text: Wise-cracking and showboatin' William the Bloody has had his share of adventures during his long un-dead life, and the Spike Omnibus pulls them all together! Learn more about the bad boy of the Buffy-verse in Spike's earliest stories like Lost & Found, Old Wounds, and Old Times, then read along as Spike battles the lord of the undead in Spike vs. Dracula, and finally, catch up with Spike as he heads to the Asylum on a work-for-hire mission before heading to Japan to stop maniacal puppets in Shadow Puppets. It's more Spike than you can shake a sharp, wooden stake at!

subset: commoncrawl


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Facebook shares have taken a beating despite a decent earnings report and two positive analyst notes, causing some to wonder if Wall Street just hates Facebook.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster told Marketwatch that Wall Street's skepticism is based on two factors: ad growth slowdown and worry that teens are tiring of Facebook."There have been an increasing number of reports suggesting Facebook's momentum among teens is slowing," Munster wrote.
As Wired points out, even a good earnings report last month had Facebook stock rise an anemic 4 percent. The two upbeat broker notes published this week, one from Piper Jaffray and one from Goldman Sachs, didn't prevent another drop of 5 percent.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
"Teenager are using other things more. At the same time, they continue to be very active engaged Facebook users," Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said at the recent D11 conference.


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A Superlative #DoctorWho Recap: Timey-Wimey Tea Time E5 #Love and #Fear with @Faryna @Yogizilla
Doctor, who?!
In Episode TWTT 5, we carry Moffat's limping darlings into glorious day break. If you hear us out first, you'll have big take aways when you watch (or rewatch) Doctor Who Episode 4, Listen. That's what our community is saying.
As always, we gladly shared some of the comments you left on YouTube for TWTT Episode 3, then played awesome submissions for the #SoftKitty song contest. Oh, heck yes, we got a buggy stream going on at allgames.com. But the Twitch feed was fine, sweetie.
Tune in Saturday, September 27th at 12 noon ET for an interactive, live chat experience of TWTT Ep. 6 on http://www.twitch.tv/geekyantics or http://www.allgames.com.
September 27th. 12 noon for New York City, Washington, D.C., 9am for the U.S. West Coast, 4pm in Madrid, 5pm for London and 7pm, Bucharest.


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Democrats won big last week. So government will continue to grow. Individual freedom will yield.
At least some people with records of supporting liberty were elected: Sen. Jeff Flake in Arizona and U.S. Reps. Justin Amash and Kerry Bentivolio in Michigan and Thomas Massie in Kentucky.
Also, Washington and Colorado voted to allow any adult to use marijuana. (But users beware. Your newfound freedom may be short-lived thanks to that extraordinary human being in the White House � you know, the one who smoked pot when he was in school. Despite promising that he wouldn�t, he has cracked down on pot dispensaries far more often than President Bush did.)
And voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington said yes to gay marriage; Minnesota defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would have outlawed it.
That�s the good news. But overall, the results were bad for freedom. As P.J. O�Rourke says, we need to �fix� government. By that, we mean �fixing� government the way we neuter a cat or spay a dog.
When it comes to foreign policy, we must teach our politicians to stop making messes in other people�s yards. At home, they should stay out of our bedrooms.
Term limits would be good. When we give politicians power, they should know they don�t get to keep it forever. They have to bring that power right back to us and drop it at our feet. �Good boy. Now go back outside!�
Sadly, President Obama�s swooning fans don�t want to tame politicians. They don�t even seem to think much about freedom. We attended Obama�s victory party in Chicago (we go so you don�t have to) and asked his supporters what Obama�s reelection means for freedom. People reacted as if they didn�t understand the question.
�Freedom?� one asked.
�Um, yes, I have no idea,� said another.
It�s not on their radar, and that�s upsetting. Some wouldn�t know freedom if they fell over it. To many, �freedom� means getting the government to force women�s employers to pay for birth control.
Sorry, that�s not freedom. That�s force.
Obama�s supporters seem to think it�s enough to put this extraordinary man in office. After that, he will take care of everything. Spare us the details.
�Obama is a classic example of this cult of the presidency,� said David Boaz of the Cato Institute. �But the idea that any politician can just fix the problems in society � that there�s some magic there � that doesn�t start with Obama. It goes a long way back.�
Leader-worship is unbecoming a free people. But are we a free people today? I mean psychologically. Years of government impositions change people. At Obama�s celebration, people didn�t mention freedom, but they sure mentioned handouts, like taxpayer-financed higher education. It�s as if their attitude is: What can government give me? They don�t realize that �free stuff� only seems free because the real cost is hidden.
�When you have a $3.6 trillion federal government, that money will absolutely benefit some businesses. That�s crony capitalism. It takes money from all of us and gives it to some,� said Boaz. �Maybe a clean-energy or green-jobs company that has not already gone bankrupt might get that money. Similarly, if you�re a defense contractor, you�d be in favor of Mitt Romney getting elected, because that would be good for your business. But it�s all bad for the American economy to tax some people and then dole the money back out.�
My hope for now: gridlock. People say they like bipartisanship, but bipartisanship usually means politicians conspire to take more of our money and freedom. Bipartisanship gave us the Department of Homeland Security, TSA, PATRIOT Act, Import-Export Bank, war on drug users, ethanol subsides, TARP, No Child Left Behind, foreign wars and an ever-rising debt. When Democrats and Republicans come together, they put us deeper in debt.
Let�s have some gridlock!
The outcome of this election is a sea of government with a few islands of freedom. Gay people are freer in a few states, and marijuana consumers in a couple more. But sadly, most of us will be victims of the ever-growing government spider web of higher taxes and freedom-killing rules.
John Stossel is host of �Stossel� on the Fox Business Network.


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But eating? Why is it so hard to pick up a tiny cupcake and eat it in front of your coworkers? At a small farewell gathering at work today (at a travel magazine – see, it all comes together), an editor passed tiny cupcakes around. The nearly 20-strong party ate barely half of the cupcakes. I shamelessly ate two. Daring, I know.
My coworker and I tried pushing them onto everyone, but people declined.
Fatty fear, I call it. Although it was entirely unwarranted by the crowd of young, thin professionals. One cupcake-less individual whispered something about her swelling derriere. Though my heart was all that swelled.
What have we come to that we can't enjoy cupcakes?
In French culture, food is revered, honored, celebrated. I worked at La Maison Française of NYU, and at events with cheese, wine, bread, and desserts, rare was the day that anything of quality remained. Coworkers seemingly encouraged each other to indulge. Italians, in my experience, don't know how function unless there is food present. And what tourist is ashamed of buying a hot dog off the streets of New York?
American culture is so silly. Just eat the cupcake. You think you'll be wearing larger pant size after, but I guarantee you'll only be wearing a smile!


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Registered Nurse, Nursing Home - Amazing Benefits
Registered Nurse - RGN / RMN / RNLD - Nursing home
Location: Wembley
Salary: GBP18 per hour (GBP33,696 - GBP44,928 per annum)
Hours: Full-time or Part-time available (Options of: 24, 36 or 48 hours available - depending on your preference)
Shifts: Days or Nights available depending on preference
Care categories: Old Age - Physical Disability - Younger Adults
Further information: A fantastic new opportunity has arisen for a passionate, skilled Registered Nurse to work within a friendly, care home located in Wembley. This recommended home provides high quality 24-hour nursing care.
This home is part of a reputable, market-leading healthcare company with excellent standards for providing effective, individualised care for all their residents. The home has an excellent reputation for care quality and succeeds in offering an attentive, friendly and homely environment. Staff morale is very high. We are looking for a Registered Nurse who displays the same desire and passion for care, showing integrity, kindness, and an ambition for personal development.
The Manager can accommodate both part-time and full-time hours. They can be flexible regarding shift pattern, so you will be able to choose permanent day shifts or permanent night shifts or a mixture of both if you prefer.
The Home Manager is keen to invest time into the training and development of all staff. There are also plenty of opportunities to undertake additional training courses externally on top of the extensive in-house training.
To apply for this role, you must be a Registered Nurse with a valid and up-to-date NMC registration.
Benefits & Rewards Package:
- Access to an award-winning career development path, including paid training from the company's own business school, with NVQ to Masters' Degree courses available
- Unique Profit Shares- believing you should be rewarded for your hard work, all profits from each site are recycled back into the facilities
- Childcare Vouchers
- Retail Discounts - between 5-10% discounts; including M&S, Sainsbury's, IKEA, Argos, Boots, Harrods and many more
- Holiday and Travel Discounts
- Leisure savings including cinema, restaurants, theme parks and attractions
- Paid Breaks
- Discounted Health Club Membership
- Employee Assistance Helpline
- Stakeholder pension plan
- Excellent career progression opportunities to work towards management / senior roles
- Preceptorship Programme for newly-qualified nurses
For further information or to apply for this position, please call Rebecca Rouse on or email your CV to
All applications and enquiries will be strictly confidential.


