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It seems that when it comes to the mobile space, Microsoft isn't quite so brain dead after all. There is intelligence at work -- and it's artificial. According to published reports, Microsoft is preparing an answer to Apple's Siri and Google Now called Cortana that may appear on Windows phones as early as next year.
[ For a humorous take on the tech industry's shenanigans, subscribe to Robert X. Cringely's Notes from the Underground newsletter. | Get the latest insight on the tech news that matters from InfoWorld's Tech Watch blog. ]
ZDnet's Mary Jo Foley, for my money the most reliable Microsoft watcher on the planet, has the scoop:
Cortana takes its codename from Cortana, an artificially intelligent character in Microsoft's Halo series who can learn and adapt.
Cortana, Microsoft's assistant technology, likewise will be able to learn and adapt, relying on machine-learning technology and the "Satori" knowledge repository powering Bing.
Cortana will be more than just an app that lets users interact with their phones more naturally using voice commands. Cortana is core to the makeover of the entire "shell" -- the core services and experience -- of the future versions of Windows Phone, Windows, and the Xbox One operating systems, from what I've heard from my contacts.
As Foley notes, in his last grand strategy memo soon-to-be-ex CEO Steve Ballmer raved about a user interface that will be "deeply personalized, based on the advanced, almost magical, intelligence in our cloud that learns more and more over time about people and the world." Yes, that's right, he used the "m" word, formerly reserved for use exclusively by that other Steve.
So the question becomes: Is Cortana just a code name, or is Microsoft going all in on an AI assistant that looks and acts like Halo's Cortana? Heck, Ray Kurzweil has Ramona. Why not?
In the game, Cortana has that combination of voluptuousness and vulnerability that causes most men to become completely untethered from the rational centers of their brains. She is smart and sexy in every sense of the word. And sexy is something Microsoft desperately needs if it doesn't want to become the DEC or Wang of the next generation.


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What triggers the thyroxin hormone?
What diseases emerge when thyroxin is not released sufficiently?
How is the right amount for thyroxin hormone determined?
Why is it very important that this hormone interoperates with the growth hormone?
Your eye cells that help you read this text, need glucose for energy. For this, a system has been set up in your body that works out and maintains the required sugar level in your blood. The communication network between your cells also calculates how many times your heart should beat a minute, the calcium amount currently stored in your bones, the amount of blood that should be filtered by your kidneys every minute and many other countless details. This chemical communication system that ensures the interoperation of 100 trillion cells is called the hormone system. There are many hormones functioning in this system and one of them is the thyroxin.
The tissues making up the human body renew themselves all the time. For example, every minute, 200 million cells are produced and replace the old ones. This amazing transformation is supervised by the thyroxin, a hormone charged by All-Mighty Allah. The thyroxin hormone inspects the entire body, determines the cells that reached the end of their lives and sends the new production order to relevant units. In other words, the renewal of the body depends on the activities of this hormone.
The miraculous features of the thyroxin hormone
To understand the importance of the thyroxin hormone, you can just look at the mirror. Unless there is a congenital disease, every person's nose, mouth, eyes, and entire body has a perfect proportion. You owe this amazing proportion to thyroxin hormone that All-mighty Allah created with an amazing function. If, years ago, when your body was still growing, the thyroxin hormone didn't visit each of your cells, telling them with the speed they should be dividing, your organs would develop with differing speeds. This could even have led to mental retardation.
Indeed, mental retardation is a result of cretinism, which happens after the thyroxin hormone is released in insufficient amounts. People suffering from this disease, usually have disproportional bodies - for example very short legs and big skulls. The lack of thyroxin is also known to cause dwarfism.
Why is the thyroxin hormone released?
A system that has a superior technology was created to determine the amount and time of the release of the thyroxin hormone. The release of the thyroxin hormone takes place by the means of a very advanced chain of command. The lumps of meat made up of unconscious cells, actually have a very disciplined and orderly hierarchy amongst them.
When need for thyroxin arises, the brain of the hormone system, hypothalamus, sends an order to the maestro of the hormonal system (TRH- Thyrotropin-releasing hormone), the pituitary gland. Then the gland sends an order to the thyroid gland (TSH- thyroid - stimulating hormone. The thyroid gland, the last chain in the chain of command, immediately produces thyroxin hormone and distributes it to the entire body using the blood stream.
The sensitive production quantities in the thyroxin hormone
The amount of the release of the thyroxin hormone, is determined with a very special system created with the amazing art of creation of Allah. This system consists of two separate measurement mechanism and one feedback mechanism. Each of these mechanisms represents a unique engineering wonder.
When the thyroxin in the blood is more than necessary, the thyroxin hormone starts having a very strange effect on the pituitary gland and even sometimes on the hypothalamus: the sensitivity of the pituitary gland to TRH hormone suddenly drops. Obviously there is something extraordinary here. Because normally TRH hormone triggers the pituitary gland and makes it sends orders to thyroid gland (TSH- thyroid stimulating hormone). This order is the second part of the chain of command in the production of thyroxine hormone.
However the system was created so elaborately, the excessive thyroxin takes an amazing precaution to make sure that its producer doesn't produce more than needed and interrupts the chain of command built for its production. Due to this system, when the thyroxin exceeds normal levels in blood, the thyroxin production automatically slows down.
There is a second system that determines the production amount of the thyroxin hormone. The excessive thyroxine affects the hypothalamus cells and these cells, in turn, reduce TRH production. So the TSH production of pituitary gland drops and thyroxine production slows down.
Thyroxin and Growth Hormone in Action
In a developing child, the thyroxin doesn't act by its own, but together with the growth hormone. The growth hormones are molecules that order the cells of a developing child to divide and reproduce. This hormone also determines the amount of division and reproduction. But there is another very important detail that it has to take into account; the speed of division. The thyroxin hormone appears at this stage and affects the speed of division of the cells, thus helping shape the child into a healthy looking, proportional individual.
The people you see every day; your colleagues, school mates, people on the street, your family… All these people got their body shapes by the means of these tiny molecules that All-mighty Allah created in an amazing manner: the growth hormone and thyroxin hormone. These hormones were released at the right time, with the right amount, managed trillions of cells one by one, told them with what speed and how much they should reproduce and this resulted in the excellent structure of the human body.
In every human being, the production amount of these molecules is adjusted in the best way for the human body- not less not more than what is needed. If the amount of production of these hormones varied from one human being to another, what would happen? There would be huge differences in the appearances of humans. Billions of people would be 2.5-3 meters tall, billions 1 meter or less, all of them with disproportionate bodies, and almost all of them with mental retardation. And billions would lose their lives in their adolescence.
Conclusion :
…Everything has its measure with Him. (Surat ar-Ra'd, 8)
The physical appearance of people comes about by the means of two tiny molecules that Allah created in an excellent way - the thyroxin and the growth hormone. If the thyroxin hormone didn't count the number of the needed cells or produced less or more than needed, everything would get mixed up in the body. Since the cells are not renewed enough, the body would age, the organs would start losing their functions. As a result of excessive production, the uncontrolled organs and tumors, would have led to death. However, our All-Mighty Lord created this miraculous hormone and created His servants in the most excellent fashion:
He created the heavens and the earth with truth and formed you, giving you the best of forms. And He is your final destination. (Surat at-Taghabun, 3)
Are you aware of the miracles happening in your body every moment?
The hormone system ensures coordination between the body cells, together with the nervous system. If we are to compare the nervous system to the emails sent over the Internet, the hormone system can be compared to regular mail. It is slower but has longer lasting effects.
When we look at these systems governing the human body, we come across with an amazing fact that the people are not aware of. Some people think that they control their lives, and they lead their lives. If you ask such a person: 'how much control do you have over your own body?', he will surely say 'I have the entire control of my body'. But this answer is contradictory with scientific facts. Because humans can control only a small part of their body functions, and that also is very limited. For example he can walk, talk or do something using his hands. But there are thousands of chemical and physical reactions happening in its body, and all of them outside the control and will of humans. A person that actually thinks that he has control over his own body and life, is therefore gravely mistaken. In one verse, Allah states as follows:
Say: 'Have you thought about your partner gods, those you call upon besides Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth; or do they have a partnership in the heavens?' Have We given them a Book whose clear signs they follow? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each other nothing but delusion. (Surah Fatir, 40)
As you are reading this, millions of different reactions and functions are happening in your body. Some determine what the cells need, what they need to do, take measures to meet the needs of the cells, and tell them their duties. 100 trillion cells in your body meet your needs with this communication system, while you are none the wiser. This perfect communication system functions through your hormones and thyroxin is just one of the many hormones in your body.2011-05-10 21:54:25

subset: commoncrawl


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Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
4 3 3
We love rice, so I serve it at almost every meal. This is a stand-by in our home.—Donna Tyler, Riverdale, Arkansas
Recommended: 50 Chicken Recipes in a 13x9 Pan
VERIFIED BY Taste of Home Test Kitchen
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 3-1/2 pounds), cut up
- 2 quarts water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- Place the chicken, water, salt, garlic and thyme in a large kettle or Dutch oven. Cover and cook until chicken is tender, about 1-1/4 hours.
- Remove chicken from broth; cool. Remove meat from bones; discard bones and cut meat into chunks. Set aside. Skim fat from broth. Place 3-1/2 cups broth in a bowl (save remaining broth for another use); add chicken and remaining ingredients. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 55 minutes or until rice is tender. Yield: 6-8 servings.
Originally published as Chicken Rice Casserole in Taste of Home December/January 1998, p44
Reviews forCreamy Chicken Rice Casserole
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Average Rating
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2011
"Sorry, but we didn't enjoy this. The rice came out quite dry, and there was much too much of it in proportion to the other ingredients. It was pretty onion-y, and I also wasn't crazy about the canned soup taste--it was overwhelming, even though I had added some fresh thyme to the mix. I might try a variation of this, cutting the rice back to 2 1/2 cups or less, and maybe replacing some of the stock with wine for flavor."
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2009
"Love this recipe, used without the mushroom soup but still was great. This is a good base recipe to add your own touch."
Reviewed Mar. 17, 2009
"I really love this! Perfect flavor and consistency - kids eat it too! Thanks."


