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Section 3: Signs of Creation in the Seed
It is God Who created the heavens with no support – you can see them – and cast firmly embedded mountains on the Earth so that it would not move under you, and scattered about in it creatures of every kind. And We send down water from the sky and make every generous species grow in it. (Qur'an, 31:10)
The kiwi has numerous tiny seeds. The apricot, however, has only one, very well protected inside a hard shell.
As mentioned in the previous section, a seed basically consists of a seed coat, a nutrient reserve and an embryo. Though the basic structure is the same, the amount of nutrients contained in each seed's reserve, the type of surrounding protective membrane, its thickness, the shape and taste of the fruit enclosing it differ greatly from one another. Everything from the shape to the color of the seed coat and the materials it is made from varies according to the plant's species and habitat.
Seeds reveal marvelous wonders of creation. To give one example, an apricot contains just one pit, or seed, which is well protected by a hard shell. The fleshy interior tastes sweet and is suitable for eating – good food for birds, rodents, insects and other animals as well as people. The fact that the fruit consists of two such sections is also opportune for the plant, for when the apricot is eaten, the seed enclosed in the hard casing at the fruit's center is exposed, and thus has a chance of germinating in a suitable place and growing into a new tree.
In contrast to the apricot, the kiwi is a fruit that contains numerous little edible seeds, rather than just one. The seeds of this fleshy fruit are grouped together. And because they are so numerous, even if one part of the fruit is eaten, their chances of sprouting into a new plant are increased.
Dry fruits usually have some architectural features to protect and distribute the seed. As an example, take the tufts that crown the thistle. As you'll soon see in greater detail, these little parachutes carry their precious cargo, the reproductive cells, to distant places on the wind.
In seeds there is as great a variety as there are plants in the world. When we consider that the seed of every plant has a different shape, contains a different amount of nutrient reserve, and has a coat with a different thickness, we can see evidence of their wondrous creation.
Dry seeds often have a special structural feature like tufts to let them be transported. Seeds of Epilobium glaberrinum shown below are dispersed by the wind. The seedpods consist of four parts. As soon as these separate, the plant's tufted seeds disperse in the air and carried away in the wind.
The dry fruits that have multiple seeds open up to distribute them. This kind of fruit is called dehiscent. They have a thick and resilient seed coat that protects the embryo and the nutrient reserve. As they turn green, the seeds are compacted together and exert pressure on one another. They may be of very different colors, shapes and textures, and may have different features such as wings, feathery strands or a fine membrane.
Dry fruits with multiple seeds are very diverse, taking many forms such as pods, bladders, grained etc. A few examples include:
It is possible to tell how seeds are distributed by looking at their structure. While these feathery seeds are dispersed by the wind, those of the plant shown above are disseminated when the plant has dried out.
Montbretia, with round, bright orange seeds packed into triple capsules. The plant waits for the wind or a passing animal to shake it to distribute its seeds.9
The leguminous plants form a very broad category, within which each species has its own distinct shape and features. Seeds of the pea plant, for instance, are arranged in an orderly row. On the other hand, Colutea arborescens has air-filled bladders that burst noisily. The most incredible of these plants is the catclaw or black mimosa (Mimosa pigra) with its pods, each one of which contains a seed and is shaped like a hairy claw.10
These are just a few examples of plant seeds' functional structures. Considering that every plant has a different seed structure, the variety and degree of perfection in seeds is remarkable.
All seeds generally have the same contents. As you can see, however, in the picture, the shape of the seed varies according to the species of plant. God has created seeds in an infinite variety.
Special Materials in the Seed Coat
The seeds of the Montbretia plant shown below are dispersed by the wind, though animals also help in their distribution.
Not only do the seeds have different structures; but the seed coats too are created with all their requirements.
The embryo inside the seed is extremely valuable – and vulnerable, needing to be carefully protected until the new plant has completely developed. This protection is provided by the seed coat, which shows variations in each species of plant. The degree of protection the seed is afforded corresponds to the resilience of the seed coat's material, which also affects the seed's ability to float or to be carried by the wind.
The seed's outer covering takes a great variety of forms, with many interesting features. Some are coated with a bitter substance to deter enemies. Some are rich in a chemical called tannin that prevents the seeds from rotting. The seed coats of several plant species are covered in a kind of jelly-like substance, which consists of complex sugars fused with proteins, and swells easily on contact with water allowing the seed to easily stick to damp materials. As you'll see subsequently, this characteristic plays an important part in the germination phase.11
The protective outer layer of a seed is usually extremely tough, protecting it from the external forces it will encounter. For example, in the final phase of some seeds' development, some impervious waxy substances are deposited on the outer surface that make the seed resistant to water and gas penetration.12 Depending on the variety of plant, seed coats may be covered with materials as fine as the membrane covering a bean or as hard and woody as a cherry stone. Seed coats that must be water-resistant are tougher and thicker than the rest.
For a seed we frequently encounter in our daily lives, let's use the bean as an example.
Depending on the variety, the bean may be enclosed in one or two coverings that protect the seed from harsh conditions such as cold air, drought or mechanical effects, in the same way as an overcoat. This is where all contact is made with the outside world.
The seeds of the pea plant are arranged in tidy rows and protected in special little pods.
Wherever in the world they grow, all peas have the same perfect order, wonderful color and taste, due to the information installed in them by God.
At the point where the bean has broken off from where it was attached to the pod, there is an oval mark. On careful examination, a small opening called a micropyle is visible. Because of this opening's function, it can be compared to the navel of a baby. Through this small passage, the pollen tube used to fertilize the female reproductive cell in the ovule once entered. Now, when the time comes, water enters through this opening and allows the seed to germinate.13
As mentioned already, the seed coat's thickness is specially regulated according to the type of plant. Every seed coat is neither too thick nor too thin, but has just the right thickness to let the plant develop in its home environment. A seed with a thin coat can be destroyed more easily by various external influences. For this reason, all seeds have coats of the most suitable thickness for their respective habitats. Seeds with very thick coats can survive all kinds of difficult conditions, but the disadvantage of an exceptionally thick coat is that the embryo has problems breaking out of the seed.
Moreover, close examination reveals that seeds distributed by animals have coats thin and easy enough to pierce for the animals to take an interest in their contents. But at the same time, the structure of the coats covering these seeds makes them unattractive to all seed-eaters.14
From the explanations given so far, it is evident that seeds, which appear to be so simple, are actually structured in great detail. Their characteristics, from the proportions of the materials they contain to their content and protective outer layers, all vary according to environmental conditions. But how did this variety and detail come into being?
Each of the pods of the mimosa plant (above) contains a seed and is in the shape of a tufted thorn. On the other hand, Colutea arborescens (left) disperses its seeds by bursting its air-filled seedpods.
When we look in books propounding evolutionary theory to answer such questions as "How?" and "Why?", we find that evolutionists prefer to use obscure expressions and deceptive methods. A book entitled Evolution has this to say on the subject of seeds and fruits:
The outer casing of a seed is strong enough to withstand the molar teeth and intestinal acids and enzymes of various animals, and an atmosphere lacking in oxygen. Moreover, this seed casing has been evolutionarily designed so as to protect the embryo until the conditions for germination are suitable from factors causing it to germinate at the wrong time and seed-eating animals.15
You'll note that having enumerated some of the remarkable features of seeds, the use of the expression "evolutionarily designed" tries to give the impression that they came into being through evolution. But the paragraph above by no means explains how seeds came into existence, because it merely mentions the perfection in their creation. The phrase "evolutionarily designed" actually has no meaning at all.
Moreover, this expression is untenable in itself, because the concepts of "evolution" and "design" are diametrically opposed. It's unimaginable that the process of evolution could produce a design, for evolution is claimed to depend on coincidences, and the very existence of an order reveals the existence of a conscious mind. Accordingly, if there is an order, it follows that concepts such as evolution, coincidence and chance can have no bearing. Signs of creation in seeds are evident proofs that they are not the product of evolution but are created by Almighty God.
These jelly-like objects belong to a variety of basil known as Ocimum basilicum. A few minutes after its seed coats come into contact with water, they start producing a jelly-like substance, and thus assume the above shown appearance. Seeds of this variety of basil are used in Thailand and other regions of the Orient, particularly added to fruit juice. (Grains de Vie, p. 24.)
The heavy seeds of Ipomoea murucoide are able to float on the air due to these fine hairs. Also thanks to these hairs, the seeds roll along the ground with the wind. (Grains de Vie, p. 25.)
Let an example clarify this further. Suppose that you visit an art gallery and come across a wall full of drawings, each depicting the seed of a different plant and its related details. Were you to ask the gallery director who drew all these pictures, what if you were told, "These were not drawn by any artist; they were evolutionarily designed with the help of coincidences"? You would find such an answer highly unreasonable, and continue to believe that they were the work of an artist.
Just as you would not believe in the "evolutionary design" of such drawings, neither would you accept that seeds – living structures containing all the information about a plant, which under the right circumstances can germinate to produce hundreds of thousands of different kinds of fruit and flowers – could come into existence as a result of unconscious coincidences. So the question should be who essentially created these perfect systems, how plants were structured accordingly.
With their claims of coincidence, evolutionists can never explain the very clear plan in the structure of seeds, a plan that evidently has not come about as the result of coincidences. Just as every drawing must have an artist, there is someone behind every plan. The perfectly planned systems in seeds is the work of God, with His eternal wisdom and supreme power. The wisdom that can be seen in every stage of the life of plants is clear proof that they are the creation of the Almighty God.
The seed coat is not the only factor to protect the seed embryo and aid in its dispersion. In some species, these functions can also be carried out by the fruit. For instance, in Nicandra physaloide, whose various stages of development are shown in the pictures, the ovule develops into a swollen fruit full of seeds. If part of the top layer is removed from this fruit, the seeds appear to have grown to a size 500 times larger than the ovules' original dimensions. The seeds are connected to the mother plant by bonds that share the same nature as an umbilical cord. (Grains de Vie, p. 26.)
Beans enclosed in a protective skin.
Pomegranate seeds protected by their fruit's juicy red flesh.
These seeds, with their extremely appealing appearance, are a product of God's perfect creation.
It is He Who sends down water from the sky. From it you drink and from it come the shrubs among which you graze your herds. And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a sign in that for people who reflect. (Qur'an, 16:10-11)
The seeds of the palm tree are contained in the fruits shown below. When the seeds fall to earth and the right conditions are available, a palm tree starts to grow that may be meters tall.
From the dry seeds at left have grown the brightly colored, sweet-scented flowers in the pictures below. This fact of creation should be given all due thought.
Gomphrena and its seeds
The pictures above show a cherry pit and a cherry tree, which has grown, blossomed, and will in time bear fruit in accord with the information contained in this cherry pit. The picture to the right shows a kind of wild fig tree. These gigantic trees, standing meters tall, have also grown from little seeds like the cherry tree with its sweet tasting and perfectly colored fruit. (The small seed in a human hand below is of the fig tree.) All of these trees' characteristics are perfectly encoded in their seeds. Moreover, the same information has been encoded in the same seeds for millions of years, and for this reason, the identical plants always germinate from the same seeds. With the information He has installed in seeds, God shows us that He has power over all things.
In these little seeds (shown above) is encoded all the information on the tree (left) that grows to a height of 30 meters (98 feet), including such characteristics as the tree's number of leaves, its height, and whether it will bear fruit. Moreover, all this information has been coded into the same seeds in the same way since the beginning of time. The same trees have always grown from the same seeds.
There are many different flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables on Earth, a variety created by information stored in the seeds of plants. left: iris and its seeds, right: cyclamen and its seeds.
1-4) At night, the magnolia closes its petals only slightly. This enables insects to visit it more frequently.
5) The flower starts to wither. The petals of the corolla will soon start falling to the ground.
6) The petals of the corolla fade.
7) The flower's pollinated ovule starts turning into a fruit.
8) The fruit ripens to become a beautiful red color.
9) Finally the fruits burst and reveal seeds ready to drop.
These seeds will later turn into the magnificent magnolia trees seen adjacent.
Reasons for the Different Sizes of Seeds
The size of seeds, as well as other features of plants, is determined in accordance with a plan. The coconut, for instance, which travels long distances by sea, is one of the biggest seeds. Its size ensures that there are enough nutrients to last during the long journey.
Orchids, on the other hand, have quite tiny seeds. Orchids are delicate plants that can only grow when the right medium, light and moisture conditions are available. Thus they produce seeds small enough to be carried by the wind and numerous enough to be deposited in at least some suitable locations. A single orchid flower can produce millions of seeds.16
The seeds of the beech tree, shown in the picture below left, are dispersed and start wafting through the air towards the end of autumn. These small seeds some 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in length sprout wherever there is enough light. Tropical seeds are often very bulky.
The mommay, shown below right, is one of these, with seeds usually about 5 cm (2 in) long. This seed can put down especially long roots to enable it to germinate in dry places. This reduces the risk of the seedling drying out due to lack of water.17
It is He Who sends down water from the sky from which We bring forth growth of every kind, and from that We bring forth the green shoots and from them We bring forth close-packed seeds, and from the spathes of the date palm date clusters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and olives and pomegranates, both similar and dissimilar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and ripen. There are signs in that for people who believe. (Qur'an, 6:99)
9 Françoise Brenckmann, Grains de Vie, Le Monde Merveilleux Des Graines, 1995-1997, p. 31.
10 Ibid., pp. 32-33.
11 Ibid., p. 24.
12 Wilkins, Plantwatching, p. 44.
13 Brenckmann, Grains de Vie, p. 17.
14 Mark Ridley, Evolution, Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1993, p. 333.
15 Ibid, p. 293.
16 Nantiya Vaddhanaphuti, A Filed Guide to the Wild Orchids of Thailand, Silkworm Books, 2nd edition, 1997, pp. 5-7, 10, 13, 16, 50, 56, 63, 80, and 125.
17 Brenckmann, Grains de Vie, p. 86.