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The whole ride is in old growth forest and the water is crystal blue. Waterfalls, pools and log bridges (walk across) and the forest make this the most fun and most beautiful ride I have ever done.
Bring a camera.
We stop along this section to take in the 78-foot Sahalie Falls.� The view from the trail side of the river is spectacular.� The mist feels great.
I have ridden the finest the Pacific Northwest has to offer . . .
McKenzie�River Mountain Resort is the most bike friendly lodging option during your visit - not only are they well rated by past guests, they also offer�shuttles and trail maps.� Check them out - 541-822-6272 It is smart to reserve your lodging ahead of time.� Shuttles are by appointment - Call to reserve your seat.� Area tourism information can be found at www.VisitMcKenzieRiver.com


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Ground-Breaking All-In-One Audio Entertainment System
CHINO, Calif. – Living up to its reputation as an innovator in the hot tub industry, Sundance Spas unveils yet another industry first with the Intelli-Sound™ audio entertainment system. Developed using JBL speakers and electronics, the personalized stereo sonata incorporates the latest technology and supreme acoustics with an all-in-one weather-resistant case found in Sundance Spas' high-performance 880 Series models.
The Intelli-Sound system uniquely adds a one gigabyte internal hard drive for storing music, a USB port to allow simple music transfers from any home computer and a certified "made for iPod" docking station that accepts popular iPod® and iPhone® models. Traditional technologies are not forgotten including a 3.5mm auxiliary port for additional portable media / MP3 players, a CD player, AM / FM radio with presets and a custom-designed, weather-resistant housing that is handsomely integrated into the side of Sundance hot tubs. Key functions of the system can be controlled by Sundance's spa remote control.
"The new Intelli-Sound system delivers high tech convenience to spa owners," notes Director of Marketing William Smelley. "Music is stored on the unit's internal hard drive, so your favorite play lists are always ready whenever you are in the mood to take a soak. There is no need to get in and out of the hot tub on a chilly night because you forgot a CD or your MP3 player inside. The technology rivals or exceeds that found on high-end luxury vehicles today."
The premium-quality stereo also includes advanced sound delivery. The personalized surround sound system positions dual mini speakers next to the hot tub's pillow head rests to ensure excellent sound delivery and maximum clarity. A six inch subwoofer mounted deep inside the hot tub cabinet makes the sound reverberate through the water. The Intelli-Sound System is available as an option on select models within the 880 Series of hot tubs from Sundance.
"Audio storage and delivery technologies continue to change and people want increased flexibility," notes Smelley. "We've elevated the Sundance Spas stereo beyond the next level through this advanced system. It provides the latest technology for audiophiles in a simple-to-use configuration that is still accessible to all."
About Sundance Spas Inc.
Since 1979, Sundance Spas has perfected the spa experience. Sundance Spas is devoted to improving health and lifestyle through its hydrotherapy benefits, including stress relief, health restoration and the creation of an environment for balanced living. Sundance Spas, Inc. manufactures portable and in-ground hot tubs, including a complete line of accessories, available through specialty retail locations in more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, please call 909-606-7733 or visit www.sundancespas.com.


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I'm looking into what the maximum settings for my engine should be (aimed at 2007+ hardware)
-16X Antialiasing (beyond this, is it even an improvement?)
-A full atmospheric model (outdoors only, using terragen as guideline)
-High Dynamic Range rendering
-Per pixel shadowing
-1280X1024 resolution
-Some kind of fast radiosity
-Dynamic anisotropic hair (not quite sure if I understand this)
What other stuff is needed for great graphics in real time?
Also, I know that alot of games use maps (bump mapping, light mapping, HDR maps, etc.) is that neccesary? I really don't feel like implementing support for these things, and it seems like making all the maps would take a great deal of time while reducing the flexibility of your game.
Before I get told how hard making an engine like this, I realize it will be alot of work and I won't ever end up making it look as good as I want. Luckily, the nongraphical parts of the engine will be easy as I already have experience with 3D sound, UDP, and game phyiscs.


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ATLANTA - Southern Co. said Thursday it will exceed its original budget to build a first-of-its-kind nuclear plant, a troubling development for an industry long plagued by cost overruns.
The Atlanta-based utility formally asked regulators to raise its budget to build two more nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle (VOH'-gohl) by about $737 million to roughly $6.85 billion. Additional costs are possible. Companies designing and building the plant have sued the utility seeking $425 million for unexpected project costs, though the utility has filed its own suit and denies responsibility for those expenses.
The plant features a reactor design never before built in the United States, including new safety systems.
Delays have pushed back the timeline for completing the two reactors from April 2016 and April 2017 to late 2017 and 2018. Southern Co. said it was trying to determine whether the pace can be quickened.
Industry leaders have hoped that Plant Vogtle and an identical plant in South Carolina would prove new nuclear plants can be built without the excess spending that hampered the last round of construction decades ago. Despite the cost increases, Southern Co. said finishing the plant remains about $4 billion cheaper than stopping and building natural gas plants. That analysis ignores money already spent on the nuclear plant.
"If people are debating billions in value for customers, that's a good thing," said Buzz Miller, executive vice president of nuclear development at Southern Co. In the past, financial analysts for utility regulators have found the value for customers could be less than company estimates, though regulators have not yet analyzed the latest company report.
The 2.4 million customers of Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power will ultimately reimburse the utility for its costs.
Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy group, said it was not surprised by the request. It wants state lawmakers to adopt legislation financially penalizing Southern Co. for cost overruns.
"This for us is further evidence that ratepayers need further protection than they already have," said Liz Coyle, deputy director of Georgia Watch.
Georgia Power owns roughly 46 percent of the two new reactors, which are estimated to cost around $14 billion. The other owners include Oglethorpe Power Corp., the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and the city of Dalton. Georgia's elected utility regulators previously authorized Georgia Power to spend $6.1 billion. That commission must now decide whether to approve the latest budget proposal.
Utility commissioners, all Republicans, can bar the utility from passing along to its customers any spending deemed "imprudent."
Years ago, state utility regulators blocked Georgia Power from charging customers $951 million incurred while building the first two reactors at Plant Vogtle. That project was originally budgeted at $660 million. By the time the reactors were finished, the price tag approached $8.9 billion.
The budget may still change. While Southern Co. said it is not responsible for the extra costs now part of the lawsuits, Miller acknowledged the utility may seek a settlement. Utilities in South Carolina reached a deal to end a similar dispute there.
"If we get a settlement and it's good for our customers, we'd take it to the commission at that time," Miller said.
Utility officials said many of the new building costs were for extra oversight. For example, Southern Co. and plant designer Westinghouse Electric Co. have sent workers to a factory run by CB&I, which produces large parts for the plant. Utility officials previously said they needed to increase their oversight after the factory had difficulty meeting federal rules and sticking to its schedule.


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20 Things I've Learned as an Entrepreneur is the summary of lessons leading female technology entrepreneur Alicia Morga learned as a first-time entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. If you're an entrepreneur or if you've only dreamed about starting your own business, this quick important read is for you.
The author, Alicia Morga, is a venture-backed Silicon Valley entrepreneur. She's been featured in Inc. Magazine, the Financial Times, and Fast Company named her one of the Most Influential Women in Technology. She's a creative visionary who believes that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business. It's about leading a life. For further information see www.AliciaMorga.com.


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Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller reported progress in discussions with Gov. Martin O'Malley on the issue of raising money for roads, bridges and transit projects, saying the governor could submit legislation of his own to fund transportation.
Miller said the governor assured him in a conversation Tuesday morning that he would work with Speaker Michael E. Busch to develop proposals that might be acceptable in the House of Delegates.
"It's definitely progress. It's late in the session for moving forward but it's certainly progress," Miller said. The Senate president's words Tuesday marked a change in tone from his comments about the governor last week, when his message was largely a complaint that the governor was failing to lead.
Raquel Guillory, a spokeswoman for O'Malley, confirmed the talks between Miller and the governor and said the discussions are continuing.
"The hope would be to get a consensus bill the governor and presiding officers would stand behind." she said.
A Senate source said the governor's assurances came in a meeting with the Senate Democratic caucus during which he expressed agreement with Miller on the need to move forward this session on securing more money for the Transportation Trust Fund. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, the fund is now so depleted it can pay for little more than operations and maintenance -- with no money available for significant expansion projects to relieve congestion.
The Senate president, a longtime advocate of increased transportation funding, has taken the lead on the politically sensitive issue by proposing wide-ranging legislation that in some cases departs from the state's longstanding approach to transportation funding. Among his proposals are a 3 percent sales tax on gasoline, a local option to raise the state's 23.5-cent-a-gallon gas tax by up to 5 cents, study of a long-term lease of the Intercounty Connector and the creation of transit regional districts that could impose taxes to build major transit projects.
Miller said the governor had not necessarily buying into his proposals -- especially on the transit districts -- but had agreed to keep an open mind. The Senate president said the governor remains interested in using the state's general sales tax -- rather than the gas tax -- as the primary source of new funds.
Miller, a Calvert County Democrat, has stated a preference for a tax that falls directly on users of the roads. He has also taken the position that the state needs to find a solution that funds Baltimore and Washington transit projects without putting the burden on rural areas of the state -- a departure from Maryland's traditional approach of funding all of its transportation needs out of a common fund with no tax variations from region to region.
"You have to consider the entire state, not just the metropolitan areas of the state," he said.
Transportation revenue is not now part of the governor's agenda for this year's session -- even though O'Malley has repeatedly called for increased revenue and spending to alleviate traffic congestion. Last year, the governor made a specific proposal to apply the state's 6 percent sales tax to gasoline only to see lawmakers refuse to go along.
Any measure to raise revenue would face significant resistance, and many lawmakers would like to put off any effort to increase tranportation funding until after the 2014 election. If the governor weighs in with his own poposal, however, transportation may yet emerge as one of the defining issues of the 2013 session.
Matt Gallagher, the governor's chief of staff, said the meeting with the Senate caucus had been "productive" and that many different options had been discussed.
"At some point, we'll have to have a similar conversation with the House," Gallagher said. He said no talks have been scheduled.