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Regis Says Goodbye, Will Anyone Miss Him?
After 28 LONG years Regis Philbin finally walked away from his television program. Philbin, now 80, has been on television for 50 years & decided to walk away due to a contract dispute. While he has been coming into people's homes all this time did anyone stop to ask a simple question. Was Regis ever any good?


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Pediatric Neuropsychology Track
The Pediatric Neuropsychology Track is oriented towards the intern seeking to specialize in the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and the cognitive and behavioral sequelae of medical illness in children and adolescents. Through completion of rotations that emphasize consultation to pediatric health services, professional practice and research in pediatric neuropsychology, and the development of expertise in working with complex neurodevelopmental conditions, the intern will be prepared for advanced postdoctoral training in Pediatric Neuropsychology. The Pediatric Neuropsychology intern will have the opportunity to develop and refine clinical skills with both inpatients, as part of a consultation-liaison rotation, and outpatients, through rotations within Child Psychiatry and its specialty clinics as well as any rotations that are offered via our Child Track. Patients assessed and treated by the intern may or may not present with primary psychopathology; some cases will be more medically based, with co-occurring psychosocial or educational concerns. Typically, patients will range in age from early childhood through late adolescence, and represent diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Interns will provide psychological and neuropsychological assessment across the rotations. Intervention approaches will emphasize interpersonal, family systems, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral therapies.
Our Pediatric Neuropsychology and Child Track interns share a common core of experiences as they will both spend half their time in the outpatient child psychiatry clinics providing assessment and psychotherapy. The training experiences differ primarily in terms of rotation selection. As part of their outpatient work, interns will carry a caseload of outpatient psychotherapy patients; these cases will be varied, and may concern both internalizing and externalizing difficulties, as well as issues of adjustment to medical and psychiatric illness. Interns will be primarily supervised by child psychology faculty, with additional supervision provided by child psychiatrists within the Department.
In addition to two required Pediatric Neuropsychology rotations, the intern must also complete a rotation in Pediatric Psychosocial Consultation-Liaison. .The final rotation may be selected from among the variety of opportunities that exist within Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, or the broader medical center. Additionally, the intern
The Pediatric Neuropsychology intern participates in weekly interdisciplinary clinical case conference, where patients are discussed from the perspective of psychiatry, psychology, and other specialties involved in the treatment of the child. Additional didactics include a series of child mental health seminars, held at the beginning of the academic year; a seminar on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Children and Adolescents; and attendance at the relevant clinic-based seminars throughout the year (i.e., the Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Seminar or the Eating Disorders Seminar); in addition to departmental grand rounds and colloquia.
Rotations on the Pediatric Neuropsychology Track include:
The Pediatric Neuropsychology Rotation offers training in conducting brief and comprehensive evaluations of children and adolescents with suspected or known neurocognitive dysfunction. Referrals are received from inpatient and outpatient pediatrics services, including Psychiatry, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Neurology, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, and General Pediatrics, and from schools and professionals across the Chicagoland community. The intern will learn to address referral questions through guidance in test selection, administration, and interpretation. Experience in the communication of results, diagnosis, and recommendations for intervention to families and other professionals is also obtained. In terms of collaboration with the medical and psychiatry services, experience in differential diagnosis, comprehensive assessment of comorbid concerns, and the use of appropriate pharmacological and behavioral interventions is provided. Additionally, collaboration with school districts and outside agencies around intervention programming is an opportunity included on this rotation. These rotations are directed by either Dr. Scott Hunter or Dr. Megan Scott. The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Rotation offers specialized training in the assessment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as well as neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents with other neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders. This is a multidisciplinary evaluation and consultation clinic in which patients are evaluated by team members from subspecialties including Psychiatry, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and Pediatric Neuropsychology. The intern will learn to interview families around important developmental milestones and key symptoms in ASD. Interns will have the opportunity to observe and gain clinical training in the administration and interpretation of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. Given the broad range of behavioral and cognitive presentation of patients in this clinic, interns will receive guidance in behavior management strategies to utilize during test session. The intern will gain experience in test selection, administration, interpretation of evaluation results, as well as providing feedback to families and other professionals regarding diagnostic impressions and recommendations. Given the multidisciplinary nature of this clinic, interns have the opportunity to participate in initial diagnostic evaluations conducted by psychiatry fellows as well as sit in on ongoing follow-up and medication management visits. The intern will attend weekly neuropsychology didactics as well as weekly case conference in ND Clinic while on this rotation. Dr. Megan Scott directs this rotation in collaboration with our child psychiatry faculty.
The Pediatric Psychosocial Consultation-Liaison Rotation provides the intern with opportunities to participate actively in the assessment and intervention of psychological concerns that accompany medical illness and treatments. Both inpatient and outpatient experiences will be available with this rotation, with an emphasis placed on assessment, diagnosis, consultation, and brief intervention. The intern will attend weekly Consultation-Liaison Rounds while on this rotation. Dr. Tina Drossos directs this rotation, in collaboration with Dr. Khalid Afzal.
A Research Rotation within the Pediatric Neuropsychology program is an available option for the internship year. The Pediatric Neuropsychology Service is actively engaged in a series of collaborative clinical studies addressing neurocognitive and behavioral development and functioning in children and adolescents undergoing interventions for intractable epilepsy, childhood cancers, and HIV/AIDS, and in understanding the relationship between executive function development and risk in youth who are homeless. Additionally, studies addressing the efficacy of pharmacological interventions for learning and attentional difficulties associated with Neurofibromatosis and complex partial epilepsy are underway. The intern can work on already established projects, or alternatively, develop a specific question concerning patient populations evaluated by the Pediatric Neuropsychology Service, in conjunction with Dr. Scott Hunter. Data analysis, presentation preparation, and manuscript writing are all opportunities available as part of this rotation.
Note: The intern on the Pediatric Neuropsychology Track may select any of the Child track rotations which focus on clinical child or pediatric psychology.
At the end of the internship year, the intern completing the Pediatric Neuropsychology Track will have mastered the following specific competencies:
- Be able to make use of a broad repertoire of evidence-based assessment and intervention skills suitable for improving the functioning of youngsters and adolescents with developmental, psychiatric, and medical disorders.
- Effectively assess and then diagnose complex neurodevelopmental and psychological disorders, and share this information with a multidisciplinary team and the child's family.
- Identify and implement empirically supported interventions for internalizing and externalizing difficulties in children, both outpatients, and inpatients seen on the Consultation-Liaison service rotation.
- Effectively collaborate with school, families, and other professionals concerning appropriate strategies for learning and behavioral development.
- Apply an understanding of psychological principles to the treatment of youngsters with medically based disorders, to promote effective adjustment and reintegration to daily life.


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(Posts in Category 'Gros Morne National Park')
29 Oct 2013 by Tara Kroes in Boat Tours , Fishing , Nature , Culture , Entertainment , Gros Morne National Park and Cultural ExperiencesRegion: Western
Explore the past, experience the beauty. Hiding between the great Tablelands and the vast Atlantic Ocean sits quiet Trout River. While proclaiming itself to be Newfoundland's best kept vacation secret, a more accurate account would be Canada's best kept secret. This destination should be on every travellers list when exploring Newfoundland. Situated 86km from Deer Lake International Airport, in the glorious Gros Morne National Park, it is a rare and beautiful find nestled within another rare and beautiful find.
3 Jul 2012 by Keith and Heather Nicol in Fishing , Nature , Parks , Top Destinations , Gros Morne National Park and Cultural ExperiencesRegion: Western
Theatre Newfoundland Labrador (TNL) is back in Cow Head and they are performing several new plays for the summer 2012 season. We recently saw "The Fly Fisher's Companion" and would recommend this play to anyone since although it deals with salmon fishing, its main theme is the changing face of friendship. The play follows Wes (played by Michael Chaisson) and Don (performed by John Dartt) as they gear up to go salmon fishing from a cabin they built together many years ago.


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THERE is just a week to go until this year's Wirral Race For Life.
The Globe-backed fundraiser, taking place in Birkenhead Park on Sunday, July 27, raises much-needed funds to help the life-saving work of Cancer Research UK.
So far, 2,642 women have signed up. Organisers hope 3,600 women will take part, helping raise £350,000.
The Globe has been Race For Life's official newspaper since 2006. Entry closes at midnight on Friday, July 25.
Jennifer Ward, northwest event manager for Cancer Research UK, said: "It's getting really close to the big day once again, can't believe how quickly time has gone since last year's event.
"I want to say a big thanks to everyone who has signed up to take part in this year's event. It means a lot to us and will help to fund the vital research.
"If you haven't signed up yet, now's the time to do so. We still have a lot of places left to fill, so we are urging women to sign up as soon as possible.
"By raising money through Race for Life, people in the North West are helping Cancer Research UK's doctors, nurses and scientists make advances in research which will help more men, women and children survive."
Among those taking part in this year's event is Debbie Layfield, who works for Tesco in Bidston Moss.
The store's community champion, Debbie has been clear of cancer for five years and has organised a big group featuring colleagues to take part part in the run.
Also taking part is Joanne McCann, whose dad William died from pancreatic cancer. She said: "It's going to be an incredibly emotional event, but I know dad would be proud of me and that by taking part I'll be helping other families have more precious time with their loved ones.
"That's why I want women in the area to join me, because united we are stronger than this terrible disease."
To add your name to the list of those signed up, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.


