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Personal InsuranceOur goal at Brown Insurance Group is to protect you and your family from the unexpected by finding the right coverage at an affordable rate. If you need Auto, Home, Umbrella or any other personal insurance coverage, we can tailor a package to fit your individual personal insurance needs. Our number one priority is to protect your family from any unforeseen event that may be a burden to your family in the future. Our Personal lines staff is here to answer any questions you may have and research the best policy for your needs. Brown Insurance Group strives to build long term relationships with our clients by providing advice on which Personal Lines plan is best for them and provide the best possible customer service when you have a claim. If you have a loss or claim, it pays to know there is a company you can trust to protect you and your family.
Homeowners Insurance
- Vacation Homes
- Beach Homes
- Condominium
- Renters Insurance
- Landlord Protection
- Secondary Residences
- High Value Homes
- Flood Insurance
Auto InsuranceIf you drive a sedan, hybrid, minivan, station wagon, SUV, pickup truck or anything in between, Brown Insurance Group can provide personalized car insurance quotes that are right for you. If trouble comes along, we'll make sure you're taken care of every step of the way. Brown Insurance Group can also insure your Motorcycle, Classic Car, Motor Home & RV, Boat & Jet Ski, Golf Cart, and ATV!
Farm & Ranch InsuranceBrown Insurance Group specializes in Farm & Ranch insurance coverage. We can offer competitive plans for your home, ranch, auto and umbrella. Farm & Ranch Liability Insurance We offer competitive coverages for your farm. Our companies offer package policies to cover your Home, Buildings, Equipment, Supplies and Personal & Farm Liability. Farm & Ranch Auto Insurance We offer competitive coverages for your Farm Trucks, Trailers, or other licensed vehicles used in your farming operation. We can offer discounts for seasonal use. Farm & Ranch Umbrella Insurance We offer competitive Excess Limits Liability policies to cover in an all encompassing policy Misc. Farm & Ranch Coverages Insurance We can offer those coverages not covered under the package policy. These are coverages for Off Road Vehicles, Boats, Farm Products, Animal Liability, and many others. Additional Optional Coverages may include:
- Cargo
- Outbuildings
- Flood
- Fire Legal Liability
- Employers Liability
- Equine Liability
Personal UmbrellaAn umbrella policy provides additional layers of liability protection. If the liability limits are exhausted on your home, auto, or other underlying insurance policy, your umbrella insurance policy takes over and provides you with additional protection. The cost is minimal compared to the comfort of knowing you're covered.
Contact Brown Insurance Group today for a quote.
The coverage you have depends upon the type of policy you have. Unlike auto insurance, where the policies are pretty much the same, homeowners policies can be quite different, depending on the "form" number. The most common types of homeowner policies are:
- HO1 Basic or Standard policy
- HO2 Broad form
- HO3 Special (also called Deluxe, All Risk)
- HO4 Renters policy
- HO5 Enhanced Special Coverage
- HO6 Condo policy
- HO8 Older Home Policy
- Cash – $200
- Jewelry – $1,000
- Firearms – $2,500
- Silverware – $2,500
Auto Insurance isn't just a good thing to have to protect you financially in the case of an accident – in many states it's required. All of the Insurance companies we represent provide a wide range of auto Insurance products at a fair price. Your price gets even better if you qualify for any of our available discounts. When applying for auto Insurance, you're usually asked whether you want collision and/or comprehensive coverage, how high you want your deductible to be, what liability limits you want, and whether you want any types of optional coverage. Make sure you understand what these terms mean and how much coverage is right for you.
- Standard and Preferred auto Insurance
- High Risk auto Insurance
- Classic autos / High Valued autos
- Special program for Mature/Elderly Drivers
- Discounts that are available
- Recreational vehicles / Boats
- Collision coverage insures you against damage to your vehicle caused during an accident.
- Comprehensive (other than collision) coverage insures you against all other physical damage to your car caused by such events as fire, theft, flood, and vandalism.
We are a Georgia based insurance agency that specializes in motorcycle coverage. We will shop the best motorcycle insurance companies in Georgia to find you the best coverage at an affordable price. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. Insurance companies will take into consideration many different factors when insuring your motorcycle in Georgia. One company is not always the best fit for everyone, that is why we compare companies for you. These factors include:
- Driving record
- Credit History
- Your Age, Address
- The Type of Motorcycle
- The Number of Drivers
- Multiple policies with our company
- Safety courses that you may have taken
- Renewals
- Insurance on more than one motorcycle
At Brown Insurance Group, we can offer a wide variety of coverages and options for your boat, jet ski or personal watercraft. Some boats or smaller watercraft may even be covered under your current homeowners policy. The size, type and value of your boat, personal watercraft or jet ski will be part of the determining factors in evaluating your insurance coverage needs. Let one of our experienced agents give you the coverage you need and make recommendations to best fit your situation. The following list some of the many coverages that we can offer: Physical Damage Coverage – Adding this coverage to your policy protects your boat while in storage and during transport. This covers your boat as well when out of the water, including but not limited to: fire, lighting, vandalism or theft. You can also obtain emergency service reimbursement for expenses related to towing, labor or supplies. Liability Coverage – This coverage will assist you in the event of a collision with another boat, dock or other boaters. These areas protect you for:
- Personal Liability – protecting you or family member if you have an accident that causes injury to another person.
- Medical Payments – covering medical expenses if you or someone in your boat is involved in an accident.
- Property Damage – damage that may be caused to another persons property while operating your watercraft.


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Missing the heat of summer sun already? Ride off on one of these Oval Tropics complete skateboards by Real Skateboards and imagine yourself back on summer vacation!
Real Skateboards Oval Tropics White / Blue / Assorted Colors Mid Complete Skateboards – 7.5″ x 31.25″
Since 1991, Real Skateboards has been known in the industry for striving to provide real products to real skateboarders at fair prices for their value. When it comes to simplicity and perfection, Real skateboard decks are all you need to get started on your ideal skating setup. Constructed out of 7 ply maple wood, these decks are made to last and are constructed with any rider's skill level in mind, whether a beginner or pro. Completes arrive with all the necessary hardware and accessories to hit the street, park, vert, or any other location you like to skate!
Real Skateboards Oval Tropics White / Pink / Assorted Colors Complete Skateboard – 8″ x 32″
Typically, skaters can choose from their selection of colorful, graphic boards featuring a collection of images from those that depict the band Green Day, animals, and their brand logo. But with this particular series, it's all a day at the beach – embrace the relaxed vibes of vacations and hot, tropical days, even if you have to bundle up against the cold!
Real Skateboards Oval Tropics White / Green / Assorted Colors Complete Skateboard – 7.75″ x 31.25″
These happy-go-lucky reminders of warmer seasons won't last long on our shelves here at Warehouse Skateboards! Order yours today and spend your holiday season in a vacation state of mind.
Deals, Discounts and Giveaways!

subset: commoncrawl


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For newly created accounts, it can take several days (up to weeks for very large balances) to fully invest your initial cash balance depending on the availability of loans matching your investment strategy.
For security purposes, Liquid P2P does not have access to your bank account. However, we can initiate a transfer request through Lending Club on your behalf.
To deposit funds, go to the Transfer Requests tab in the Manage section. This is where you can submit new requests, monitor and edit active requests, and view your transfer history.
You can select a one-time deposit or set up a recurring deposit. Recurring deposits can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or on the 1st and 16th of each month specifically.
To avoid the negative effect cash drag can have on your return, we use "Full Reinvesting" as the default setting for user accounts. This means that as payments accrue, we continuously reinvest your available cash to keep your money working for you.
Liquid P2P constantly monitors note availability on both the primary and secondary markets to ensure your available cash is invested as quickly as possible in notes that meet our standards and match your saved strategy settings.
You can pause full reinvesting at any time in the Manage section under the Automated Settings tab.
Liquid P2P gives you the option to set a Constant Account Value (CAV). Simply enter a specific amount and our automated system will reinvest accordingly to maintain that account value.
You can select to receive payment of excess dividends on a weekly or monthly basis.
To set a Constant Account Value, go to the Automated Settings tab in the Manage section.
Yes. You can pause investing at any time from the Manage section under the Automated Settings tab.
The default automated setting for all accounts is Full Reinvesting, and you also have the option to set a Constant Account Value or pause investing.
When investing is paused, payments that accrue in your account will not be reinvested and your available cash will remain idle.
Diversification is the key to managing risk in P2P lending. Spreading your investment across many different loans limits the impact of any single default on your overall return.
Lending Club leaves diversification up to the individual investor but suggests holding at least 100 notes to achieve a positive return. Other industry experts recommend a 200-note threshold to achieve full diversification.
Liquid P2P raises that bar by automating diversification up to a 400-note threshold and only purchases notes in $25 increments (the smallest denomination available.)
This means investments of $10,000 and greater will be diversified across at least 400 different notes, limiting your loss to just 0.25% of your account value when a single loan defaults.
Example for various investment amounts:
$2,500 100 notes
$5,000 200 notes
$10,000 400 notes
Liquid P2P uses machine-learning algorithms to cherry-pick only the best quality loans that match your investment strategy. Back-tested using historical data and predictive analysis, our proprietary algorithms are written and trained to outperform the market.*
Algorithm-powered investing gives you the potential for higher returns while also protecting you from the possibility of investing in below-quality loans if and when Lending Club changes their loan grade standards.
*Liquid P2P makes no warranties or representations concerning back testing, machine learning, and predictive analytics. User acknowledges past performance is no guarantee of future results. See our Terms of Service for more.
Liquid Match is our patent-pending model that harnesses the power of the group to fuel our loan selection and liquidation processes. As we continuously invest your available funds, we automatically match Liquid P2P buyers and sellers first in an effort to both boost returns and accelerate liquidity.
Here's how it works:
The Folio Note Trading Platform is a secondary marketplace where you can buy and sell previously issued Lending Club notes. Investors register for Folio through their Lending Club account. Because we utilize both the primary and secondary markets to automate investing and liquidation on your behalf, we require Folio registration and API access as part of our sign-up process.