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News Archives - 2011
A late-blooming artist brings his work to Augsburg
By Wendi Wheeler '06
By his own admission, David Wilson was not born an artist. In fact, it was only after failing at college and going out into the working world that he began to discover a love of creating art. "I didn't come to art early or naturally," the artist and professor now says. "Everybody has a different timer connecting to what they really want to do in life."
Wilson, an associate professor of art at the University of Tennessee, is the creator of "Ocotillo," the newest installation in the Christensen Center gallery.
In a talk he presented on Nov. 3, Wilson told students how he was actually asked to leave college after his first attempt. He left school and held down a variety of jobs from construction worker to custodian before he decided to give education another try. At age 25, he enrolled in a "second chance" program at a California community college and worked his way through school.
Wilson said his schooling in art was broad, including not only formal education but also personal contact with artists. He made items for artists and said he would go to the Los Angeles studios of well-known artists to talk with them and learn about what they were doing. "At that time, you could do that kind of thing," he said. "Artists would invite you in and talk with you."
Since that time, Wilson has taught and also created art as an artist-in-residence in Switzerland, Slovakia, Finland, Australia, Iceland, and India. "On residency, I look for materials that are local and try to find something I can use," he said. His media have included chickens, rope, rubber bands, billboard paper, doors, and tape.
Wilson's recent installation at Augsburg uses orange air compressor hose that is typically used in nail guns—an element he discovered on a trip to a hardware store. Ocotillo's broad, sweeping forms are meant to convey the concept of endless drawing.
"I like to use the space as it is and create a form that exists only in that space," Wilson said, adding that he often discards the media used in his work once the installation has ended. He said he was not sure what would come of the 1,350 feet of hose now installed in Christensen Center.
"Ocotillo" will continue through December 16.
See Augsburg photographer Stephen Geffre's photos of the installation.


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GOVERNING REGIONAL COLLABORATIVES: INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN, MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP by Yoomi Jeon ________________________________________________________________ A Dissertation Presented to the FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (POLICY, PLANNING, AND DEVELOPMENT) December 2011 Copyright 2011 Yoomi Jeon
Object Description
|Governing regional collaboratives: institutional design, management and leadership
|Jeon, Yoomi
|Author email
|Doctor of Philosophy
|Document type
|Degree program
|Policy, Planning and Development
|School of Policy, Planning and Development
|Date defended/completed
|Date submitted
|Date approved
|Restricted until
|Date published
|Advisor (committee chair)
|Mazmanian, Daniel A.
|Advisor (committee member)
Weare, Chris
Wohlstetter, Priscilla
Tang, Shui Yan
|Over the past few decades, the formation of regional collaboratives (RCs) to resolve regional issues has become a nationwide phenomenon. These collaborative organizations are composed of entities from two or more sectors and typically include civic leaders and public, private, and nonprofit groups. As one of many emerging hybrid governance structures, this collaborative governance system is characterized by multiple sector participation (Tang and Mazmanian, 2008). ❧ This dissertation seeks to identify the factors contributing to the sustainability and accomplishments, management and leadership of successful regional collaborative governance structures, as these organizations take on critical roles in shaping regional development. The research involves adapting Elinor Ostrom's (2005) original design principles of common-pool resource settings. ❧ By conducting a survey and case study analyses on 64 organizations across the nation (39 regional collaboratives and 25 traditional alliances), this dissertation identifies design principles and management and leadership principles that relate to the outcome measures of sustainability and accomplishments. ❧ The findings of this study reveal that the principles contributing to sustainable and successful regional collaboratives are: shared values, consistent mission and values, legitimacy and political support, membership behavior and homophily, and organizational capacity. Additionally, external economic climate, organizational financial stability, and executive leadership are identified as key factors for success in regional collaboratives. ❧ Compared with Ostrom's design principles of common-pool resource regimes, the number of elements that contribute to successful collaborative governance, especially in the case of regional collaboratives, is fewer. It is consistent with the fact that many regional collaboratives are often disbanded or become inactive as they are difficult to sustain themselves.
|governance; regional collaboratives; regional organization; collaborative governance; non-profit management; non-profit leadership
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|GOVERNING REGIONAL COLLABORATIVES: INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN, MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP by Yoomi Jeon ________________________________________________________________ A Dissertation Presented to the FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (POLICY, PLANNING, AND DEVELOPMENT) December 2011 Copyright 2011 Yoomi Jeon


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Love the fragrance, but looking for something a little more simple. Check out our Champagne sets.
All our bath bombs contain Sweet Almond Oil which will leave your skin feeling amazingly soft. If you have a tree nut allergy however please be sure to confirm that you can use bath products with almond oil before trying it out.
All of our bath bombs are made using water soluble colorants. No worries about stains, it all rinses away. All of the glitter used in our bath bombs that feature it is made with biodegradable glitter. Not only will it wash away without leaving you a sparkly mess, but you can use it guilt free since no fishies will be harmed.
Because all of our bath bombs are hand painted there may be slight differences between individual bath bombs. Please try to remember you are buying handmade not machine produced.
We ship via USPS primarily. Be aware that UPS and FedEx use the USPS shipping network anyway, so if you would like us to ship via either UPS or FedEx instead of USPS you will be paying a higher shipping amount for the exact same service and less insurance coverage options on the package.
Shipping is frequently delayed from mid November to mid January. This is due to the high volume of packages that all shipping services receive during these times. No, there is nothing we can do to change that. Deadlines for holiday orders will be posted in late October or early November (basically as soon as USPS releases the shipping deadlines for that season).
Be sure to check the estimated shipping before completing your order. We are not responsible for an item arriving "late" if you never told us about a deadline, especially if we are still within the advertised time frame.
If you enter in the wrong shipping address let us know as soon as possible. Corrections cannot be made once your order has been shipped.
All returns, refunds, and exchanges are handled on a case by case basis.
Let us know right away if you have received the wrong item or if your order was damaged during shipping.
All items are made to order. No refunds or exchanges will be given for mis-ordered items after 24 hours. Please be sure to double check your order before completing checkout. Yes this means we expect you to read your order before checking out.
No refunds or exchanges will be given for items arriving past a date that we did not agree to deliver by in advance. We are not responsible for getting something to you for any occasion if you did not check if it was possible prior to ordering! This includes dates we agreed to but you ordered later than instructed to make that date.
No refund or exchange will be give for items already used, especially if directions were not followed. Verbally abusive customers will be blocked and all future orders from that individual will be refused.
Are you interested in a large order for party favors or to carry our items in your store? Great!
We do offer wholesale and bulk options on a case by case bases, and all of these are sold by the production batch.
For more information on our bulk and wholesale options


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For simple objects that required just an outline with few curves, jagged edges, and no inside compounded paths$1.20 Per Image
For difficult, compounded shapes that still maintain a simple outlining path$4.00 Per Image
For complex shapes that require many different compounded paths, detailed outline, or multiple cutting paths from the same image$7.00 Per Image
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eddie00 brauchte ein neues Logo Design und hat einen Wettbewerb auf 99designs gestartet.
Aus 101 Designs von 17 Designern wurde eine Gewinner gewählt.
JoJo Rehab Therapy, Inc.
We are a family owned business that is diversifying our services. We have two other companies under our umbrellathat provides different services to the elderly population. We have a home health agency and a private duty company geared towards elderly care. We are now establishing an outpatient rehab facility.
Our outpatient rehabilitation facility is geared towards the geriatric community. We are targeting the elderly and their family members who's services are no longer covered by the home health insurance or will not be covered for home visits. We are emphasizing on the continuous care for their family member. The initial services provided will be for physical therapy only. Occupational and Speech therapy will soon follow.
We are looking for a logo that embodies our belief in treating each patient like a family member. We believe in providing an extension of the care their family members would have provided, if they were able to.
We would like to incorporate the following in our logo:
1. no cartoons of playfull logo.
2. no stock or clipart images.
3. should incorporate green and blue colors.
4. nothing too elegant or fancy.
5. should convey warmth.
Finden Sie heraus, wie ein Designwettbewerb funktioniert, oder lernen Sie mehr über unsere Logo-Design-Angebote.