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BP Comment Quick Links
May 13, 2013
Fantasy Freestyle
Dumping Targets, a Look Back
Most fantasy web sites and other resources do little if any analysis on playing for next year, or what is known less elegantly as "dumping." Some analysts refuse to even acknowledge that it is part of the game and advise that it is always best to trade with this year in mind and worry about future consequences next year.
In reality, if you're in a keeper league, you will probably have to give up and play for next year sooner or later. If other teams are building rosters for 2014 around cheap players such as Bryce Harper, Matt Harvey, and Shelby Miller, and you are sitting back while your team languishes in seventh place with little hope of winning, you are not doing yourself any favors.
One of the challenges of playing for the future is that it is hard enough to predict what is going to happen this year. Predicting what might happen in 2014 and beyond is even trickier. For this reason, the best players to target are players like Harper or Mike Trout: young superstars with contract control that you can build around at an affordable price. The catch is that even in a Rotisserie-style league, owners are reluctant to trade players like Harper or Trout. If you want to try to hit the jackpot, you often have to dip into the murkier world of minor leaguers.
There are owners in my leagues that will gladly mortgage the future for the Byron Buxtons and the Carlos Correas of the world. But what is the return on investment— both in the short term and the long term—for the best prospects in baseball?
Below is a look back at the top prospects in baseball in 2008. Why 2008? In a Rotisserie-style league with long-term player contracts (no dynasty rules/keep "forever" formats), five years is usually the longest you can keep a player once he makes the big leagues. Assuming that you decided to rebuild in 2007 and restocked your team with future studs for the 2008 campaign (and possibly beyond), how did you do?
Table 1: Top 10 Baseball Prospectus AL Hitting Prospects, 2008
Table 1 and all of the tables in this analysis draw from Kevin Goldstein's Baseball Prospectus Top 100 Prospects list of 2008. All 10 hitters were in an American League organization heading into the 2008 season. Rather than omit a hitter like Carlos Gonzalez because he was traded to a National League team, all of his seasons are included in the table above.
It's always easy to look back at a chart like this and snicker at the inclusion of "obvious" busts like Clement, Snider, or Brignac. So in the interest of intellectual honesty, here were Baseball America's Top 10 AL hitting prospects that year:
Longoria (No. 2 overall), Snider (11), Wieters (12), Ellsbury (13), Brandon Wood (16), Moustakas (18), Elvis Andrus (19), Gonzalez (22), Jose Tabata (37), Brignac (39)
Andrus would have helped this group out somewhat, but Wood is just as much of a bust if not more of a bust than any of Baseball Prospectus' top prospects.
If you targeted a top AL prospect back in 2008, you had about a 3-in-10 chance of getting a stud, though only CarGo comes without an asterisk. Ellsbury is only a stud in the years that he's healthy, while Longoria is only a stud for the 120-130 or so games he is on the field, on average, in any given season. Wieters is the kind of steady player you need to win, but he hasn't been the elite catcher some hoped he would become. The jury is still out on Jennings and Moustakas.
The biggest takeaway from this chart, though, is failure. If you made a dump deal for Snider, Clement, Brignac, or Barton, you have my condolences.
If you expand the list past the top 10 hitters, the song remains the same. Austin Jackson, Carlos Gomez, Chris Davis, and Ben Revere are the remaining success stories in the Top 100. However, there are a lot more busts. Remember Wes Hodges? I barely do, but if you traded for him, I'm sure his name rings a migraine-inducing bell.
Table 2: Top 10 Baseball Prospectus NL Hitting Prospects, 2008
Baseball America Top 10: Bruce (1), Rasmus (5), Maybin (6), McCutchen (14), Fernando Martinez (20), Matt LaPorta (23), Schafer (25), Marrero (27), Jason Heyward (28), Kosuke Fukudome (30)
The National League list is somewhat more success-oriented. If you were out of the running and flipped an option-year Albert Pujols for Joey Votto or Andrew McCutchen, you shouldn't have any complaints. While he hasn't been a superstar, Bruce has been a solid producer and a source of top-tier power. It took Headley years to become a top-tier player, but even while you were waiting for his breakout season, he offered decent production.
The busts here are Schafer, Marrero, Villalona, and, arguably, Rasmus. I'm reluctant to put Maybin in the bust category because of how young he still is, but also because $38 of earnings in 2011-2012 combined isn't trivial. This is why I'm on the fence about Rasmus as well. If you paid a high price for Rasmus in a dump trade, I could see why you might be disappointed or want to fling furniture, but getting even one $20-plus season from a prospect isn't garbage, as these charts illustrate.
Table 3: Top 10 Baseball Prospectus AL Pitching Prospects, 2008
Baseball America Top 10: Chamberlain (3), Buchholz (4), Price (10), McGee (15), Davis (17), Porcello (21), Adenhart (24), Gio Gonzalez (26), Adam Miller (29), Deolis Guerra (35).
I used to avoid pitchers entirely in my farm drafts, but special arms like Stephen Strasburg have made this difficult. However, I do downgrade arms somewhat in my rankings, and for good reason. Pitchers generally take longer to generate the returns that their hitting counterparts do, and some of them never do anything more than stick at the back end of a big-league rotation.
Price is the only arm on this chart with which you could claim to have hit the jackpot. There are a number of solid arms in Table 3, but up until this year, Buchholz was looking like a middling starter and nothing like an ace, and Porcello was looking much more like a fifth starter at best. Every arm on this list has staying power, but you have to wonder how much of this is due to pedigree as opposed to merit. Despite the gaudy results in Price's case, as a general proposition, this table supports the notion that you should avoid pitchers when you're rebuilding your squad.
Table 4: Top 10 Baseball Prospectus NL Pitching Prospects, 2008
Baseball America Top 10: Kershaw (7), Morales (8), Bailey (9), Cueto (34), Parker (46), Jair Jurrjens (49), Detwiler (51), Carrasco (54), Chris Volstad (59), Max Scherzer (66).
At the top of the list, Kershaw is an affirmation for rolling the dice on a top pitching prospect. Eighteen dollars and $21 doesn't sound like a lot, but keep in mind that pitchers take a smaller piece of the earnings pie than hitters do. A $20-plus pitcher in 5x5 is an ace; a $30-plus pitcher like Kershaw was in 2011 is platinum, and is probably pushing you toward a money showing at a minimum.
However, the same problems exist in the NL that did in the AL. Cueto and Latos are solid, but the rest of this crowd simply isn't much more than pedestrian. It's nice that Bailey, Detwiler, and Parker earned double digits in 2012, but the only place you can wait that long for a pitcher without a negative impact on your squad is in a dynasty league with deep reserve lists. Like the AL, the NL has its share of hot prospects like Morales, Parra, Elbert, and Carrasco: pitchers that never made much of an impact while they were up in the major leagues.
Does this mean that you shouldn't trade for minor leaguers under any circumstances?
Of course not. Whether they're hitters or pitchers, minor leaguers should be important components of your rebuilding efforts. But they are exactly that: components, not centerpieces. If you acquired Votto or McCutchen in a dump deal a few years back, you might be tempted to ignore this advice. But luck was more of a factor than skill. Most farm experts had LaRoche and Schafer ahead of Votto and McCutchen, and with good reason.
This is an important point as well. Kevin Goldstein and Jason Parks can run circles around me and nearly every other fantasy expert when it comes to knowledge of minor leaguers. This applies to non-Baseball Prospectus experts as well. John Sickels of SB Nation and Jim Callis of Baseball America have forgotten more about prospects than I'll know in a lifetime. Forecasting minor-league performance is and will probably always be an inexact science. Trading for minor leaguers is useful, but there is far more risk and variability when you trade for a player with zero big league experience. This risk must be built into your price tag for minor leaguers during your rebuilding process.
Mike Gianella is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @MikeGianella
2 comments have been left for this article.
BP Comment Quick Links
Nice article Mike. I remember chasing several of these players (Schafer, LaRoach, Rasmus among others). I think you mean $4 for the immortal Scott Elbert though.
May 13, 2013 04:15 AM
Prospects are only a third of my dumping strategy in-season in my NL-only league. The other two groups I target are platoon players and closers in waiting. Both can be equally as frustrating, but when you hit, it swings the balance of the league. When I'm trading my $50 Ryan Braun and grab a prospect or two, I'll also request a fill in, either a guy in a platoon situation or a "closer in waiting". I picked up a cheap Juan Francisco last season, and sometimes hit the $20 closer for $1/free just for asking. My league does have deep benches (since we don't have in-season waivers), so if David Hernandez/Phillippe Aumont/etc doesn't close that year, maybe he will the next season.
May 13, 2013 05:38 AM
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ECB National Club Championship Group 10 semi-final
St Just 242-6 beat Bridgwater 160 by 82 runs
BRIDGWATER crashed out of the ECB National Club Championship with an 82-run defeat at Cornish side St Just on Sunday.
Captain Steffan Jones struck a powerful half-century as Bridgwater set about chasing down an imposing 242, but it was a lone hand from the all-rounder and his side eventually slumped to 160 all out in the 42nd over.
Earlier in the day, Matt Habberfield returned figures of 3-53 after Bridgwater had won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Gary Thomas (76) and Neil Curnow (55) both hit half-centuries for the Cornish outfit as they posted a commanding total from their 45 overs - while there was one wicket apiece for Steffan Jones (1-45), Andrew Roberts (1-41) and Scott Clapp (1-39).
After a mammoth journey south for Bridgwater, St Just got off to a flyer, reaching 123-2 before Scott Clapp removed the dangerous Curnow for 55.
Habberfield then accounted for Gary Thomas as he walked past one to be stumped by Tom Pople, but strong hitting in the middle order powered the hosts to 242-6 from 45 overs.
Bridgwater's reply started in disastrous fashion, slipping to 13-3 as Justin Stephens (3-19) tore through the top order, removing Pople, Kitch and Gange in quick succession.
Todd Barrett (20) and Merv Hallaran (25) briefly rebuilt, but when when the former was dismissed, Bridgwater were struggling at 63-5.
Captain Jones fired his side back into the hunt with an aggressive 66, but that was as good as it got for Bridgwater, who finished up well short of their target.
Match Travel Sponsor: Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Higos Insurance Services Ltd.
## THE Barrington Coombes T20 match between Bridgwater and Taunton Deane at The Parks, has been moved from this Friday (June 6) back to Friday June 20 at 6pm. The match, in memory of Kit Barrington and Richard Coombes, legends of both Clubs was superbly supported at the Deane last season and it is hoped all VPs and Members will do the same this year, where a very warm welcome is guaranteed.