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Mercury Computer Systems, a provider of embedded, high-performance computing systems and software for image, sensor, and signal processing applications, announced it will showcase its Converged Sensor Network (CSN) Architecture at NCW 2009, the world's largest event focused on net-centric operations and best practices for network-centric innovation. NCW 2009 will take place in Washington, DC, January 27-30.
As sensor processing in defense and commercial applications evolves to the next phase, communications and broad information sharing become ever more critical. "We need to find better ways to use the defense communications systems we have today, some of which are nontraditional intelligent systems, and network them so that we can zoom in on an area of interest by virtue of a dynamic tasking mechanism - to where an F-15 radar can be sent into a SAR mode for a few seconds, or an ESA radar that's flying on some other airplane can be spotlighted into that area for a few more seconds, without interrupting its ongoing mission," said General Gregory S. Martin, Commander, U.S. Air Force (Ret.). "All of that information would then be used to build a collage of digits that can then cue actions to be taken, even without seeing a visual picture -- that is the ultimate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) objective."
The Mercury CSN Architecture is a single, unified architecture that combines sensor signal processing with information management technologies, to enable the convergence of multiple sensors, missions, and users -- to deliver transformational access to information in the tactical edge, or battlefield. Built from the computer architecture out, the CSN Architecture is designed to maintain deterministic sensor processing while supporting dynamic reconfiguration and resource sharing for networked collection tasking and exploitation; present both sensor data and processing capabilities as network-based services to support shared access and dynamic allocation; and enable the consolidation of multisensor-related functions into a single converged architecture.
The CSN Architecture caters to applications in which bandwidth-limited communications platforms collect insufficient information in isolation to enable real-time decision making. Mercury system architects and engineers were considering ways to address these challenges, when a customer engaged Mercury's team to solve its dilemma of determining a practical way to network together sensors, computing, and storage for a specific defense program. Rather than build a one-off solution, the Mercury team defined a broadly applicable architecture -- the CSN Architecture -- and used it as the basis for the customer's solution.
At NCW 2009, Mercury will present components of the CSN Architecture, including the SR-110 VXS 10GE Gateway module, a network-centric building block that seamlessly moves data between interconnect fabrics; and the Sensor Stream Computing Platform, a scalable, multi-GPU-based development platform that enables users to address the issues of time, bandwidth, and resources targeted at deployable, rugged applications in the ISR space. Mercury will also exhibit the PowerBlock 50, a new class of rugged, high-performance embedded computing that measures approximately 4" x 5" x 6", weighs less than 7 pounds, and puts up to 172 GFLOPS of processing power next to the sensor in space-constrained platforms such as unmanned vehicles.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tokadub wrote:Being a somewhat new poster here I didn't know Radish as well as most of you. But sure enough he took the time to PM me to try to help me when I posted a problem I had with the avatar file size limit.
That just shows the kind of great guy he was to reach out and help anyone who needed it. That's a rare trait and I'm very sad to hear this news.
R.I.P. The Radish
Lol. NOBODY Hated oversized gif avatars more than Radish. I had to check my PMs SO many times on those... though he let me keep a few for a couple days cuz they were hella funny.


