text:
"I honestly don't understand why you dislike me so...
You're My Life Saver
- by Audrey Brooks
- Rating:
- Published: 1 Jan 2014
- Updated: 1 Jul 2014
- Status: In Progress
I kept my hands over my face for quite some time. Until I heard some heavy coughing from in front of me. I slowly uncovered my eyes to see that Louis had woken up. He dizzily sat up and looked at me straight in the eyes and said... "You're my life saver..."
Join MovellasFind out what all the buzz is about. Join now to start sharing your creativity and passion
Loading ...


text:
March 2006
Why are flowering plants, or angiosperms, important in the evolution of our planet?
By studying floral genetics, we may be able
to understand the origin of the flower.
Photograph: Oksana Hlodan.
Soltis: Currently the angiosperms are by far the largest group of plants and the most important from an ecological standpoint. They inhabit all sorts of environments. They make up the majority of a lot of different habitats, such as grasslands (all the grasses are flowering plants), most forests except for the boreal forests, and most terrestrial habitats on the face of the planet. They provide food sources and shelters for the organisms that live in these habitats. On a more personal note to humans, they provide us with most of our food and, in certain areas, a lot of our shelter materials.
Your research is based on the idea that most plants as well as some other species have originated more than once. How did you arrive at this idea?
Soltis: There is one mechanism of speciation that is very prominent in flowering plants, and that is called polyploidy. [Polyploid cells or organisms have one or more extra sets of chromosomes.] Polyploidy is beginning to be recognized as an important evolutionary process in groups of organisms other than plants. In fact, even vertebrates are now thought by most people to be ancient polyploids. So a process that occurs in a lot of different groups of organisms has been sort of perfected in the flowering plants, or at least it's very common.
The way that we have determined that a lot of flowering plant species are of multiple origin is through molecular techniques. For example, a polyploid species is one that has undergone a genome duplication event. Typically these polyploid species have arisen through hybridization between two species, which means there would be two parental species that would have given rise to a single polyploid derivative species. That polyploid derivative species would have the combined genetic markers of both of its parents. Through molecular studies we have been able to determine that different populations of the same polyploid species have different genetic markers that correspond to the parental species in a particular area. This allows us to infer that the polyploid species has arisen multiple times in different locations from genetically different parental species. If we extrapolate what we have seen on a local scale, for example, in an area of the Pacific Northwest where we have done a lot of research, it may be that half or more of all flowering plant species that have originated by this mechanism may also be of multiple origins. This tells us that there may in fact be a lot more genetic diversity in polyploid species than some of our botanical predecessors thought. For a while it was perhaps considered an evolutionary dead end. We now know that there are ways to get a lot of genetic diversity into a polyploid species.
You and your husband Douglas are principal investigators of the Floral Genome Project. What are you hoping to achieve through that project?
Soltis: This is a really fun project that is a large collaboration with other researchers at the University of Florida and with folks at Cornell and Penn State Universities. We also have a number of collaborators in Europe. We are hoping to understand the genetic architecture of the flower. What I mean by that is what are the most important sets of genes that control the formation of the flower? This is a fundamental feature of all the angiosperms, the flowering plants. By studying the floral genetics of the most ancient flowering plant lineages, we may be able to understand the origin of the flower. This has been an extremely important and interesting question for a long period of time.
Deep Time is another one of your team projects. What is the purpose of this project?
Soltis: The Deep Time Project is what the National Science Foundation calls a research coordination network. It is designed to bring people from different fields together, in our case, for example, paleobotanists and angiosperm systematists, to discuss areas of overlap and differences and to develop new ways of looking at how flowering plants may have evolved. For too long paleobotanists have generally gone in their own direction, kind of ignoring what is being done in molecular systematics, and molecular systematists and morphologists have tended, for the most part, to ignore a lot of paleobotany. With the phylogenetic trees or the reconstructions of evolutionary history that have been undertaken over the last decade or so it seems like a good time to try and bring the fossil record into all of that. Along with David Dilcher and my husband, who are also at the University of Florida, and Patrick Herendeen at George Washington University, we developed this network of paleobotanists, phylogenetecists, and morphologists. We meet once or twice a year, sponsor symposia, hold workshops, and offer training opportunities for graduate students and undergraduates, all with the idea of developing new ways of coordinating research and activities. Lots of collaborations, symposia, and papers have resulted from just getting people together. It is a great idea.
How is it that without angiosperms we would not have cotton or aspirin?
Soltis: Cotton is a fiber that is derived from the seeds of the cotton plant. There are a number of species in the cotton genus that produce fibers that are then used to make our cotton fabric. Plants of the cotton genus are flowering plants, in the rosid group. There would be no such thing as a T-shirt or cotton swab without flowering plants.
The same thing is true of aspirin. Aspirin is a chemical compound found in willows, a flowering plant. It is made synthetically, but it was originally identified through analysis of willows. There are so many compounds and so many products derived from the 250,000 to 300,000 species of flowering plants that we would just be without if they didn't exist.
Why is such knowledge of evolutionary relationships vital to modern research?
Soltis: There are many ways that understanding the evolutionary history of groups of plants can help us. Many of our medicines and other chemical substances have been identified by looking at relatives of plants. A wonderful example, and this isn't from the flowering plants but from the gymnosperms, is Taxol (paclitaxel), a natural derivative that holds promise in the treatment of cancer. Taxol was identified from the bark of the Pacific yew. People started looking for other sources of Taxol because it was not feasible to get sufficient Taxol from the Pacific yew. They looked to the closest relatives of the species. Understanding something about evolutionary history can certainly help us in bioprospecting for medicines or any other sorts of important compounds.
Another important use of evolutionary information in an applied sense is in agriculture. Wild relatives of our crop plants, or any of our domesticated animals, are the best sources of improvement for those organisms. If we want to improve a crop and improve its disease resistance, we go first of all to the wild relatives. If we didn't know how the species are related, it would be very difficult to know where to begin. Agricultural biologists have been studying this aspect of plants for a long time.
How has human activity disrupted plant diversity today?
Soltis: What humans are doing to the environment is causing a lot of problems. Habitat destruction, just to name one right off the bat, has accounted for a lot of extinctions. I live in Florida where there is so much development it really threatens a lot of the state's natural biodiversity. Florida is one of the top 10 or 20 areas for biodiversity on the globe, particularly from the panhandle down into the rest of the peninsula. There are so many species that are either recently extinct or are declining now as a result of changes in land use.
Members of our lab study a number of species from a conservation genetics perspective. A number of these studies occur in the Lake Wales Ridge in central Florida. This is an area that was originally a kind of scrub habitat that was then used for orange orchards and has more recently been converted to golf courses and retirement communities. As a result, one plant species that occurs nowhere else in the world other than Lake Wales Ridge has now been reduced to about five populations. This species is unisexual so plants can't persist if there is only one sex in the population. We have been working with ecologists to try and develop a method for remedying that problem.
On a larger scale I think this same sort of thing happens repeatedly. There are lots of species on a global scale that are very restricted in their distributions so that they only occur in one limited location. There are other sorts of larger scale threats, for example, in the tropics. Destruction of large tropical regions has a huge impact on the biology of the organisms that live there. There is a fairly large body of research now on the genetics of tropical trees, and this research suggests that the populations become so fragmented that gene flows are cut off in what used to be a contiguous population. Members of the population become isolated, and isolated members can't reproduce any longer.
Also, plants serve as habitat for a host of other organisms, like this one example from central Florida that I mentioned. Anytime you lose a species there is a potential effect on the rest of the ecosystem. Our knowledge of how the ecosystems used to be is so rudimentary at this point that we don't necessarily know what the exact effects of any particular species loss would be. But there are predictions that we could make about ultimate effects, and depending on the type of species that is lost from the ecosystem, that effect could be very large.
© 2006, American Institute of Biological Sciences. Educators have permission to reprint articles for classroom use; other users, please contact email@example.com for reprint permission. See reprint policy.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Beef & Bean Chile Verde
Chile Verde, usually a slow-cooked stew of pork, jalapeños and tomatillos, becomes an easy weeknight meal with quick-cooking ground beef and store-bought green salsa. Make it a Meal: Serve with fresh cilantro, red onion and Monterey Jack. Add cornbread on the side and your favorite hot sauce. Download a Free Low-Calorie Dinner Recipe Cookbook!