With note-trading between users at the core of our Liquid Match model, we want to ensure both sides of a transaction are treated fairly, and we accomplish this with our fair pricing strategy.
When automating the trade of a note between users, simply pricing the note at par (equal to the outstanding balance) will result in the buyer getting a lower yield than the seller. This is partly due to the negative impact of Lending Club's 1% investor fee. (Learn more about the effect Lending Club's fee structure has on YTM)
Our strategy is to price the note so that the buyer gets the same Yield to Maturity (the return on a note if held to maturity and received all payments according to payment schedule) as she could have gotten if she purchased a similar note on the primary market. We refer to this process as "making the buyer whole," and the price as "fair price".
Calculating a fair price is two-step process:
1. Determine the YTM of a newly-issued note on the primary market with the same term*, sub-grade and interest rate as the note in transaction. This accounts for any interest rate change since the note in transaction was issued.
*Notes with 37-60 remaining payments are considered having a 5-year term, and with 1-36 remaining payments are considered having a 3-year term.
Solve for YTM in the following equation using Newton's method:
Loan Amount = (payment-fee)/(1+YTM/12)+(payment-fee)/((1+YTM/12)2 ) + ... + (payment-fee)/((1+YTM/12)term )
2. Plug the YTM obtained from step 1 into the following bond pricing formula to calculate the fair price any month (t).
P(t) = (payment-fee)/(1+YTM/12)+(payment-fee)/((1+YTM/12)2 ) + ... + (payment-fee)/((1+YTM/12)t )
On top of making the buyer whole, we also use machine learning to select notes that are less likely to default so that buyers can invest in high quality notes with a seasoned payment history and shorter time to maturity. On the other side of the transaction, sellers are able to accelerate the liquidation of their notes. It's a win-win.
Liquid Match Standards are the criteria we use to define the quality of loans traded between users.
We continuously monitor the loans you're invested in, including those originally invested in outside of Liquid P2P. If any loan fails to meet one of our standards, it will be temporarily ineligible for Liquid Match liquidation.
You can monitor the real-time eligibility of your invested principal from your user dashboard.
Principal invested in loans that do not currently meet Liquid Match Standards is listed as "Non-Eligible Principal" and then broken out into the following sub-categories.
(Holding Period is the time it takes for the note to regain eligibility.)
You can initiate a new withdrawal request from your Manage page under the Withdrawal Requests tab. You can only have one pending or active withdrawal request at a time.
We give you three withdrawal options to choose from and customize to meet your needs, each with a different liquidation method, time frame, and cost.
For all active withdrawal requests, we initiate transfers to your bank account on a weekly basis. You can easily monitor the progress of your withdrawal and change or cancel the request from your dashboard. Automated reinvesting will resume as soon as your requested amount is met.
Standard Withdrawal
Method: Pause reinvesting to allow incoming payments to accrue.
TIMELINE: Because no liquidation is involved, this is the slowest method. Timeline will vary. You can monitor progress and cancel or change to another method at any time.
FEES: None
Liquid Match Withdrawal
Method: Pause reinvesting and automate liquidation using our Liquid Match model.
Timeline: Accelerated
Fees: 1% Folio transaction fee will apply to any note sold to fulfill your withdrawal request.
Liquid Match +Plus Withdrawal
Method: User sets custom end date for Liquid Match which can be edited at any time. After end date, eligible notes are adjusted to a fair price and liquidated through Liquid Reserve Pool at a 1.5% discount to reach requested withdrawal amount.
Timelines: Custom
Fees: 1% Folio transaction fee will apply to any note sold to fulfill your withdrawal request.
You can monitor the progress of a pending or active withdrawal request, as well as change the withdrawal type and/or amount or cancel the request at any time from your dashboard summary page or in the Manage setion under the Withdrawal Requests tab.
We created the Liquid Reserve Pool to be another win-win solution for our users. It gives sellers a way to fully liquidate within a specific time period, while matching a pool of buyers with a quality loans at a discounted price.
To fund the reserve, we periodically invite users to contribute by investing in $1,000-blocks increments. These reserve blocks are "stacked" in a first-in, first-out order and used as a liquidity pool to fund Liquid Match +Plus withdrawal requests.
In a Liquid Match +Plus withdrawal, the user is able to control the timeline for full liquidation by setting an end date for Liquid Match. After that date, eligible notes are automatically liquidated through the reserve pool to meet the remaining balance on the active withdrawal.
As an incentive to contribute, eligible notes liquidated through the reserve are adjusted to a fair price and then sold to buyers at 1.5% discount.
A 2% Liquid Match +Plus Fee will apply to any note sold through the reserve. This fee will be included as a seperate line item on your monthly bill and charged to your credit card on file with Liquid P2P.
We periodically invite selected users to contribute to our Liquid Reserve Pool in $1K blocks. Once committed, these funds are held in a reserve and used to liquidate fellow investors with active Liquid Match +Plus withdrawals.
You can request an invitation anytime from the Summary page of your user dashboard.
Depending on reserve demand, we will periodically send out invitations to users on the request list. This invitation will include specific information on available reserve blocks, as well as details about the order in which we will accept and allocate contributions for that round.
We give users with active contributions to the Liquid Reserve Pool a simple way to monitor purchased reserve blocks. From your dashboard Summary page, you'll have an at-a-glance view of the current reserve total, your individual contribution amount, and a graphic showing a real-time queue of where your blocks fall in the order to be invested.


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These programs have been designed by national anti-violence groups, state domestic violence coalitions, or local community-based groups across the country. Most represent grassroots attempts to engage men and boys to end sexual and intimate partner violence.
Men Can Stop Rape's youth development program, the Men of Strength Club, is the country's premier primary violence prevention program for mobilizing young men to prevent sexual and dating violence. The Men of Strength Club, or MOST Club, provides young men with a structured and supportive space to build individualized definitions of masculinity that promote healthy relationships.
Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) Coaches Kit by Futures Without Violence (Revised 2011) provides coaches with an easy to follow 12-week curriculum, which includes the CBIM Card Series, the CBIM Playbook, and additional References & Resources to support program implementation. The new version of the Coaches Kit includes additional resources for coaches, as well as two new lessons on Digital Disrespect and Understanding Consent.


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While Activision is betting on Riley the dog to be a huge selling point in Call of Duty: Ghosts [Dog], DICE is relying on high-end visuals, unparalleled environmental destruction and dynamic physics systems to help reel in and keep players engaged. Oh yeah, and it actually has a story and characters.
The trailer doesn't start with a bang, doesn't feature Eminem singing about the ghetto, homophobia or misogyny and it certainly doesn't try to win over your affection with a likable but tough dog with a huge personality who will eventually sacrifice himself to save America. However, the Battlefield 4 story trailer does sport a dog being royally punched in the face like he stole someone's meal. That's what DICE thinks about dogs, Infinity Ward... although, I don't think a lot of dog lovers will like it. If it makes pet owners feel any better, they were evil dogs trying to stop America, so it was a punch against a pet for patriotism.
Anyway, the trailer takes a turn I didn't see coming: it features a subplot about a female marine who may or may not be what she seems. I don't know if she was shoehorned in to pacify the voices of dissent against the gaming industry and the treatment of women in mainstream games (similar to Hollywood adjusting for politically correct portrayals of women and minorities in big budget flicks) or DICE had planned all along to have an intriguing story centered around gender relations, trust and national security from the start. I'm hoping it's the latter case, as that would mean the story has a chance of actually being good.
Nevertheless, Battlefield 4 looks gorgeous. It's not just a cavalcade of military grade guns and explosives going off every second (though that does make up for a large part of the game) it contains some striking vehicular combat that takes players over land, sea and air. That's not to mention that many of the physics systems have been overhauled for the next generation of levolution in the Frostbite 3.0 engine. This means more particle dispersions, destruction variance and ways to chip away at cover, blow out (or blow up) buildings, structures and supports as well as level an entire skyscraper. It's a marvelously impressive display of technological excellence.
I can't wait to see what DICE comes up with in the next iteration of the Frostbite, but someone really needs to talk to EA about licensing out the engine... seriously.
Anyway, Battlefield 4 is scheduled to release at the end of the month just before Call of Duty: Ghosts drops. It's going to be a bloodbath in the software sales department for video games this year... with the current gen coming to a close, the next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft dropping, Nintendo unleashing some first-party heavy hitters and each and every AAA publisher gunning for gold, I can't wait to see what the NPD reports look like for the end of this year.
You can learn more about Battlefield 4, all its DLC and then some by paying a kind visit to the game's official website.


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More About Our Grindelia Essential Oil
Size: 5 ml violet glass bottle
Source: USA
Production method: Steam distilled by an artisan distiller, from whole wild plants
Botanical name: Grindelia squarrosa
Note: Also known as Gumweed
Homeopathic Properties of Grindelia Essential Oil
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-infectious
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anti-tussive
- Balsamic
- Bronchodilator
- Cicatrizant
- Emollient
- Expectorant
- Mucolytic
- Tonic–respiratory system
- Vulnerary
Internal–oral in homeopathic doses, inhalation, diffusion
External—topical application, massage, spinal and local compress, energy centers and meridian points
Observations and Anecdotal Information
Indigenous cultures all over North America have used grindelia essential oil, commonly known as gumweed or gum plant.
Among its many uses, it is a powerful treatment for asthma and bronchial spasm. It is very effective in any cases where phlegm produced obstruction in the airways. Simply inhaling grindelia essential oil will open passages and clear bronchial tubes.
It is also a powerful antispasmodic, which can relieve coughing and spasms. It is so effective in clearing the whole respiratory system, that it has become known as an herbal treatment for emphysema. Coughing, mucus in the nose and throat, and all forms of respiratory illness can be remedied with grindelia.
It is also a helpful treatment for hives, rashes, and poison ivy–any type of skin eruptions. Grindelia was once a listed "drug" for the treatment of asthma and whooping cough. Drug companies still formulate a synthetic form of this plant for those purposes.