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How To Take Full Advantage Of A Trade Show
By Larry & Jane McGrath
Spending a few hours planning and setting appointments before you go will make your days at the show more productive and less stressful.
Are you interested in a sound investment opportunity? One that requires a minimal short-term cash outlay with big long-term dividends?
If so, attend the PRI Trade Show. For the cost of some gas or an airline ticket and a hotel room, the Trade Show gives you an unparalleled opportunity to see new racing technology, listen to industry leaders, network, compare products and strike impressive deals.
But to make the time you spend walking the aisles in Orlando pay off for you—with increased traffic, greater sales, improved employee morale and higher profits in your own store—you need a clear understanding of where your business is headed, some detailed planning, and a good pair of walking shoes.
Before You Go
Much of your success on the Trade Show floor depends on what you do in the weeks before you go.
Start by reviewing your business plan and budget. Ask yourself questions such as "Where do I want the business to be this time next year?" "What information do I need to help us get there and who has that knowledge?" "What product lines do I need to add this year?" "What kind of purchases will be required in the next 12 to 18 months?"
Your answers to questions like these are your reasons for attending the Show. Based on them, write down three or four specific activities you can accomplish while you're at the Show to help you meet your business goals. For example, most savvy retailers add one or two product lines each year. So, several weeks before the Show, pencil out what you would like to add and how you want to handle the line, such as negotiating a minimum-level buy-in with the manufacturer, stocking through a wholesaler, or buying small quantities from the warehouse.
Preregister as early as possible by signing up online or sending in the completed registration form, along with your business ID and identification for each employee. Your credentials will be mailed to you before the Show. That means you'll avoid long registration lines, get an invitation to attend the Grand Opening Breakfast and enjoy the featured speaker.
On the one or two lines you believe you want to go manufacturer-direct, start laying the groundwork with the factory rep and arrange a meeting at the Show with the decision-maker.
Also do some informal market research. Ask your employees what customers have been looking for that you haven't had in stock. Talk to your customers about problems that need solutions and what they've been reading about that they'd like to try.
Research which of the companies that have those products will be exhibiting, and the personnel that will be attending. The exhibitors are listed online at the PRI Trade Show website (www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow) and in the November issue of PRI. In the Show Issue, the exhibitors are listed alphabetically, and there's an address, phone number, contact name and brief product description for each.
Prioritize the information you want to get. Call the top two or three companies and set appointments with the people most likely to have the answers you need. For example, if you're looking for a solution to a technical problem, schedule time with the tech rep. On the other hand, if you want ideas on how to better merchandise an item, ask for time with their top salesman. Just remember that most meetings take longer than you think they will, and don't overbook yourself.
Attendees report that it is almost impossible for one person to adequately cover all the booths at the PRI Trade Show. They suggest that as part of your pre-planning you make a list of exhibits you definitely want to see. This helps ensure you will get to all the booths that are important to you—that you see the new products, compare the brands, and pick up the samples and literature you need.
Also make a list of must-attend seminars. Not only are they good educational experiences, seminars are excellent opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with Show participants who have similar interests. There are six management seminars put on by PRI on Friday and Saturday mornings, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and a variety of exhibitor-sponsored seminars during PRI Week. The seminar schedule, along with full descriptions of each session can be found online at the PRI website and in the November issue of PRI Magazine.
If you're taking employees to the Show, make sure they also have specific activities to accomplish. Increasingly, retailers are devising ways to divide the must-see exhibits and seminars to allow more time for quality discussions and demonstrations.
Just before you head to the Show, make a preliminary calendar for each day—from Thursday's Grand Opening Breakfast until it's time for you to head home on Sunday. Ink in the appointments you've made and a generous amount of time for visiting must-see exhibits and must-attend seminars and events. (Please see related sidebar on how to use Map Your Show to streamline this experience.)
And remember to allocate time at the end of the day to organize the business cards and literature you've picked up and make a few notes to jog your memory when you get back home. Also create a simple system that will help you maintain an accurate expense record.
Although this type of planning and scheduling takes a few hours, it will make your days at the Show more productive and less stressful.
At the Show
Once you arrive at the Show, you'll find a seemingly endless selection of exhibits, seminars, hot new products and social events.
Start with the essentials: Registration and picking up credentials. If you've preregistered and have your credentials, you can walk right in to Grand Opening Breakfast on Thursday morning when the doors open at 7 a.m. and then head out onto the Show floor as soon as the program ends at 9:30 a.m. If you've preregistered but need to pick up credentials, allow about 10 to 20 minutes. If you plan to register at the door, make sure you have two forms of business identification and also 30–40 minutes for processing.
Information booths, which have been strategically located throughout the Orange County Convention Center, offer plenty of detailed information to make your visit to the PRI Trade Show and Orlando go smoothly. First, check to see if there are any last-minute changes posted that affect your preliminary calendar, such as booth changes and seminar time and/or location changes. Pick up a copy of the updated floor plan at the info booth, then, with your floor plan in hand, you're ready to enter the Show. But remember that your priority is quality not quantity—just stopping in every both to pick up a freebie and have your card data entered in an exhibitor's database won't help you reach your business goals.
In fact, most veteran attendees suggest planning three distinct visits to the Show floor: Your first trip to the floor is a non-stop tour of the entire Show to add "must-see" exhibits to your list; your second trip is to visit the booths on your list and talk to the appropriate company personnel; your third trip is for follow-up visits, and time permitting, gathering information at additional exhibits.
When you visit a booth, know your purpose and the general type of company representative you need to talk with—salesperson, technical support, or dealmaker. If no one with the information you need is available, find out a name and try to schedule a return visit. With some flexible open times in your schedule, you should be able to meet face to face with the right people to achieve all the priorities on your list.
Always be on the lookout for show specials. Unless it will bury you in merchandise or cost too much to get it home, these types of special purchases can make a huge difference in your profit margin.
In addition, don't miss spending some time on Machinery Row. With its continuous hands-on demonstrations of the latest advances in shop machinery and equipment, it's an excellent spot to compare techniques and machines.
And, of course, have fun. Arrive early to the Grand Opening Breakfast and sit at a table with people you have never met before and attend Thursday evening's Industry Reception, which are perfect settings for getting to know fellow racing industry members. In fact, the network you develop during the Show may prove to be one of your biggest long-term assets.
Make time early on the last day of the Show to go over your calendar, notes, cards, and literature, and update your expense record. Make a final must-see list and head back to the floor to gather missing contact names, extra information packets for customers and samples.
At that time, some exhibitors may be making special deals on display items or stock they have brought to the Show that they don't want to haul back home. You may be able to make some deals provided you can cart them home yourself.
After the Show
Once you're home you can really make the Show pay off for you. Review your notes plus the literature and samples you picked up. Then develop ways to bring your customers, and potential customers, up to date on hot new technology, information you've brought back and product lines you're adding.
For example, if you and a customer were discussing a problem before the Show, let him know you picked up a tech sheet that has just the information he needs. Or give a customer a call to pass along a tip from one of the seminars. Although calls like this may not result in immediate sales, they will pay off in long-term customer loyalty.
To jumpstart new product sales, schedule one or more demonstration sessions or events. If you want to keep the budget down, hold an invitation-only evening for your best customers. If you have marketing money available, invite the factory reps in to help and advertise a "Saturday Spectacular."
Put information in your e-newsletters, mailers and advertisements. And, offer to do new product and updated technology seminars for the track and local race associations.
In addition to working with your customers, follow up with exhibitors on new products and information. You need to be on their active contact list. You've met them face to face, now keep your profile high so that you get information and service fast.
If employees didn't get to attend the Show this year, begin planting the idea of an incentive trip next year. Many retailers find that employees who spend three well-planned days at the Show work with renewed energy the rest of the year.
And don't forget to finish your expense record and put it with your tax records.
Your days in Orlando offer more than a chance to see the newest merchandise and hottest technology. When you set your sights on the people and products that can help you make your business prosper, you make your days at the Show pay off for you all year.
My Show Planner
With so many events going on at the PRI Trade Show, December 9–11, 2010, plus thousands of new race products on display in over 3000 booths by more than 1000 exhibitors, keeping track of everything you want to accomplish during only three days can be challenging. However, PRI offers My Show Planner to keep you organized and stay efficient while in Orlando.
In this time-saving program, PRI Trade Show attendees can keep view the floor plan and track of all the companies they want to see along with all the information necessary to contact the exhibitors in one printable planner, which can be found under "My Exhibitors." To keep track of your events, such as the Grand Opening Breakfast, seminars, meetings, and dinners, add all the events you want to attend to the "My Events" calendar.
If you are uncertain about which specific companies to visit, try the "Profile Wizard," which will intelligently add companies to your planner based on selection criteria that you define.
Access the My Show Planner feature, which is available at www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow before leaving your office. Then when you arrive in Orlando, the PRI Mobile Show Planner can be accessed by using a web-enabled mobile device or at any of the computers at the cyberstations in the Orange County Convention Center North/South Hall where you can search by exhibitor or product, mark exhibitors as visited, make notes, and see the latest Show news. Then after the conclusion of the PRI Trade Show, follow up with your contacts that you saved in My Show Planner.