text:
Item #:
MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane), a naturally occurring sulphur found in every cell... see more
MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane), a naturally occurring sulphur found in every cell
NEW and IMPROVED!
Camouflage the age of your skin with our incredible NEW Anti-Ageing Cream. Formulated with collagen, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and zinc to help your skin look and feel younger, this exceptional product also contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, a unique anti-wrinkle peptide that has been scientifically proven to help reduce the development of wrinkles.
MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane), a naturally occurring sulphur found in every cell in the human body, and is indispensable to good health. It is necessary for collagen synthesis and, as an important building block in the structure of cartilage, plays a key role in maintaining healthy joints. As well as alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, MSM may also help regulate immune function, reduce lung dysfunction and minimise reactions to pollen allergens. Free from Gluten, Lactose, Dairy, Soya and Nuts.
Serving Amounts
For best results take one capsule daily with food. 120 tablets (1 tablet daily).
MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane)
Side effects with MSM are rare but may include stomach upset, headache and diarrhoea. One study suggested MSM was safe for up to 12 weeks.
"Asthma - Great Stuff" - Mark
23 Nov 2012
I love the fact that I can take something this natural that helps. Ive had asthma all my life and theres no doubt that taking x2 of these MSM tablets a day helps stabilise my breathing!
"Excellent for allergies and IBS" - Caroline
23 Jun 2012
I find MSM very beneficial for seasonal allergies and for allieviating the symptoms of irritable bowel. Sometimes I'm lulled into a false sense of security and stop taking it and the symptoms come back. The proof of the pudding, as they say...!
"Far fewer joint problems" - Nigel
27 Apr 2012
After several years of suffering from inflamed joints, I was eventually diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis 20 years ago. Having taken increasingly strong anti inflammatories, I had to renew a repeat prescription of Diclofenac every 3 to 4 months. Since taking collagen, I have had far fewer joint problems and my prescription was last renewed in September 2010. I have also been able to participate in controlled exercise without adverse effects.
Collagen Revitalise Capsules
Collagen Revitalise Powder 240g
Collagen Revitalise Powder 500g
Collagen Revitalise Skin
XENCA is the trading name of Share in the Success Ltd, Company No: 7877806. Registered Address: Mentor House, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, BB1 6AY Country of Origin: United Kingdom | The Code Guy
You now have items in your basket, totalling
The commisionable value of your order is
continue shopping
go to your basket
Collagen Revitalise Capsules
Collagen Revitalise Powder 240g
Collagen Revitalise Powder 500g
Collagen Revitalise Skin


text:
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — Purple ribbons drawing attention to domestic violence draped trees outside St. John the Evangelist Church on Thursday while hundreds of people inside attended the funeral of a college freshman who authorities say was beaten to death by her boyfriend.
Relatives of 18-year-old Alexandra Kogut of New Hartford said the community support, which has been evident in vigils, signs and an outpouring of purple, has sustained them.
"Every purple blouse, ribbon, Facebook post, balloon and even the tiniest purple painted fingernail reminds us of our dear Alex," read a funeral program note signed by the Kogut family.
Kogut's body was found early Saturday in her dorm room at the State University of New York College at Brockport, near Rochester, after her mother grew concerned and called campus police because she couldn't reach her.
Clayton Whittemore, 21, also of New Hartford, was arrested about an hour later at a Thruway rest stop 100 miles away. He pleaded not guilty to murder during an initial appearance in Sweden Town Court and was ordered held without bail.
Whittemore has yet to be arraigned on charges contained in a grand jury indictment returned Wednesday. Details of the indictment have not been made public.
Members of the New Hartford High School swim team, which Kogut captained before graduating in June, wiped tears away as they entered the church behind the casket.
The Rev. Paul Drobin said that if Kogut were there, she would tell those gathered, "Care for each other, love one another as I have loved you."
A photograph of Kogut's face was displayed in front of the church as her godparents, Victor Gerace and Kelly Kogut, wept and spoke on behalf of her parents, The Utica Observer-Dispatch reported.
"We are comforted by knowing Alex was at a very good time in her life — so happy and optimistic — because some people never achieve the happiness she had," Gerace read from their statement.
"Our message to you today is please don't let anger cloud your memories of Alex," Kelly Kogut read. "It's very important to us that you do not harbor any hatred. Our hope is that you will celebrate her love and her life, rather than remember the few tragic moments that took her from us."
Kogut was one month into her first year at college, majoring in communications, when authorities say she was killed during a visit by Whittemore, an accounting student at Utica College. Whittemore told state troopers he intentionally killed Kogut, according to a criminal complaint. No motive was given.


text:
SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY (MEERUT) Admit Card 2015-2016
About SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY Admit card: Shobhit University was established at Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India by NICE Society (established 1989) in November 2006 as Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology.
SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY Admit card Details: Shobhit University (SU) Admission 2015-16 for various Undergraduate & Postgraduate courses kind of B.Tech, BA, B.Pharma, M.Tech, M.Phil, MBA, MA, M.Pharma course commencing in the session 2014. Shobhit University Admit Card / Hall Ticket & Exam Date download from the official website. www.shobhituniversity.ac.in. Read more at recruitment2013info.blogspot.in for recruitment information in India.
When you are preparing for the upcoming examination for SHODHIT UNIVERSITY recruitment 2012, the most vital document for you to get entry into the examination hall is your SHODHIT UNIVERSITY admit card. While this small piece of document related to SHODHIT UNIVERSITY recruitment allow you the entry into the examination hall, it can be termed as the gist of your candidature for the SHODHIT UNIVERSITY recruitment examination.
Important Dates You must know for obtaining your Admit card:
Exam Date for SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY Exam: Eligible candidate can apply online by visit at the official website.
Starting Date for issue of Admit Card: Eligible candidate can apply online by visit at the official website.
Download link for Admit Card: shobhituniversity.ac.in.
Candidates may download Shobhit University Distant Education Admit Card/ Hall Ticket for the current session using the following url-
Contact Us:
University Campus:
Shobhit University
NH-58, Modipuram, Meerut - 250 110
Phone: +91-121- 2575091 / 92, 3264004
Fax: +91-121- 2575724
Email: email@example.com
What you must look in your Admit Card for SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY examination:
Here are a few things that are essential to be looked at while you receive your Admit Card, whether it is through Online mode or through Offline mode:
A. Correct spelling of your name as you have provided during the registration for SHODHIT UNIVERSITY
B. Correct spelling of your parents name/ guardian's name
C. Correct Enrolment Number (match with your registration number data)
D. Venue of the examination (match with your preference as filled during registration)
E. Date and time of examination
F. Your photograph (whether it is a pre-printed one or a pasted one)
G. Your signature (Match it with your original signature as you might have to sign on documents during examination)
You can get timely notification and updates through us, here, at this portal. Keep watching us for further updates and announcements related to SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY!
All information Published here related to SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY admit card are collected from reliable resources. Kindly visit SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY official website as we do not take any ownership of the information provided and candidates are advised to cross-check and verify the facts through official portal of SHOBHIT UNIVERSITY for authenticity of the data.
More Jobs For You


text:
DHS makes a mockery of Freedom of Information Act
Steve Watson
Aug 18, 2011
In response to a Freedom of Information Act Lawsuit, the Department of Homeland security, headed by 'Big Sis' Janet Napolitano, has released just a handful of pages of documents pertaining to the use of mobile naked body scanners, half of which are completely redacted.
The documents were obtained by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) as part of it's lawsuit to uncover details of a secretive program to install radiation firing naked body scanners in all manner of public places, beyond the nation's airports, in surface transit and even street-roving vans.
The DHS wrote EPIC on August 8, stating "After further reviews we have determined that some documents that were originally withheld in full will be partially released to you."
The new documents reveal nothing new at all, however, with entire pages having been blacked out by the agency.
The DHS invokes several FOIA exemption clauses, ironically including one that cites "invasion of personal privacy".
"The privacy interests of the individuals in the records you have requested outweigh any minimal public interest in disclosure of the information." the DHS writes.
"As a result of the agency's failure to comply with the Freedom of Information Act, EPIC has filed suit to force disclosure of the records." the watchdog responded yesterday.
EPIC's suit asks a federal court to order disclosure of nearly 1,000 pages of additional records detailing the controversial program – records the agency has repeatedly refused to make public, despite freedom of information requests and appeals over the last ten months.
The lawsuit points to an agency under the DHS umbrella, the Science and Technology Directorate, which previously released only 15 full pages of documents on the mobile scanners, whilst heavily redacting another 158 pages and withholding 983 pages of documents.
In February, EPIC discovered (PDF) that the DHS had paid contractors "millions of dollars on mobile body scanner technology that could be used at railways, stadiums, and elsewhere" on crowds of moving people.
According to the documents obtained by EPIC, the Transport Security Agency plans to expand the use of these systems to peer under clothes and inside bags away from airports.
The documents include a "Surface Transportation Security Priority Assessment" [PDF] which revealed details of conducting risk assessments and possible implementation of body scanners in "Mass transit, commuter and long-distance passenger rail, freight rail, commercial vehicles (including intercity buses), and pipelines, and related infrastructure (including roads and highways), that are within the territory of the United States."
The DHS maintains that it has discontinued the program, but has yet to provide the proof.
EPIC also notes that the DHS has actively deployed "mobile body scanner technology in vans that are able to scan other vehicles while driving down public roadways."
"These vans, known as 'Z Backscatter Vans,' are capable of seeing through vehicles and clothing and routinely store the images that they generate." EPIC's lawsuit notes.
As we reported last year, while the focus remained on the TSA's use of naked body scanners at airports, the feds had already purchased hundreds of x-ray scanners mounted in vans that were being used to randomly scan vehicles, passengers and homes in complete violation of the 4th amendment and with wanton disregard for any health consequences.
WSBTV reported on once instance of the mobile scanners being used to check trucks for explosive devices at an internal checkpoint set up by Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, and the TSA. Officials admitted there was no specific threat that justified the checkpoint, and although it was labeled a "counter-terror operation," the scans were also being conducted in the name of "safety".
As several states continue attempts to fight back against TSA airport tyranny, many travelers are unaware of the fact that the TSA and Big Sis are now roaming neighborhoods and highways with the same invasive technology.
EPIC hopes to fully bring this information into the public domain and should be commended for doing so.
Steve Watson is the London based writer and editor for Alex Jones' Infowars.net, and Prisonplanet.com. He has a Masters Degree in International Relations from the School of Politics at The University of Nottingham in England.
This article was posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 9:49 am