text:
News 1|1
- LBBW | Wed, 28 Jun 2017 11:00:00 +0200 Press release Find out more
LBBW Annual Report
Sustainability Report
Private Customers
Rooted in the region and in the federal state, BW-Bank is the brand within the LBBW Group that represents the customer-driven bank in Baden-Württemberg. Its more than 180 branches look after around one million private customers in Baden-Württemberg.
Corporate Customers
BW-Bank, LBBW Rheinland-Pfalz Bank and LBBW Sachsen Bank have a clear focus on small and medium-sized enterprises in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony, and the neighboring federal states. LBBW is a partner to multinational groups and also provides corporate customers with solutions for international business.
Estate Brokerage & Mortgage Financing
LBBW offers its comprehensive and diverse range of real estate, as well as providing services to private real estate brokerage and construction finance via the real estate agency business of BW-Bank.
Commercial Real Estate Financing
Our specialists offer tailor-made and innovative financing concepts to private and institutional investors, real estate companies and housing associations for their large-volume investments in commercial and residential real estate.
LBBW Immobilien Management GmbH
LBBW Immobilien Management GmbH, which is incorporated in the LBBW group of companies, focuses on all real estate activities with its Development, Asset Management and Real Estate Services business units.
Savings Banks
LBBW acts as a central bank for the savings banks in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony, providing them with a broad range of products and services. In addition, LBBW and the savings banks form a partnership which aims to achieve the highest degree of market penetration in the area of retail and corporate customers.
Institutional Customers
Advising and looking after institutional customers in Germany and Europe play a key role in LBBW's capital markets business. This customer group includes insurance companies, provident funds, pension funds, capital investment companies and church institutions.
Information is the raw material of good decisions. For our customers, what sets the LBBW Markets-Portal apart is its comprehensive service offering and sound product solutions.
The LBBW Group is a recognized and competent
partner for public-sector customers and their
enterprises in Germany.
Companies can rely on LBBW's expertise in
international business for their international


text:
Zucchini Stuffing Recipe
5 4 3
I've been serving this dish for years and always receive compliments on it. If you don't have day-old bread in your pantry, simply slice fresh bread and bake it at 300° for 10 minutes. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Featured In: 25 Potluck Side Dishes to Feed a Crowd
VERIFIED BY Taste of Home Test Kitchen
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup 2% milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 cups day-old cubed bread
- 3 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- In a small skillet, saute onion and celery in butter until tender; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and poultry seasoning. In a small bowl, whisk the pumpkin, eggs, milk and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the bread cubes, zucchini, cheese and onion mixture.
- Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 325° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Yield: 12 servings (3/4 cup each).
Originally published as Zucchini Stuffing in Taste of Home November 2011, p84
Reviews forZucchini Stuffing
My Review
Click stars to rate
Any changes to your rating or review will appear where you originally posted your review
Average Rating
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2016
"Love this recipe, I added a little chicken stock because it was a little dry when I made it and omitted the celery because I'm not a fan of celery. I make this every fall for family when they come to visit!"
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2012
"Did not like the dry taste of it - 1 cup of flour and 4 cups of bread was too too dry and not a very good taste withi the pumpkin - Wisconsin - would not recommend."
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2011
"Loved it. Made half the recipe in an 8x8. Required 5 or 10 more minutes uncovered baking time."
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2011
"this dish was delicious! Sort of like a stuffed zucchini boat, except all mixed together in a convenient casserole. I was skeptical about the pumpkin, but really liked the flavor combination in the end. We served it as a main dish was side salads."