This oil is generally regarded as safe at normal doses.
Keep all essential oils away from eyes.
Store in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
All internal uses should be researched and/or supported by a health care professional. Product quality and dosage are critically important when using essential oils internally.
None of our products are recognized or approved by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information is anecdotal, and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be taken as medical advice. See a health care professional for medical advice.


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Nearly £240,000 is about to be pumped into inspecting Bromley businesses' food safety
PUBLISHED: 09:44 16 August 2017 | UPDATED: 14:34 16 August 2017
Some of the money will go toward supporting businesses during "unforeseen disruption"
The number of officers checking the safety of Bromley's restaurants and food premises is set to rise with a six-figure investment scheme.
Bromley council is putting £238,000 into its annual budget to provide temporary and permanent staff to carry out ongoing food safety inspections, while other new employees will work on "continuity planning" to ensure council services can run during "unforeseen disruption".
"A lot has happened in the last two years which has changed the context in which local services are delivered and we are responding to this by making additional resources available in these much needed service areas," said Kate Lymer, executive councillor for public protection and safety.
"Safety is important and so is maintaining the universal services we provide, this will help ensure our services continue to be delivered in the best and most efficient way going forward."
Bromley council is responsible for sending off hygiene data to the Food Standards Agency, which currently reports more than 50 premises have a hygiene rating of one across Beckenham, Bromley and Orpington, meaning the business is in major need of improvement.
Frances Forrest, manager of Your Bromley, the town centre's business improvement district, said: "Your Bromley welcomes the council's investment in both business continuity support and also food safety. Nearly all of Bromley town centre's food outlets already have very high hygiene standards, but there's no room for complacency in these matters.
"It will be good for the businesses to have an up to date assessment so there is evidence of the high levels of hygiene in addition to the choice and great customer service that's on offer in Bromley town centre."
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Bromley Times. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Ah the first week with the new writing schedule has thus far been a nicer pace for me thus far. I was able to participate in the discussions from my Sunday night/Monday morning post at a much higher level, which makes me feel more like I am a part of the discussions. Some good thoughts were put out there on my general lack of liberty post. I realize that there was not a real "topic" there to discuss, but I have to admit that I was surprised that there wasn't more that people wanted to say! Don't worry, the topics will get better! I found a couple of articles on the Huffington Post for tonight's topics. I hope you will all go and read the original articles in their entirety, as they are interesting. We also will welcome a longtime friend to the world of blogging his thoughts and discuss the madness that was a result of the Patriot Act, and wonder when Obama will get around to repealing that abhorrent piece of "legislation".
Tuesday Night Open Mic for January 19, 2010
Ah the first week with the new writing schedule has thus far been a nicer pace for me thus far. I was able to participate in the discussions from my Sunday night/Monday morning post at a much higher level, which makes me feel more like I am a part of the discussions. Some good thoughts were put out there on my general lack of liberty post. I realize that there was not a real "topic" there to discuss, but I have to admit that I was surprised that there wasn't more that people wanted to say! Don't worry, the topics will get better! I found a couple of articles on the Huffington Post for tonight's topics. I hope you will all go and read the original articles in their entirety, as they are interesting. We also will welcome a longtime friend to the world of blogging his thoughts and discuss the madness that was a result of the Patriot Act, and wonder when Obama will get around to repealing that abhorrent piece of "legislation".
Good Morning – posting for comments.
Ditto ditto
forgot to mark the little box….its bedtime 🙂
A test on American history, 20 questions, some hard, some easy. I missed 3=85.
Disclaimer, found by Beck, so may be the devils handiwork.
55%. 😦 Got the basics right but I still hate history
I had to guess on some, I did not KNOW the answer.
Got 80% myself.
Ditto! 🙂
I got 65%, I was really surprised because I was guessing on more than a few of them.
Yikes! 70% and I've come a long way on this history stuff in the last year. Imagine my score last year:(
85% and disappointed that I did not know all of it….and had to guess on a couple. Process of elimination, actually. Interesting test.
65-are should I say an F-as politically un-correct as it is to damage my self esteem this way.
The real test is who did and did not test themselves.
I really, really tested myself, and you know I don't lie.
100% but had to use the process of elimination on the slave question.
Century 431-404 BC
The soldier walks onto the field of battle and sees the carnage. He hears the moans of the wounded and the dying. He sees the dead. He smells the stench that hangs in the air. He sees the bodies of those that tried to kill him…his enemy and realizes that the common denominator is life itself and it has been eliminated from that corpse. The soldier smiles contently and basks in the knowledge that he has survived yet another battle and sits down to wipe his brow and be proud of the fact that he has upheld his side and won the battle. It is now time to rest and eat and drink and he closes his eyes and thinks of home and family. All is well.
The Commander walks onto the same field of battle and sees the same carnage. He hears the same moans of the wounded and the dying. He sees the same dead. He smells the same stench that hangs in the air. He sees the same bodies of those that tried to kill his men…the enemy and realizes the same common denominator is life itself and it has been eliminated from that corpse. But the Commander sees all and wonders why? Why did it come to this? How do we change this? He looks to the horizon, knowing that this was just one battle. The dust cloud reminds him that a war is still raging and that it is ok to revel in the victory of the one battle but there is still a war. The Commander does not have the luxury of being able to celebrate in the thrill of victory. He must prepare for the inevitable counter attack because the dust cloud is getting bigger and closer. The Commander wonders at the futility of it all? What started this? Why has it come down to this? Why do I send men to fight and die? Why is it necessary? He then goes about the task to prepare his men for yet another battle.
Fast forward: January 20, 2010… basking in the victory of the Scott Brown election. The "troops" throwing high fives and celebrating the defeat of the institution of the Kennedy seat in Massachusetts. We showed those leftist SOB's a thing or two. It is about time that they received theirs and everyone is happy….rightly so. After all the vote changed the course of a river….or has it?
D13 wonders. This is just one small battle and there is still a looming dust cloud on the horizon that is getting bigger and more ominous and more threatening. This dust cloud has been somewhat held in check until the winds start to blow again. Scott Brown said the right things and the people responded. Sort of an analogy of Obama. Said the right things and hit the right chords and it made melodious tones…and we are happy and singing. But, the dust cloud is still growing. It has already consumed the bulk of our freedoms. This dust cloud, under the guise of common or collective good, is spreading ever larger threatening to consume even more and it is becoming global and it is hungry for its very existence depends on consuming more and more liberty and more and more freedom. This dust cloud is creating the only thing that it can to survive….a dependent class of lemming called people. The government is everything and can provide anything and it has nothing to do it with……unless it continues to consume more freedoms and more liberties until there are no more….and Pavlov will be happy.
The Brown election was monumental. It appears the will of the people had something to say, though the ballot box, and at least it changed some small part of the direction. But the direction to where? The Brown election was a battle. The war is still raging and there will be a counter attack. Revel in the Brown victory and give it the credit that it is due but do not get complacent and quit the fight. The dust cloud is still coming and it is still consuming.
The vote is still powerful and change the course of politics but change it to what course? More of the same? To change history, one must change the dynamics. One must have a new formula. Is Senator elect Brown the beginning? If he is, we need more like him and not the same mantra that is in there now.
Liberty and Freedom needs to be the mantra. True liberty and true freedom…not just buzz words. The war can still be won…and it can be won through the ballot box…but the ballot box must have candidates that are worthy of the vote. Perhaps Brown is the start..perhaps not. Time will tell….he DID say " it is not a Kennedy seat, it is the seat of the people." Let us hope that there are more like this and that they stay the course. History has proven otherwise but history can also change. It will take hard work and it will take patience. No magic wand will change it tomorrow and no genie will rescue it. Freedom and Liberty come from the people and the people need to keep vigilant and not over look the forest for the trees.
Thus, D13 waxes philosophical from his perspective and takes leave….keeping an eye on the dust cloud.
Good Day Colonel!
I would at this point, seeing the cloud of dust with glimmers of raging fires, look real hard at alternate stategies to employ with the primary one. Turn the defensive posture into a offensive/defensive posture, employing small offensive attacks to weaken the enemy before the final battle. I feel we are outnumbered, and their strategy is unconventional. They want control and power, but what do they want to do with it if they achieve this goal?
Their tactics have gone unnoticed and covertly achieved under the guise of freedom, which is what they want to destroy. Many questions to answer. I want to better understand the enemy, but yet I find things missing. I'm searching for these answers, in unconventional areas, so as to equalize their uncoventional tactics.
Peace and Be Free!
Wow, great post. Been hectic, wish I had read this earlier.
Myself, I am looking to see if the house adopts the senate bill with no changes, or if the election results are challenged or a delay in his seating.
The Madness of King Barack
By Brian Doherty
Will King Barack respond to the election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts with moderation and scrap health care or with madness?
On December 16, 1773, several dozen colonists in Boston, angered by King George's financially ruinous tea tax, took action into their own hands. Dressed as Mohawk Indians, they snuck onto 3 British tea ships and dumped over 300 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. That revolt was said to have sparked the American Revolution.
Last night, the state of Massachusetts was the site of yet another revolt, only this time it was Attorney General Martha Coakley, the Democratic Party, and President Obama, health care and health care reform that were thrown into the drink, following the stunning election of Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate.
Yet on the eve of the election, the White House suggested to Politico's Mike Allen that they would not moderate the president's policies, but in a fit of madness akin to King George's, would double down and strike a more combative tone.
I have a feeling that over the next few days, the White House will want to talk to Mike Allen and amend their remarks.
As evidenced by the quotes listed below, aside from DCCC chairman Chris Van Hollen's "blame Bush" comment, most of the President's loyalists aren't so anxious for the call to arms:
"Regardless of the outcome … this should be a gigantic wake-up call to the Democratic Party – that we're not connecting with the needs, the aspirations and the desires of real people right now."
– San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom
"(This election ) is not just the canary in the coal mine," said. "It's the flock of dead ravens landing on the lawn."