text:
Over the past couple of years, oil production in Iraq's Shiite-majority southern region has been steadily rising because of production in the Rumaila, West Qurna Stage 1 and Zubayr supergiant oil fields that were auctioned off to foreign companies in 2009. Sitting on 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, more than 80 percent of which is concentrated in the south, Iraq has the potential to rival Saudi Arabia's production rate of roughly 10 million barrels per day (bpd) within the decade.
Iran is especially interested in the prospect of increased oil production in southern Iraq. Tehran has built a complex oil smuggling network that allows it to bring in significant revenues from southern Iraq's oil production. These funds enable Iran to maintain its influence in the region while preparing to defend itself against more stringent sanctions against its oil exports.
Southern Iraq's Oil Expansion Plans
Most of Iraq's oil lies in large and shallow oil fields very close to the coast on transit lines that do not cross population centers. This makes the oil relatively easy and inexpensive to extract and thus highly profitable. But years of sanctions, war and insurgency have dilapidated the country's energy infrastructure. According to oil-pricing agency Platts, Iraqi oil production rose to an average 2.653 million bpd in 2011, a 12 percent increase from 2010's average of 2.364 million bpd. Iraqi Oil Ministry data indicates that the country has a production capacity of around 2.9 million bpd, with ongoing efforts to meet a production target of 3.4 million bpd by year's end. The problem is that Iraq has not completed the critical upgrades to its export and storage infrastructure necessary to cope with a significant rise in production. Southern Iraq's oil production is thus largely limited to what it can export, which is roughly 1.89 million bpd.
To alleviate this bottleneck, Iraq is planning an ambitious project to expand the export capacity of Basra's oil terminals to about 4.8 million bpd by 2014. Four single-point mooring facilities, each expected to add another 850,000-900,000 bpd in export capacity, are to be completed by 2014. The project has encountered repeated delays: An inauguration ceremony for the first terminal scheduled for Jan. 25 has been postponed for a third time, though a member of Iraq's southern export expansion team told Reuters that the terminal would be ready to receive crude vessels in February after pipeline connections and testing were completed. The second terminal is scheduled to be ready within six months, the third by the end of 2012 and the fourth by the end of 2013.
Iran's Stake in Iraq's Oil
Though it is unlikely that Iraq will be able to meet all its production targets and project deadlines, there is no doubt that it has a chance to significantly elevate its energy status in a relatively short time. Because much of this energy activity is taking place in Iraq's mostly Shiite-populated south, in close proximity to the Persian Gulf, the country most focused on Iraq's energy prospects is Iran.
When the United States completed its military withdrawal from Iraq at the end of 2011, it left the door open for Iran to consolidate its influence in an energy-rich country at the heart of the Arab world. The influence of Iran, a predominantly Shiite state itself, is most entrenched in Iraq's Shiite-majority south. Though many Shiite Iraqi politicians are opposed, Iran's geopolitical ambition is to make southern Iraq an extension of itself, thereby allowing Iran to vastly, albeit indirectly, increase its share in the global energy market. With the U.S. sanctions campaign against Iran intensifying, this is an especially critical goal for Tehran.
Iran is well-positioned to reap the benefits of increased Iraqi oil production. According to Stratfor sources, roughly 10 percent of Basra's oil production is smuggled, most of which ends up in Iran for export. The market value of the oil that is stolen each day is roughly $20 million, providing a significant source of funds from which Iran can draw to protect itself against sanctions.
The Iraq-Iran Smuggling Route
The main smuggling route from Iraq to Iran begins at the Khor al-Zubayr oil terminal, where the bulk of Iraq's southern oil converges. Smugglers will drill holes in the pipeline at the oil terminal and load containers of oil into small boats. The boats are manufactured locally in Basra and typically carry between 70 and 120 barrels of crude. From there, the boats take the crude down the Khor al-Zubayr waterway out to the Persian Gulf, where it is loaded onto tankers bound for Iran.
Thefts also occur farther down the smuggling route near al-Faw Peninsula, where smugglers make holes in underground pipelines, using hydraulic perforation equipment to avoid fires. Much of the oil leaks into artificial lakes in the area, where tankers come and load it. From the al-Rasas island near al-Faw Peninsula, crude can travel by boat up the Bahmanshir River (a tributary of the Karun River) to the Abadan refinery in Iran for processing and export.
Oil smuggling along the river known as the Shatt al-Arab also occurs, though it is much less common due to the hazardous nature of the waterway and increased monitoring along the route. High-speed Iraqi boats are used to travel along the Shatt al-Arab to Iranian territorial waters to unload their cargo, but the route is costly due to the number of bribes that need to be paid along the way.
Rampant smuggling has long been a characteristic of Iraqi oil production, so it makes sense that current infrastructure and business practices in southern Iraq allow ample room for oil theft. Metering systems to gauge oil flow and detect disruptions are more prevalent in the Basra and Khor al-Zubayr ports but are largely absent along the rest of the oil transit route. Many of the meters are damaged and deliberately not repaired to facilitate smuggling. Moreover, Basra oil officials involved in the illicit oil trade are known to play a role in delaying repairs to holes in pipelines to give the smugglers more time to operate.
Iran's Oil Smuggling Network in Iraq
Iran has an extensive network of politicians, oil unions and cartels, and militias that it uses to reap the benefits of Iraq's southern oil production. The multiple players and complex ideologies that make up Iraq's Shiite landscape require Iran to devote a lot of time and resources to managing the various stakeholders in Iraq's southern oil industry. This variety also allows Iran to play the different sides off one another to preserve its control over the oil smuggling network.
Political Groups
Ideally, Iran would like to see southern Iraq evolve into a single, Shiite-dominated state within an Iraqi federation that would serve as an Iranian satellite. Theoretically, such a state would allow Iran to carve out a more defined sphere of influence among the Iraqi Shia to help manage important tasks such as distributing revenues from the oil smuggling network. Iran's desire for a distinct Shiite state in Iraq may explain why Iran's closest political ally, the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, has been the Iraqi parliament's strongest proponent for establishing a single Shiite region in the south. However, the majority of the Shiite groups in the south, such as the Dawa Party, the Sadrite movement and the al-Fadhila party, have opposed the idea. These groups work closely with the Iranians but are more nationalist and still see a need to preserve political autonomy from Iran.
Al-Fadhila is the most entrenched in Iraq's oil smuggling business. Basra residents are even known to refer to al-Fadhila, which means "virtue" in Arabic, as the "Islamic Oil Party." The party is firmly Iraqi nationalist and has been highly resistant to Baghdad's attempts to bring more foreign energy expertise to the south for fear of seeing its regional clout undermined, but its leader, Sheikh Mohammad Yaqubi, is friendly with Iran. Al-Fadhila has a significant presence in the Southern Oil Company of Iraq and maintains a strong relationship with the trade union of workers in the Basra oil industry. The party will typically pay Southern Oil Company employees who collaborate with it in oil theft around $5,000-$10,000 per 1,000-barrel shipment. Al-Fadhila is also the leader in southern Iraq when it comes to using oil revenues to buy the allegiance of local political groups, gangs and the Basra police force.
Iran plays a significant role in managing the various militias involved in oil smuggling in southern Iraq. In return for protecting Iran's energy interests and eliminating resistance to the Iranian-run oil smuggling networks, the militias get a significant cut of the profits. When one militia grows too powerful, Iran will typically find ways to dilute its strength by developing competing splinter groups and integrating militia members into the security apparatus and sometimes even the political process. Iran's strategy of managing Iraq is to alter the key Shiite leaders it deals with, which ensures that no one becomes strong enough to consider abandoning or turning against Iran. This dynamic is illustrated in Iran's handling of Iraqi nationalist Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mehdi Army, Asaib Ahl al Haq (which splintered from the Sadrites with Iranian backing) and the rise of the Hezbollah Brigades in the Iranian oil smuggling network.
Al-Sadr and his following have traditionally been vehemently nationalist and have taken care to distance themselves from Iran. When Qais al-Khazali, who studied under al-Sadr's father, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr, split from the group in 2004 to form his own faction, Iran developed a tight relationship with Khazali's group. Khazali eventually formed his own militia, Asaib al-Haq (League of the Righteous), with heavy Iranian financial and military assistance.
In 2007, al-Sadr fled to Iran in the face of threats from the U.S. military and his own Shiite rivals. Al-Sadr announced that he was deactivating the Mehdi Army in 2008 in exchange for entry into the Iraqi government. The Sadrites now hold 40 seats, a majority of the ruling Shiite coalition's seats in parliament, and control seven ministries, though al-Sadr remains under Iran's influence. Whereas at the beginning of the decade, the Sadrite movement enjoyed more autonomy in southern Iraqi affairs, the Promised Day Brigade, which evolved out of the Mehdi Army, now sits well within the Iranian sphere of influence.
While the clout of the Sadrites waned in the south and rose in the central government, Asaib Ahl al-Haq became the primary militia Iran would rely on to run its business in Basra. The militia has proved particularly effective in containing tribal resistance to Iran's operations in Basra, most of which came from Sheikh Kazim al-Unayzan, who leads the south clan council and whose following is said to exceed 3 million Shia. An illustration of Asaib Ahl al-Haq's utility to Iran was witnessed when tribal Sheikh Mohammad al-Bahadli, chief of the council of liberation and construction, formed his own militia called Asad Allah al Ghalib. This militia, according to a Stratfor source in the region, was quickly put down by Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Asaib Ahl al-Haq also has a reputation of liquidating Iran's rivals in the south, including clan leaders, officials at Basra and Umm Qasr ports, and employees of the Southern Oil Company of Iraq who refuse to cooperate in Iran's oil smuggling network.
In line with previous tactics, Iran appears ready again to diversify its militia assets and has played a key role in pressuring the Iraqi central government to welcome Khazali and Asaib Ahl al-Haq into the political process. In early January, the Iraqi government announced that Asaib Ahl al-Haq has not turned in its weapons but that it has agreed to lay them down and plans to participate in the next parliamentary elections under a new name.
With Asaib Ahl al-Haq entering the political arena, Iran has already prepped another key Shiite militant patron — the Hezbollah Brigades — to backfill Asaib Ahl al-Haq's role in protecting the oil smuggling business. The Hezbollah Brigades have not expressed any interest in entering the political process and have stressed the need to play a leading militant role in the south. Marginal groups that have an Islamist orientation and that have politically accommodated themselves to Iran in exchange for oil dividends include Harakat Sayyid al Shuada, Hizb Tha'r Allah al Islami, Shuhada al Mihrab, and the March 17 Party of Sheikh Abdullah al Ishmain.
Iran's Oil Syndicate
The main Iranian figure who manages the Basra oil syndicates is Gen. Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Suleimani plays a key role in buying patronage in Basra and the rest of the south using the revenues from stolen oil. Most of the money is deposited in branches of IRGC-owned banks in Iraq. Suleimani's network covers the tasks of arms smuggling, oil smuggling to Iran, the collection and dissemination of oil revenues, and the abduction (and sometimes assassination) of anti-Iranian figures in southern Iraq.
Tehran's Leverage over Baghdad
Iran's control over oil smuggling in Basra is institutionalized and well beyond the ability of the central government in Baghdad to control. Though Iran is in the process of consolidating Shiite influence in Iraq, it has no desire to see a strong central authority in Baghdad that could try to undermine its already well-entrenched leverage in the south. As a result, Iran has quietly but firmly resisted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's attempts to wield exclusive control over the government and his efforts to augment his military and political strength in the south. In fact, Iran's most effective way of ensuring its influence over the political authorities in Baghdad is by maintaining a strong grip over its oil smuggling operations in the south. Iran uses its energy clout in Iraq to ensure that Iraqi government authorities, including al-Maliki, get a hefty share of monthly revenues from the oil theft — amounting to millions of dollars — giving Baghdad less inclination to protest Iranian interference in Iraqi affairs.
Iran's significant and growing influence over Iraq's oil industry cuts to the heart of the U.S. challenge in trying to contain Iran in Iraq. When it comes to critical policy decisions on extending the U.S. troop presence in Iraq or in accepting major military assistance from the United States, Iran has ample financial might from the oil revenues it earns through smuggling to influence the minds of Iraqi decision-makers. Likewise, U.S.-led efforts to tighten sanctions and cut into Iran's bottom line fail to take into account the millions of dollars Iran is able to bring in daily through its shadowy channels throughout Basra.


