strong to severe storms on Friday, but the best chance for severe weather looks to be late Saturday as the upper level system works through and provides more uplift. Right now, it appears our main threat will be large hail, very similar to what we saw on Monday, but it is too early to rule out any other mode of severe weather.
This system will depart early on Sunday, leaving most of Sunday dry. Temperatures will fall through the day on Sunday and a very cool beginning of Easter Week is shaping up. Highs may not be able to get out of the 50s through the middle of next week.
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it's not optimistic, it's his job. he's 40 something points behind with 11 (ELEVEN) GP ahead... in a very close title battle with many contenders. anything can happen. (btw jupiter is in gemini, he should help a libra like kimi... )


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Amanda Bynes Parents Are Fighting For A Conservatorship
by Daily Dish
posted Jul 26 2013 4:42AM
After a hip injury in February that stopped Lady Gaga from touring and confined her to a wheel chair, it looks like she is slowly making her way back into the spotlight. Lady Gaga will take the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 25th when she'll perform her new and still untitled single from her upcoming fourth studio album,
. This VMA performance will mark Lady Gaga's official return. Since her previous VMA appearances included her male alter ego "Jo Calderone" and a blood-soaked rendition of "Paparazzi," I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about!
Fans were shocked when Beyonce's sister Solange Knowles cancelled her European summer tour saying she really had to make the best decision for her mental and physical health and provide some stability for her family. She claims that the stress of moving from Los Angeles to Brooklyn caused her to skip the concert dates, but my sources are telling me that it had to do with Solange's use of marijuana. Solange Knowles has made no secret of her marijuana use in the past. At one point, she was even concerned that her drug use was taking a toll on her mind. So even though Solange Knowles SAYS she's focusing on mommy time, everyone is saying it's a month break to handle her drug use!
Prince George of Cambridge
isn't even a week old, but his royal uncle Prince Harry already has big plans in store for him. Prince Harry says that his mission is to make sure his nephew "has fun." Apparently, Prince Harry feels relaxed around children and knows how to connect with them. Let's hope he doesn't take Prince George to Vegas and get him naked in a hotel room!
Amanda Bynes
' parents have just filed court documents asking a judge to allow a conservatorship on their daughter due to her apparent mental illness! The conservatorship would allow Amanda Byne's parents to have decision-making authority over certain aspects of her life. Amanda Bynes is still currently being held by authorities on a 5150 psychiatric hold where her odd behavior is being documented. For hours, Amanda Bynes seems normal and fine but then will go into a schizophrenic mode, even biting herself! There will be a court hearing today. BUT, a judge just GRANTED the request to extend Amanda Byne's psychiatric hold for another 2 weeks. So even if the judge denies the temporary conservatorship today, she will stay in the psych ward for 2 more weeks!
There's many ways women handle a breakup. For most of use, binge eating amazing things like ice cream. But what did model Nina Agdal do when her now ex-boyfriend Adam Levine dumped her? When Adam Levine told Nina Adgal that he was dumping her VIA TEXT MESSAGE just one week after they vacationed together in Vegas and told her that he was engaged to his ex Behati Prinsloo, Nina Agdal was heartbroken and decided to deal with the pain with lots of work and family time. She's living out of an airplane and ran back home to spend time with her mom. Sometimes, all you need is your mother's love!
Even celebrities are victims of theft! Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's son
was out enjoying a nice game of paintball with some friends when the unthinkable happened. Their car was robbed! A man broke into the SUV in the parking lot and grabbed two iPads and a cellphone when he thought that nobody was watching. But luckily for Maddox, a man noticed the shady business going on and alerted security guards. The robber didn't make it too far before he was eventually caught! Poor Angelina Jolie and Bradd Pitt! Not their iPads! Even better, a rep for Hollywood Sports Paintball Park said he felt so bad about the whole thing that he gave Maddox and his friends with some free food and goodies!
Cory Monteith was remembered yesterday during a private memorial in Hollywood. Glee producer Ryan Murphy and Cory Monteith's girlfriend Lea Michele gathered the cast, crew and producers of
, along with colleagues from the network and studio to share memories and music in an emotional celebration of the life of Cory Monteith. Fox said in a statement, "We thank the public for their continued outpouring of love and support as we grieve our friend and colleague during this difficult time." Oddly enough, Lea Michele has really been the leader in this situation and is deeply grateful for all the love and support she's received from family, friends, and fans.
Party time! Fergie and Josh Duhamel, who are expecting a baby boy, are throwing a co-ed baby shower on Sunday! Ready for the guest list? Kate Hudson, Sharon Osbourne, Cher, Elton John, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Nicole Richie, Kim Kardashian and Zachary Quinto… just to name a few! Maybe it will be a blue theme since the couple is having a baby boy!