text: Federal criminal sentences should be "sufficient, but not greater than necessary."1 They should fit the crime, provide for "adequate deterrence," "protect the public," and promote rehabilitation.2 Since the Supreme Court decisions in Booker and Kimbrough,3 federal courts again have great discretion, within certain limits, to decide appropriate federal sentences. Congress, however, has taken pains to limit that discretion with regard to child pornography offenses, and the federal courts, in a series of judicial decisions across the country, including recent Second and Third Circuit decisions, are firmly rebelling.4 The questions arise: Are the courts right? Has Congress gone too far in its desire to punish this undesirable type of criminal conduct?A History of Escalating PenaltiesIn 2009, the U.S. Sentencing Commission released a report that surveyed the history of child pornography sentencing, revealing a pattern of direct congressional action that has increased penalties severely over


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The newest chapter of the iconic fighting franchise is now available on PC! Experience the deadliest tournament with all the kombatants and their unique fatalities. Decimate your opponents in traditional 1 vs 1 matches or tag team mode, and use gruesome fatalities and shocking X-ray moves to add a whole new dimension to your attacks.
- Graphic details, never before possible are presented with the most sophisticated graphics engine in MK history
- By returning to its classic 2D fighting plane, mature presentation, and up to 4 player tag-team kombat; Mortal Kombat introduces an all new fighting mechanic that's both accessible and provides the depth that fighting game players look for
- Mortal Kombat offers the deepest story mode of any fighting game; Players are taken back to the original Mortal Kombat tournament where they try to alter the events of the past in an attempt to save the future
- Characters, environments and fatalities have never been presented with as much gory detail as in this next generation Mortal Kombat; From internal organs to the most "realistic" blood effects, Kombat has never looked this good
- Includes all DLC content
Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition software © 2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by © High Voltage Software, Inc. Unreal® Engine, copyright 1998-2013 Epic Games, Inc. Unreal, Unreal Technology and the Powered by Unreal Technology logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. Autodesk, Beast, Turtle, and Scaleform are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All rights Reserved. Uses FMOD Ex Sound System provided by Firelight Technologies. PhysX Technology provided under license from NVIDIA Corporation. © 2002- 2012 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. Uses Bink Video. Copyright © 2007-2013 by RAD Game Tools, Inc. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Mortal Kombat, the dragon logo, NetherRealm Studios, NetherRealm logo and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
©New Freddy Krueger and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © New Line
WB GAMES LOGO, WBIE LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.