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More than 100 Africans protested on Tuesday outside a police station in China's southern Guangdong province after an African man died in police custody.
The protest in Guangdong's capital Guangzhou, which brought traffic to a halt, lasted for two hours on Tuesday, Xinhua reported, citing an official from the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau.
The dead African man, whose identity has not been confirmed, "suddenly fell unconscious" at a police station on Monday afternoon and "died after medical efforts failed", according to police sources quoted by Xinhua.
The African man was taken into the police station for questioning on Monday after he had a "physical altercation" with another person, the owner of an electric bicycle who had given the African man a ride as a passenger on Monday afternoon. Both of them disagreed over payment.
The protest comes ahead of a summit between China and Africa that China is expected to host in July, and amid a crackdown by Beijing and Shanghai on "illegal foreigners". In late May, Beijing launched a 100-day campaign to "clean out" foreigners living or working illegally in the city and has stepped up police checks on expatriates.
The Xinhua report said police have launched an investigation into the death and that "police in Guangzhou have called for foreigners to abide by Chinese law and refrain from disturbing public order".
via Reuters.
Investors Could Get Rattled
By now most people watching the geopolitical world will know that Chinese investment (and thus immigration) is becoming a huge deal in Africa. But we hadn't really been considering African immigration to China until today.
Images of the protest posted on Weibo paint a chaotic scene. This photo, posted by @ndgz via @城事风云榜, shows the scale of the protest:
Another photo, posted by @onccnews seems to show migrants fighting with police officers:
China is due to hold a summit for African nations in July, as Reuters notes, but the timing of that summit is beginning to look perilous, as anti-foreigner sentiment within the country grows. Shanghai recently began clamping down on illegal foreigners, while a prominent TV host recently warned on Weibo about the influx of immigrants in the country.
via Business Insider
Nigerian Immigrants Demanding A Consulate
Most of the demonstrators are thought to have come from the city's various African communities and sources in the city said the dead man was Nigerian.
Guangzhou police said via its microblog account it had opened an investigation into the death of a foreign national on Monday. It said officers in Yuexiu district had been called because of a fight between a foreigner and an electric bicycle driver over a fare dispute.
In a separate post, the police said foreigners had blocked traffic on Guangyuan West Road – where the fight broke out – on Tuesday afternoon but were dispersed by officers.
They appealed to expatriates living in China to "abide by Chinese laws, not harm public interests or disrupt public order" and said police would investigate the death in strict accordance with the law.
One picture posted on Sina's Weibo microblog showed a man carrying a cardboard placard reading "Give us the dead body" in English and Chinese.
Protests by foreign nationals residing in the country are rare in China. More than 100 demonstrators surrounded a police station in Guangzhou in 2009 after a Nigerian man died during an immigration raid. Reports said he had jumped from a second-floor window as police mounted surprise passport checks.
Nigerians in the city recently called for a consulate to be set up there, saying it would help them deal with immigration issues and tackle harassment.
via Guardian
Related articles
- In Southern China, A Thriving African Neighborhood (wnyc.org)
- Elderly Man Beaten to Death by Chinese Police (theepochtimes.com)
- You: Mood darkens among foreigners (edition.cnn.com)
- Urgent Appeal for Credible Investigation into the Truth of Li Wangyang(李旺阳)'s Death (globalfree.wordpress.com)
- Exclusive: Briton killed after threat to expose Chinese leader's wife (news.yahoo.com)
- Political Rumors Spur Online Crackdown in China (globalspin.blogs.time.com)
- Wife of British businessman who died in China 'is gagged by authorities' (independent.co.uk)


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It seems that there is a possibility that Starbucks is looking into offering gluten-free items to it's customers. Here is some info from their blog . How cool would it be if you could go to Starbucks and not only enjoy their coffee, but a breakfast roll, muffin, cookie, scone, etc? Wow. They are lo0king for input from us, the customer, so make sure to visit the site and give your 2 cents. 🙂
Filed under: Family, Gluten-Free, Gluten-free Eateries | 1 Comment »


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The Strand
110 Rena Drive, Suite A
Lafayette, LA 70503
ph. 337-988-1014
Balance cream includes vitamins, minerals and natural progesterone suggested for women's balanced health.
The ingredients in Power combine to assist in boosting energy levels.
Vigor includes vitamins, minerals and DHEA suggested for men's balanced health.
Calm is a magnesium cream formula which is an alternative to tablets and capsules.
With Strength in hand, a healthy lifestyle is only a pump away!


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Law enforcement officials seized marijuana and child pornography in a raid last week in Mancos that involved personnel from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Cortez Police Department, Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshall's Office, said Montezuma County Sheriff Dennis Spruell.
An eyewitness said that up to 15 unmarked SUVs were on Country Road J about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. All wore black, according to the witness.
Spruell said his detectives assisted the FBI is executing a search warrant as a residence on County Road J.
"The search was looking for evidence concerning interstate distribution of child pornography," Spruell said. "During the search, a large quantity of marijuana as well as child pornography was seized."
FBI officials in Denver said only that the FBI was executing a federal search warrant in Montezuma County.
"Unfortunately, I am not able to discuss anything further at this time," said FBI spokesperson Dave Joly.
Mancos Marshal John Cox said only that law enforcement used his office as a rally point before executing the search warrant.


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VALPARAISO � Police Officer Chris Fordham knows most days he won�t chase criminals or dismantle bombs. He says his primary job involves helping lost travelers and loading baggage into vehicles.
VALPARAISO � Police Officer Chris Fordham knows most days he won�t chase criminals or dismantle bombs. He says his primary job involves helping lost travelers and loading baggage into vehicles.
Fordham is one of 10 full-time officers who are celebrating their one-year anniversary as the stand-up police department for Okaloosa County�s airports. The force also has 11 reserve officers and one part-time officer.
�This is a different type of police work,� said Fordham, a former state trooper and sheriff�s deputy. �It�s a brand new department, and the focus is not so much on crime but on customer service.�
View a photo gallery of the airport police in action.
The county�s Airports Department had contracted with the Sheriff�s office for deputies to provide security at Northwest Florida Regional Airport. However, county commissioners agreed in 2011 for the department to form its own force after Sheriff Larry Ashley sought a 30 percent, or $310,000, increase to the contract.
The new force took over in April 2012.
�We�re right on target where we want to be operationally,� said Dino Villani, the county�s interim airports director. �We�re not only saving money, but since officers and staff are members of the (airports) department they can provide more consistent core values and mission of the airport.�
Villani estimated the in-house police force saves the county about $400,000 annually.
�We�re extremely happy with the start-up of our police department,� said Tracy Stage, deputy director for the county�s three airports. �They really have done a tremendous job putting this department together in a year�s time, especially with the level of service that�s required and what airport management demands.
�They�re community servants. They�re knowledgeable about airports, help out with directions. There�s nothing the Police Department won�t do for our patrons.�
Fordham�s day starts at 6 a.m. at Northwest Florida Regional. He conducts a �sterile sweep� of the secured and non-secured areas to look for suspicious bags, boxes and other items.
He said he signed up for the airport police to try something new.
Officers underwent five days of airport police training in which they learned everything from customer service to Transportation Security Administration regulations.
Fordham said officers have dealt with everything from helping elderly travelers into wheelchairs to assisting heart attack victims.
�We�ve accomplished a great deal in the short period of time we�ve been here,� Airports Police Chief Melvin Tennyson said. �We stood up a full police force, created training and procedures, and we�re seeking accreditation.�
In addition to patrolling the terminal, Fordham checks the airport�s grounds at least twice a day to check fences, locks and parking lots for anything out of the ordinary.
When shipments arrive with items such as food and beverages, he checks trucks and pallets to make certain nothing is getting into the airport that shouldn�t.
Inside, he serves as an information source, hostile customer referee and investigator.
Since becoming a full staff last April, officers have assisted with thousands of calls to inspect vehicles and secure areas, and deal with lost and found.
�There are some days when you�ll go six or seven hours without getting diddly squat and then the next instant you have 15 things happening at one time,� he said. �This is an interesting challenge.�
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.