-Wade Randlett, a leading Silicon Valley fundraiser for Obama
"President George W. Bush and House Republicans drove our economy into a ditch and tried to run away from the accident."
– Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland)
"Suspend further votes on health care legislation until Senator-elect Brown is seated."
-Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.)
"It's not the end of the world. Look, we can come back to healthcare. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to step back and say, look, we're going to pivot to do a jobs thing. We're going to try to include some healthcare pieces in it."
-Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.)
"I have no interest in sugar coating what happened in Massachusetts. There is a lot of anxiety in the country right now. Americans are understandably impatient. The truth is Democrats understand the economic anger voters feel, that's in large part why we did well in 2006 and 2008.
-Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chmn., DSCC
In response to the tea party protest, King George passed the 'Coercive Acts,' which was every bit as punishing as it sounds. Will King Barack respond to the election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts with moderation and scrap health care or with madness and shove a coercive bill down America's collective throats?
I don't know Judy but I do know that Coakley's defeat was Bush's fault. 🙂
Started my day with a laugh-Thanks.
D13, Texas violates 2nd amendment
LOI….yeah…we know all about this. Texas does not restrict the sale of guns in any manner and will not. The way that the police will handle this in Austin is the same way here. They watch carefully and they profile. They profile on Hispanics because most of the illegals in Texas are Hispanic….so….they wait outside the gun shows and watch and stop and check the legal status of Hispanics…..since the fact that a great amount of gun running in Texas is Hispanic related is why they are profiled. Works well here. If the citizen can show he has legal resident status, he is let go. If he cannot…he is arrested. If they produce identification, the numbers are actually checked and if ok….let go. Fort Worth and Dallas are not sanctuary cities and neither is Austin, in reality.
Not sure how I feel about the profiling but would rather have that than any regulation on the sale of guns, I think.
I see Miss Sarah P is coming to campaign with your current Governor next month.
Ahhhh….yes….the lady of Alaska (ahem, the so called largest state)coming to visit us Texas peasants (ahem, the so called 2nd largest state…I still say that we Texans had to manufacture Alaska to have ice for our Margueritas, but that is up for debate). Yes, our good Governor seems to think she appeals to the independent Texan….most of us (independents) are seriously keeping an eye on Debra Medina and there are several of us trying to make sure the political machine does not cut her out of future debates as is being rumored.
Ms. Palin is welcome. I want to see if she can REALLY shoot. I do not plan on seeing her.
I have had to show valid state ID when making such a purchase. I think I am OK with it, although a felon can have a valid DL. Its not a perfect world.
Oh Bob,
This website exists to promote responsible gun ownership in Britain for self-defence purposes and to lobby the government to relax gun laws so that decent, law-abiding people can protect themselves in the United Kingdom.
The site also exists to dispel the untrue myths concerning gun ownership that have been put forward by the UK newspapers and other media.
In 1997 the UK governments imposed a nationwide ban on the purchasing and ownership of all handguns following the gun massacre in Dunblane, Scotland.
At the time we were told that such a ban would make the UK a safer place. When you consider that promise from politicians, it's clear that it has been a massive failure. In fact it's now made the UK into a far more dangerous place to live.
The fact is that when you ban weapons from society the only thing you succeed in doing is leaving decent law-abiding people defenceless. The criminals remain armed because they don't obey the law, remember – when guns are outlawed, only outlaws have guns.
In turn this actually encourages criminals to commit more crime, as their job becomes much easier when they know they'll encounter no resistance from their victims.
One thing has become clear; we need to try a new and different approach to crime, as the current method is proving to have a perverse effect. We now live in a dangerous and completely disarmed country where criminals rule the streets and good, decent people live in fear.
The idea of allowing citizens to own and use firearms for self-defence purposes is controversial but despite what the media want you to believe it's proven to be very successful in reducing violent crime around the world, with particular success being noted in the United States.
Huge decisions such as this should be based on knowledge of the facts.
Unfortunately British attitudes regarding gun control are misguided, and there is a tremendous lack of knowledge in UK society towards guns as self-defence tools.
This is something that I hope to be able to change by presenting the facts surrounding responsible gun ownership in a clear and easy to understand manner.
I can buy guns if I desire just not handguns. I personally know two people who own firearms, the gun culture in the states compared to Britain are completely different. Even before the handgun ban in 1997 0.1% of the population owned a pistol. I am glad I live somewhere where I dont feel the need to own a firearm. There were 42 gun related deaths in the UK in 2008, that includes suicides. I really dont see the need to arm up with pistols.
Bob, this chap seems to feel differently. Looks as if he has many of those 42 detailed. Good to know you could obtain a long gun if you wanted. Are you sure about that? I have read stories about a kid arrested on his birthday over having a air rifle.
Unarmed Britain
Listed here is a collection of news stories where good, decent people have been left defenceless against violent armed criminals, resulting in the victims suffering serious injury or death.
All of these crimes might have been prevented if the victims were armed. In fact, the possibility of encoutering an armed victim may have deterred the criminal from attacking in the first place.
It's also becoming increasing apparent that British criminals have no problem obtaining firearms despite the UK having some of the toughest gun laws in the world.
I can get a license for rifles and shotguns. Think he is being a little over the top to be honest, I doubt it is easy to obtain handguns as he thinks. I would have no idea how to obtain a pistol. Not to belittle the stories in the news articles but the Daily Mail is a worthless rag who sensationalise stories to make Britain appear to be a 3rd world country. Take everything you read in those articles with a BIGGGGG pinch of salt, the Mail was a public supporter of the nazi party in the 30's and little has changed. Would any of those outcomes have been different if those guys had been armed I really dont know.
I count 8 killed and 9 injured in the stories listed about Britain.
Mean while in the USA, where guns are legal and easy to get, 13 were killed in two incidents this week. And that's just the major headlines.
Did the article mention if the guns were legally held? I've never heard of a single murder, or any mass killings at a firing range. Lot's of guns and ammo, yet not a single instance of murder. So I'm guessing that more guns doesn't automatically equal more shootings and murder, but that's just my line of thinking.
One??? Do you have any idea how many gun ranges there are in the US alone? One is all you can find? She didn't exactly go on a spree now, did she? She had a history of mental illness and could have easily taken the kid out with her car. If she had turned the gun on anyone else but herself after she shot her son, she'd have been taken out. This is much different than someone walking into a restaurant and opening fire, or a disgruntled employee shooting up his co-workers. I'll take my chances at ANY shooting range in America. You can hide behind your gun laws and keep hoping the crimianls don't hurt you.
You said you've never heard of a single murder at a firing range. And you were pretty adamant about it.
Bob provided one.
Now you get defensive and say one isn't enough? What's the magic number?
And then you make up all kinds of excuses – she has a history of mental illness, could have used a car, would have been killed by others (your OPINION only, by the way).
You brought up firing ranges. What exactly do they have to do with this? Not exactly a typical setting on which to base….huh…anything…
I get the impression that Bob thinks more guns = more mayhem. My point is that when everyone is armed and knows how to use the weapon safely, there is very little violence. The woman in question was known to be mentally ill. Just like all the other mentally ill people that have gone into a variety of places and committed mass murder.
I'd say that firing ranges ARE a typical setting for people who are not afraid of inanimate objects like guns. How much time have you spent on a firing range? I've spent plenty of time on them when I was in the Amry and again, after I was out. I was NEVER afraid. There must be thousands of gun ranges in the US alone, so I'd say they are VERY typical. The only thing about them that isn't typical, is we don't have mentally ill mass murderers going to them seeking unarmed victims. Those folks go to places where they know its likely everyone will be UNARMED, like in schools, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. Blaming guns for violence is like blaming pencils for misspelled words.
Hehe I knew you would go mental, hey you asked for one and I gave you one. Sorry going to put some more parameters if you are looking for examples.
Mental? What do you mean?
Go on a rant, I posted the link because I thought you would go off on one. I also bet myself that you would include a disparaging comment at the end as well, hmmm think I will reward myself with some chocolate.
Police: Bar owner shoots convicted killer from Belmont in self-defense
A shootout at a west Charlotte bar injured three, including Mark Bowens, a convicted killer from Belmont who police say initiated the Sunday night shooting.
The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. Sunday just across the Gaston County line at the Get-A-Way Lounge at 9305 Wilkinson Blvd., according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
Police say Mark Anthony Bowens, 37, and Rodney Bowens, 45, both of Belmont, were kicked out of the nightclub and then returned a short time later with at least one handgun and started shooting.
Bar owner Roosevelt Hinton, 67, of Charlotte, grabbed a handgun and fired back in self-defense, shooting Mark Bowens in the head and abdomen, police said.
Police found Mark Bowens on the pavement outside the club.
Mark Bowens has served four stretches in North Carolina prisons, including more than six years for a 1991 second-degree murder conviction in Mecklenburg County. He also served time for a March 2004 drug conviction in Gaston County.
Hinton was not injured in the incident and will not face charges, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
Rodney Bowens left the scene and remains at large. He faces charges including possession of a firearm by a felon, communicating threats and assault by pointing a gun.
What Does Brown's Victory Mean?
By You Decide
– FOXNews.com
Washington wakes up Wednesday to a new Senate make-up, one featuring Republican Massachusetts Senator-elect Scott Brown, who soundly defeated Democrat Martha Coakley, and in the process broke the Democrats' 60-vote supermajority stranglehold on the Senate. Many also view Brown's victory as a referendum on the Obama presidency, the Democratic-controlled Congress, health-care reform and the economy, as well as being a harbinger of what might happen in the November midterm election. How do you interpret Brown's win?
Share your thoughts. First, answer our question below. Then click "Leave a comment."
Thank you for voting!