Life is short.. and here's a perfect example as to why we need to seize every moment that we can! Ashton Kutcher
is wishing that he could turn back the clock, because if he could, he would have been able to meet Apple founder Steve Jobs,
the man he's now portraying in his upcoming movie,
. A meeting was arranged for the two of them, JUST 6 months before Steve Jobs passed away! Ashton explained: "I was working that day and couldn't go. In hindsight, I look back and I think, I had an opportunity to meet the Leonardo da Vinci of our generation and I missed it." It just comes to show you, you never know what tomorrow will bring!
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A Time To Reflect Desk. Really?
(Attn Unschoolers: Feel free to skip this post. However, you may want to go ahead and scan it just to feel a great sense of relief AND even some smugness…I wouldn't blame you! You deserve it.)
How EXACTLY do teachers at this school deal with a variety of challenging emotional and social situations?
You know, things like,
- Kids expressing sadness, frustration, fear and anxiety
- Kids fighting
- Kids acting goofy when they should be quiet
- Kids excluding others
- Kids making fun of others
- Kids winning. Kids losing.
This is NOT something I was thinking about when I was looked at schools last fall. But it sure as hell is something I'm thinking about a lot now that our child and the children of our friends are actually in kindergarten. Here are some highlights from reports I'm getting from the field:
One teacher divides her kindergarten classroom into two sides: the happy side and the sad side. If you're not feeling positive, there is a place for you! Away from the happy people—lest they infect you with their joy. (It sounds to me like a kinder and gentler version of being sent to your room except worse because it's in front of all of your friends. I have to admit, I'm super curious to see this practice in action. Without seeing how this set up actually works, my initial question is: How the hell does singling a child out like that help her understand, process and deal with her feelings? Why is she sad? Not where should she go because she is sad! Personally, I'd be motivated to suppress my real feelings to avoid the fate of having to crossover to the sad side in front of everyone. I wonder if this is just what the teacher is going hoping for—consciously or not. I do know at some schools there is a quiet area that students can choose to retreat to if they need space, but that's not the vibe I got from the description.)
Another kindergarten teacher offers children a bead for their necklaces every time they do something "kind." One kid is so into collecting beads that she's just kind, kind, kind all day long. (Her interest, of course, isn't in being kind because it is in and of itself rewarding to treat people respectfully…it's just something she's willing to do to get what she wants. Just what I'm hoping my kids will go to school to learn.)
Another teacher has a "time to reflect" desk. My guess is that she thinks that by cleverly rebranding a "time out" as a "time to reflect" that all of the sudden, five-year-olds will really take the time to think about what they did "wrong", why they did it and how they can do it differently next time. As if five year olds are that self-aware, that self-reflective and that able to assess and meet their own needs. More likely it is the humiliation they'll suffer for being singled out for their disruptive behavior that will teach them to control themselves instead of the disruption being an opportunity to learn. (Children become disregulated (aka "act out") for a reason. Perhaps they're tired or hungry. Maybe they need more attention. Maybe they're frustrated that they don't "get" the assignment. Maybe their parents are getting divorced and their home life is chaotic. Lots of things may be happening and a child being shamed in front of his class isn't going to help anyone. What they may learn, however, is that the world can be a lonely, heartless place.)
Another kindergarten PE teacher just throws caution to the wind and goes ahead and calls a spade a spade. He told the children that if they didn't behave properly that they'd be given a time out, which, no doubt is just what rambunctious five year olds need! To sit out PE! Brilliant solution. The teacher also said that if it happens more than once they'll go to the principal and she'll recommend their parents take their toys away at home. "Got it? Okay kids, now let's do some laps! This'll be fun!"
I wonder if the educators at these schools see these practices in line with their school's philosophy. Today, many schools have expanded their missions to include a desire to educate the "whole child." Schools aim to facilitate children's "moral growth" and the development of a "compassionate heart." One school offers a "Heartwork Program" that has children doing projects that help them reflect on what it means to "be a good person" that was inspired by a Seeds of Compassion Conference that focused on how empathy and compassion develop in the brain and to determine a role for teaching empathy in schools. Others have community service built into their curriculum. And others still, make diversity a priority, foregoing things like fancy gyms in favor of subsidizing scholarships. Other schools truly engage children in the democratic process of self-governence. I'm genuinely happy (and inspired) to hear about all of this. However, what I want to know is: How is this empathy and attention to the whole child stuff being integrated into the minutiae of every day life at school?