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Just a week after declaring an impasse, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner and the city's hoteliers reached agreement Monday on a plan to release millions of dollars in frozen tourism marketing funds.
The City Council, which had set Monday as the deadline for resolving the long-debated issue, unanimously approved the new agreement, hammered out during weekend negotiations.
With the differences now settled between hoteliers and Filner, money generated via a 2 percent hotel room surcharge should soon begin flowing for marketing the city. The council had been prepared a week ago to finalize the agreement for the Tourism Marketing District, but Filner said the proposed language left the city's general fund at great risk should the hotelier-run district be found illegal.
Three lawsuits have been filed against the city challenging the legality of the room surcharge, although a Superior Court judge on Friday issued a tentative ruling dismissing one of them.
"While this process was not without its twists and turns, the ultimate resolution is satisfactory and helps release money immediately so the TMD and the many men and women who work in the tourism economy can get back to work marketing the region," said Terry Brown, chairman of the marketing district corporation. "Ultimately, the agreement was reached in order to end the acrimony, which we believe was counter-productive to the imminent need to market for the upcoming summer tourist season.
"Hundreds of jobs were at stake and millions of dollars for the region, including millions to the city from the TOT were at risk. In the end, this agreement is a compromise that, we hope, ends the fighting and allows us to move forward for the benefit of all San Diegans."
Just last month, the hoteliers and Filner announced they had struck a deal on all outstanding issues surrounding the marketing district. But last Tuesday, when the final language came before the council, Filner said the indemnification language had been weakened and he would not sign the agreement.
Under the newly revised accord, individual hotels will be asked to indemnify the city against refunds should the marketing fee be overturned. In addition, $2.3 million in marketing funds will be set aside for future legal expenses -- a key change that emerged from the weekend negotiations.
The new language also reaffirms the marketing district's duty to defend the city against any litigation and would cover the cost of a separate attorney should the city need that, explained Craig Benedetto, a consultant to the marketing district.
While Filner has signed an amendment outlining the agreed-upon terms, he has not yet signed the overall operating agreement for the district but is expected to do so in three days when he returns from a trip to Mexico. Once that happens, the money collected since the beginning of the year -- about $4.5 million -- could be released in about 20 days.
"Nothing worth doing is easy," said Council President Todd Gloria. "This was not easy. But it's worth doing. Our industry needs a tourism marketing district, the city needs a tourism marketing district."
At stake is $30 million a year in marketing money that is generated by the TMD. The city's Tourism Authority, which relies on the funds for 80 percent of its budget, already has canceled more than $8 million in television advertising at a time when other major cities are promoting themselves for the summer traveling season.
The agency was also facing layoffs of nearly all its staff if funding did not become available by early May. Layoff notices already have been issued.
Monday's vote brings to an end what has been an especially divisive two months during with the hoteliers sued Filner and the council subsequently passed a measure demanding that Filner sign the marketing agreement. The mayor subsequently vetoed the resolution, and on Monday, the council overrode that veto.
Filner's chief of staff, Vince Hall, speaking on behalf of the mayor, said he was "really proud to be here to declare victory for the taxpayers of San Diego."
City Attorney Jan Goldsmith cautioned that while the language in the new agreement doesn't seem to have any legal problems, the best legal protection for the city is to not release any tourism funds until all lawsuits are resolved.


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Our A4 labels with standard chill grade permanent adhesive are available in Avery® equivalent label sizes and are suitable for uses such as address labels, product labels, food labels, office labels and despatch labels. They are plain boxed labels suitable for laser, inkjet, copier and litho printing and are suitable for all office printers*.
These office labels are manufactured using quality label materials and are great value. We can offer substantial savings if you currently buy from the major stationery suppliers and we also offer substantial discounts for orders of more than one box of labels. These labels carry the manufacturers guarantee and wont jam or cause any problems when printing.
With FREE UK standard next day courier delivery to all UK mainland postcodes (excluding Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other off shore postcodes) reaching you within 3 working days of your order.
Download 105 x 37mm Label Set up Template
For best results we always recommend labelling at room temperature onto product that is clean and free of condensation. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions link for more labelling advice.
Important Note
All Stickybobs boxed labels are made to order and therefore not returnable once manufactured. Please consider this carefully. If you are unsure about the suitability of the label to the product, please Request Free Samples and conduct trials on your product.
We do not hold stock of any boxed label products they are all made to your order and therefore not returnable. Your statutory rights are not affected. If the product proves to be faulty, than a full replacement or refund will be provided.
*Satin Gold, Satin Silver, Cream, Magenta, Pink, Orange and Gloss White sheets are NOT suitable for inkjet methods of printing This paper is not coated for Indigo printing.


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Tree of famed naturalist John Muir to be saved via cloning
MARTINEZ, Calif. -- The legend of California naturalist John Muir has achieved immortality. With luck, so will his one special tree.
Only a seedling when transplanted by Muir from the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains to his California East Bay orchard in the 1880s, the giant sequoia is now fatally infected.
But a campaign has begun to perpetuate the storied tree, through a painstaking process of cloning. While Muir's plant will die, its replica could live on -- continuing a cultural legacy on the grounds of what is now the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, Calif.
"It is a visible, tangible, living link to the past -- Muir and his life and his stories," said arborist Keith Park of the historic site, who climbed 30 feet up the tree to trim cuttings to clone. "It has succeeded, to a point. But it is sick."
The project is an experiment with no guarantee of success. Giant sequoias are notoriously difficult to grow from cuttings; there is no evidence that it has ever been done. And, like their parent, the tree's clones could also succumb in a dry, flat place full of pathogens; Muir was apparently unfamiliar with the risks of relocation.
Signs of hope exist in the 2-inch cuttings, nurtured by third-generation arborist David Milarch of the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive. The nonprofit group based in Copemish, Mich., is dedicated to "historic botany," reproducing the world's oldest, largest and most meaningful trees.
"You can see the bright yellow dots -- they're new growth," Milarch said. Roots may not appear for months.
The 700 tiny cuttings are coaxed to grow in a domed capsule next to Milarch's desk -- near a wall portrait of Muir -- where Milarch can closely control soil, water and air temperature. They've been dipped into cocktails of rooting hormones, vitamins and antibiotics; four recipes were tested. The pH of the water matches rain. They get 18 hours of light. Twice daily, they are sprayed with water, keeping humidity at a moist 80 percent.
"It's nerve-racking. They are real finicky," he said. "We're trying to create the exact scenario of where they love to grow."
"We pray for them," he said. "It's never been done before. Experts say it won't work."
The original tree was likely dug up during Muir's 1884 trip to Yosemite, then planted near the family's Victorian home atop a barren hill in Martinez. It can be seen, protected by a crate, in an 1885 photo.
Muir transplanted many species, but giant sequoias held a special affection. In one letter, written with sequoia sap, he writes: "Do behold the King in his glory, King Sequoia! Behold! Behold! The King tree and I have sworn eternal love."
Now, the needles of the statuesque 70-foot tree he nurtured are browning, due to infection by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea, a vascular disease that blocks the flow of water and nutrients. Since Muir's time, this has emerged as a common ailment for Bay Area giant sequoias, which prefer high altitudes; lean, rocky soil; and winter snowdrifts. Unlike their coastal redwood cousins, giant sequoias suffer in Bay Area yards.
"So far, it is hanging in there. It could go on for decades and decades," Park said. "But eventually, the tree will succumb."
To get cuttings, the arborist climbed up into the newest growth. Then he had them certified for interstate travel, packed them up in a plastic bag with a damp towel, and mailed them to Michigan.
Milarch welcomed them with evangelical zeal. After a near-death experience 19 years ago while quitting drinking, he had a spiritual awakening. In his book, "The Man Who Planted Trees," he tells of being visited by a spirit who warned him that "the big trees were dying" -- and instructed him to "build an ark that will hold the genetics of the greatest trees on Earth."
His small group has big ambitions: mass-produce trees with proven longevity, size or history. The goal is to clone the best example of each of the 826 species of trees in the United States, make hundreds of thousands of copies, and plant the offspring in living archival libraries around the country.
The group has cloned white oaks in Maryland, dawn redwoods in China, cedars in Florida, yews in Europe and even Methuselah, the gnarly, 4,870-year-old bristlecone pine in California's Inyo National Forest.
The Archangel Ancient Tree Archive cloned a white mulberry from George Washington's front yard at Mount Vernon and tulip poplars dating to Thomas Jefferson's days at Monticello. It cloned the European copper beech that Theodore Roosevelt planted at his Oyster Bay, N.Y., estate in 1894 and a tree that reportedly once shaded Abraham Lincoln.
But Muir's tree may pose the biggest challenge. "It doesn't make sense," said Gary Moll, of the Maryland-based Global Ecosystem Center and one of the nation's authorities on urban forestry. Planting giant sequoias in Martinez "so far from their natural habitat creates an outrageous problem to deal with."
Undaunted, Milarch dotes on the tiny cuttings, calling them "living witnesses to John Muir's life -- a man who preserved millions and millions of acres from development, so future generations could enjoy nature."
"The tree was something he loved and lived with," he said. "How can you thank a man enough?"


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SYDNEY (AP) Adam Scott is expected to use a new shorter putter Thursday in the first round of the Australian Open.
The Australian star played a practice round Tuesday at The Lakes without the long putter that he anchors to his chest. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the U.S. Golf Association have proposed a rule - to come into effect in 2016 - banning players from anchoring putters against their body during the stroke.
Playing alongside Tom Watson, who before teeing off Tuesday endorsed the proposed ban, Scott instead used an oversized traditional blade. Although it was marginally longer than a regular putter, Scott's putter wasn't anchored to any part of his body.