It means nothing except the Senate numbers change and Democrats will have to be a little nicer to Republicans. 1% (1,163 votes)
I still support Obama, but Democrats could be in trouble in November. <1% (439 votes)
Coakley blew it as much as Brown won it – Democrats will learn and rebound in November. 1% (888 votes)
Voters are scared – if the economy doesn't improve soon, Democrats will pay in November. 4% (4,175 votes)
It's a clear rejection of Obama's big-government solutions and how the Democrats' are running the country – watch out in November. 93% (102,910 votes)
Other (post your comment) 1% (1,142 votes)
Total Votes: 110,717
I found this video on "Why Governments are so Stupid". It's worth watching. The site has some other good videos as well.
For some reason my posts are not going through. Let me try this again. This is an interesting video and there are others on his site.
More links to videos:
From John Lott's blog
Climatologist suggests that NOAA manipulated temperature data
Joseph D'Aleo, a climatologist, has discovered what he thinks that there are some serious problems with the NOAA temperature data. He doesn't hold anything back: "PRIMARY UNITED STATES CLIMATE CENTERS NOW CAUGHT IN DATA MANIPULATION."
Most of the warming in the global data analyses is in higher latitude areas like Russia and Canada and in higher mountainous regions. These areas have seen significant dropout of stations. The warming comes from interpolations from regions further south, at lower elevations and more urbanized. . . .
The second document claims this:
It has been revealed that a "sleight of hand" was used in the computer program that rated 2005 as "THE WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD." Skeptical climate researchers have discovered extensive manipulation of the data within the U.S. Government's two primary climate centers: the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, North Carolina and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) at Columbia University in New York City. These centers are being accused of creating a strong bias toward warmer temperatures through a system that dramatically trimmed the number and cherry-picked the locations of weather observation stations they use to produce the data set on which temperature record reports are based. The two investigators say the system has been distorted in other ways as well. They have documented their findings in great detail in a scientific report that has been posted online. These findings are presented as a part of my television special report "Global Warming: The Other Side" telecast Thursday night, January 14th at 9 PM here on KUSI TV.
The data manipulation studies are explored in detail during the fourth segment of the one hour video now available here on our website. Just click on the Global Warming special banner to go to the page.
NOAA and NASA start with the unadjusted NOAA GHCN (Global Historical Climate Network). NASA eliminates some stations and adds some in the polar regions. For NASA, the computer program that manipulates the data is known as GIStemp, Both then add their own adjustments to calculate a global average temperature and a ranking for each month and year. The two inter-related U.S Government agencies have so intertwined their programs and data sets that both are being challenged by the investigating team that has produced this "smoking gun of U.S. Climate-gate." "We suspect each center will try to hide behind, 'It's them; Not us' and point fingers at each other," says the Computer Programmer from San Jose behind these new revelations. He and a Certified Consulting Meteorologist from New Hampshire made their revelations public on January 14th on a prime time television special report at 9:00PM PST; on KUSI-TV, an independent television station in San Diego Perhaps that is why Dr. Richard Anthes, President of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research in testimony to congress in March 2009 noted "The present federal agency paradigm with respect to NASA and NOAA is obsolete and nearly dysfunctional in spite of best efforts by both agencies."
The U.S. Government's National Weather Service uses the NCDC data in its record temperature news releases put out with much media fanfare on a regular basis as they declare a given month or year has set a record for warmth, supporting the global warming agenda. . . .
Hope your day is well! 🙂
When AGW first became an issue, I personnally wasn't paying attention. Was it or was it not considered a conspiracy theory early on?
Just got to thinking about the three different Americas we saw in discussions yesteday. JAC, Flag, and G-Man have weighed in. Would really be curious to see how Matt & Buck would present their America.
Hi Anita! 🙂
My America as you state, was more like what I could effectively provide as a useful service to my fellow free men and women under a true free country. I would trade that service for other services and goods (bartering). The idea is to show that we all have special skills and can help each other without the government meddeling in our business.
I'm sure that everyone on this site, whether they know it or not (hint, hint) would be able to do the same.
Gotcha. And all three views just presented a frame of mind. They can do the same
Based on their past comments I would say you are living in it.
Except they think they can make govt more "effective" and "efficient".
And of course govt provided health care exists along with many govt programs to develop and produce environmentally friendly things.
But then I am putting words in their mouths.
Hope you had a wonderful day
Mornin JAC,
It will be interesting to see if they are up to the challenge.
This is really cool! 👿
We are not alone! 🙂
There will be Peace and we will all Live Free!
Great video. Lets send it to them.
I sent it to the DNC! 😆
Really! I wonder if they looked at it, and if they did, what their reaction was.
Where did you get that anyway? If you have a link, can you Email it to me, I want to send it to someone.
Now they need to make one for the Republicans-informing them that this doesn't give them a mandate-that we expect them to listen to us and actually start following their own platform. Or they are next.
Did you hear about the 6.1 earthquake?
Ted Kennedy rolled over in his grave.
ohhhhhhh…JUdy Judy Judy.
What, you didn't like that? My husband told me that, I thought it was funny.
Sorry to be so absent from the (very interesting) discussions today — computers crashed at work around 11am and we were offline the rest of the day. I noticed I was called out to comment in a few places; it's nice to be missed!
Hopefully things will be back up tomorrow and assuming so will try to be more of a presence and add my thoughts. Have a good night all.
Russia diversifies into Canadian dollars
Democrats propose $1.9T increase in debt limit
These can't be good for the economy…..
I only got a glimpse of what was said on this, but I heard now the senate or president is thinking about over turning or not accepting Brown's win. Anybody else here anything about this?
No, but I did read this -wrong Brown -but maybe it's the explanation for what you heard.
Opps-You might need this: http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/student-government-jockeying-leads-to-impeachment-election-scandals/Content?oid=1114005
Hi V
No, I don't think so. Just got the tail end of it, and wasn't sure if what I heard was right, that's why I was asking if anybody here heard anything about that.
Haven't heard anything like that but am listening to the news now-I really doubt it though. Talk to you later Judy, have a good night-gonna listen to the rest of the news and then go to bed-didn't get enough sleep last night.
Have a restful night V.
Some Funnies for the night: 🙂
Just relax…you know who you are.
George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Vladimir Putin all die and go to hell.
While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for.
The devil tells them it is for calling back to Earth.
Putin calls Russia and talks for 5 minutes. When he was finished the devil
informs him that the cost is a million dollars, so Putin writes him a check.
Next Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes. When she's
finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen
Elizabeth writes him a check.
Finally George Bush gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he's finished
the devil informed him that there would be no charge and feel free to call
the USA anytime.
I became confused when I heard the word "Service" used with these agencies:
Internal Revenue 'Service'
U.S. Postal 'Service'
Telephone 'Service'
Cable TV 'Service'
Civil 'Service'
State, City, County & Public 'Service'
Customer 'Service'
This is not what I thought 'Service' meant.
But today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them said he had hired a bull to 'Service' a few cows.
BAM!!! It all came into focus. Now I understand what all those agencies are doing to us.
The World's Shortest Books
by Hillary Clinton
Nurses are not supposed to laugh…..
"Of course I won't laugh," said the nurse. "I'm a professional. In
over twenty years I've never laughed at a patient."
"Okay then," said Fred, and he proceeded to drop his
trousers, revealing the tiniest 'man thingy' the nurse had ever
Length and width, it couldn't have been bigger than a
AAA battery.
Unable to control herself, the nurse started giggling, then fell to
the floor laughing.
Ten minutes later she was able to struggle to her feet and
regain her composure.
"I am so sorry," she said. "I don't know what came over me. On my
honor as a nurse
and a lady, I promise it won't happen again. Now, tell me, what
seems to be the
"It's swollen," Fred replied.
She ran out of the room.
Smile 🙂
Senate Democrats Propose $1.9T Increase to U.S. Debt Limit
Senate Democrats on Wednesday proposed allowing the federal government to borrow an additional $1.9 trillion to pay its bills, a record increase that would permit the national debt to reach $14.3 trillion.
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats on Wednesday proposed allowing the federal government to borrow an additional $1.9 trillion to pay its bills, a record increase that would permit the national debt to reach $14.3 trillion.
The unpopular legislation is needed to allow the federal government to issue bonds to fund programs and prevent a first-time default on obligations. It promises to be a challenging debate for Democrats who, as the party in power, hold the responsibility for passing the legislation.
The record increase in the so-called debt limit is required because the budget deficit has spiraled out of control in the wake of a recession that cut tax revenues, the Wall Street bailout, and increased spending by the Democratic-controlled Congress. Last year's deficit hit a phenomenal $1.4 trillion, and the current year's deficit promises to be as high or higher.
Congress has never failed to increase the borrowing limit, but it will take 60 votes to pass the legislation under an agreement by top Senate leaders.
Getting 60 votes became more complicated after Sen.-elect Scott Brown's victory Tuesday in Massachusetts. Democrats will shortly have 59 Senate seats and will need at least one Republican to pass the legislation.
"We have gone to the restaurant. We have eaten the meal. Now the only question is whether we will pay the check," said Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. "We simply must do so."
The White House said the increase "is critically important to make sure that financing of federal government operations can continue without interruption and that the creditworthiness of the United States is not called into question," according to an official policy statement.
Less than a decade ago, $1.9 trillion would have been enough to finance the operations and programs of the federal government for an entire year.
Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota immediately offered an amendment to end the bank and Wall Street bailout, officially known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP. Thune would prohibit further expenditure TARP funds and would require that all funds paid back be used to retire debt.
You said "Go on a rant, I posted the link because I thought you would go off on one. I also bet myself that you would include a disparaging comment at the end as well, hmmm think I will reward myself with some chocolate."
Did you notice I was responding Todd? How is a a more detailed explaination a 'rant'? You've not responded to my post other than resorting to name calling. And what disparaging comment are you refering to? Are guns not inanimate? Are there not people you are afraid of guns? Or did you take expection to me comparing guns and pencils, which by the way, are also inanimate objects?
Did you know that chocolate causes diabetes and obesity?
The FBI recently released information showing that 80% of the violent crime in this country is committed by gang members. We are not gang members! But the image on the left is what the anti-gun bigots see when they think of you as a "gun owners".