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Threads like this one that are controversial are great for stimulating your thoughts and voicing your opinion. Remember they are opinions and everyone has a right to them please respect them. No Flaming others for their opinions.
I believe that Obama was not the best choice for the Job!
Like most people I hadn't actually taken the time to listen to people that have actually read the US Health Care Proposal. Since is has been in the news some , not as much as it should be since all the big network syndicates are government run and told what to say and not to say.
We have absolutely no freedom whatsoever here in the US. You think that is a crazy statement? well just take a look at what Betsy McCaughey former Lt. Governor of New York has to say. She has read the Health Care Bill ans is trying to help keep us all form falling victim to certain death.
This plan actually lays out that you should contemplate death if you are sick to a certain degree for societies sake. Also the fact is you WILL LOOSE your current health care and forced into government care if your current policy changes in any way. Denial of care is totally up to the government you will not even be able to pay for treatment yourself, this will be illegal.
Betsy McCaughey on The Mark Levin Radio Show
Page 425 of the Obamacare bill mandates that the elderly and seriously ill
undergo sessions to pressure them to choose death.
Here are the contact numbers to Take Action Now!
The White House
U.S. Congress
Here is where you go to contact your
Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives
Here is a site to find your
I have done this much for you Now it is up to you to take a few minutes out of your busy life and possibly save your self from this atrocity. I have found that most people that don't take action on something bitch the most after the fact when things aren't going their way.
Ever notice that?
Brad West ~ onomoney
Trying to reach as many people as possable, Pass it on!
Please feel free to comment,
What are your thoughts?


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The Strata collection offers a variety of hand-woven contemporary rugs. All rugs in the Strata collection are hand crafted from high quality New Zealand Wool. This rug offers a thick, wool pile in tan. Imported from India.
Please enter your email address and we will notify you when this item is back in stock.


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Man arrested after allegedly hurting officer
A Honolulu police officer injured her right hand Friday during a traffic stop in Wahiawa when the male driver allegedly drove off, momentarily trapping the officer's hand in the driver's window, police said.
The driver, 40, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, and for an outstanding retake warrant. The traffic stop occurred Friday when the officer learned the driver had a warrant. The driver allegedly accelerated while the officer was trying to arrest him, trapping the officer's hand.
Man injured after tumbling 100 feet near waterfall
A 40-year-old man suffered multiple injuries after falling approximately 100 feet near a waterfall in Kalalau on Kauai and was airlifted to Lihue on Sunday morning, Kauai officials said.
The Coast Guard received a citizens band radio call that was relayed to 911 dispatchers at 7:42 a.m. The Kauai Fire Department's Air 1 helicopter arrived at Kalalau Beach around 8:52 a.m. and found the man about 100 feet from Kalalau Stream with multiple injuries from his fall.
He was flown to Lihue and taken by ambulance to Wilcox Memorial Hospital, where he was in fair condition, Kauai officials said.


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The LA Galaxy have already had one of their three internationals take the field for the final international period of the year, but two more matches featuring LA players remain on Tuesday.
A.J. DeLaGarza's Guam earned a 2-0 victory over Cambodia early Tuesday morning, but Omar Gonzalez (U.S.) and Robbie Keane (Ireland) have yet to play.
Gonzalez and the U.S. National Team will end their year against Austria in Vienna off the heels of a mundane scoreless draw with Scotland last week. The Galaxy center back is once again expected to be in the starting XI for Jurgen Klinsmann's squad after being one of the lone standouts against Scotland.
Meanwhile, Ireland head coach Martin O'Neill revealed on Monday that Keane will not be in the starting XI for the match against Poland in Poznan, but is expected to be available for selection. According to O'Neill, the Galaxy captain's chronic Achilles injury is to blame for the drop from the starting XI. In an interview with reporters prior to the match, Keane stated that he'll be seeing a specialist next Monday to evaluate the injury and determine if surgery is needed.
We'll have plenty of coverage on the two matches on LA Galaxy Insider after their conclusion.
Thoughts on the matches?
Share them below.


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Affiliated Acceptance Corp. (AAC) offers full service member management software, billing and collections for health clubs, personal trainers and other recreational facilities.
Let our simple full service solution help achieve your financial goals, streamline operations and, most importantly, keep your members happy. You will have access to cutting-edge software, flexible process automation and a highly trained, dedicated staff—all at an affordable cost to you. With thousands of clients nationwide and decades of industry experience, we are proven experts in what you need most to manage a successful club. Many industry providers have over-complicated solutions that require more time and money, making you lose focus on the most important aspect of managing a facility—member satisfaction.
FrontDesk Express (FDx) is our latest software released for the fitness industry. The goal was to create a better user experience while still providing a feature rich product. FDx includes member management, personal training session tracking, point of sale and inventory management, customizable member and financial reports, and more. All AAC clients also have access to our client service website where owners and designated staff can manage payments, enter contracts and generate custom reports, giving you the ability to manage your business from anywhere.
To see a demo of FrontDesk Express and get a sneak peek at AAC's next generation of mobile and web software, visit IHRSA booth 2317.
Booth No. 2317
This company is an exhibitor at IHRSA and an advertiser in the February 2012 issue of Club Industry.


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Are you particularly known for wanting a particular MOTUC figure that hasn't been announced yet? Are you this constant voice clamoring for this unmade character?
I want Blonde Bikini Teela
Pixel Dan wants Mosquitor
JVS3 wants Dragstor
Mike Bock wants Slushhead
RockinHard wants Ram Man
musclor wants Fearless Photog
Angel-T and AlessandraF want POP characters
Tallstar wants the Star Sisters
Say IF we get these characters...what's next for everyone?
Baena wanted The Green Goddess--and GOT HER!
Count Marzo wanted Count Marzo--and GOT HIM!
Mr.Roboto wanted Roboto--and GOT HIM!
If you managed to get lucky with MOTUC, who are you after NOW?