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HOUSTON - From downtown to all of the venues hosting celebrity-heavy bashes, Houston could very well be one of the safest places in the world this weekend.
At least that's what law enforcement is striving for.
Back in 2006, The Galleria was hit with crowds and traffic jams during All-Star weekend.
Although law enforcement agencies never give out specifics about safety strategies, their coverage has been carefully planned right down to the last detail.
"What you'll see on our part is a lot of police presence. We have a lot of plans in place to make sure the city has a safe event," HPD Asst. Chief Mark Eisenman said.
The Houston Police Department isn't tackling security alone.
The department is working with other local, state and even federal law enforcement agencies throughout the weekend.
Police won't say how many officers they have, but they did say law enforcement would work extended hours this weekend.
Police will be handling security for event-sanctioned parties only and high profile tourist traps like The Galleria, which anticipates a rush of shoppers.
While you can expect to see police officers in uniform, others will be plain clothes.
Back in 2006, the last time Houston hosted the NBA All-Star Game, police had to close down some parking entrances to The Galleria and the west loop because of traffic.
"Come and have fun, good weather, good safe event. Just pay attention to your surroundings," Eisenman said.
HPD says motorists should expect traffic delays, particularly in The Galleria area.
Copyright 2013 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
- Details
Exciting News! Photodynamic Therapy has been awarded the Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award.
Energized with Noni Fruit and Pomegranate extracts, vitamins C, D & E, powerful antioxidants and amplified by yeast amino acids with lightweight sun protection.
In an 8 week sponsored period of use on 24 females ages 42-62:
- 96% reported their skin appeared smoother
- 83% reported their skin appeared firmer
- 75% reported their skin appeared to have less wrinkles
- 71% reported their skin appeared more radiant
- 63% reported their skin appeared to have a more uniform complexion
Product was applied once per day in the morning.
Use product in conjunction with normal daily activity. Do not seek additional sun exposure.
Dermatologist Tested & Approved
Allergy Tested, Hypoallergenic, Non Irritating, Non Comedogenic, Fragrance Free, Dye Free, Gluten Free, No Animal Testing
Formulated & Filled in the U.S.A.
- Reviews
Customer Reviews
- Love It! Review by JD
Quality Price Value
I am so happy with this product. Live in a warm sunny climate most of the year and wouldn't be without it. My aging skin has not gotten any new age spots since using this every morning. Thanks to DERMA doctor the ones I had are disappearing. Love these products!
- you get what you pay for Review by victoria
Value Quality Price
seriously the best product i have ever purchased. i have acne prone skin and this is the only lotion that does not make me break out. decided to go a few weeks without purchasing new tube when i ran out...yea i could for sure tell a huge difference, so i ran back. skin looks glowing. i love love love.
- Amazing product Review by Diana
Quality Price Value
I've been using this product for several years & I love it!!
- excellent product, would be better priced around $50 since there is a small amount in dispenser. Review by Donna
Quality Price Value
I like the idea of turning light into something beneficial and that it has sunscreen. Very forward thinking.
- Moisture that I WON'T do without! Review by Marlene
Quality Price Value
This a an all time must have! I first bought mine when the "Dermadoctor." was at Sephora's doing demonstrations....so I bought the line...AND SO GLAD THAT I DID! My skin has been perfect ever since! My only wish is that for the price...there was more product...but who wouldn't want that! lol! LOVE MY DERMAdoctor!!!!
- Phenomenal!! Review by Lleana
Price Value Quality
I am not one to use hyperbole nor exaggerations when speaking, BUT, this product is beyond phenomenal! I can't wait to see the results on my skin after a couple of weeks of use. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will become a walking advertisement.
Forever grateful, Ileana
- Very Disappointed Review by Mkb
Price Value Quality
I was very disappointed that I had to return this. I use the acne serum and then a moisturizer. I tried switching my moisturizer to this because of the SPF and it does not seem to like the acne serum. It doesn't absorb into my skin, it just dries up and peels off while I'm rubbing it in.
- Must Have Product! Review by TBarr
Quality Price Value
Began using this product 18 mos. ago and ran out. What a mistake not to replace immediately! I saw my skin lose brightness and firmness while gaining new wrinkles! Back to Photo Dynamic and Voila, skin returned to smooth and glowing surface. Also use Eye formula and it is also superb! I receive comments all the time on my skin - thank you Dermadoctor!
- Nice product! Review by JD
Value Quality Price
So far so good. Haven't seen much of a difference but love the consistency and based on reviews I believe I will see results soon. I too wish Dermadoctor made a product like this for the arms, legs, body.
- Incredible! Review by Rnsparki
Value Quality Price
This product lives up to all the hype. I am 61 and started to use photo dynamic therapy when it debuted. My skin seems to be reversing in age. Worth every cent. I wore it on a boat day trip around the BVIs and reapplied as I would any sunscreen, voila, no sunburn, no sun damage, and my skin truly looked more radiant! Skin miracle in a bottle.
- feels great and works even better. Review by Lois
Price Value Quality
I am an over 60 woman, with dry, wrinkled skin.
This product has made me a very happy person.
It makes my skin feel great and does a wonderful job with making
my wrinkles less noticable. I love this product and wouldn`t
be without it. It needs to be tried to see the results.
Just wish it wasn`t so expensive, after all, I am retired and
live on a limited income....but that won`t stop me from
using this product.
- Not a miracle, but helps Review by Kathy
Price Value Quality
Too expensive to use every day, but love it when I go to beach. No longer come home with dried out skin.
- Good value Review by Xing
Price Value Quality
After using it for a month, my skin gets softer and smoother and more gradient. Love it, will keep buying
- Perfect Lotion Review by Amy
Price Value Quality
One friend recommend this product in June, I bought three in August. Now one is used up. The pore looks smaller, the face become smooth. It's not so heavy for my skin. I really love it. :)
- Excellent Review by Karen
Price Value Quality
Excellent age fighter and wrinkle reducer
- Love Photodynamic Therapy Review by Dawn
Price Value Quality
This is a must have product! Every since I started using Photodynamic Therapy I fell in love it. Not only does it have sunscreen as an ingredient but has saved my skin on several occasions while I was out in the sun.
- love love love Review by Michele
Price Value Quality
I love this product! So glad I found it. My skin is sensitive to many products and many don't work, I have been using this for 2 years now and will continue. It has done wonders for my skin.
- Really works Review by Brooklyn
Price Value Quality
The fine lines on my face, neck and chest have disappeared. My skin looks brighter and smoother and the dark spots are lighter. Doesn't make me break out like some sunscreens. I am 50+ and I wish Dermadoctor made a body version so my arms and legs could get the same benefits.
- Really Works! Review by Brooklyn
Price Value Quality
The fine lines on my face, neck and chest have disappeared. My skin feels smoother and looks clearer. Doesn't make me breakout like some sunscreens. I would recommend this product to anyone. I am 50+. I wish Dermadoctor would make a body version so my arms and legs could get the same benefits!
- Love it Review by Sarah
Price Value Quality
This is truly the only sunscreen I will use on my face. I am a physician in the dermatology field, and there is nothing available that has the benefits of this product, especially for the price. While $85 may seem pricey, one bottle lasts 6 - 7 months. I have very sensitive skin which requires a physical sunscreen, and after using this product since the week it debuted, I've been 100% happy with it's consistency, short-term and long-term results. Thank you for another outstanding product!!
- Love it! Review by Mitzi
Price Value Quality
Best ever!
- This is the best!! Review by Leslie
Price Value Quality
Worth every penny. The quality of my skin went up about 10 notches - "sun damage" brown spots all but vanished, my pores are less obvious, and my skin is much softer, with an even color and brightness. How do I know? I ran out. For 2 weeks I didn't use any, and boy - what a difference! I put my makeup on using a 5X makeup mirror, and the other day I noticed my skin wasn't as pretty. Then I realized I'd run out and remembered I had a spare in my travel bag! Happy day! I love that it has a sunscreen, because I live in Florida and get way too much sun, even sitting in my office with the big smoked window. I've spent alot of money on IPL, and don't need it all anymore. I love this product and won't be without it again.
- Great Product! Review by Mary
Price Value Quality
I love, love, love this product and use it every day. Helps with fine lines and does all sorts of "good stuff" for my face. My sensitive rosacea skin tolerates it beautifully!
- Firm my skin Review by Reyone
Price Value Quality
Using the 2nd bottle, my skin looks firmer and the tone seems better.
But the amount in a bottle is very few and if use on neck too can only last for very short time. Need to order often.
- It really does work! Review by April
Price Value Quality
I'm 28 with very fair skin, and so far I've been able to take pretty good care of it. I've noticed recently, though, that I've got some crows feet and a few other fine lines creeping up. I got a sample packet of this product, and in three days I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin. I was sold after that. The price is steep, but I feel like it's worth it. If your expectations are reasonable, give this product a try.
- Can't go a day without this! Review by Susan
Price Value Quality
Photodynamic therapy has totally changed my skin. The age spots are gone, the texture is improved. Laser in a bottle!
- love this stuff Review by kesha
Price Value Quality
The best products I've ever used . My skin looks so amazing .It's only been over two monts but if it stays this way it will be years
- Amazing Results! Review by JANET
Quality Price Value
Began using this product when we went to Florida for a week in January. Within a few days my skin was glowing, more even and tighter. The most amazing thing was that my neck and chest which usually look worse after being in the sun no matter how much I reapply sunscreen, actually looked better when we returned from the trip. Brown spots on my chest were literally gone and my neck skin was tighter! I have very fair sensitive skin and have always had trouble finding a sunscreen that not only protected me but also didn't irritate my skin. I never imagined I would find a sunscreen that did all that plus improved the look of my skin! I am in my 50s and I can't say enough about this product! It is well worth the price!
- I really like it! Review by AV in Baton Rouge,Louisiana
Price Value Quality
I have been using samples and I have decided I must have this! I really like the smell, feel, texture and that its the perfect amount of moisture! The price point is pretty high! But a girl will pay anything to have healthy skin!
- Love it! Review by Washington, DC
Quality Price Value
33 yo, used for about 2 months. Noticed that my complexion is more even and definitely brighter. Helped with fine lines as well. I thought this product was better and lasted longer than my previous product (Olay DNA superstructure cream) Definitely recommend!
- I Had to Have It Review by Eileen
Quality Price Value
I started using this a year ago. I have reorderd it twice, and recently ran out again. I thought I could make do with something else, but what a mistake. I lost the radiance and smoothness I had come to expect. Even though I hate the price, I love the results. Gotta have it!
- Not sure if it's helping? Packaging is a problem Review by Mel
Quality Price Value
I've used one bottle of this product and while I like the texture and think it's a nice sunblock, I'm not sure if it's doing much to my skin.
I have pretty good skin, I'm lucky. BUT I do have some melasma and I keep trying products (and giving them a fair shake) to get rid of that. This hasn't made a difference, not that I can see yet. I had a windfall this weekend so decided to buy another bottle to give it more time to work on my trouble spots - but this product is super expensive. If I don't see any change in my skin I'll have to stop using this.
Also, the packaging. It's fragile and touchy. I dropped my last bottle and the top shattered. No way to put the pump mechanism back on the top. This meant that a) it was difficult to get the end of the product out of the bottle and b) the product dried up and would no longer apply properly when I did manage to get it out. What a waste of a pricey cream! :(
- Terrific Results Review by Bonnielou from the Northeast
Quality Price Value
Like others, I too see an amazing difference in my skin with fewer lines and wrinkles, smooth, even toned texture. I truly look and feel more youthful at 44. I could pass for 33 easy!! :)
People close to me (and strangers) have been saying they have never seen my skin look so beautiful. I say-it's the Dermadoctor! Go buy it and you will have beautiful skin too! Bottom line, the products produce!
- WOW! Review by East Longmeadow, MA USA
Value Quality Price
I started using this product 4 days agao and already see a difference! My skin tone is starting to even out, my pores appear smaller and my skin is perfectly mosturized. I LOVE this product!! I would highly reccommend this to anyone who who needs to improve their overall skin appearence. Thank you, Dermadoctor!
- Astonishing!! Review by CRL, North Dakota
Value Quality Price
You will be astonished! My eyes have firmed up and all fine lines have diminished. Skin is healthier. All I had to do was apply this product. I'm 55 years old
- Truly amazing. Review by ST, San Jose, CA
Value Quality Price
Noticed a difference after using only a few sample packets. I was hooked! Skin smoother, more toned & hydrated. Took off 1 star for the pump- I too am having trouble getting it to work. I am 52 yo.
- a lovely SPF moisturizer Review by USA
Value Quality Price
In my 40's and hate wasting money. Skin looks nice and bright, is not breaking out, and concealer glides on over this stuff. Not sure about wrinkles, but I'm sticking with it for now.
- It is unusual for me to find an SPF + treatment that works, this one does! Review by Upstate NY
Value Quality Price
Goes on smooth and invisibly. Does NOT ball up (just wait 5 minutes for it to absorb). Skin is smooth, more even, and I'm seeing fewer lines. I'm on my 3rd bottle! Terrific combo of treat & protect.
- Love it! Review by Georgia, USA
Value Quality Price
I have only been using this product for a week but can already see results in the texture and quality of my skin. Foundation goes on flawlessly - thanks for creating this great product!
- Directions
- Apply daily to clean, dry face, neck and décolletage. Follow with cosmetics if desired. Do not seek additional sun exposure.
- Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
- Reapply at least every 2 hours.
- Children under 6 months: Ask a doctor.
- Sun Protection Measures Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other protection measures including:
- Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.
Other Information
Protect this product from excessive heat and direct sun. Store at room temperature 59-86ºF/15-30ºC.
- Ingredients
Drug Facts
Active Ingredients
Avobenzone 3.0%
Octinoxate 7.5%
Octisalate 5.0%
Oxybenzone 6.0%
Inactive Ingredients (listed alphabetically)
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Anacyclus Pyrethrum Root Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aqua (Water), Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butylparaben, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Ethylparaben, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Lentinula Edodes (Shiitake Mushroom) Extract, Methyl Methacrylate/ Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Methylparaben, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Propylparaben, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Oleate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Triethanolamine, Ubiquinone, Yeast Amino Acids
- Warnings
For external use only. Do not use on damaged or broken skin. When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and ask a doctor if rash occurs. Keep out of reach of children. If product is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.


text: A lounge where you can seriously chill out, ICE serves a creative selection of signature cocktails and Asian tapas dishes. By day, the lofty ambience and picturesque garden scenery will immediately relax you upon entering. After sunset, lose yourself in the rhythm of smooth jazz and your favourite cocktail and let the evening drift into a night that is anything but ordinary.