Gangs and violent crime is not only a law enforcement matter. This violence affects us all and as freedom loving gun owners we should join law enforcement and declare war on violent crime and violent criminals.
Careful, there, LOI. Someone might think you're "going on a rant", LOL!
What's wrong with a little foaming at the mouth between friends anyway?
I may be crazy, but I have a good time.
If that 'tisses someone off, I write it off as jealousy.
You crack me up! 🙂
BTW, I really like the 60s hippy chick email. Did you see what the security guard was doing?
No, missed that, will have a look 'morrow.
Time for me to fly.
This is food for thought for Bob/Todd. With the riots in France, increasing violence in the UK(even if overstated by the MSM), is gang violence not the issue that should be our focus? They are able to get firearms in countries with complete gun bans.
Guns are not the problem, criminals are.
I never called you a name I was just describing your mental state, you do seem very angry most of the time. I really hope you dont have high blood pressure.
"You can hide behind your gun laws and keep hoping the crimianls don't hurt you."
I assume you were trying to insinuate I live a life of cowardly fear while foolishly believing that I could could never be a victim of violent crime?
Is that the gist of it, let me know if I am wrong.
High sugar diets in general lead to diabetes and obesity, that is why I have a balanced diet and exercise so I can enjoy chocolate every now and then. If you eat a chocolate cake each night it will not do you much good which is my top tip for the evening. DO NOT EAT A FULL CHOCOLATE CAKE EACH NIGHT BY YOURSELF!!!.
Hi Bob,
Thought I'd chime in alittle. I've read all the gun control posts, and I don't remember anyone mentioning all the laws that we do have that limits gun ownership and possession. The problem we really have is that we also have many laws that restict regular law abiding citizens from carrying a gun as they wish. Our Cops can't stop crime, as long as we have so may depending on the government to support them. That is where our worst crime areas are, in the poor innercities that are full of gangs and drugs (drugs are illegal, it does no good).
I feel, IMHO, if the govt. would stay out of it (gun control) it would allow the citizens to clean things up, but hence, we can't due to many laws making such action illegal. In fact, one of the cities that used to ban guns completely, Washington D.C., had the worst gun related murder rates in the country. So, I guess it depends on whether a person wants and thinks government is there to protect them, or if a person knows that they are not.
Well Bob,
You're right. I do think you live a life of fear of guns. Why do you care we do here in America otherwise?
And yes, someone IS trying to take our guns If no one is trying take the guns, why have a petition?
I agree! The UN "Small Arms Treaty" is an unacceptable infringment on my right to keep and bear arms!
I'm glad that the National Association for Gun Rights is standing up for my rights against gun grabbing one-worlders, and I will join you in this critical fight.
Because stopping the "Small Arms Treaty" will require a flood of grassroots outrage, I will immediately fill out the petition below to my Senators.
To my United States Senators:
Whereas: The Obama Administration just announced they would be working with the United Nations to pass a new "Small Arms Treaty;" and
Whereas: The UN's "Small Arms Treaty" is nothing more than a massive GLOBAL gun control scheme, designed to register, ban and CONFISCATE firearms from law-abiding citizens; and
Whereas: The new treaty will likely be designed to FORCE national governments to enact tougher licensing requirements, making law-abiding citizens cut through even more bureaucratic red tape just to buy a firearm legally; and
Whereas: The United Nation's "Small Arms Treaty" would also likely ban the trade, sale and private ownership of ALL semi-automatic weapons; and
Whereas: The ratification of this treaty would also likely create an international gun registry, setting the stage for full-scale gun confiscation;
Therefore: I urge you to vote AGAINST ratification of the UN's "Small Arms Treaty."
In my opinion guns are no more dangerous than chocolate. Both guns and chocolate are good things when used appropriately.
Therefore: I urge you to vote AGAINST ratification of the UN's "Small Arms Treaty."
I would change one word (urge to DEMAND)!
It will be a long cold snowy day in hell before they take my guns! That, I can guarentee. 👿
Yep, the good old UN strikes again. I wish we had some politicians that would pull us out of the UN and tell them to go to Hell rather create it here on Earth.
And mind those emoticons, G-Man. Someone might question your mental state! LOL!!!
This has always been my mental state! 🙂 I can't help it, I'm a warrior, and don't see much changing. Just smarter!
Hope you are feeling better!
I'm the same way, brother. I've never felt the need to bend over and kiss an ass just because it presented itself for the honor.
What's more, I don't even have the decency to feel bad about it! LOL!
I'm feeling a little better today. Thanks for asking. I keep sneezing and feel like taking a nap, but I'm making myself a new dress and want to get it finished. The beauty of dial up, is that I can 'click' and sew, 'click' and sew….must have a sense of humor about these things!
Sewing! Best thing I ever learned in High School. My village is always dressed nice, LOL 😆
Can I invite myself over? I have lots of low-cut dresses. The girls love to show off! 😆
The door is open! 🙂
Its pretty cold in the north here cyndi. Better watch your headlights with those low cuts 🙂
To G-Man (from above)
Ah…the power of breasts! 😉
somehow, its just not as funny way down here, but what the hell…
How did you end up there? I spent some time in Iceland, 2 days was too much for me, but I did get to see some really wonderful sights (there are some foxy Icelandic natives 🙂 )
But the island life was to closed in for me.
I was told about jobs here back in the mid 90s. I even applied but got a job on Ascension Island as a radar operator instead. Ascension Island is the eastern most part of the Eastern Test Range. Fast forward 13 years. I'm divorced, again, and broke, again, and couldn't keep on keepin' on and expect not to be homeless. The jobs on the test ranges are a great place to recover from divorce. You don't pay federal tax on your income below $82,400. You get a room and a meal card as part of your compensation. And when you're on a small island, you don't need a car, or have many places to spend your money. Kwaj is part of the Ronald Reagan Test Site. Its alot nicer than Ascension, in my opinion. I two and a half years, I've been about to pay off about $15k in debt and get eight months ahead on my mortgage, as well as pay over $300 per month extra on the principle. In addition, I've been able to buy several thousand dollars worth of 22k gold jewlery (my FAVORITE!) and almsot 2k in silver coins, and stock up on things should the economy collapse. I've also had one really nice vacation, and two mini-vactions. I've also managed to get my career back on track. I make well UNDER the $82,400. Now, if I could just lose those extra pounds…..
Sounds like you like where your at! That's a good thing. I divorced in '95, the ex couldn't deal with military life. Shit happens, I hold no ill feelings. Got tired of traveling and wanted to just have a home to go to everyday, so here I am where I started. Next move is to the country, where Dad is. A place very close is going up for sale, I'm thinking about using my VA benefits and buy it. I hate where I live. I need the country, full time, that's where I belong! 🙂
I'm very happy. In fact, this is the happiest I've ever been. Good job, good living arrangement, good man (his politics aside). I'm very blessed.
I hope you find you're happiness. I was miserable for a long time. It sucks. You seem like a good guy. Go for it. Find your happiness.
That's great! 🙂
I'm happy, don't get me wrong. Winter sucks and tends to get people down around here, we have very little sunshine this time of year. I'm happy cuz I'm not tied down to anything or anyone! I can do as I wish, when I wish, with no questions asked. I'm content with what I do, looking forward to spring so I can get outside, have a few projects to do for hunting/surviving. If someone comes along, thats OK, I'm just not looking now, maybe late summer I'll be more open to that, for now, I have things to get done.
It's good that your happy, enjoy it! 🙂
Thanks! Here's hoping the sunshine gets there sooner, rather than later!
ROTFLMAO!!!! OMG, Anita! That's too funny! I've been tropical for too long. I didn't even think of that.
That's what friends are for sister 🙂


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Posted on June 6, 2018
I've been meaning to write this post for ages but the last month has been so busy that getting in writing time has been a struggle. But here we are. I've finally managed it!
For those of you who don't know, one of the things The Blurt Foundation sell in their shop is a BuddyBox, a little box of things chosen to "nourish, inspire, and encourage self-care." You can buy them as a one-off or you can buy a subscription and receive one every month. I really loved the idea and when I showed them to my Mum, she said she would buy me one as a gift. So I ordered one and then forgot about it, what with my single coming out and accidentally going into withdrawal, so I was very excited when it came through the door a few weeks ago. Opening it actually made my day and really lifted my mood, which is pretty impressive considering how low I was feeling. The title for this one was, 'Self-Care Isn't Sel-fish,' so there was a definite theme going and that made me smile. This is what I found inside:
The socks were the first thing I saw when I opened the box and I was so excited. They made me smile so much. They're so cute and they're really soft. Excellent socks!
I haven't tried the soap, mainly because it smells so strongly that being in the same room as it is a pretty overwhelming experience. But then I'm really sensitive so it's not often that I can find a soap that isn't too strong for me. Maybe one day Blurt will do a Buddy Box specifically for those of us who are super sensitive. Fortunately, many of my friends and family like this kind of soap so I'm sure I can find it a good home, someone who will really enjoy using it.
Hot Chocolate Stirring Spoon
Given that it's been so warm recently, there haven't been many opportunities for hot chocolate. My Mum suggested using it to make chocolate milk instead, which is a very sensible suggestion but I'm loath to use it casually. So I guess I'm saving it for a moment where I really need it. But it looks really cute and I'm excited about it.
Temporary Tattoos
These are super cute. The designs are simple and colourful with positive messages, affirmations like 'I am enough' and 'be kind to yourself.' I've got a friend who will also love these so I'm going to save them until I see her; we've got a date coming up and I can definitely see us eating popcorn, listening to Taylor Swift, and applying these. And possibly doing a mini photoshoot.
Blurt Zine
I really like this little booklet. It's very short so it's quick to read and easy to digest and I found the two pieces of writing encouraging and inspiring. I would add some concrete tips at the end thought: the concepts discussed were really good ones (like the importance of taking rest time) but putting them into action can be really hard. I think some ideas like that would be really helpful, but that's the only I'd change.
Where Do Ideas Come From + Extra Cards
These little extras are really cute and as a person who does struggle with creative block, I'm excited about the guide to where ideas comes from!