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By CYRUS LEVESQUE
LINCOLN — Even in the middle of a refugee camp in Iran near the border with Iraq, Tom Verner of Lincoln almost felt at home. "We just felt so warmly welcomed by the Iranian people," Verner said.
Verner and his wife, Janet Fredericks, last month visited a dozen refugee camps and settlements in Iran with a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. While most of the group brought supplies or medical care to refugees displaced from their homelands by years or even decades of war, Verner and Fredericks came to entertain refugees with magic tricks and sleight of hand in performances for children.
Verner and Fredericks founded the group Magicians Without Borders in 2001, and have given shows in refugee camps, orphanages, schools and hospitals around the world, from India to Kosovo to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
To some, the idea of entertaining refugees seems to miss the point that the audience is in need of basic necessities like clean water and a roof over their heads. Verner said that one doctor on the April trip couldn't understand the goal of Magicians Without Borders.
"I have a feeling he was … only thinking of these folks as bodies," Verner said. "They also need hope and laughter."
For many in Verner's and Fredericks' audiences, the camp or settlement was the only home they had known. Verner said that in some of the camps they visited, almost all the refugees were from Iraq and in others most refugees were originally from Afghanistan. And while many of those refugees were displaced by the current conflicts, Verner said that many others hadn't seen their homes since the 1980s, when they were driven from them by the Iran-Iraq War or the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
By JOHN FLOWERS
MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury residents on Tuesday, May 20, will be asked to approve local option taxes of 1 percent on sales, rooms, meals and alcohol as a means of generating revenues for a new, in-town bridge that would span the Otter Creek at Cross Street.
Middlebury officials are banking on the local option taxes to finance $7 million of the $16 million bridge project, which would link Main Street with Court Street as a means of reducing gridlock in the downtown. Middlebury College has agreed to bankroll $9 million of the project, through annual donations of $600,000 during what will be a 30-year bonding period.
It was on Town Meeting Day that local residents authorized bonding for the project and supported a charter change that would enable Middlebury to consider local option taxes. Tuesday's referendum will allow residents to decide whether they want to now follow through and implement local option taxes for the next 30 years.
"My clear concern right now is that we get a good turnout," said Middlebury selectboard Chairman John Tenny.
He added that after many months of planning and debating, town officials are now looking for residents to become "bridge builders."
Local option taxes will be key if there is to be any bridge building because selectmen don't want to lean on Middlebury's already-hefty property tax as a means of financing the new span, which could open to traffic as soon as 2010. Selectmen have reasoned that local option taxes would be a reasonable vehicle for financing, as they would be borne — in great part — by non-residents who would use the new span and already use other Middlebury roads and bridges.
"Local option taxes give us the ability to fund and build a bridge without local property taxes and involve a larger surrounding community to pay for a project that helps that larger community," Tenny said.
MIDDLEBURY — National slump in the housing market?
Don't expect to get that story from Connor Homes, a Middlebury-based manufacturer of colonial reproduction "kit" homes that has seen its sales triple during the past year.
"We are building something different here," said Michael Connor, founder and CEO of Connor Homes. "Our little company in Middlebury, Vermont, I think is making a statement about how people ought to think about building their houses across the country."
Connor said that pre-building homes in a controlled setting offers a process that is often more efficient and cost-effective than building from scratch on the site, and that his process can end up costing a client 20-percent less than the same home built conventionally.
In early 2007, Connor Homes was pre-constructing two or three houses per month in a rented, 14,000-square-foot headquarters on Exchange Street, houses that were then assembled on building sites throughout the country.
A year later, the company is now firmly settled in the former home of Standard Register on Route 7 South, a 115,000-square-foot building in which Connor Homes expects to crank out seven homes during this month alone.
The company's workforce numbered 23 in 2007. It has mushroomed to 64 workers today, with more hires anticipated during the coming months.
"We have a waitlist of talented people," Connor Homes Chief Operating Officer Holly Kelton said of the many carpenters, architects and other building specialists that have submitted resumes.
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Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model. NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- The ex-dividend date for Arch Coal (NYSE: ACI) is tomorrow, February 27, 2013. Owners of shares as of market close today will be eligible for a dividend of 3 cents per share. At a price of $5.35 as of 9:30 a.m. ET, the dividend yield is 2.2%. The average volume for Arch Coal has been 11.3 million shares per day over the past 30 days. Arch Coal has a market cap of $1.17 billion and is part of the basic materials sector and metals & mining industry. Shares are down 24.5% year to date as of the close of trading on Monday. Arch Coal, Inc. engages in the production and sale of steam and metallurgical coal from surface and underground mines located in the United States.
- EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Jim Cramer's Protégé, Dave Peltier, only buys Stocks Under $10 that he thinks could potentially double. See what he's trading today with a 14-day FREE pass.


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Border patrol agents discovered some hot and spicy contraband last Friday when they came across a tractor trailer filled with hot sauce and marijuana, reports CBS Los Angeles.
The weed, valued at $1.4 million, was discovered at the Otay Mesa cargo facility near San Diego, according to KTLA.
Suspecting that something was amiss, custom officials ran the vehicle through the port's x-ray system and found "inconsistencies in the cargo," notes Fox News. After unloading the entire shipment, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 2,330 pounds of pot hidden amongst hot sauce bottles — a little over one ton of the drug.
Smuggling marijuana with hot sauce sounds like a stoner's dream (just add a burrito and that's a pretty good Friday evening), but it doesn't even come close to some of the weirdest ways to traffic drugs across the border. The List Cafe discusses 10 "creative" ways to smuggle narcotics; real life examples include hiding cocaine under your foreskin and in the stomachs of live boa constrictors. Another listicle from Top10Kid.com features sad examples of surgically implanted drugs in puppies and people, as well as "heroin-covered cocaine." Read these cautionary tales and alternate between marveling at drug traffickers' daring and stupidity.
Related articles
- Marijuana discovered in hot sauce shipment (abclocal.go.com)
- Hot Sauce Shipment Yields Massive Marijuana Bust (foxnews.com)