text:
Champions League: David Moyes expects Manchester United to return to elite soon
David Moyes believes Manchester United's Champions League absence will be brief and will not harm their transfer plans.
Last Updated: 10/04/14 5:26pm
United bowed out of Europe on Wednesday evening, going down 3-1 to Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena, which gave the reigning European champions a 4-2 aggregate win.
The result means that, for the first time since 1995, United are highly unlikely to be present at Europe's top table next season.
After the defeat in Munich, Moyes told Sky Sports: "We have not got Champions League football, that's the way it looks, but I believe that it is not far away, and hopefully it will be one year away.
"We have got to rebuild and our focus is to get a team that can get back into this competition. It is a great competition - we have really enjoyed it - and there is no shame in going out to Bayern Munich."
Moyes was asked whether he believed his job might be in some doubt, after his failure to get into the Champions League.
"That is not a question for me, as my job is just to get on and do the job," he insisted.
"I have found everyone at the club very good, and my focus is to get a side that gets us back in the Champions League and that is the main objective."
Moyes insists that the club's hierarchy are backing him and plans to rebuild the side are already in motion. He insists not being in the Champions League will not hamper their pursuit of any of their top targets.
"The club have never had any problems, on anything we have talked about" added Moyes. "The club are looking to spend the right money on the right players that are available. It has nothing to do with Champions League football.
"Any players that we have sort of quietly discussed with, I think they are more than happy to join Manchester United.
"The ones who quietly, someone might have had a word in their ear, have all been keen to come as it is a short thing and not a long thing and they are all very keen to join such a great club."
Turning to the game, and Moyes felt his side were unlucky, having actually taken the lead in the Allianz Arena through Patrice Evra's 57th-minute strike.
But United could not defend their lead, as Mario Mandzukic levelled just seconds after the re-start, before Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben settled the tie.
"When you're a schoolboy, you get told to make sure that when you score, you don't concede straight away. We conceded too quickly," he admitted.
"It was always going to be a tough night and once we got the first goal, we had to give ourselves five or 10 minutes where we could stop them getting the ball but from the kick-off, they went up the pitch and scored.
"I don't know whether it was a bit of concentration, thrilled we got the goal but we have got enough experience on the pitch where we should have done it - but they didn't do an awful lot wrong tonight, I thought the players played ever so well, and I was pleased with the performance and just a couple of small errors that cost us in the end.
"I never thought we were out of the game, I always thought we were in with a chance and at 2-1, we needed just to get that goal to get back to 2-2, but that third goal killed us. That didn't go for us, and I thought that was a bit of bad luck.
"They are a really good side and they showed it, but I thought we did what we had to do tonight - I thought we came here and made it difficult for them. Tactically we tried to stifle them as much as possible but if you lose a goal just after we score, it makes things really difficult."


text:
Looking for a Furniture Removals Company in Boston? Finding a reputable moving company that values your belongings as much as you do is hard to find. The South African Furniture Removals Alliance now offers you and easy way of finding a reputable Furniture Removals Company in Boston!
The furnitureremovals.biz website features a wealth of information to help you find the best and effective Furniture Removals Company in Boston. Let us take the stress out of finding the best Furniture Removal Quote for you by letting us do all the hard work. Follow the easy instructions below and we will provide you with furniture removal quotes by professional Furniture Removal Companies in South Africa.
Complete the easy Furniture Removals Quote Request form above and we will provide you with up to four competitive Furniture Removal Quotes for your upcoming move in or out of Boston within 48 hours. This will allow you to focus on the more important things of your upcoming move / relocation.
The South African Furniture Removals Alliance (SAFRA) provides a free service to help you find the best relocation or furniture removals quote. Whether you are relocating offices or need a quote for a residential move, we will be able to provide you with competitive quotes. Our furniture removal companies specialize in local and long distance moves across the entire South Africa.
Either complete the form above and we will contact you and provide you with the most competitive furniture removal quotes or click here to contact us for a Free Furniture Removals Quote.
This service is brought to you by SAFRA.
Pro Moving Tips: Be sure to make use of a reputable furniture removal company to avoid lost or broken belongings! We have compiled a number of Furniture Removal Tips and Strategies to make your upcoming move as stress-free a possible. Learn more...


text:
Express Impacts,
magazine for sharing,
Lifestyle Blogging
The Express Impacts is a platform and magazine for sharing and discovering passionate things created by passionate and talented people! ARE YOU A CEO, STARTER, ENTREPRENEUR, FREELANCER, BLOGGER LOOKING FOR MEDIUM TO GET MORE EXPOSURE TO YOUR BUSINESS, WEBSITE OR BLOG? WE'VE GOT FEW FREE TOOLs TO HELP YOU GET MORE EXPOSURES.