text:
John Deere National Convention
The Power of Innovation for John Deere
When you think of John Deere, with all that farm equipment both large and small, what do you think of? Innovation may not be the first thing that pops into your mind, but perhaps it should be. Marco Tempest recently spent two weeks performing shows to help John Deere launch it's latest round of tractors, combines, planters, harvesters and more – and the show was all about innovation. This giant in the world of agriculture maintains its position as the foremost provider of both light and heavy equipment worldwide by constantly innovating. From agriculture management software to large harvesters, planters and tractors that practically drive themselves, every product they make contains the very latest technology available.
With John Deere's commitment to continuous growth through innovation, the melding of Marco's innovative magic with the John Deere vision proved to be a natural. Performing custom pieces designed just for the occasion, Marco wowed the four audiences, each with over 1,000 John Deere dealers in attendance at Denver's mammoth Colorado Convention Center.
One piece on Perspective had Marco and an assistant moving in and out of a series of 30 foot tall, 8 foot wide columns of LED video – magically emphasizing how just a shift in perspective can totally alter ones' view of a situation, the piece ended with Marco somehow carrying a 3" tall version of himself off stage – as the 3" version was doing all the talking! In another piece Marco crossed up an LED lit staircase and into a screen four feet off the floor – only to dematerialize and reappear instantly at the back of the audience, some 60 feet away. LED outlines of tractors transformed magically into the real thing. The use of brilliant white light to represent the Spark of Innovation ran through the entire presentation, with lights flying about the convention center, drawing images on screens, and even ultimately creating two tractor rigs out of thin air! What began as a creative challenge developed into an exciting performance success, for John Deere, for Marco, and for our producers.
There are 8 videos in this album. Albums make it easy to organize a collection of videos. They can be used to display videos together, or sent to friends as a playlist. You can even arrange the order of videos in each album.
You can add a video to one of your albums or create a new album from the "+Add to…" tab on video pages.
Albums can also be used to show videos on other web sites using Vimeo Widgets.


text:
Central crashes boards, rolls to women's basketball win
ST. BONIFACIUS, MINN.—A solid rebounding performance carried the Central College women's basketball to a 68-51 win over Crown College (Minn.) Saturday.
The Dutch (2-0) held a 57-24 advantage on the glass and were two rebounds shy of the school record set in 2009 against Grinnell College. Central dominated the offensive boards, 30-9.
"We did a much better job rebounding today," coach Mike Jacobsma said. "That was the stat of the game. We did a good job limiting Crown to one shot, especially in the second half."
Central jumped to a 22-10 lead with a run at the 14-minute mark and led 42-25 at the half. The Dutch widened the gap to 20 points in the second half and maintained a 20-point lead throughout. Jacobsma emptied the bench in both halves.
"We put some new faces on the court and got everyone some varsity minutes," Jacobsma said. "There are always some jitters to overcome in the first few games."
Guard Kalli Richardson (sophomore, Blairsburg, Iowa/Northeast Hamilton) posted a team-high 15 points, shooting 7-of-9 field goals, and had four assists. Guard Rachel Evans (sophomore, Fort Dodge) and forward Nicole Strasko (senior, Roland, Roland-Story HS) each had 10 points.
"It was good to see three players in double-digits, especially with as many as we played today," Jacobsma said.
Evans added seven rebounds while guard Jessy Stika (junior, Cresco, Crestwood HS) had a game-high 10.
Jacobsma also noted strong performances from freshmen guards Katie Sunderman (Pella) and Alyssa Henrich (Newell, Newell-Fonda HS). Sunderman had three points, three rebounds and three steals while Henrich had seven points and seven rebounds.
"I thought they really competed and played hard in their first varsity game," Jacobsma said.
Central outshot Crown 39.4 percent to 36.5, and limited the Storm to 28.6 percent in the second half. But Crown (1-1) forced 22 Dutch turnovers.
"Crown's a scrappy team and forced us into a lot of turnovers," Jacobsma said. "Give them credit. We've got to play with more composure and handle those traps."
The Dutch are back on the court Tuesday, facing Blackburn College (Ill.) at 6 p.m. at Carlinville, Ill. The Beavers are 1-0 heading into Saturday's game against Illinois College.


text:
HOUSTON - The chief of the Houston Police Department talked Thursday about the backlog of rape kits that need to be tested.
Local 2 Investigates was the first to report thousands of rape kits were sitting in the HPD's crime lab waiting for testing. According to department records, the oldest kit in the lab dates back to 1986.
Rape kits can contain crucial pieces of evidence needed to convict rapists and bring justice to rape survivors.
"From a personal standpoint, I would like to see every sexual assault kit in our custody tested," Police Chief Charles McClelland said.
Those words from the chief came after an on-going audit found the number of untested rape kits may have swelled to more than 6,000. However, the department is not even certain of that number.
McClelland blamed part of this problem on "poor record keeping," explaining the department is finding some kits listed as untested may have actually already been tested.
"I don't want to put a number out there, but out of the 6,000, when we examine every single one, yes, we're going to find some have been tested," said McClelland.
McClelland also said not all of the kits may need testing.
"Should you test every single kit in your custody that we've had or kept or maintained? This is what researchers are trying to come up with an answer," said McClelland.
McClelland explained some kits involve cases where a rapist has already confessed to the crime, the statute of limitations has run out, there is no evidence to be tested or contain evidence collected before DNA testing was available.
McClelland could not be specific as to how many of the untested kits fall into one of these categories.
A pair of grants are helping HPD tackle this problem. Part of the work involves researching not only how many rape kits actually need testing, but also how HPD can prevent this problem from happening in the future. Work being done under a National Institute of Justice grant should be completed by the end of this year, and, once the work is complete, HPD expects to have an exact count as to how many rape kits need to be tested.
"The only thing that will test every single sexual assault kit in our custody at this time is money and resources," said McClelland.
However, when asked if he was going to ask City Council for more resources in the crime lab, the chief said he wouldn't have an answer until the research was complete.
HPD officials estimate the department receives an average of 930 rape kits every year with 60 percent of those kits containing biological evidence.
If you have a news tip or question for KPRC Local 2 Investigates, drop them an e-mail or call their tipline at (713) 223-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2011 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
The Gunners manager intends to remain at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future amid reports of him joining Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season
|Michael Laudrup is 10/1 with PaddyPower to succeed Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss
Wenger was vocal in his intention to stay the Emirates Stadium, speaking of his "loyalty" to the club, with Arsenal pushing for Champions League qualification with three games remanining.
"I want to stay if I do well, if the club consider I do well," the Gunners boss told a press conference.
"I want this club to do well. We have gone through a sensitive period but I believe the club is in a good position for the future.
"I do my job with a lot of commitment and a lot of loyalty. I try to do as best as I can for this club."
Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points ahead of Totttenham, who have a game in hand on their north London rivals.


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Austin, Texas -- Survey results by coupon site RetailMeNot revealed Monday that the vast majority of consumers believe that saving money is important.
According to the Shoppers Trend Report, conducted by The Omnibus Co. for RetailMeNot, 93% of consumers say they believe that saving money in their everyday lives is important. The survey also found that 61% are saving about the same or more money per month than they were five years ago.
"Consumers are emerging from the Recession of 2008 having learned a valuable lesson, that saving money is a good thing," said Trae Bodge, RetailMeNot. "Gone are the days of racking up our credit card bills with retail therapy and shopping with abandon. Today's consumers have higher expectations for what they can do with their hard-earned paychecks. They also want more for their money and are willing to take the necessary steps to ensure that they get it."
Compared with five years ago, nearly half of respondents are spending less on meals at restaurants (49%), expensive groceries (44%) and new clothes (46%).
Reliance on discounts is stronger today, with more than half (51%) of consumers who use coupons stating that they use them more than they did five years ago and 37% stating that they use coupons more than they did a year ago.
A majority of respondents (74%) state that economic factors contributed to their increase in coupon usage over the last five years, either because their personal finances declined (43%) or because the recession made them more conscious about the importance of saving (31%). Additionally, 23% of respondents indicate that they use coupons more now because technology makes it easier to find and use them.


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/8/2014 (1098 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My wife and I are married over 40 years and right now, our relationship is great. About 4 1/2 years into our marriage she had an affair with a co-worker of mine. She admitted to the affair but has never been openly truthful about it. She never said she regretted it so I assume she doesn't.
A while back, I found a hand-written list, ranking three men. I'm No. 3, a former friend of mine is No. 2, and an unknown but unusual name is No. 1. She admits it's her handwriting, but claims she doesn't know why she wrote the list or who No. 1 is. This is such a blatant and obvious lie, she insults my intelligence. I can only assume she's rating sexual performance.
I can forgive the affairs (they happened a long time ago), but have a real problem with the lies and find it hard to trust her. At our club, she always seems to be working alongside the same other member -- a known womanizer. I try to tell myself that it's my imagination working overtime, but again comes the missing trust factor. Another affair would be the end, and this frightens me, as I don't want our marriage to end. Suggestions? -- Anonymous, Manitoba
Dear Anonymous: Being a straight arrow hasn't worked so far. So ask her, in a general sense if she'd ever be interested in an open marriage where both people can have different sexual partners on the side. She'll be shocked, because she has always been the one to stray, and never had any anxiety to suffer through, like you have.
She will no doubt ask you, suspiciously, "Why do you ask?" Then, tell her outright you have noticed her interest in this other guy at the club. Also tell her you don't want to end the marriage, but another affair would definitely do it. She will ask you if you have your eye on another woman. Tell her truthfully, "No, but there are some attractive women around. Are you planning to see this guy at the club?" She will probably back off him immediately, now it's out in the open.
There's also the small chance she might say she likes the open-marriage idea -- and call your bluff. So, you have to know what you really want ahead of time. Does honesty mean that much to you? Would you prefer to look the other way again? Or have you really had enough of her cheating?
Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I stole something from my sister and put it back later. She told my parents after it was returned, even though she says she knew it was me all along.
I got even with her last weekend. I flirted with her boyfriend in my bikini and kissed him. He's three years older than I am. I admit he had no choice. We were up at the lake and I leaned over and kissed him when we were out floating in the fishing boat together. Oh, he definitely kissed me back! Now I feel guilty again, but can't give the kiss back. What should I do? -- Younger Sister, Transcona
Dear Younger Sister: Telling your sister about the kiss you stole (and her boyfriend's response) will wound her deeply... so, hang on until you get back to school in two weeks. See a guidance counsellor ASAP and try to figure out together why you need to steal things from your older sister. Do you want to be her? Take her down a peg? See her hurt and upset?
The source of all the trouble you have caused is the bad feelings that drive the need to take what is hers. Getting the feelings out with the counsellor, and working through them, may get you stopped for good.
Please send your questions or comments c/o firstname.lastname@example.com or mail letters to Miss Lonelyhearts c/o Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg R2X 3B6.