Because modeling is the primary way children learn, it is important to know if teachers are being empathetic towards children. If there isn't time in the moment, are disruptions revisited? Are teachers showing a "compassionate heart"? Or do they benevolently manipulate children's emotions and behavior through rewards (gold stars! beads! extra play time! ) and punishments (being yelled at, given a time out, being benched).
Childhood is when children's brains are being wired which is why schools need to foster emotional and social intelligence as well as academic. If children become increasingly self-aware, if they are able to understand that there are reasons for their behavior, then they will slowly become more able to self-regulate which means they'll be better prepared for life. (It's not Bill Clinton's genius that got him in trouble. It was his lack of self-awareness, his inability to put himself in the shoes of a young girl desperate for attention, his inability to have the impulse control that is so highly prized by teachers. It's the education he didn't receive at Yale that hurt him and the country most.Yes, I know that as a young man he was particularly sensitive to racism and the poor (but not to impressionable women). And yes I know his Dad was alcoholic etc. I'm simplifying here! My point is that it wasn't his academic deficiencies that got him into so much trouble that ultimately wasted an inordinate amount of our country's time and resources) Emotional and social intelligence are qualities one always needs in every relationship, in whatever field—calculus not so much.
The good news is there is some hope. Some schools are really prioritizing emotional education. Other programs are helping bring it to school in effective ways.
I recently discovered Play Mountain Place, an elementary school that does place a premium on cultivating the emotional intelligence of its students:
Tending to the child's heart, as well as the head, children are encouraged to express thoughts and feelings freely and without judgment. All feelings are seen as "OK." Indeed, repression of feelings often leads to greater problems later, which further complicate the child's education and interpersonal relationships. All feelings are treated as a healthy, necessary part of life. Teachers are trained to help children find safe physical, verbal and creative outlets for their emotions.
Teachers also use non-authoritarian methods for assisting children in the conflict resolution process and in finding their own solutions to problems.
A problem between children presents a teachable moment and an opportunity to experience both freedom and responsibility. By learning to "work it out," children develop personal responsibility as well as respect for others. Many visitors to the school comment on the apparent "maturity" of the children, the confident ease with which they interact with each other and adults. Attention to one's own feelings, learning to accept others feelings and limits, and learning to tolerate differences and resolve conflicts in a way in which everyone is heard and in agreement, are the keys to this dimension of education at Play Mountain Place.
I've also recently learned that Echo Parenting and Education offers Educator Training. a course for educators. An entire faculty can get on roughly the same page about how the deal with issues related to discipline. Wouldn't you love to bring this to your school?
Echo Parenting & Education…will introduce teachers to a new paradigm for classroom management, built on respect and support. We teach professionals the Philosophy and Practice of nonviolent child raising to better communicate with students.
It's pretty tough for teachers in most of our schools. They have to handle huge classes, restrictive curricula, and often the only techniques they've been taught for "classroom management" are ones that use punishment and reward to attempt to control behavior.
Our trainings usually will cover:
- Effective tools for improved classroom management
- Nonviolent communication skills
- Managing teachers' and students' anger
- Building students' emotional intelligence
- Working "together" with parents rather than "against"
- Understanding children's brain development and self- regulation
And finally, another recent discovery is Council:
Council is a relational arts practice that encourages deep and honest communication. In schools throughout Los Angeles and around the world, it is integrated into classrooms, counseling offices, faculty, parent and community meetings. It is based on indigenous, worldwide cultural dialogue practices, including Native American traditions observed and recorded by Benjamin Franklin, and contemporary organizational management practices.
Council is a formal, structured process that includes sitting in a circle and passing a "talking piece" (an object used to identify the speaker) in response to a prompt from the facilitator. In the classroom, teachers and students might develop their own guidelines (known as "intentions") or use the four intentions of Council:
- To listen from the heart by suspending judgment, reaction, and opinion
- To speak from the heart and with heart
- To speak spontaneously and only when holding a talking piece
- To keep it lean: get to the heart of the matter so everyone has time with the talking piece. For many, the first intention is the most challenging, yet one that is recognized as essential to developing a more peaceful and empathic way of relating to others, beyond tolerance.
I have a friend who has single handedly brought Council to her local elementary school. She says it's a great start to help bring the children and teachers down to the same level which is helping open up lines of communication. Another friend is working to bring Echo Education to the faculty of the private school her child attends. My point isL parents can make a difference. As in YOU.
To close this long post, I'd like to repeat myself for the umpteenth time and say that I agree wholeheartedly with Maurice Elias who believes that emotional intelligence is the "missing piece" in American education. While it's not unusual for a preschool to say they promote "peaceful conflict resolution" it is unusual to see that in the mission of a high school. But like me, Elias believes that "just as we don't expect kids to learn a language in a year, we don't expect kids to learn social and emotional skills in one year." Hell, 16 year olds have a ton of crap to deal with. Peer pressure. Drugs. Sex. Raging hormones. They need help more than ever. Emotional intelligence is something that should be integrated into one's entire education. From preschool on up.