text:
My Poll
Thanks for voting!
Here are the current poll results
ProQuip Pro-Flex Bucket Hatview other products
Not everyone will be able to pull off the look of wearing one of these, but this bucket hat is most effective at keeping the rain out so you stay dry and comfortable.
Features and benefits:
- Wide brim offers complete protection from rain for head and neckline
- Ultralite fabric designed for water to bead up and run off, preventing the product from becoming heavy and damp
- Innovative rear peak covers neckline and funnels water down and away from head and neck
- Soft outer fabric and lightweight construction means hat stays comfortable to wear the wetter it gets
- Adjustable chin strap draw-cord and toggle ensures hat stays on in wet and windy weather and is adjustable to all head sizes
- 2 sizes: S/M and L/XL


text:
Which is probably why we'll see Thurman as the defensive coordinator.
According to Francessa, he says everyone in the Jets organization knows that Pettine has been the unnamed source this year.
Which is probably why we'll see Thurman as the defensive coordinator.
Probably last year as well.
We need to blow the whole thing up.
What does it say about Rex that his right hand man sells him out. Rex has done nothing but promote Pettine.
I hope he enjoyed coaching HS football for $45K a year
Plus, by that logic, what Mangini did to Belichick was worse so Belichick should have been fired... That **** is going to happen in life.
If it's true because Francesa is not the most trustworthy person.
I've heard he's quite the cocky SOB so wouldn't be surprised. He hit on one of my best friend's exes awhile back drunk out of his mind basically with the line - don't you know who I am??
Same concept as those guys under Belichick have accepted jobs elsewhere but he pretty much removes all access they have to the Pats while they are still there.
What a ****ing joke. Clean ****ing house. He should be fired today for leaking info and sabotaging his own team
Francesa's like the godfather at WFAN, say something about him or disagree with him and you'll find yourself out of a job. No reason for Schwartz to stick his neck out.
I have doubts about this one. Didn't be just refuse an extension? Why offer is "everyone knew he was the unnamed source?"
if so, he gots to go. Pettine is just pissed Rex doesn't let him have total control of the D. Pettine is just a D Coordinator in name.
There is actually a HUGE silver lining here.
Rex's biggest fault is his blind loyalty to players and coaches and his lack of a "businesslike attitude" when it comes to hiring/firing/benching, maybe a big stab in the back will harden rex into the coach he should be.
Rex is pretty old for a person to still not "get it" that there are VERY few people in life you can trust and count on....but everyone learns it at some point, so I honestly hope it comes out that it was Pettine, a guy who was literally nothing before rex brought him with him, who cared more about himself then the team, and took every opportunity to break down what Rex was trying to build.
Might be exactly what Rex needs to tighten things up and start acting like a real Boss rather then everyones friend.


text:
Kicking off 2011 with two topflight Ford-powered street rods from the Grand National Roadster Show
Ford Racing is back at it for 2011 sponsoring another year of Street Rodder's Best Ford in a Ford presented by Ford Racing program. Car owners selected at a series of events from around the country will receive a custom jacket honoring their efforts of keeping their Ford all Ford.
The first stop this year was the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, and the first two recipients are Rodney Harris of Leighton, Alabama, and Jeff Chandler of Rancho Santa Fe, California. Harris with his '32 Ford three-window powered by a 426-inch small-block Ford and Chandler with his '34 Ford Cabriolet powered by a 327-inch Windsor small-block.
Harris' full-fendered Deuce three-window sports a 351-inch Ford that is stroked to 426 cubes and is fed by a pair of four-barrel carbs, yielding 550 hp. Getting the Walker radiator cooled power to the polished Winters 9-inch rearend is a Tremec six-speed.
The Johnson's Hot Rod Shop-built Brookville Roadsters coupe sheetmetal is covered in a PPG British Racing Green paint with Team III Wheels measuring 5×15 in front and 11×16 in back with BFGoodrich rubber at the corners.
Inside a very cool-looking '34 Plymouth instrument cluster massaged by Classic Instruments rests in a burl wood painted '32 dash also fitted with a LimeWorks column and banjo wheel. The stitching came from the shop of Paul Atkins.
The '34 Ford Cabriolet was built by Steve's Auto Restoration and is based on original sheetmetal, Rootlieb hood, and a Bob Drake grille. The sheetmetal is painted in Glazurit Bentley Green. The lighting and bumpers are stock with the rear bumper being '34 pickup.
The power comes from a Roush reworked Ford Windsor small-block sporting 327 ci and featuring an Autotrend electronic fuel injection. The 350hp and 390 lb-ft small-block features an Edelbrock intake, air cleaner, and valve covers, Sanderson headers, and MSD ignition. The Ford V-8 is backed by a 4R70W overdrive transmission.
The suspension is full independent from the shop of Kugel Komponents with coilover shocks and Wilwood braking. Other distinctive features are the Wheelsmith wires wrapped with Continental Conti Pro rubber measuring 195R55/16 in front and 235R65/17 in back.
The stock-appearing gauges were reworked by Classic Instruments while the steering column is a LimeWorks topped with a stock wheel. The green leather was placed over the Glide bench seat by Paul Reichlin.
Well, there you have it; our first two recipients of the Best Ford in a Ford for 2011. See you this summer.


text:
In the past week, both CNN's Peter Valdes-Dapena and CNBC's Phil LeBeau recreated New York Times reporter John Broder's fateful drive up the eastern seaboard in Tesla's Model S.
The latter journey resulted in an epic war-of-words between the paper of record and Tesla's voluble CEO, Elon Musk.
Valdes-Dapena and LeBeau, meanwhile, made it to their destinations mostly without incident, and came away impressed with the Model S's performance.
"Even if you're not driving from Washington to Boston, it's an impressive car, all on its own," Valdes-Dapena wrote.
But he and LeBeau both mention the exact same element about the Tesla experience — the same one that lies at the heart of Broder's complaint about the car: charge anxiety.
Valdes-Dapena: "I made it to Boston, though not without some anxiety that I would run out of juice."
LeBeau: "So knowing I had enough energy, why did I have a little range anxiety? As I watched the battery life count down there was a little voice in the back of my head saying, "Are you absolutely sure you aren't going to get lost going to the Tesla store outside Boston?" Of course, I knew we wouldn't if we followed the navigation, and ultimately we did have enough power.
This is exactly why our Henry Blodget called electric cars "dead on arrival":
...they're not that useful for one of the key uses that most would-be car-owners would want to use them for -- the ability to comfortably, conveniently, and reliably transport oneself from city to city without living in fear that the battery will die and leave car and driver stranded.
Get the latest Tesla stock price here.


text:
When was the last time you were in an authentic, premier Oyster Bar? Spoto's serves fresh-shucked, cold water, Blue Point Oysters, steamed Littleneck Clams from the cold, pristine waters off Cape Cod, and a signature recipe Oyster Stew!
Spoto's Oyster Bar also features fresh Yellowtail Snapper with caramelized sweet onions, Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Bouillabaisse, and "New Orleans" style Crabcakes.
Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, visit Spoto's Oyster Bar & Lounge in Palm Beach… we look forward to providing you with an outstanding experience.
We are serving "good for the soul" food.Visit Us Today


text:
The man suspected of opening fire on a Milwaukee-area Sikh temple had "just broken up with his girlfriend," the mother of the suspect's landlord told Greendale Patch.
"He's a renter," the unnamed woman told Patch. "He's new actually. He rented a room with my son."
"He lived with my son for three weeks, then the house across the street became empty, and he moved there," the woman said, according to Patch.
The woman said her son was being questioned by police. She said she didn't know much about the shooting suspect, and could not ask her son since he was with the police.
"He was quiet. He worked second shift," she told Patch about the shooting suspect, adding that she knew the suspect had broken up with his girlfriend because "he mentioned that to my son. Then he wanted to move on his own. So he moved to the duplex across the street."


text:
The Little Engine that Could is still chugging -- and it's about to run into a big, Blue Devil-sized hill.
Fifth seed Butler and No. 1 Duke will square off in the NCAA men's basketball national championship game Monday, where the North Carolina team will try to win its first championship in nine years and the Butler Bulldogs will try for their first in the team's history.
Butler opened Saturday night play by taking down Michigan State, beating another top-notch squad after besting No. 1 seed Syracuse and No. 2 seed Kansas State, both favorites to advance to the Final Four, earlier in the tournament.
The tiny Indiana university's superstar Gordon Hayward dumped in 19 points in the win for the school with an enrollment of 4,200 whose Cinderella story has become a modern-day "Hoosiers" story of winning big against even bigger odds.
The final score in the "Hoosiers" flick? 42-40. The actual Milan final score: 32-30. And Butler's take-down of the Spartans -- 52-50.
Butler channeled the win-at-all-costs spirit of the "Hoosiers" players, shutting down two of MSU's biggest offensive weapons, Durrell Summers and Korie Lucious and forcing the Spartans into 16 turnovers.
The Bulldogs also held MSU to zero fast break points and outrebounded them 11-8 on the offensive glass.
In the championship game, Butler will meet the tournament's lone successful 1 seed, the Duke Blue Devils, who crushed No. 2 West Virginia to win their half of the bracket Saturday night.
The Blue Devils shot the lights out from beyond the arc, as guards Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler combined for 44 points in the lopsided 78-57 victory over the Mountaineers.
Duke center and 7-footer Brian Zoubek was trouble for the Mountaineers from the game's start, as WVU had no match for his size in the paint and allowed Zoubek 10 rebounds.
WVU star Da'Sean Butler finished with only 10 points -- 7 below his average -- in the Mountaineers' loss, which saw him exit the game with nine minutes left in the second half after suffering an injury to his left knee.
The Duke-Butler matchup, played in Butler's hometown of Indianapolis, will air Monday night on CBS.