Well, thank you Blurt for a very lovely package and for running such a lovely service. Self care is so important, so having a few things to hand is always a good idea.
Category: response Tagged: blurt, buddy box, self care, self care box, selfcare isn't sel-fish, the blurt foundation
Hi! I'm Lauren Alex Hooper. Welcome to my little blog! I write about living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as several mental health issues. I'm a singersongwriter (and currently studying for a Masters in songwriting) so I'll probably write a bit about that too.
My first single, 'Invisible,' is now available on iTunes and Spotify, with all proceeds going to Young Minds.
I'm currently releasing my first EP, Honest, track by track and the first three songs are available on all major platforms.


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Two Bedroom Apartment
We also manage a two Bedroom Apartment in the Coral Horizons complex located at 137 Williams Esplanade just 2 doors from Marlin Waters. This apartment is ideal for the family holiday with the safe patrolled beach just across the road. All tour operators will pick up and return to the front door.
This apartment features:
- 3rd Level Apartment with Ocean Views and Lift access
- 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom
- Lock up garage
- Pool and BBQ
- Laundry facilities
- Full Kitchen
- Queen bed in main bedroom
- Ceiling fans
- 2 single beds in second bedroom
- Air Conditioning in both bedrooms and lounge area
- Ocean views from main bedroom balcony, lounge and main balcony
- Discounted tours and hire cars can be arranged at our Marlin Waters Office.
Other Features:
- Located opposite patrolled beach and stinger net (seasonal)
- Operated by on site managers, Rhonda & Chris Henderson
- 30 minutes drive North from Cairns CBD
- 20 minutes drive from Cairns Domestic & International airport (pick ups can be arranged)
- Close to the tropical rainforests of the Daintree
- 200 metres from Palm Cove Jetty
- Ideally located for all tours and activities
- Within easy walking distance to 20 restaurants and bars
- Tour pickups at front door
- Location maps are available for your convenience!
- We can book hire cars and scooters
- Great Barrier Reef, Daintree / Cape Tribulation / Tablelands day tours available
- Guest barbecue
- Beachfront Swimming Pool and spa
- Undercover parking
- Tour and information desk
Cancellations: If the booking is cancelled less than 28 days prior to the planned arrival date, there will be no refund and the total amount will be charged unless and until the premises are re-let for the total period of the original booking. An administration fee of $50.00 will be charged.
Phone: +61 7 4055 3933
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Fax: +61 7 4055 3935
131-133 Williams Esplanade
Palm Cove Queensland Australia


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For more than half a century, dating all the way back to 1947, the Kennedys have been the closest thing to American royalty this country ever had. With an almost uninterrupted reign of public service, the Kennedy name has become synonymous with American sophistication.
With the announcement today from Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy that he will not be running for re-election, this will be the first time in over a half a century that no Kennedy will be serving in public office. The son of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, the "Lion of the Senate," this is truly a sad day in American politics.
We will miss the Kennedy name on Capitol Hill. We will miss their progressive, populist politics. We will miss their tireless work they've done on behalf of the common American citizen. We will miss that panache and effortless New England style they brought to a stoic and bland political landscape.


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Do guinea pigs eat hay?
Do I need a water bottle for my Guinea pig or can I just use a dish?
How can you teach a guinea pig tricks?
Is it okay for a short haired and long haired guinea pig to mate?
Should I be concerned that my guinea pigs have no top teeth?
What fruits and veggies can guinea pigs not eat?
Why is my guinea pig not eating?
guinea pigs
pet health
Question by
thecheeseman (22)
Answer by
vietnamgirls (1177)
Guinea Pigs can eat peaches as well as almost all other kinds of fruit. They should only eat fruit one or two times a week and servings should be limited to one to two tablespoons per 2 lbs of body weight. If they get too much sweet tasting food, they will neglect other foods high in nutrients.
Answer by
Kimz (34)
Yes guinea pigs can eat peaches. Guinea pigs can eat any type of fruit or vegetable. They especially love carrots, but peaches are fine for them, too. You might want to peel them so that they don't have to eat the pesticides on the skin.
Answer by
Yes, they can. But only fresh ones, none of that canned peaches stuff, because of added sugar. Feed in moderation. Skin the peach. Don't let it eat the core.
Answer by
mansi (521)
This is a list of ruits that you can feed your guinea pig (01 cubic inch only):
orange (including peel)
Mustard greens / Leaf Mustard
Water Cress
Garden Cress
Swiss Chard, Red Chard
Carrot tops / leaves
Peas in pods, Pea Shoots (not dried)
Dandelion greens
Answer by
collingwood (122)
It is fine to give your guinea pig peach in small amounts, but make sure it is fresh and not canned fruit.
After reading this, I have to say Thanks to everyone! The only thing I did not read was that they can not eat/have iceburg lettuce. Thanks again!
yes,it should be a treat for them,just like any other fruit. (but dont stop given them it they need the vitiam c). if you soil them by giving them it all the time they wont eat other food ,(any thing that isnt sweet. ) they need the high nutrients.
Yes good for them!
thanks everyone this helped a lot.
Answer by
guineapigs101 (0)
guinea pigs can not eat celery or it will wrap around thier throat
thanks a lot my guinea pig looked sick.
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As of 9/30/2018 I will be beginning the process of filming a documentary on Skinwalker Ranch. I NEED YOUR HELP in this community based effort. To learn more please visit https://www.gofundme.com/skinwalker-ranch-documentary-film
Quote from: Hero on August 24, 2010, 03:54:40 AMGood post! Dont know what its worth, but I used to believe the orbs were human controlled or military in nature, but I'm not so sure anymore. The orbs have all but left the ranch and moved north and spanned east and west in both directions and over the ridge ways and washes. I wonder why? I had another expierence last weekend this time was in the vermillion basin area. This time there was two of them which was a first . They seemed to be searching the ground for something. I was in a state of fear that i have not expierenced in my entire life. I literally couldnt function, I knew the camera was in my hands, i knew that i wanted to take a picture, but i couldnt even lift my arms. I was up there with a the same friend who i was with in dino, and he seems to communicate with these things without knowing it, he always gets real calm and will whisper instead of talking(like in a trance) immeadetly before we have a sighting. I dont know what to think of all this. I always try to see things from many perspectives, i think they are extremely intelligent, but i cant see any way for them to be human controlled or military. That is just my opinion though.
Good post! Dont know what its worth, but I used to believe the orbs were human controlled or military in nature, but I'm not so sure anymore. The orbs have all but left the ranch and moved north and spanned east and west in both directions and over the ridge ways and washes.
i got a question for skinwalker or hero, did/do u ever see them blinking lights fly around? they blink red/blueish and they just circle around here in the basin? what are they? they are completely silent and sometimes there will be 2-4 of them, and they sometimes fly side by side. they seem to be looking for something? thats what it seems to me anyways.
2010-07-27 1981-06-27 Two animate UFOs were seen by a group of 15 individuals, who were camped in Cow Canyon , on Lake Powell . I was a Park Ranger assigned in law enforcement at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ( Lake Powell ). On the night of 6/29/1981 a gentleman called the Wahweap District Ranger Office and requested a Ranger meet him at the Wahweap launch ramp. A Ranger responded and took this formal Department of Interior, National Park Service, Case Incident Report. The incident was given Case Incident Number 811310. The gentleman reported, that two nights earlier, his group of 15 individuals from Salt Lake City , Utah were camping in Cow Canyon , in the Escalante River Arm, of Lake Powell . The group were all members of the LDS Church and there was absolutely no use of alcohol, or drugs on the trip. The group had a houseboat, that was used as a base, for the trip. NOTE: The following account is taken directly and verbatim from the National Park Service Case Incident Report Number 811310. I have used quotation marks for all information taken verbatim from the Case Incident Report. Where I have used the word "NAME" I have left out the name of the person who gave the account of the incident, to the National Park Service. I have corrected some obvious spelling errors that were in the original account and I have put in brackets ( ) information that can clarify the report, to persons reading it. "On 06-29-81, at approximately 1715 Hrs.(5:15 p.m.), recieved a call from a visitor wanting to report a strange experience in the Escalante River . I contacted NAME at approx. 1745 Hrs.(5:45 p.m.), on the launch ramp (Wahweap launch ramp). On 06-27-81, at approximately 2230 Hrs. (10:30 p.m.), NAME and 14 other persons in his group were camped in Cow Canyon , a side canyon off the Escalante ( Escalante River arm of Lake Powell ). "Name" was about to tell the group a story of an incident his family experienced five years earlier in Explorer Canyon, which is the next canyon south of Cow Canyon, when the same experience began to happen again. A bright light, which was described to be flashing at 2-4 second intervals, was coming down the left side of the canyon in midair. It circled above the group and then flew down the right side of the canyon. The light was described to be similar to a strobe light and bright enough to light up the canyon wall. The group observed the light flying in close proximity to their campsite for approximately one and a half (1 1/2) hours. At one point it (the object) was thirty (30) feet away when group member shined a spot light on it and described what he saw as "creature-like." Further details include: "winged and larger than a bat." NAME then stated that another light appeared and seemed to flash a signal which was answered by the original light. Both lights then disappeared down the middle of the canyon. NAME stated that this experience was very similar to the one five (5) years ago in Explorer Canyon , only the light was brighter. No alcohol was consumed by any member of the group that night. Cleared 1800 Hrs. (6:00 p.m.)." To me this is an amazing report. The individual making the report did not want his name used and wanted no publicity for himself. The length of time (i.e. 1 1/2 hrs.) that the object was observed, is in itself remarkable and I have not heard of any other report of this duration. During the summer of 1981 the National Park Service received a number of reports, from visitors, camped on the shoreline of Lake Powell , of "giant fireflys." Several of the reports were recieved at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center ,located near Glen Canyon Dam. At first the National Park Service, staff members, thought the campers were seeing the strobe lights on the stacks of the Navajo Generating Station, southeast of Page, Arizona. These lights can be seen for miles but some of the campers were in canyon locations, where the power plant stacks could not be seen. It is possible that the sightings of "giant fireflys" were what the group of 15 saw on the night of 6/27/1981. There was a second verbal report given to the Bullfrog District Ranger about a similar sighting to the 6/27/1981 one. The second report was not documented unfortunately but occured two, weeks after the 6/27/1981 report. The individuals who made the second report, were supposed to be on Lake Powell for a week, on a houseboat. The first night out of Bullfrog, Utah , where they rented the houseboat, they camped in Cow Canyon , the same canyon as the 6/27/1981 sighting. The second sighting was very similar to the first sighting. The second group were so disturbed by what they saw, that they returned to Bullfrog Marina, the following morning and turned in their houseboat and said "we are getting the hell out of here," after describing what had happened to them. I have a kept a copy of the original Case Incident Report over the years because of the unusual nature of the UFOs observed. I did submit a copy of this case incident to the Aerial Phenomenon Research Organization in Tucson and they thought it was a most interesting sighting.