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Because I know how much you enjoy the Giveaways organized on my blog, here is another one together with one of my favorite collaborators Oasap. Well, I`m not going to bore you with stories and I will tell you more about the contest.
The winner will choose one favorite item from the following link: http://www.oasap.com/content/
214-clearance-sale-2014-new- year and prizes are worth up to $70. No less than 50 participants are needed for picking winners(If not meeting certain amount of participants, prizes will be provided as form of $30 credits). And if there are more we consider to pick more than one winner :D So enter it in one or more chances to win :D
Terms for participants:
1.Register on www.oasap.com
4. Share the contest picture. You can find it Here
5. Leave a comment with your email address( the one you registered) so we can contact you .
The contest will be available until Feb 8. What is your favorite item?
Good luck to all of you girls
Kisses, Manuella ♥


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Glimpsed At Work: Sara Utz
Sara Utz stood out by wearing one of the years hottest color combinations: black and gold. The 25-year-old Hampden resident wore a ModCloth black dress from Etsy. She upped the fashion quotient with the addition of an Ecote belt from Urban Outfitters. The golden bird embellishment really stood out on top of the black. She extended the silhouette of the ensemble with a pair of black tights and a simple black wedge from Target. Utz said she turns to Target for a majority of her pieces. My sense of style is Target-nautical-punk-rock-chic, said the graphic designer at Drexler, which also shares an office with The Hatcher Group. We also loved her bangs, which were reminiscent of Jessica Biel, Michelle Obama and Kerry Washington. The key to great style is being true to yourself. Being inspired by those you admire, she said. For example, I love stripes, thanks to my Grandmas style.
Copyright © 2019, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication | Place an Ad


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Heavy duty 2 ft x 4 ft quick assembly tray stand. Absolutely no tools required. Can be assembled in 5 minutes or less. Accommodates all popular brand trays and reservoirs. Overall height is 25 in. Height from bottom bar to floor is 18 in without casters. Outside dimensions: 53 in length by 28.5 in wide. Inside dimensions: 51 in length by 26.5 in wide. US Patent 8,714,498, Patent Pending 14/269,619, PCT Application CT/US12/00001 and Chinese Patent 201280018267.2. Tray sold separately. All fast fit tray stands are rated for 3,000lbs. without casters. With casters, 6 leg tray stands are 360lbs and 4 leg tray stands are 240lbs.
— Ships separately from H: WA, CA, CO, MI, TN, PA, FL USA.


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Professional Candle Making Supplies Since 1972
Tray Mold - Heart Floater (Polycarbonate)
$4.11 per unit
These specially designed polycarbonate plastic floater molds are great for the hobbyist or professional candle makers. Six cavities per mold.
Product Description
The shapes of these molds are very unique and make for a special candle. The polycarbonate plastic used in this these molds has been selected because of its ability to take the wear and tear of the candle maker but yet be durable for long production.
People Who Bought This Item Also Bought
Shipping Information
To see shipping costs, proceed to checkout to get up-to-date rates. Orders are shipped by UPS or FedEx. View the Shipping Information page for more details.