text:
Our first stop was Casa Soberanes – a small site at the busy corner of Pacific and Del Monte. The garden and adobe house are set above the surrounding sidewalks and across the front and one side of the property there is a stonewall varying in height from 30" to 5' high. The stone is "chalk rock" which is light in color – white and buffy. There are square, stone pillars at the corners and entry gates. The gate is wood, made of heavy timbers with ornamental iron hinges and it is painted a vibrant blue, in contrast to the pale stone.
The garden has a simple, axial layout with a single central path about 4' wide. The path leads straight to the center of the house, which is set perpendicular to the path. The path starts as brick with some tile inlays and then changes to stone. I wonder if the brick is original or was added when the brick sidewalk was installed. As you walk up towards the house the garden is terraced at either side stepping up the grade.
All this sounds rather ordinary, but this garden is hardly that. It is filled with a delightful assortment of things to discover. Garden beds are lined with an eclectic combination of collected objects – bricks set on edge, large rounded cobbles also set on edge, irregularly-shaped stones, abalone shells – set on edge, and bottles and jars that have been partially buried leaving the bottoms sitting about 4 inches above grade. They look like beer bottles and are mostly brown and green.
There is an equally eclectic combination of plants – old boxwood hedges line some of the paths while lavender, rosemary, daylilies, hebe, geranium, gazania, roses and many other species fill the beds. Ezequiel Soberanes owned the home and his son was a gardener at the Carmel Mission. It seems likely that Ezequiel brought home cuttings from work and grew them at home. What appears to be the oldest plant in this fanciful garden is an old craggy pepper tree (Schinus molle). Pepper trees are not known for being long-lived but this one has a three-foot diameter, hollowed out trunk that looks quite ancient.
All of this would have been plenty to satisfy us so we were delighted to discover another garden space at the back of the house. The back garden is about 40' x 40' with trees and shrubs planted around the perimeter and compacted earth in the center of the space. Within that there are five circular planting beds each lined with either stones, cobbles, or bottles similar to those in the front garden. Even though we were close to the street the walled garden was quiet and felt protected.
Both gardens had wooden benches, a few garden ornaments and did I mention the twelve-foot long whalebone used to edge the bed beneath the pepper tree?


text:
MindManager 9 is a powerful tool for producing mind maps, charts that can help you brainstorm, organise and visually communicate your ideas.
Unfamiliar with mind maps? MindManager 9 comes with plenty of templates to help you get started. They cover all kinds of topics, from planning projects and events, to finding a job, creating a to-do list, designing a timeline or defining a marketing strategy, and they're all just a couple of clicks away.
It's then easy to extend your mind map with new topics, attachments, or links to other documents. These might be other mind maps, web pages or email addresses, for instance.
And strong integration with Microsoft applications allows you to include dynamically linked Outlook topics. You can also send information to your map from Microsoft Project or Word, and it's possible to create topics that are dynamically linked to data from Excel, web services, or even SharePoint sites (with the right add-on).
You might then dress up your map with graphics or icons, perhaps using a particular map style to define how it will look.
And once it's finished, you can share your map in many different ways. The chart may be distributed in its native format; shared online; displayed as a presentation; printed in various formats; or exported as a web page, image, PDF file, Word document, PowerPoint slide, Microsoft Project file, and more.
It's not cheap, but MindManager 9 is packed with features, and the integration with Microsoft Office could be particularly useful


text:
Most Business Class HSI offers include powerful business tools like Web Site builder, Vanity Domain, or Microsoft Exchange® E-mail.More
Increase your office productivity with powerful Microsoft collaboration tools.More
Secure, easy to manage and dependable website hosting and design from savvisdirect.
Free 1 year domain name registration.
Secure and reliable servers and storage solutions to meet your growing IT needs.
Enterprise-grade online security— at a price that works for your business.More
Keep up with the latest business trends, economy reports and stock market news.more
Get reviews and ratings for the latest tech products and gadgets.more
Watch business and tech videos from the Financial Times.more
Log in to create a list of bookmarks for your favorite websites.
High-Speed Internet Help: Please call (877.365.0045)
Custom Website: Please call (1-866-751-6575)
Search Engine Marketing: Please call (1-866-751-6576)
Online Video: Please call (1-866-751-6579)


text:
Hi Friends!
While I am busy decorating my home, I thought I would share some past Christmas posts. I hope you enjoy!
While I am busy decorating my home, I thought I would share some past Christmas posts. I hope you enjoy!
As many of you already know, through our business, DTL Herbs, we have a working partnership with a local high school. This high school has an amazing agricultural program. We teach, mentor and assist in this program. The other day Troy was meeting with other staff at the high school early in the morning. So early in fact, that I was just waking up when he had returned home
As I went into the kitchen to start coffee, out of the corner of my eye I saw this large blur of red. I looked over at the dining table and this is what I saw!
Yup, a whole lot of poinsettias! The high school grows them and sells them to earn money. Well, once the holiday vacation started and the kids weren't in school, one of the things that needed to be done was get the greenhouse ready for their return. All the poinsettias were headed to the compost pile. Troy snagged a few for me.
You do a tablescape!
And I had the perfect dishes to go with these beauties!
These dishes are so color drenched. They just pop!
So pretty and vibrant!
I have all kinds of fun poinsettia table items. I have a set of four of these gold and silver leaf poinsettia napkin rings.
In the bag I store the poinsettia napkin rings, I also have a set of these gold and silver holly napkin rings. I thought they would look pretty just sitting on top of the vintage milk glass water goblets.
I also have a set of five of these pillar poinsettia candle holders. They are a matching set with the poinsettia napkin rings.
This table is so lush with vivid reds and whites. I think it is one of Troy's favorite tablescapes so far.
I used my vintage hobnail milk glass pitcher and stemware for the table. I thought the bright white was perfect.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you that everything (except silverware) was thrifted. Poinsettia were free and the candles were after Christmas sale at Walmart for .24 cents each. Everything else came from thrift stores, flea markets and/or yard sales
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed your visit here at TTG. And have a wonderful day!


text:
Online UK Building Maintenance Software usually consists of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) that enables easy tracking and management of company assets to increase ROI and decrease general costs of operations when performing maintenance tasks for the building or sites a company operates in. The UK Building Maintenance Software here is offered under the SaaS (Software as a Service) model, meaning that the software is web based, hosted on the Cloud and can be accessed when needed through a client or web browser. If you're looking for online software similar to UK Building Maintenance Software, consider our Business Management or Business Process Management Software categories.
No results found.
This page was last updated 18 August 2018 03:54


text:
Heat and Harvest: Impact of Climate Change On California
Heat and Harvest: Impact of Climate Change On California Previous Broadcasts
September 28, 2012 (Episode null)
KQED World: Sun, Sep 1, 2013 -- 11:00 AM
From the vast fields of fruits and nuts in the Central Valley to the waterways of the Sacramento Delta - and many growing centers in between - climate change is beginning to take its toll on California agriculture. According to a recent report commissioned by the state EPA and Energy Commission, yields in key crops are expected to drop significantly over the coming decades as climate change alters key growing conditions.
The list of crops most directly affected under business as usual conditions, assuming a 2 degree warming by 2050, reads like a walk through a supermarket produce section: yields of citrus crops in the San Joaquin Valley are expected to drop about 18% by 2050; grapes about 6%; cherries and other orchard crops about 9%. But this is not just a look into the state's future. California's farms, often called the nation's breadbasket, are already feeling the effects of the trifecta of converging forces prompted by climate change: shorter cold seasons, longer seasons of extreme heat, and dwindling water supplies.
This multi-platform collaboration of the Center for Investigative Reporting and KQED's science and environment reporting teams examines how climate change is already playing out in one of California's largest industries. Three documentary reports are woven into one comprehensive program.
Repeat Broadcasts:
- KQED World: Sun, Sep 1, 2013 -- 6:00 PM
- KQED 9: Sun, Sep 1, 2013 -- 4:00 PM
- KQED World: Sun, Sep 1, 2013 -- 3:30 PM