If you have any thoughts or resources to add to this discussion, please do!
Thank you for reading this long and winding post.
20 Responses to "A Time To Reflect Desk. Really?"
I don't feel smug either. It's great that alternatives are popping up. Keep spreading the word and exposing the ridiculousness of some of the accepted practices!
Excellent Blog! Do you have any book recommendations/ resources on Emotional Intelligence?
Thank you for your quick reply.
I have homeschooled my kids, mainly to give them more time to be kids and follow their own interests. I recently spent some time in a Grade 1 classroom because I brought in some SPCA kittens.
I was astonished at the favoritism shown by the teacher. The kids were in a circle with the kittens in the middle. One child only had to come from his bum to his knees for her to be chiding him not to be rough with the kittens. Another little girl was allowed to hold and pet a kitten and even passed it awkwardly to her neighbour with only positive comments. The rules were fluid and I cannot imagine spending a year in her classroom once she had pegged me as a problem.
I have vague recollections of 'bad' kids in my classrooms when I was in school, but these kids were just acting like normal 6 year-olds, not bad at all. The teacher was just too outnumbered to be able to be empathetic.
Well, you have done it again. And I have linked to you again.
Hey Jennifer,
I urge any parents in the Santa Clarita Valley to check out SCVi. A charter school that spends the first two months of the year focusing on social emotional education. Using the7 habits as the basis for its program. Take a look at scvcharterschool.org. And love your blg!
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and even as an unschooler I do not feel smug. While I appreciate the values being embraced are those we homeschoolers already hold of most importance, we realize everyone cannot stay home with their children.
These programs sound wonderful, and with children who are being raised by loving, engaging parents I can see great benefits. As sad as it is, there are few classrooms entirely made up of such students. I feel it is wishful thinking that the ones without such needs being met will respond to any educational process well without adversely affecting the rest.
However, it is what it is, and I applaud teachers and parents alike for striving to make a difference.
What you would suggest for parent and/or child who just start school and experiences anxiety related to wining/loosing during games?
What would you suggest to wining loosing anxiety?


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Whitney gores Matadors 7-0 to tighten league race
Whitney High's soccer team began the Capital Athletic League race undefeated in preseason but lost three of its first four matches. However, since then the Wildcats have won three straight.
Scoring 15 points in their last three outings, Whitney has shut out its last three opponents – Cordova 6-0, Antelope 2-0 and Friday Mira Loma 7-0.
Heading into the teeth of the CAL, the 'Cats appear to be hitting on all cylinders. Where the maroon-and-gold could only score one goal against the Matadors at Mira Loma, the club virtually scored at will on their home turf.
Junior forward Aliyah Utush scored four goals in the contest and had an assist on two of the others. Also scoring were Tara Armstrong, MiKayla English and Meagan Haight.
"We actually had a lot of players out with injury, so we've been playing with 11 people for the last couple of weeks," Utush said of how the return of several players has helped "So now that we're finally getting our team back, we're finally beginning to score more."
The 'Cats took 27 shots on goal and seven were saved by the Matadors' goalkeeper. That translates to a shooting percentage of 35 percent hitting the mark; a vast improvement over Whitney's first performance against Mira Loma.
Whitney head coach Ana Jones echoed Utush's sentiment that getting her team healthy has made all the difference. In the Wildcats' first meeting with Mira Loma, Whitney won 1-0 after taking over 20 shots on goal.
"We are now playing together; the subs have stepped up, the girls that were hurt are coming back and it's like they want it now," Jones said. "We wanted to send a message that we're coming back. Look out for us."
The defense has been equally as superb allowing just three goals in their last four games. Jones was able to put in goalkeeper Molly McConnell for the final 40 minutes. McConnell has been sidelined with an injury but was able to successfully defend the Wildcats' goal in spite of having to wear a massive leg brace.
"We are really good this year," said Haight, who plays primarily defense. "I feel like we can go to playoffs."
Whitney must now travel to Rio Americano April 24 and return for a key match against El Camino April 26. The Wildcats final game is at Cordova May 1.
Jones feels winning two of their last three games should put the 'Cats into the playoffs.
CAL – Rio Americano (6-0-0), Whitney (4-3-0), El Camino (3-2-1), Antelope (3-2-1), Mira Loma (1-5-0), Cordova (1-5-0).


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New Panasonic BD65 - $89
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