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I recently had a shea butter treatment at Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, then another in Sedona, Arizona, at the newly opened Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa. I realized that a trend was emerging when I experienced yet another one at Sego Lily Mind Body Spa, a new day spa in Midvale, Utah. This year, shea butter body treatments have experienced a surge in popularity at new and existing spas.
Shea butter, extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the Central African Mangifolia tree, is known as an excellent emollient with great healing properties. High in triglycerides and fatty acids, shea butter's soft, buttery rich texture melts easily into the skin. Traditionally, natural shea butter has been used as a balm for minor burns, sun allergies, muscle aches and more. It also helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and is highly valued as a beauty aid for hair and skin. It is no surprise that spa directors are incorporating this dynamic ingredient into their menus and that shea butter is used increasingly by massage therapists.
"Frankly, shea butter is a nice ingredient," says Howard Murad, M.D., CEO and founder of Murad, Inc. and associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California Los Angeles. "I don't see it as a new technology, but it's a very good moisturizer and it feels good." Murad included shea butter in the company's Resurgence Age Balancing Night Cream, targeted toward menopausal women.
Mark Burlaza, spa director at the Ocean Spa & Fitness Center at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in California, utilizes shea butter in a number of ways. "We use shea butter due to its soothing, moisturizing, protecting and healing effects on the body, and because it helps cell regeneration and capillary circulation. It is beneficial for healing small wounds, skin cracks and crevices, making it a great foot moisturizer that complements our spa pedicures," he says. "Shea butter also is very well-tolerated by the skin because it doesn't trigger allergic reactions. Finally, its protective role against ultraviolet (UV) rays makes it a good element in sun products."
At the Raindance Spa at The Lodge at Sonoma in Sonoma, California, spa director Patty Field is replacing the Moor Mud Wrap with the Lavender Luxury Wrap, a shea butter-based treatment. "The Moor Mud Wrap is not as popular anymore," she says. "Shea butter is a luxurious, supermoisturizing cream, while lavender is a calming essential oil that is excellent for its aromatherapy benefits."


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Two teens were sentenced in Fort Worth on Friday for their involvement in an Arlington graffiti spree in June that included in anti-gay slurs spray-painted on a lesbian couple's SUV.
Morgen Rae Aubuchon, 18, and Seth Stephen Hatcher, 19, pleaded guilty to the state jail felony charge causing $1,500 to $20,000 in damage and were sentenced to three years deferred adjudication with 120 hours of community service at Samaritan House, AIDS Outreach Center or another organization approved by the court.
They must complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service a month. They are also jointly responsible for $6,441 in restitution to the owners of the damaged property.
David Mack Henderson, Fairness Fort Worth treasurer who attended the sentencing, said 371th District Court Judge Mollee Westfall informed the teens that if they violate their probation, they face six months to two years in jail.
If the teens complete their probation without any violations, they won't have a conviction on their records, but an arrest record will remain unless expunged.


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Computex 2004 Update: More NV45 Informationby Anand Lal Shimpi on 5/31/2004 11:33 PM EST
- Posted in
- GPUs
9 Comments
Back to Article
SpaceRanger - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - linkCould the 6-pin plug be part of the BTX specification, or am I getting my specifications confused? Reply
Icewind - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - linkOk, im officially confused. WTF is Nvidia trying to accomplish with this. NOW we have to buy a new PSU to support this power connector?
Sigh, i'll be sticking with good old maple leave ATi I think. Reply
adelies - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - linkIt's a power connector.
3 pins for +12V, 2 gnd pins, & one sense pin. According to PCI-E spec, graphic card consumes more than 75W need this power connector. Reply
Dasterdly - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - linkLooks like a 3 phase molex power conn. Reply
DoctorM - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - linkDoh, you're right it's 6-pins not 4 like on the +12v line.
A 6-pin auxillary connector could deliver the power needed with an adapter cable, but why would you change the connection if it's already part of the ATX standard (v2.03 I believe.)
Wasn't that originally developed as an aditional AGP power connection?
Ok, so I'm officially stumped (and stupid for the previous 4-pin conjecture). Reply
glennpratt - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - linkIf they can standardize the plug and make an adapter for old hardware I'll be OK with it. Otherwise... Reply
Chuckles - Monday, May 31, 2004 - linkI just noticed something rather interesting regarding the 6-pin power connector.
ATI's partner PCI-E cards have the mounting holes for a similar power plug on their cards, as illustrated in the following picture:
Notice the holes in the upper right-hand corner of the card. Reply
DoctorM - Monday, May 31, 2004 - linkCall me crazy, but that extra power connector looks just like the +12v Atx power connector on motherboards.
That would explain the need for a big heat sink, there's probably a power transformer underneath.
Looks like the double 4-pin molex thing wasn't enough.
Now where can I get a Y-connector. Reply
l3ored - Monday, May 31, 2004 - linkwho is computex's targetted audiance? why is it held in taiwan? Reply


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Used 2001 Kia SUV Values
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Kia, a subsidiary of Hyundai, is a South Korean car manufacturer that was first sold in the United States in 1994. Kia is known for its affordable and fuel-efficient cars, vans and SUVs and usually known as the value leader in each representing vehicle class. Kia is now owned by Hyundai Motor Company. Find the latest Kia prices below or browse Kia deals.
Select a used 2001 Kia SUV model
(2018 - 1994 including exotics and classic cars)
2001 Kia Sportage
The 2001 Kia Sportage is a compact five-passenger SUV that is available with 2WD or 4WD, and it is available as a four-door hardtop or a two-door convertible.


text: After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy Two seniors in Atlanta alternate telling the story of their final semester of high school. Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe Sara wins a ballet scholarship to a school in New Jersey. Her dancing improves, but she is not sure if that is what she really wants to do with her life. The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder Amber escapes to the beach hoping for one perfect day before her world falls apart. She meets Cade who is looking to escape for his own reasons. Stay tuned for more novels in verse during National Poetry Month. Blog: yablogyareader Teens's blog


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Mix flours, salt and oil with a fork or pastry blender until flour forms small pebbles. Add all juice at once, mixing quickly until a ball of dough is formed. Do not over mix or knead. Roll out dough on a floured board, pastry cloth or between 2 pieces of baking paper.
Yields 1 crust. For two crusts, double the recipe.
See Eden's recipes for Cherry Pie Filling, Eggless Pumpkin Pie Filling or Vegetarian Mincemeat (No Meat) Pie.
Per serving - 136 calories, 10 gram fat (60% calories from fat), 2 gram protein, 13 gram carbohydrate, 2 gram fiber, 0 milligram cholesterol, 117 milligram sodium


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Tonight sees the end of Mad Men's penultimate season. You'll have many months to wait until you see the return of Don Draper, Peggy Olson and the gang. Why not spend some of that time staring longingly at genuine food advertisements from the 1960s? Here are some of our favorites that SCDP could have created but, because of their status as fictional characters, did not.
Photos: Cool Vintage Food Posters


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Where Can I Buy AAAA Batteries? Medic Batteries Is The Answer!
Where can I buy AAA batteries with great customer service? Buy AAAA batteries from Medic Batteries and we'll assist you every step of the way. Buy AAAA batteries for use in devices such as laser pointers, LED penlights, and small headphone amplifiers. Unlike AA batteries or AAA batteries, AAAA batteries can be difficult to find. No need to ask where can I buy AAA batteries – Medic Batteries is the answer. No more hunting for where to buy AAAA batteries, Medic Batteries has discount AAAA batteries in stock. The Energizer AAAA battery not commonly carried in stores. Medic Batteries' discount AAAA batteries ship free! Buy AAAA batteries online and save over retail prices.