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Four Michigan Tech Students Receive Gilman Scholarships for Study Abroad
Four Michigan Technological University students—Margaret Buehl, Kaye LaFond, Paul Sleik and Lindsey Whitfield—have been named recipients of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. They received more funding than students from any other Michigan university in this round of scholarships.
The Gilman Scholarship is a federal grant established in 2000 to help undergraduates fund studies abroad. Since the scholarship's inception, seven Michigan Tech students won a Gilman.
Buehl, a fourth-year student majoring in service systems engineering, received $4,000 to study in Alicante, Spain. She says she is looking forward to fully immersing herself in Spanish culture and becoming fluent in the Spanish language. She is from Hastings, Mich., and is the daughter of Jeff and Nancy Buehl.
LaFond, a fourth-year student majoring in environmental engineering and applied ecology, received $3,000 toward study in Amman, Jordan. Her studies focus on the Arabic language and water resources. Originally from Howell, Mich., she is the daughter of Anthony and Karen LaFond.
"I am currently studying abroad, and I can't even begin to discern which part is most memorable," LaFond says. "I'll go out on a limb and say it's a three-way tie between learning Arabic, meeting so many wonderful people and seeing Petra—a historic city with rock-cut architecture."
Sleik, a third-year mechanical engineering major, received $3,500 for study in Prague, Czech Republic. He says he is eager to make new friends on his trip—both fellow students and Czech citizens. Sleik is from Iron Mountain, Mich., and is the son of James and Debra Sleik.
Whitfield, a third-year mathematics major, received $4,500 toward studies in Pau, France. A native of Marquette, Mich., she is the daughter of Lantz and Cindy Whitfield.
"My main goal is to become fluent in the language," Whitfield says. "I also look forward to immersing myself in the culture. I plan on staying with a host family while I am there and seeing as much of Europe as I can! I am very thankful for the Gilman Scholarship because it has truly made it possible for me to afford to study abroad."
Students currently receiving federal Pell grants are eligible for Gilman Scholarships. The program aims to better prepare students for participation in an increasingly global economy by helping them study abroad.
Recent research has validated the positive effects of study-abroad programs by finding higher graduation rates, improved cross-cultural knowledge and improved academic performance among those who have studied abroad.
"This program is an excellent opportunity—especially for Michigan Tech students," says Greta Gustafson, the University's study-abroad coordinator. "The Gilman Scholarship is not $100 or $200. It's thousands of dollars. It really gives students a chance to explore other cultures, something they might not be able to do otherwise."
Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigan's Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.


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Philip E. Bourne, a computational biologist and professor with the University of California, San Diego, is this year's recipient of Microsoft's Jim Gray eScience Award, for his contributions to data-intensive computing.
Bourne is a professor with the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, as well as a distinguished scientist with the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) and an academic participant in the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2), both part of UC San Diego. Bourne received the award at Microsoft's eScience Workshop held in Berkeley, California, this week.
Bourne is also cofounder of SciVee, the Web 2.0 resource dedicated to the dissemination of scientific research and science-specific research networking.
Launched in late 2007 as a collaboration between the National Science Foundation and SDSC, SciVee has been used by hundreds of thousands of students and professional scientists as a means of learning and sharing their research through online science videos that supplement peer-reviewed journal articles, stimulate discussion, and promote collaboration.
"Phil's contributions to open access in bioinformatics and computational biology are legion, and are exactly the sort of groundbreaking accomplishments in data-intensive science that we celebrate with the Jim Gray Award," said Tony Hey, corporate vice president of the External Research Division of Microsoft Research, in a corporate blog this week following the announcement. "In particular, Phil's role as the founding editor-in-chief of the open-access journal PLoS Computational Biology has significantly advanced open access in mathematical and computational biology."
The Jim Gray eScience award was established in 2008 as a tribute to Jim Gray, a Technical Fellow for Microsoft Research who disappeared at sea in 2007. Gray was intrigued by the explosive growth of data in modern science, and viewed the accumulation, organization, and utilization of this data deluge as the next step in the evolution of scientific exploration. He was dedicated to the idea that data-intensive computing would help solve some of society's greatest challenges.
"Jim defined data-intensive computing as a Fourth Paradigm in the evolution of scientific thinking. I am honored and humbled that our small efforts have been recognized in this way," said Bourne.
Bourne's research focus is on relevant biological and educational outcomes derived from computational science and scholarly communication, employing algorithms, text mining, machine learning, meta-languages, biological databases, and visualization to advance discovery in drug effects, evolution, cell signaling, apoptosis, and systems biology.
Bourne received his doctorate in 1980 from the Flinders University, South Australia. His other recent awards include 2009 Benjamin Franklin Award in recognition of his efforts as a leading advocate for the free and open dissemination of science and scientific data, the Flinders University Convocation Medal for Outstanding Achievement (2004), and the Sun Microsystems Convergence Award (2002).


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This is But a Stepping Stone
More words arise to be said about this last topic – "Wanting, Waiting, Longing, Loving."
I said earlier "what we may fail to realize is that the whole of life is set up, purposely designed, around a model of wanting, waiting and longing." I feel the need to expand on that statement by describing the design of life more.
We may fail to realize generally that life is designed, but it is. The vision that I had in 1987 laid out that design very clearly, though in a generic way and without words. (1) But everything was there in the most general of terms. It just requires unpacking, if you will.
All That Is created life so that It might be known. It created life in such a way that loving It leads to knowing It. It stipulated how life would unfold. It decreed that certain design principles would apply and these we call "natural laws." The natural laws include the law of cause and effect, the law of attraction, the law of free will, etc.
These laws do not apply to All That Is. They only apply to the illusory domain of Its own creation, which we can call matter, mater, Mother. We can call it the phenomenal world, the physical domain, the world of form, whatever we wish, all of which distinguishes it from the transcendental world (Father), the non-physical domain, the formless. (2)
Everything from rock to angel occupies the physical domain, the world of form. We don't leave the physical domain until we enter the Formless Itself and by then the game is over.
What game? The game of life.
All of this – angels gathering, masters returning, extraterrestrials descending, humans ascending – goes on against the backdrop of the purpose of life. This is not a special chapter. It's not a time out. This is the game of life unfolding as it should.
All of us are moving from the position of not knowing God to knowing God. Those that know God somewhat, such as the ascended masters, have said that they too are ascending and will know God more. The angels ascend through nine orders and know God more. I believe that those who stand in the face of God – the Seraphim and Cherubim – will ascend more and know God more, until they utterly leave the world of form and enter the Formless.
The horizon is truly endless – or virtually so.
We now get to participate in a chapter of the game of life which sees a whole generation, if it wishes, move one step up Jacob's Ladder of consciousness.
In a word, how do we take that step? I'm betting my money on "by loving God." Jesus was asked, "Which is the great commandment in the law?" and he replied:
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (3)
But we take this for granted. Let's not take it for granted. Let's ask ourselves: Why love God? Because life was so designed that we become that which we love, we know that which we love. Did Jesus not also say that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"? (4) We become that which we love by the power of identification.
If we love money, we become identified with money. If we love God, we become identified with God. Again, I think all this is because that's the way God designed life. There is no explanation for it in physics or logic. It is a reflection of the design principles that God applied to His creation.
The further down the ladder of devolution we go, into third density, the more we depart from love and the more we descend into wanting instead. Now we begin the trek back up and the very first and most important step we can take, I think, is to love instead of want.
That for me is the big step forward, never mind "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Who remembers the moon walk? But who can forget what Jesus said? Why? Because it is so much more basic, because it resonates somewhere deep in our souls.
I remind myself: Simply love, but do it. It isn't something to be talked about but not practiced.
Again I've simply said more words that need infinitely more unpacking.
God built into life many features. Reincarnation is one. The longing for liberation is another. Gender is a third and all the wondrous ways that gender reflects the splitting of God into "Mother" (or movement) and "Father" (or rest). (See 5)
Mother and father, sperm and egg, womb, gestation, birth are all a metaphor for the way the universe was created and for the way we will all ultimately reach God through another birth process, after gestation in this physical universe.
Domain upon domain operates in metaphorical ways that reflect and support the purpose of life – to know God. All of Jesus's parables of treasure, pearl, fish, and yeast were metaphors explaining the way to knowledge of God.
So while all this is happening – the galactics disclose their presence, they come among us and tutor us for Ascension, they provide for our needs and restore the Earth – don't lose sight for a moment that all of this is but a chapter in our return to God. All they are doing is helping us take one giant step forward on that ultimate journey.
Our task is to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. Their task is to help us release ourselves from Third Density and take that step back towards God. They know it. They tell us that is their task.
SaLuSa: "We have been chosen to assist you through the various stages of [this] process, because we have had immense experience in helping civilizations do so. You are in any event intended to join us so that we may continue the journey together, into the glorious dimensions of Light." (6)
SaLuSa: "All are on a never-ending journey." (7)
SaLuSa: "Ascension … will never cease until you return to the absolute Source." (8)
SaLuSa: "The world is not going to end and indeed it must keep evolving, as that is the nature of All That Is. It cannot stand still and is mystically attracted to the Source, (9) where you will finally reach the ultimate completion of the return journey. … The Galactic Federation is in its own way but a stepping-stone to greater experiences." (10)
Atmos: "When we come to Earth and you understand the truth you will have yet another opportunity to lift yourselves up, as we shall explain how you are all aspects of God." (11)
Archangel Michael: "[No one has] reached the pinnacle of spiritual development, above all others. There is no such thing. As spiritual growth is ongoing, continual and a sacred journey and path, all will continue, long after they have completed planetary ascension." (12)
But we have to get it and take that first step.
There is no escaping the way life is designed. When we realize it and accept it, when we willingly take up our assignment and strive to complete the course, our lives improve and things begin to work out the way they were meant to.
I know it seems like a paradox that we are at once free and yet participating in a course that has a definite form. We are free to say "no" and take our ball and bat and go off by ourselves. But the way to glory and bliss and all good things lies along this path – to move from a lack of knowledge about ourselves to the splendorous condition of Self-Realization, to know God by loving God, and to know ourselves as God.
I've said what I needed to say for now. The grip on me loosens itself. I resume normal life. But I myself am changed by the knowledge that arises in me, even as I write, that the purpose of all life is to love, and thereby know, God.
(1) See http://www.angelfire.com/space2/light11/epilog.html.
(2) The ancients used the terms "Father" and "Mother" to distinguish between the formlessness and form, the inactive and the active, the silent and the sound-filled. The best image I can think of illustrating this relationship is Shakti dancing on the recumbent Shiva. Shakti is energy; Shiva is a void. The distinction has nothing to do with gender. There is no gender at the level of Father/Mother God. But gender is, in my view, a metaphoric reflection of the division between God as formlessness and God as form.
(3) Matthew 22: 36-40.
(4) Matthew 6:21.
(5) Jesus was asked by his disciples to give them a password so that they might know each other and he said: "A movement and a rest." (Jesus in the Gospel According to Thomas, p. 29.) Jesus gave to his disciples a password that summarized the totality of God.
God the Father is stillness; God the Mother is energy, movement, activity. The transcendental, formless Void does not stir but God as energy stirs and creates all that exists in a manner most mysterious. Of it Krishna said:
"This entire universe [the phenomenal domain] is pervaded by me, in that eternal form of mine which is not manifest to the senses. Although I am not within any creature, all creatures exist within me. I do not mean that they exist within me physically. That is my divine mystery. You must try to understand its nature. My Being sustains all creatures and brings them to birth, but has no physical contact with them." (Sri Krishna in Prabhavanada and Isherwood, Bhagavad-Gita, 80.)
(6) SaLuSa, Feb. 17, 2010, at http://www.treeofthegoldenlight.com/First_Contact/Channeled_Messages_by_Mike_Quinsey.htm
(7) SaLuSa, April 20, 2009.
(8) SaLuSa, March 26, 2010.
(9) By the longing for liberation. See https://sbeckow.wordpress.com/16244-2/the-purpose-of-life-is-enlightenment/ch-7-the-longing-for-liberation/
(10) SaLuSa, Feb. 26, 2010.
(11) Atmos, Nov. 21, 2008, at http://www.treeofthegoldenlight.com/First_Contact/Channeled_Messages_by_Mike_Quinsey.htm
(11) Archangel Michael, "Balance Your Subconscious, Conscious and Superconscious Minds," June 2010, through Rev. Michelle Coutant, at http://www.transformingradiance.com/messages.html.