Openureyes10,Can you please provide more context and background on your experiences and videos?For example,1) Do you live in rural or urban setting?2) Do you live in/or near an area that has historical or spiritual attributes (like old cemetery, native American burial ground, native American holy place, etc.)?3) Are these orbs you see and film, seen any time and any day (randomly) or periodically on specific days/times? Do you see them at night or only daytime?4) Are you the only person who see these orbs or do you have other eyewitnesses who also see them when you film them?5) How close have you gotten to them?6) What makes you feel that they are sentient?7) How big of an area do they appear? Only around your house or around the whole neighborhood or around the whole town?Thanks much, Tony


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Want to be a Volunteer?
Before completing your online volunteer application on the next page, please read the following information.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue. We ask volunteers to participate in a variety of tasks and need many different talents to accomplish our mission of saving and rehoming homeless and abandoned Golden Retrievers.
We have many volunteer opportunities, including transport, in-home interviews, events, fundraising, and shelter monitoring. In addition, we have five committees that are always looking for volunteers.
Please read Volunteer Opportunities for a more complete list and explanation of the volunteer activities and committees available to you. You might want to print Volunteer Opportunities to have available when you fill out the application. We also ask that you read the Policies on Volunteers and the Acknowledgement and Release that will be required as a final step.
Once you have decided on the types of activities that appeal to you, please click here to complete the volunteer application. This is mandatory for insurance purposes. You then will be contacted by someone from our Volunteer Committee.
We know that we can use your help and you will find some of the nicest people you can meet by signing up as a volunteer with Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue. We look forward to having you join our incredible team of volunteers.
SCGRRescue welcomes volunteers who are involved with other rescues. However, for the protection of proprietary information and to avoid conflicts of interests, volunteers who remain active with another Golden Retriever rescue based in the same region as SCGRR will be restricted to activities that do not require access to our Volunteer page or Shelter Connection database. Exceptions to this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be made at the discretion of the Volunteer Committee chair.
Volunteers wishing to do home interviews, OTI evaluations, or representation of dogs must attend mandatory training but may accompany trained volunteers on such activities; no independent activities will be allowed in these areas until training is completed. Prior experience with other rescue organizations may be substituted for training provided an SCGRR trainer or trained volunteer accompanies the new volunteer on at least one such task. The Volunteer Committee Chair will have the final authority for accepting new volunteers.
Should a member of the Board disagree with the Chair's decision, a majority decision by the Board will prevail.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to work independently for SCGRRescue. Volunteers' family members under 18 who wish to participate in some functions may do so provided they are supervised by an adult volunteer at all times.
This is a partial list of volunteer opportunities. We hope you will find tasks that interest you and will allow you to use your skills in helping us with our mission.
- In-Home Interviews: All adoption applications require an In-Home Interview. We physically need to meet the family and see the home, yard, fencing, and other pets. This helps ensure the dog's well being and the placement of the right dog for each family.
- Fostering: We work very hard to place all of our dogs in foster homes prior to being adopted. We believe the home environment is critical to the evaluation of the dog's personality, energy level and family friendliness (i.e. cats, dogs, children). Fostering takes a special kind of volunteer and it is not right for everyone. NOTE: If you only want to foster, just fill out the Foster Home application, not the Volunteer Application.
- Events: Our ongoing events include our SCGRR adoption events and occasional presence at air shows, pet gatherings, or all-rescue events such as Best Friends. Our focus is on getting rescued dogs adopted, achieving public exposure of our rescue, recruiting volunteers, and fundraising. One or two volunteers coordinate each event and other volunteers help transport and handle dogs or greet visitors.
- Transporting Dogs: We always need volunteers to move dogs from one place to another—to/from vets, events, during intakes, and occasionally from one foster to another. Transport usually takes place during the day or on weekends.
- Monitoring Shelter Websites: Volunteers monitor shelter websites several times per day and notify the appropriate Board Member of Golden Retrievers who may need our help.
- Fundraising: We need volunteers who can do everything from baking cookies to writing grant applications for large funding sources, and everything in between. If you have creative ideas on fundraising, we really need you!
- Intakes: Intake volunteers pull dogs from various shelters, sometimes involving a "lottery" to determine who gets the dog, and respond to owners who have to turn their dog in to us (OTIs). OTI volunteers must evaluate the dog as being a purebred Golden, and for human aggressive-ness, obvious medical issues, or other behavioral issues, then transport the dog to a foster home or boarding facility.
- "Repping": The rep is the dog's agent and part of the placement team (rep, foster, and home interviewer) that determines the most appropriate home for a dog. The rep is responsible for managing the dog's medical care (vaccinations, spay/neuter) if required, developing the dog's bio and pictures for the website, keeping in touch with the foster home for progress updates, ensuring the dog presence at adoption events, responding to inquiries, and actively pursuing the most appropriate home for the dog.
- Special Projects: Quarterly newsletter, eBay auctions, garage sales, writing promotional material, pursuing discounts with veterinarians, taking heart-warming pictures of our Goldens, assisting with back-office tasks such as database maintenance—these are just a few of the many special projects and tasks we need volunteer help with.
- Committee Participation: SCGRRescue has five committees to help accomplish all the tasks required in a rescue organization and to help achieve our mission. Each committee has a Board member liaison. The committees are:o Fundraising Committee: Grants, merchandise sales (eBay auction, garage sale),
donation programs (subscription donations, raffles, web-based programs such as
Sponsor a Golden), thank-you notes. o Volunteers Committee: Recruitment, application review, selection, training,
assignments, job descriptions PR/Marketing Committee: Promotional materials, recruitment materials (volunteers,
fosters, veterinarians), Events Coordinator, newsletter assistance
o Fosters Committee: Recruitment, selection, training, paperwork administration, dog
placement, monitoring
o Program Committee: Intake evaluation (shelters/OTIs), adoptions (applications, reps, follow-up), in-home interview monitoring, Transportation Coordinator, procedures
Acknowledgement and Release


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Unraveling Oliver
Unraveling Oliver
UNRAVELING OLIVER was published in 2014 in debut author Liz Nugent's native Ireland, but is only now appearing in the United States. The reputation of both Nugent and the book precede them, given that her work was named "Crime Novel of the Year" by the Irish Book Awards. This is understandable, and the level of those accolades should almost certainly be attained here as well. One senses from the first words that the book is a winner, and it gradually becomes clear just how striking it is. It puts a new spin on the concept of the unreliable narrator while tinkering with the basic foundation of the contemporary novel, all with grand purpose and even greater results.
It is understandable if, from the first page, Oliver Ryan puts the reader in the mind of Patricia Highsmith's Tom Ripley. Indeed, Oliver gets the chance to make a first impression before anyone else, and doesn't make the most of that or subsequent opportunities. While other characters are given their own chapters to narrate their versions of encounters and histories with Oliver, it is Oliver who does himself the most damage. One would reflexively reach for the term "clueless" in describing him, but it goes much deeper than that. He has no insight at all, a personality factor that in Nugent's extremely talented hands implicitly yields even more information.
"One senses from the first words that the book is a winner, and it gradually becomes clear just how striking it is. It puts a new spin on the concept of the unreliable narrator while tinkering with the basic foundation of the contemporary novel, all with grand purpose and even greater results."
Each chapter is narrated in the first person but by a different character. Some are told by Oliver himself. He begins by describing a brutal attack upon his wife, Alice. We don't learn what precipitated this --- at least not immediately --- but what is revealed is that Oliver is a very successful author of children's books under the name "Vincent Dax" and Alice illustrates his work. We also are told that there is a wooden box in Oliver's possession that is quite important to him. Ultimately we learn its contents, though that knowledge is parceled out in exquisitely parsimonious fashion.
Other chapters are narrated by Oliver's acquaintances, past and present. They include (but are not limited to) Barney, who was dating Alice until Oliver swept her off her feet and carried her off; Michael, Oliver's friend from school who managed to escape his orbit, all for the better; and Veronique, a French vineyard owner who employed Oliver for a summer during his college years, the summer when their lives were changed irrevocably.
Nugent demonstrates that she is a master of quietly ratcheting up the suspense quotient as she slowly but carefully reveals all of Oliver's secrets --- including a couple he doesn't know, at least at first --- leading up to the mystery that lies at the heart of the novel: the reason Oliver so brutally attacked his wife. It is a wild ride from first page to last, demonstrating how the sins of one generation can result in the far-reaching destruction of the next. Even more remarkably, Nugent, without apparent strain, manages to conclude the book with a happy ending, if bittersweetly so. At least two characters, the most innocent of the lot, get what they want, and it's indirectly because of Oliver.
UNRAVELING OLIVER is a riveting work that reads as if it was written by an author who has several books under his or her belt, which is a shame, because I happily would have hunted down everything on Nugent's backlist and read it. She has published shorter fiction, which I eagerly will seek out and read while awaiting her next book. You should as well.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub on August 25, 2017
Unraveling Oliver
- Publication Date: February 6, 2018
- Genres: Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller
- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press