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Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Owyhee Field Office has kicked off a travel planning effort to prepare a Comprehensive Travel Management Plan for approximately 227,000 acres in what is known as the Murphy Sub-Region.
The BLM is interested in scheduling meetings with individuals and user groups over the next few weeks to discuss the route designation process. These meetings will include reviewing the current route inventory, gathering ideas and opinions and collecting any additional information needed via maps and field trips. To schedule a meeting, contact Ryan Homan at 208-896-5925 or via email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The BLM will be accepting comments through June 15, 2007. Submit written comments to, BLM Owyhee Field Office, 20 First Ave West, Marsing, Idaho 83639, Attn: Ryan Homan or via email to email@example.com.
The BLM is in a 45-day "scoping" period where they take information from the general public and user groups regarding "Planning Issues" that will be used when formulating alternatives. BRC has noted a disturbing trend in previous route designation plans in Idaho that requires immediate comment from the OHV community. In addition, BLM is attempting a "comprehensive" travel management process whereby they will identify routes for all modes of travel, including motorized, mechanized, equestrian and even hiking routes. This requires the immediate attention by all of Idaho's recreational groups as well as written comment on each of the "KEY ISSUES" below.
Please take a minute to review the information below and send a quick email to the BLM regarding the KEY ISSUES. This does not limit your ability to submit additional comments as the process moves along.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
The Idaho BLM's Owyhee Field Office is attempting to formulate a "comprehensive" travel management plan for the Murphy Sub-Region. BRC has identified several key issues that require comment.
1) The BLM is interested in scheduling meetings with individuals and user groups over the next few weeks to discuss this important process. These meetings will include reviewing the current route inventory, gathering ideas and opinions and collecting any additional information needed via maps and field trips. Schedule a meeting for your local club by contacting Ryan Homan at 208-896-5925 or via email at email@example.com.
2) Several key issues have been identified that require immediate comment. Please use the information below to help you send an email comment today addressing these important items. Your comment letter does not limit you from submitting comments or information later in the process.
The BLM will be accepting comments through June 15, 2007. Submit written comments to: BLM Owyhee Field Office, 20 First Ave West, Marsing, Idaho 83639, Attn: Ryan Homan or via email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Virtually all of the ongoing travel management planning projects in Idaho have one common critical flaw: a lack of a true "pro-recreation" alternative.
All of the alternatives developed for consideration represent a significant reduction in routes available for motorized use. Not one alternative even sustains the current opportunity. Conversely, virtually every project has developed a "conservation" alternative, where a maximum amount of closures are considered.
This sad situation must come to an end immediately!
BRC is encouraging Idaho's OHV community to draw a line in the sand, beginning today, with this Murphy Sub-Region planning process.
The increasing demand for OHV recreation opportunities on public lands and National Forests is extensively documented. Therefore, we believe it is incumbent upon the Owyhee Field Office's planning team to formulate at least one alternative that maximizes recreation, or at least does not reduce recreational opportunities in the planning area.
According to the "Outdoor Recreation for 21st Century America: A Report to the Nation, The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment" (H. Cordell, 2004), the number of people driving motor vehicles off road in the United States increased over 109 percent from 1982 to 2000. In Idaho, the report estimates over 33 percent of Idaho's population enjoys OHV recreation.
In 2004, a survey conducted by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation found that 52.4% of Idahoans participated in OHV recreation. Statewide registrations of trail motorcycles and ATVs have increased 75% in the last five years, from 59,395 in 2001 to 104,127 in 2005. These statistics demonstrate that OHV recreation is very important to Idahoans, and OHV use is growing fast.
The BLM itself has documented the increasing demand for OHV recreation opportunities. The BLM's "National OHV Strategy" states:
"Motorized off-highway vehicle use on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has increased substantially in recent years. ... Some of [the factors contributing to growing OHV popularity] are:
- greater public interest in unconfined outdoor recreational opportunities
- rising disposable income ...
- advances in vehicle technology
- the rapid growth of the West's cities and suburbs ...
- a population with an increasing median age with changing outdoor recreational interests
This [growing OHV] popularity is evidenced by the fact that recreational enthusiasts are buying OHVs at the rate of 1,500 units per day nationwide, with nearly one-third of them doing so as first-time buyers." BLM's OHV Strategy recognizes, as does policy outlined in BLM Manual 8340 (May 25, 1982), "that off-road vehicle use is an acceptable use of public land wherever it is compatible with established resource management objectives. Motorized OHV use is now firmly established as a major recreational activity on BLM-administered public lands."
Comment Suggestions:
* The planning team cannot legitimately address increasing demand for OHV recreation opportunity by refusing to accommodate such demand. Alternatives must include at least one that prudently provides for increased OHV use that meets the current and anticipated demand.
* The Planning Team must formulate a wide range of alternatives including at least one Alternative that maximizes recreational opportunities in the Planning Area.
* The Planning Team must formulate at least one Alternative that emphasizes OHV use in Roaded Natural and Semi-Primitive Motorized opportunity settings for recreation. This alternative should strive to provide for the current and future demand for OHV recreational routes.
* Alternatives should include areas where OHV trails can be constructed and maintained when demand increases.
* If appropriate, the BLM should use this process to analyze the impacts of any future route construction. Direction for the required process to construct new routes should be incorporated into each alternative. At least one alternative should maximize the ability to construct new sustainable trails to meet the current and future need.
* The planning team should develop management alternatives that allow for proactive OHV management. All alternatives should include specific provisions to mark, map and maintain designated roads, trails and areas in cooperation with OHV users. All alternatives should include direction to engage in cooperative management with OHV groups and individuals.
A motorized travel plan is a plan that specifically designates roads, trails and areas for motorized use, designates which vehicles will be allowed on which routes and if seasonal restrictions apply. A comprehensive trail designation plan does the same thing except it includes all trail uses, including mountain bike, equestrian and hiking.
It is a very important distinction.
Why is this distinction so important? Well, the anti-access groups usually attempt to convince the planning team to develop a "comprehensive" travel plan by using only the existing inventory of motorized routes. They do this by identifying existing motorized trails that are good for mountain bikes, equestrians and for bird watching... or whatever.
This is a very bad scenario because it takes the current motorized route inventory and tries to make it THE route inventory for all users. It leaves out possibilities for constructing or otherwise developing non-motorized trails and sometimes totally ignores existing non-motorized trails that exist in both the planning area and adjacent lands.
Now, that doesn't mean the agency can't take into consideration the effect each alternative will have on non-motorized visitors. It can - and it should. That is part of the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) analysis. But that is totally different from specifically providing a non-motorized trail system via the existing inventory of motorized routes.
It should be noted that BRC supports the creation, designation and management of non-motorized trails. In fact, in many instances there is a need for the construction and development of mountain bike and equestrian trails. We often help non-motorized users submit comments asking specifically for new trails for their use. In fact, lots of times such suggestions make sense. BRC believes the agency should consider construction of mountain bike and equestrian trails whenever possible. But the agency must not develop a "comprehensive" recreational trail plan using only the existing motorized trail system.
Comment Suggestions:
* I support the creation, designation and management of non-motorized trails, but not at the expense of motorized visitors. I ask that the BLM not use the existing motorized trail inventory for designating non-motorized trails. Instead, if there is a need for non-motorized trails, the BLM should consider options that do not reduce the existing opportunity for motorized users.
If you are like many OHV enthusiasts, you have experienced recent closures in your favorite riding area. This is an important issue to bring up and could have an impact on the decision. Below are some comment suggestions to help if this issue applies to your area.
Indeed, a quick review of the Sawtooth and Payette National Forest indicates thousands of miles of road and trail closures are just around the corner.
The issue of "cumulative loss of OHV recreational opportunity" is a valid issue we must bring to the BLM for consideration in this process.
Comment Suggestions:
* The cumulative loss of recreational opportunity by OHV users in Idaho is a significant issue that should be incorporated into the analysis and into the decision making process.
* Motorized recreational opportunity has been, and continues to be, reduced throughout the region. Through the past several decades, there have been literally thousands of miles of roads and trails closed to motorized use in Idaho. More closures are planned for the immediate future.
For example:
- The Payette and Sawtooth National Forests are proposing significant reductions in current miles of roads, trails and areas for motorized vehicles.
- Many BLM Offices in Idaho will be formulating travel plans that will close roads, trails and areas for motorized use in the near future.
- Federal land managers in states adjacent to Idaho are contemplating significant closures via ongoing travel management plans.
This proposal must not continue the trend of eliminating opportunity for vehicle-based recreation.
* The cumulative loss of recreational opportunity for OHV users in the region has been significant and should be brought into the analysis and incorporated into the decision making process.
* The analysis should also include a brief but accurate description of the ongoing travel management planning projects on adjacent lands as well as other public lands in the region and estimate the cumulative impact of the Murphy Sub-Region travel plan to motorized users in context with all of the other closures.
* The planning team is encouraged to consider the cumulative loss of recreation as a planning issue.


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Mentoring 101
Part of the Mentoring 101 Series
Series About:
Just as an athlete performs his best in front of enthusiastic fans, your marriage can be its best when surrounded by folks who want to see you succeed.
At Focus on the Family, we encourage couples to cultivate a community of support to cheer them on in their marriage. Such a supportive "community" can be found in strong family relationships, in friendships and even in formal counseling settings. Mentoring — or more specifically, marriage mentoring — is another excellent way to strengthen your marriage through community.
Whether you're interested in finding a mentor or becoming one yourself, this series of articles is for you.