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Former Philadelphia Media Network Publisher Joins Rumble News Advisory Board
Philadelphia, Pa.– Rumble News Ltd., a mobile technology company that offers newspapers an A-Z mobile solution with customized apps, has announced that digital media expert Greg Osberg has joined its advisory board.
Osberg was selected for the board appointment because of his experience leading digital initiatives at some of the world's best-known media companies, including The Washington Post Co., CNET, Newsweek and most recently Philadelphia Media Network, publishers of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com.
Rumble News currently operates within the Project Liberty Digital Incubator in Philadelphia, which is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to stimulate the establishment and growth of digital media start-up companies in the Philadelphia region. Rumble joined the incubator in July as a member of the second group of start-up company participants in the project since it launched in January 2012. Rumble's innovative product, equipped with consumer analytics and monetization options, continues to receive global interest from many leaders and investors in the technology sector. Osberg's addition to Rumble's advisory board signals the company is prioritizing their need for investment and growth, hoping to build new contacts and insights through the support of experts known within the startup community.
"I believe Rumble has developed an exciting digital mobile solution for publishers interested in upgrading their branded apps," said Osberg. "I look forward to helping Rumble grow their business."


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Lee Van Alstyne, left, and Shawn Terrel hang up art canvases Wednesday morning on a vacant building next to the Heartland Café on Fourth Street in downtown Loveland.
The building is owned by Jim Guggenheim and became the site of artwork by young artists and professionals who were asked by the city of Loveland to create works of art to help revitalize downtown, according to Marcie Erion, director of the Office of Creative Sector Development.
Erion recruited 16 artists to paint canvases for the building.


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You probably juggle a phone number or two around in that skull of yours just out of necessity, but there are memorization experts out there who would put you to shame. At this year's World Memory Championships, champion Johannes Mallow memorized a 2,245 digit number and the order of 1144 playing cards each in just an hour. He also memorized a string of 3954 binary digits in 30 minutes, and another competitor soaked up 269 random words in just 15.
Photographer David Vintiner was there to catch the feats in "action" and the result is a collection of shots that will make your brain hurt at the mere notion of memorizing half as much useless, garbled data. You can check out more of Vintiner's shots of the event over at his website. [David Vintiner via Wired]


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The good news for the Patriots is that Tom Brady's foot injury is not believed to be serious, even though an official diagnosis has not been made public. The bad news is that his backups have played so poorly in relief that there's a legitimate concern as to how the offense would function if Brady were to miss extended time at some point.
The Way We Hear It: Patriots worried about QB depth, but …
The good news for the Patriots is that Tom Brady's foot injury is not believed to be serious, even though an official diagnosis has not been made public. In fact, we hear that coach Bill Belichick's decision to keep him out of preseason games is as much a function of concern over the injury-marred offensive line's ability to keep him erect as it is his health. The bad news is that his backups have played so poorly in relief that there's a legitimate concern as to how the offense would function if Brady were to miss extended time at some point. Rookie Kevin O'Connell has outperformed Matt Cassel thus far, but there's little chance Belichick would grant starting honors to a rookie. Nevertheless, don't expect Belichick to start dialing the phone number of any veteran still out there on the free-agent market. The theory is that the market is bereft of any attractive option at this late stage, and the fact that the backups have at least been immersed in the playbook through the offseason bodes better for any emergency than the introduction of a veteran newcomer.
NFL Whispers
49ERS: Don't be surprised if Niners OG David Baas -- who we hear is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn pectoral muscle suffered while weightlifting -- switches from right guard to left guard with projected starting OLG Adam Snyder currently out with a right ankle injury suffered in practice. Word is Snyder was really struggling, primarily with his pass protection, even before hurting his ankle.
PANTHERS: WR Jason Carter, once an afterthought when it came to making the team, has a good shot to remain on the roster because of a strong training camp, Steve Smith's suspension and a banged-up receiving corps. Carter entered camp as the No. 6 receiver, but he impressed head coach John Fox, and he could continue to see a good chunk of playing time if D.J. Hackett, Ryne Robinson, Dwayne Jarrett and Muhsin Muhammad, who have all missed time recently, continue to be nagged by injuries.
BEARS: Sources who have been dealing with starting LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs on a regular basis report that the two players' relationships with the local media have made a 360-degree turn for the better this season. On the field, meanwhile, although Urlacher has looked pretty sharp most of the time, we're told Briggs has been uncharacteristically sloppy and slow to reach his normal All-Pro form.
The Fantasy Buzz
The Ravens have had three quarterbacks competing for the starting job this preseason, but they might only have one healthy option come Week One. With Kyle Boller dealing with a potentially serious shoulder injury and Troy Smith suffering from a serious case of tonsillitis, rookie Joe Flacco could be thrust into the starting lineup. Flacco could take control of the job with a good performance, but a poor effort likely would send him back to the bench.
Word out of Miami is that RB Ronnie Brown might not be taking a backseat to Ricky Williams after all. Although Williams was thought to be the sure Week One starter after his terrific preseason, head coach Tony Sparano indicated that Brown could play himself back into the mix with a strong preseason finale. Brown has been dealing with various injuries, however, and likely will, at best, wind up in a timeshare to begin the season.
For more NFL news and daily fantasy football advice, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.