text:
While visiting my awesome sister on her farm in Wisconsin, I made the quinoa patties from Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Everyday in an effort to both use up some farm fresh, delicious eggs and enjoy one of my favorite nutritional super stars- quinoa! We enjoyed them with minced onion and chives as the recipe called for, but I found myself out of both of these. I do, however, have a surplus of black beans, a plethora of spices, and a giant container of salsa… enter the Latin- Infused Quinoa Patties!
Quinoa-Black Bean Patties:
makes 6
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
-1/2 cup cooked black beans
-1/4 cup cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or chevre
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
-3/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder or other chile powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
-1/3 to 1/2 cup bread crumbs (can use gluten free or regular)
-1 tablespoon oil (or more, depending on how sticky your pan is)
1. Combine quinoa, black beans, salt, spices, lime juice, and cheese. Stir in the beaten eggs, then the bread crumbs. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
2. Shape the mixture into 6 patties. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and add the patties , all at once if they fit, or in batches.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Top with salsa or your favorite sauce (I'm thinking cilantro pesto would be amazing here) and enjoy!
I am trying to get back into blogging again after a long hiatus. I have still been cooking away over here, just not motivated to write about it with all the other assignments from school pilling up. My break is nearly over and I feel I'm just beginning to recover!
I have been enjoying channeling my creative energies elsewhere, however. My sister and her husband offered me the opportunity to paint a "Dia de los Muertos meets pastoral" themed mural on one of their walls and that has been a lot of fun to work on. It isn't finished yet (walls take a long time to paint- who knew?) but I will be going back again soon to finish it. If you're interested in looking at the progress, Erica posted some pictures in her blog here.
Yesterday I made this little guy as well- Octopus!
xo/ Nikita


text:
Nesnaas takes HH The President`s Cup prep
There were four conditions races on the Abu Dhabi turf on Sunday evening and the first, over 2200m, the same trip as the Group 1 HH The President`s Cup, was won by Nesnaas.
Trained by Gill Duffield for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he was ridden by the owner`s retained jockey Richard Hills who picked right from three possible mounts for his main employer.
Hills said: "They went a nice gallop and I was happy just off the speed. We know he stays so I was content to be handy and kick for home. Luckily it worked and he will come on for that run."
Owner and trainer promptly doubled up when Adraaj won the 2200m handicap but it was Tadhg O`Shea in the saddle on this occasion and he said: "Things are going well and Gill has her string in fine form. He took a while to get going but we just managed to get in front where it mattered."
O`Shea was out of luck in the following 1600m handicap in which he and AF Mursid were caught right on the line by Jawhara Al Reef but it was another fantastic result for Duffield who trains both horses.
Ted Durcan rode the winner who prevailed in a titanic struggle and the jockey said: "It was a really good finish and we were lucky to be in front where it mattered. It is great for Gill whose horses are clearly in great form."
Sheikh Hamdan completed a treble and Hills a double when Aqmaar ran on strongly to deny the same owner`s Masharref in the 1600m Abu Dhabi Championship Prep.
The winner, trained by Musabah al Muhairi, was always going very well after a slow start and Hills said: "I was always happy in the race, once we were balanced and in our stride after losing ground at the start. Hopefully he can improve."
Racing finished with a 1400m conditions race, the only Thoroughbred race on the card and a prep for the Listed HH The President`s Cup on Boxing Day.
It was won by the Satish Seemar-trained Escape Route under Richard Mullen who said: "He is a great horse to have in the yard as he acts on all surfaces and over a variety of distances. He did that well tonight and can hopefully go close in the big race on Boxing Day."
French duo Eric Lemartinel and Gerald Avranche are always a formidable partnership and combined to win the opening 1400m conditions race with BH Fatan who was having only his second start.
Avranche said: "He is still a big baby and can only improve from that."


text:
Topic: Fan Spotlight
Starting right now...
On BobaFett.com and the Community section, we would like to profile and interview a fan a week. Nominate a Boba Fett fan and include 1) a way to contact them and 2) why you think they rock.
Need some ideas for where this is headed?
How about nominating the 23rd most active message board poster, just because? (How do you do that? Go to "User List," enter "*" as the search term, change "Sort by" to "No. of Posts" and change "Sort order" to "Descending." As of this posting, the 23rd most active user is Villimar.)
Or someone you know who dips into his/her Fett costume at every chance they get?
Or nominate yourself, but why? Tell us and we'll consider it relative to all the responses.
Do Not
Don't post e-mail addresses here. Don't PM or e-mail me direct. Use the form.
Nominations accepted here if you nominate other members here, but preferred (hint, hint) via the nomination form. Fans do not have to be message board users, so you can recommend people offline, on other networks, on MySpace, etc.


text:
E.U. calls for Syrian response, wants inspectors' report first
VILNIUS, Lithuania (CNN) — The European Union called Saturday for a "clear and strong" international response to the Bashar al-Assad regime's alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, but said U.N. inspectors investigating the incident should report their initial findings before any action is taken.
The statement came as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry sought to persuade skeptical European allies to join an international coalition on Syria after a Group of 20 summit ended Friday with a stalemate between Washington and Russia.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton read the statement, which she said reflected the position of all EU members, after four hours of talks Saturday between Kerry and EU foreign ministers in Vilnius, Lithuania.
"Information from a wide variety of sources confirm the existence of such an attack and seems to indicate strong evidence that the Syrian regime was responsible," it said, given that it was the only party with access to such weapons and the means to deliver them on such a wide scale.
It called the use of chemical weapons a "blatant violation of international law, a war crime and a crime against humanity."
The statement did not explicitly endorse military action, but said the international community cannot remain idle and that "a clear and strong response is crucial to make clear that such crimes are unacceptable and that there can be no impunity."
At the same time, it said, the European Union underscores the need to address the Syrian crisis through the U.N. process. It noted a pending report from U.N. chemical weapons inspectors who visited the site of the August 21 attack, and said the EU hoped the inspectors can report their preliminary findings as soon as possible.
It also welcomed comments by French President Francois Hollande that he would wait for the preliminary report before any military action was taken.
Kerry said he was grateful for what he called "a strong statement about the need for accountability."
The talks were expected to include "a fairly detailed discussion" of U.S. thinking on potential military action against Syria, senior State Department officials traveling with Kerry said ahead of the meeting. But the ministers would also discuss how to resolve the situation politically.
Russian 'intransigence'
Kerry is heading next to Paris to consult with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.
Many European countries are opposed to any military action without a U.N. mandate, which the United States has ruled out over what it calls Russian "intransigence" in the U.N. Security Council.
France is the only nation so far to commit to military action against Syria alongside the United States.
Hollande has promised to contribute to a military campaign but, facing political pressure at home, said he would wait for the U.S. Congress to give President Barack Obama authorization to strike and for the findings of the U.N. inspectors' report, which would effectively delay any military action.
Kerry will also meet with Arab League foreign ministers Sunday while in Paris. Those talks initially were to focus on the latest Middle East peace initiative, but Syria is now expected to be on the agenda, the officials told reporters.
Kerry will talk to the Arabs "about things where they may be helpful, and again, also building support within the international community for a response from the international community," one of the officials said.
In all of the meetings Kerry was expected to work to "coordinate a political response" on Syria, but was not expected to go into the details about particular roles countries could play as part of any military action, an official said.
Kerry will also meet with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague in London. Britain's Parliament has ruled out getting militarily involved in Syria, but Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to continue to push for a tough response against the Assad regime.
International opinion divided
Kerry's efforts with European allies paralleled those of his boss, Obama, who tried to rally members of the G20 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Obama met with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg summit Friday. But despite both saying the talks were constructive, there was no sign of consensus.
International opinion remains divided on what should be done after the Syrian government allegedly used chemical weapons against its own people last month.
A statement issued Friday by a bare majority of the G20 — 11 of its 20 members — said that "the evidence clearly points to the Syrian government being responsible for the attack, which is part of a pattern of chemical weapons use by the regime."
"Those who perpetrated these crimes must be held accountable," it said.
The statement called for a "strong international response" and "supports efforts undertaken by the United States and other countries to reinforce the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons." It did not expressly endorse military action, although U.S. officials said the nations who signed it interpreted the statement as tacit support for strikes.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also signed on to the statement Saturday.
Obama has stressed he is considering a limited and targeted mission to respond to the use of chemical weapons and deter the Assad regime from using them again, a point stressed in more than eight hours of testimony on Capitol Hill this week by Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Opposing views
Obama described his exchange with Putin in St. Petersburg as "candid" — but acknowledged that the Russian president was unlikely to support his call for military action against Syria.
Putin gave reporters a similar account, adding, "He doesn't agree with me, I don't agree with him, but we listened to each other."
Both leaders said they could work together to seek a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
The two men hold opposing views over whether military action should be taken against the Syrian government.
Obama said the world must act to uphold an international ban on chemical weapons use. But, he said, any military action will be limited in both time and scope, with the intention of degrading Assad's capacity to use chemical weapons in the future.
Putin repeated the Syrian government's accusation that "militants" used chemical weapons in a bid to get aid and support from "those countries who support them."
He told reporters that Moscow will continue to provide Syria with arms and humanitarian aid. Russia, along with China, has so far opposed military intervention in Syria at the U.N. Security Council.
Obama's domestic battle
Obama will now seek to rally congressional support for possible U.S. military action against Syria, with a vote expected after lawmakers reconvene from recess on Monday.
The president said he would address Americans on the crisis in Syria on Tuesday.
Obama said Friday that he had expected skepticism from the public and from lawmakers, and that he had anticipated it would be "a heavy lift" to win approval for military action from Congress.
Even as Kerry has led calls within the administration for tougher action against Syria, he has sought to work with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on bringing the warring parties in Syria together for negotiations on a political transition.
A senior State Department official said Kerry would be discussing those efforts during his meetings this weekend, although no date has been set yet and the parties have "some distance to go" before the talks could be held.
The United States hopes military action, however limited, could change Al-Assad's calculus and encourage him to negotiate.
Middle East peace process
Although Syria is sure to top the agenda during Kerry's meetings with foreign diplomats, he will also discuss his efforts to nurture the fledgling Middle East peace process.
After five months of shuttle diplomacy between Israelis and Palestinians, Kerry in July announced a resumption of direct talks between the two sides and tapped former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk as his Mideast peace envoy.
The parties have committed to try and reach a peace deal within nine months, although privately both sides have voiced skepticism that that is possible.
Kerry will meet in London on Sunday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Another senior State Department official traveling with Kerry said that although the crises in both Syria and Egypt have distracted both the Israelis and Palestinians, they have also yielded important benefits.
Kerry was also expected to lobby EU foreign ministers to reconsider sanctions imposed this summer against Israel, which banned funding of some projects in the occupied West Bank over European opposition to continued settlement building.
TM & © 2013 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.