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Jason Wu Fall 2012
China: land of fashion opportunity. At 29, it has taken Jason Wu a while to turn to the East and fully embrace this part of his identity, which so far has only been implicit in his name. "I went back to Taiwan, where I was born, a year and a half ago," he said. "I realized I was ready to take on one of the biggest subjects I grew up with, how does a Chinese designer do 'China'? I've lived in America, Canada, and Japan, but to come back to this means so much to me."
In his most dramatic show to date, Wu's focus shifted from last season's pretty young girls in cocktail dresses and micro-shorts, to unleashing an army of Chinese power women. They marched from a pair of palatial wooden doors installed at the end of the runway, wearing his take on the legacies of Chinese history: interpretations of militaristic Communist Army-green uniforms, the rich brocades and embroideries of the Qing Dynasty, and the glamour of the thirties, as filtered through Marlene Dietrich's movie Shanghai Express.
With its tendency to strict silhouettes—neat, belted jackets and coats bristling with fox-fur collars; quilting and epaulets; rigorously skinny pants; and body-conscious knee-length pencil skirts and fitted sheath-dresses—the collection seemed to play to a far more grown-up constituency than Wu's reached before.
Still, with the exit of the ingenue, the luxury quotient was even more amped-up, most successfully in the outerwear: lace-appliquéd capes, a Spencer with extravagant fox sleeves, a cinched puffer vest with a deep fur peplum—all looks easy to imagine being flaunted on freezing New York afternoons around next winter's shows. For evening, 3-D velvet and gold-beaded embroidery, strategically placed on dresses that paid glancing homage to cheongsams gave way to full red-carpet gowns in clashes of cyclamen and imperial red satin, slashed to show plenty of leg. As a finale, Wu sent his girls out, three abreast, almost like a military parade in Tiananmen Square. It was a strikingly ambitious statement, and one which will undoubtedly resonate with the global audience opening up before him.
For more information and a full profile on Jason Wu, go to Voguepedia.com.


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The Color of Sunset
painting by artist Elizabeth Fraser
oil on canvas
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Welcome to the Isle of Wight
From truly stunning coastlines to unique experiences.
Coming up: The Faerie Festival, the Classic Beer, Buses and Walks festival, Eklectica Festival and Isle of Wight Literary Festival
Situated just off England's South coast and less than 2 hours from London via the Isle of Wight Ferry, the UK's Holiday Island and Dinosaur Capital of Great Britain, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination at any time of year.
Click here to order a copy of our brand new Isle of Wight Official Destination Guide.
For all the information you need to plan your holiday, let Visit Isle of Wight, the official Isle of Wight Tourism & Tourist Information website, be your guide to Hotels, B&B's, Holiday Cottages, Camping & Campsites, Holiday Parks and other Accommodation, Attractions and Restaurants.
If you are looking for inspiration check out our Isle of Wight Blog for some ideas.
We are here 24/7 to help you spend your time on the Isle of Wight exactly how you'd like to and offer a variety of Maps to help you find your way around the island.
There are lots of things to do on the island, such as visiting our amazing beaches, getting involved in the festival atmosphere and taking part in many other family orientated activities.
It also has the last remaining Hovercraft service in the world for a truly unique way to travel!


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One trip to Israel was all it took to make me repriotize my life and ministry
After 19 years of international ministry, a weekly television broadcast, establishing a consultancy for pastors and other initiatives, I have experienced something that has caused me to entirely rethink my approach to ministry and also my theology. It has changed the way I prioritize, the way I preach and the way I pastor. This life-changing encounter was with the land of Israel.
After sailing in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, standing in the Garden of Gethsemane and peering into the field where the battle of Armageddon is to take place, I realized that much of my ministry had been based upon personal introspection—what I had read and what other scholars had interpreted. Moreover, we often allow English grammatical rules to interpret biblical text and biblical culture.
However, Western theology often opposes Eastern thought. For instance, the Western mind argues the truth; thus we have so many denominations and different reformations. But the Eastern mind simply obeys the truth. In the past, this difference in approach would have inhibited me from fully absorbing the Scriptures. But my trip to this unique place changed all that. I can now personally identify with Naaman the leper who took soil from Jerusalem back to his native land of Syria, so that he could stand upon it and worship the God of Israel.
Through traveling to the Holy Land in 2010 on a leaders tour with Robert Stearns, I developed close relationships with three fellow Western New York pastors I never really had relationship with before. Yes, I had to travel to this unique place on the other side of the globe in order to get to know my neighbors who live 30 minutes away! Since sharing this profound experience, we have become the best of friends. We have eaten together, golfed together, visited in one another's homes.
We are still reaping the benefits of the rich deposit Jerusalem made in us by enjoying Christian fellowship and real communion. Israel will never be the same in any of our ideologies; it has become a part of us. We have walked the land, smelled the air, tasted its fruit. For once you have shared an authentic, transmogrifying experience in the place your
kinsmen redeemer was born, died and rose again, you are bound to one another through a holy bond.
In order to involve our respective congregations in this work of koinonia, we even did a "pulpit swap" during the Christmas advent season. Only God could bring together those from different cultures, different creeds, different ethnicities in such a cohesive work of unity. The God of Israel is the single common denominator to unite mankind, which He has done for me and my brethren in such a tangible way.
I count it an honor, as a citizen of a nation little more than 200 years old, to have the privilege of speaking to the people of Israel, who date back millennia. How interesting that, just as they have informed my ministry, I now clearly see that my ministry has a call to impact them. I am called to affirm their belief in God; to thank them for their faithfulness and endurance and for giving me my Messiah, whose life I am now able to demonstrate back to them in brotherly love.
I testify to the fact that this uniquely special place holds a pivotal meaning for your relationships, your sanctification and your life's work. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, wants to introduce you to His family.
If you are a ministry professional who has never been to the land of Israel—like I was—go. Before you develop another sermon series, schedule another expansion meeting or put energy into the new vision God has laid upon your heart, do this one thing that cannot be replaced by any other thing. Better yet, go to Israel with my dear friend and brother Robert Stearns, and benefit from the favor, insight and anointing that marks His relationship to Israel. Just as Israel's Ministry of Tourism promises, "You'll never be the same."
Roderick Hennings is the founding pastor of Zion Dominion Global Ministries, the largest Church of God In Christ church in New York state.
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text: The marriage of travel and food has been a long and happy one. For foodies, a destination isn't going to rank as a favorite unless its cuisine — be it Mexican food in San Diego, seafood in Seattle, or the hodgepodge of deliciousness that is New York — is something special. For us, that logic applies equally to the hotels where you stay within a city. We look not just for hotels with great restaurants, but for places that incorporate gourmet treats into the overall hotel experience. Below are our favorite hotels that offer awesome foodie freebies, from decadent a la carte breakfasts to free nightly wine hours. Talk about tasty extras.


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Treasurer Joe Hockey has been forced to apologise for suggesting the "poorest people either don't have cars or actually don't drive very far" after Prime Minister Tony Abbott and cabinet colleague Christopher Pyne distanced themselves from the comments.
Saying he had ''no evil intent'', Mr Hockey used the words ''sorry'' and ''apologise'' eight times in an interview with friend and 2GB broadcaster Ben Fordham on Friday. Hours earlier, Mr Abbott distanced himself from the comments, saying: ''Well plainly, I wouldn't say that.''
Fairfax Media revealed on Friday that Mr Hockey's colleagues and political allies had rounded on him and were questioning his judgment and the quality of advice he has been receiving, while the Treasurer has also been subject to more than 48 hours of sustained criticism from the opposition, welfare groups and economists.
Finally, the pressured Treasurer completely withdrew the comments in an interview with ABC Brisbane. In an emotional backdown, Mr Hockey said he was ''really genuinely sorry that there is any suggestion, any suggestion at all that I or the government does not care for the most disadvantaged in the community".
"I'm sorry about the interpretation, I am sorry about the words,'' he said. "All of my life I have fought for and tried to help the most disadvantaged people in the community … for there to be some suggestion that I have evil in my heart when it comes to the most disadvantaged people in the community is upsetting.
''But it's more upsetting for those people in the community. So I want to make it perfectly clear … that if there's any suggestion that I don't care about you or that I have evil
intent towards you, I want to say that couldn't be further from the truth and I'm sorry for the hurt.''
The Treasurer said he had not been asked to make the apology. ''I thought about it this morning and I thought I don't want to hurt people and the words were clearly hurting some people,'' he said.
Mr Hockey conceded that his government's message about the need for budget repair had been lost because of his misstep. "We are trying to deliver a plan for the nation that ensures that those most disadvantaged get the very best we as a community can offer. I'm trying to make the healthcare system sustainable, I'm trying to make the welfare system sustainable and the education system the best it can be,'' he said.
"You can only do that through what we are trying to do in the budget but it has been lost in the last few days and I'm sorry."
Mr Abbott and frontbench colleague Mr Pyne had both offered their ''full support'' to Mr Hockey on Friday. But in an interview conducted before the apology, Mr Pyne had declined to endorse the gaffe six times.
The political misstep had effectively derailed Mr Hockey's attempts over the past two weeks to win support from members of the Senate crossbench for a series of structural reforms contained in the budget, including cuts to health and education, pension changes, the $7 GP co-payment and the resumption of fuel excise indexation.
About $40 billion in proposed savings and revenue measures are yet to be passed by the upper house.
Labor treasury spokesman Chris Bowen said Mr Hockey's initial gaffe had not been a mistake.
''The Treasurer did repeated interviews backing them in, calling those who criticised his comments 'hypocrites','' he said.


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Just Returned from the MCN Annual Conference
I spent last week in Atlanta at the Annual Conference of the Museum Computer Network. The conference brought together a community of museum professionals interested in using technology to improve their organizations and enhance the visitor experience. MOPA was fortunate enough to send three people from our staff to the conference, with support from the Balboa Park Online Collaborative. Together the three of us presented five sessions, including sessions on MOPA's collaboration with other institutions in the creation of interactive gallery activities, and on MOPA's use of technology to reach new audiences.
I was particularly pleased with the session I presented with BPOC's Perian Sully and Alan Renga of the San Diego Air and Space Museum. We spoke about our use of the photo sharing website flickr to introduce a wider audience to our respective collections. The image below is among the images that can be found on MOPA's flickr photostream. It's part of a panoramic photograph of San Francisco bay that was taken by Carleton Watkins in approximately 1880.