text:
$10.00 + free US shipping on pin orders of $15
10 pins for $10!
Love surprises?
This limited-time Lucky Bag gives you 10 pins with a Kawaii/Cute theme - and the exciting part is, what you'll get is a surprise, because we'll pick them for you! Your mystery box of pins will be filled with any kawaii-themed designs from our pins category, and maybe even some exclusives not seen anywhere else.
These high-quality buttons are 1 1/4", perfect for accessorizing bags, hats, clothing, etc.
Gesshoku Designs
PO Box 888103
Grand Rapids, MI 49588
United States
All information is submitted securely through an encrypted SSL connection.


text:
Sentara Leigh Hospital new East Tower opens
Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk safely relocated 81 patients in 3 hours from the A-wing to the new East Tower. The East Tower is the first of two 5-story towers that will eventually replace three 1977-era patient wings.
"I thought I was in a hotel," said orthopedic patient Ceasar Redublo as he settled into his new room. "It's so big," he says of his room. "This is a nice place."
Redublo's room is more than twice as big as the room he left and includes a private bath with a no-step shower, which reduces the likelihood of falls, and accommodations for family members to sleep.
"Absolutely blown away," said John Champeau. "The nurses and the service in the old place were great, but this new room is phenomenal," he said. "If you have to be in the hospital, this is the place to fenagle your way into."
Patient rooms in the East Tower include a touchpad call system with a family feature that allows family members to request a chaplain or patient advocate, a blanket, pain medicine or other services with the touch of a button. The calls go directly to the needed provider, which reduces unnecessary trips for nurses. The call system also allows nurses to silence their wireless phones for 15 minutes during medication administration to minimize interruptions and maintain focus.
Calls are routed to nurse managers during that period. The call silencing feature is currently unique to Sentara Leigh Hospital.
"It's patient-driven, it's family-inclusive and it has all the latest technologies," says Sentara Leigh Hospital president Terrie Edwards. "These new towers are positioning our hospital for the next 30 years."
Since 2007, Sentara Leigh Hospital has doubled the size of its emergency department and upgraded operating rooms and sterile support areas for the future.
"This is my second stay at Sentara Leigh," said patient Charlotte Burke. "The old room was so small that the staff would have to take things out to bring in portable equipment," she recalled. "But, you won't have that problem with this room."
Patient rooms in the East Tower also have renal dialysis equipment built into the walls, so patients can be dialyzed in the privacy of their rooms.
With the move-in for the East Tower complete, Sentara Leigh Hospital plans to begin demolishing the vacated A-wing in December to make room for the West Tower construction. Currently, 110-foot pilings are being driven for that project. The entire replacement project for the 250-bed hospital, including a two-story atrium entrance and new outpatient and education facilities, is scheduled for completion in 2016.


text:
Early next month, the Ohio Lottery will transfer money to the state's K-12 education fund, bringing the total to $20 billion since the first lottery dollars began flowing in 1975. Now 40 years old, the Ohio Lottery Commission has kept its original commitment to Ohioans to funnel all profits - income minus payouts and expenses - to education.
Early next month, the Ohio Lottery will transfer money to the state�s K-12 education fund, bringing the total to $20 billion since the first lottery dollars began flowing in 1975.
Now 40 years old, the Ohio Lottery Commission has kept its original commitment to Ohioans to funnel all profits � income minus payouts and expenses � to education.
�Our profit is transferred to the education fund. Period,� said Dennis Berg, a 22-year lottery employee and executive director since 2011. �We make a commitment to the budget based on what we believe is an appropriate number that can be produced.�
But although education gets all the lottery money, it clearly has not received a $20 billion net benefit from the lottery because of a shell game played by Ohio governors and legislators. Over the years, state leaders used the lottery money for education, as promised, but at the same time reduced other state funding to education.
In other words, while the lottery was blowing up the balloon, state officials were letting out the air somewhere else.
How much air, you ask?
�That�s an unanswerable question,� said Howard Fleeter, a school-funding expert. �Nobody knows the answer. It�s not locked in a box or something. The dollars have largely been mixed together."
William Phillis, the head of the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding and a former school superintendent and official with the Ohio Department of Education, agreed that the lottery�s contribution over the years just became �figured in the mix� of school funding.
�The lottery is kind of in the state psyche now,� Phillis said. �The most-common question I�ve had over the years is �What happened to the lottery fund?� I�ve heard that 1,000 times over the years. The average person somehow thought the lottery was going to bail the schools out. Essentially, it just added some money to the general revenue.�
Although more lottery money is going to education than ever, education�s percentage of total lottery cash has steadily declined, from 40 percent the first year to 29.8 percent last year, lottery records show.
Over four decades, the lottery has exploded (including the weekly lottery TV show, Cash Explosion).
Since the lottery began, players have bought
$61.8 billion in tickets and been paid $35.4 billion in prizes. That stack of losing lottery tickets in the trash might indicate otherwise, but there are bigger payouts now than 40 years ago. Prize payouts were 45 percent of sales at first, but 61.1 percent last year. That is because the prizes have increased, but the odds of winning have not, lottery officials say.
In 1974, the first lottery ticket, Buckeye 300, sold for $1 with a top prize of $300. In January of this year, the lottery rolled out the Diamond Dazzler, a $30 ticket with payouts totaling $300 million.
In 1975, the lottery sold $91.6 million in tickets, paid $41.2 million in prizes, and sent $36.7 million to education. Last year, lottery sales were nearly $2.7 billion, prizes totaled $1.65 billion, and $803.1 million went to education.
The lottery has paid retailer commissions totaling $3.8 billion and kept $3 billion for administration.
The lottery now includes profits from electronic slot machines at �racinos,� the mini-casinos at horse tracks.
Beginning later this year, money also will go to schools from the 1,200 next-generation gambling machines to be placed in veterans posts and fraternal lodges around the state. The expansion of the lottery was approved by the state Controlling Board last week.
Ohioans are celebrating the lottery�s 40th birthday by buying more scratch-offs, including the $30 instant ticket, the most expensive the lottery has ever sold. The previous most expensive ticket was $20.
Whether it�s the lure of big winnings or not, instant sales � which had been in a decline � jumped in the seven weeks since the 40th-anniversary sale kicked off.
Instant sales in the week that ended on March 8 were $35.3 million; that was $5 million and 16.5 percent more than sales during a comparable week a year ago.
Since the launch of the 40th-anniversary campaign on Jan. 16, instant sales have totaled
$211.6 million, a $17.7 million increase, or 9.1 percent more than in the same period in 2013. Sales were lower only during the week that ended on Feb. 8.
�We�re pleased with our instant-ticket sales, considering the number of options players have for gaming in the state and the extreme weather we�ve experienced in recent weeks,� said lottery spokeswoman Danielle Frizz-Babb.
At the same time, sales in the lottery�s Keno game are picking up, she said. Keno sales were $6.5 million in the week that ended on March 1, an all-time high. The average weekly take in the past year was $5.4 million. Keno sales have totaled $1 billion since the game started in Ohio in August 2008.
In case you�re thinking of taking that $30 ticket for a spin, game rules show that five $10 million prizes, 35 $1 million prizes, and other prizes of $10,000 to $50,000 will be awarded. A winner of a
$1 million prize will receive $40,000 a year for 25 years before taxes, or a flat sum of $500,000. The
$10 million prize is paid out at $400,000 annually for 25 years, or a lump sum of $5 million; both are pretax.
If a $30 card shows a �40th� symbol in any scratch-off spot, the player wins all 25 prizes.


text:
- Home
- Coax Cable RG 6 Solid Copper Made in the USA
- 50 FOOT CABLE With Lock & Seal Cable End Connectors Attached (Black)
Product Description
50 foot length of RG 6 solid copper coax cable
The Cable end connectors are attached, this cable is ready to install
Our Cable Offers
Excellent Performance, Flexibility And A Lifetime Warranty
Order online anytime, or call 1-989-875-4902 Monday - Thursday 9 am. - 5 pm., Friday 9 am. - 4 pm. Est.
In Stock
Made inUSA