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What is it with Blizzard and randomly really really low drop chances. I know Reins of the Onyxian Drake was fixed in 5.1 to around 1%, perhaps its time they look into this one as well, I mean 1 in 3333 attempts ( according to wowhead ) is hearth-breaking to say the least.
After the latest "Sha/Galleon scandal" where thousands if not millions of loot tokens have been wasted, simply because the mounts didn't even exist (It seems to have been hotfixed within the last few days though). What is your thought about mounts like this, is it "ok" to have some close to impossible to obtain mounts? Or is it just like torturing people who like to collect mounts?
And yes, before you ask I will be doing the Heart-Shaped Box farming on 11 characters every single day the next 14 days, and I know I'll be hating the event even more before its over
On a side note, whats up with putting players outside the door, to wast 2+ minutes for every single attempt on that RP worgen!?


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Dear Shadow Guide, The enemy may now lay claim to your quarry, but he is still of great value to our cause. Our adversary, whom he now calls Lord, is not a realist. Idealism is the weakness of His kingdom …Read More
The Altar of Cynicism
People lose their souls to many gods. There are the popular gods like money, sex, and power. But there is one unusual god to which men lose their souls, and maybe that god has seduced more people than any of …Read More


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Ole! The upbeat and dance encouraging sounds of Latin and Salsa Bands will be sure to have your guests up on their feet the whole event long! Bring out the guitars, congas, bongos and maracas for a little Latin spice! Search here for Latin & Salsa Bands in Lyn ON.
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Kitchen Design / October 24, 2018 / Giuliana Bundy
You should feel good about making your home nicer for your family and your friends. You should feel great about cooking a good dinner and making a dress for a granddaughter, creating a beautiful birthday party. It's all part of life.
– Martha Stewart
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U.S. biodiesel production reached a new monthly high of 81 million gallons in June according to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statistics.
This marks the third consecutive month of record volumes and continues a remarkable turnaround in which biodiesel production in the first half of 2011 has already eclipsed production for all of 2010.
The new numbers — coming after Congress reinstated the biodiesel tax incentive this year — demonstrate the power that strong domestic energy policy can have in helping create jobs and economic activity.
Despite the weak economy, the biodiesel industry is on track to produce at least 800 million gallons this year, more than double the 315 million gallons of biodiesel produced last year, when Congress allowed the biodiesel tax incentive to temporarily lapse.
According to a recent economic study, this year's rejuvenated production will support more than 31,000 U.S. jobs and generate income of nearly $1.7 billion to be circulated throughout the economy.
"Policy makers should take a look at our experience over the last couple of years," said National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe.
"It's a textbook case in how sound energy policy equates to sound economic policy. Congress should not allow the biodiesel tax incentive to expire again at the end of this year. In this kind of economy, we need every tool we have."
Since the introduction of the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit in 2005, U.S. biodiesel production climbed steadily until 2010, when Congress allowed it to lapse temporarily as the healthcare debate overshadowed other issues.
Production immediately plummeted from a record of about 700 million gallons in 2008 to about 315 million gallons in 2010.
The tax credit is again slated to expire in December of this year, threatening industry momentum and jobs.
The American Soybean Association applauds the introduction by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) of S. 1277 to extend the tax incentive for three years, and by Reps. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) of their similar bill, H.R. 2238, in the House.


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Changing Your Schedule
***You must have your student ID available anytime you change your schedule***
Adding and Dropping a Course
Already-registered students may come to the Registrar's Office to add or drop courses. Throughout the registration period and up until the first five days of the semester students may change their schedules at the registration area or on the Web.
Withdrawing from a Course
Students may withdraw from a full-semester course, without penalty, until the day before the start of finals week. For five week courses, it is the last day of the third week; for three week courses, it is the last day of the second week. Contact the Registrar's Office for specific dates for each semester. Withdrawals are recorded on your transcript with a grade of "W". There is no penalty attached to this grade.
Part-time students pay tuition for each credit for which they are registered. Full-time students are eligible for a refund only if they withdraw from school. If students drop/withdraw from a course within the refund deadlines, they will receive the appropriate refund as indicated on guidelines on the Cashier's web page.
It is possible to withdraw without penalty from a course through the withdrawal deadline by coming to the Registrar's Office and completing the necessary procedure. Withdrawal "without penalty" refers only to academic penalty (i.e., failure). Withdrawal may affect the attainment of satisfactory progress as defined by financial aid, housing, athletic eligibility, and other policies.
If you wish to withdraw without penalty from a course after the deadline, you will have to have the written approval of your instructor. Otherwise, you will receive a WF, a failing grade. Check with your instructors to make certain that you understand their policies with regard to withdrawal after the deadline.
NOTE: You must officially withdraw from a course to avoid receiving a failing grade. If you just stop attending the class without following the necessary procedure, you may be given a failing grade.
Withdrawal from the University
To officially withdraw from the University and/or request a Leave of Absence, you must go to the Registrar's Office to fill out the appropriate forms. They can also be found on our Forms webpage.
Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC)
Air Force ROTC is offered at the University of Connecticut and is available to Western Connecticut students in all majors. AFROTC prepares students for careers as Air Force officers who may serve as pilots, navigators, engineers, nurses, etc. The program consists of a basic and an advanced course, each of two years duration. The former may be replaced by a six week summer program (with pay) between the student's sophomore and junior years. One must meet entrance criteria for admission to the advanced course. Those participating in the advanced course receive a monthly stipend. In addition, enrolled students are eligible for a variety of scholarships.
You must be certain to register at UConn for your ROTC classes and that you transfer your earned credits back to Western.
For information, call collect University of Connecticut's Department of Aerospace Studies at (860) 486-2224
Cancellation of Courses
The Academic Deans reserve the right to make changes in personnel to teach a course and to cancel or reschedule any course offered should the change become necessary.
Student Developed Study, Guided Reading, Independent Study
This course option is available only to matriculated students. Students registering for Student Developed Study (DEPT X99), Guided Reading or Independent Study do so only with the written approval of the sponsoring staff member and the Department Chair. Final approval must come from the appropriate school dean. Once approved, the course will be added to your schedule.
Applied Music Courses
Students enrolled in Applied Music courses are required to pay an additional fee of $150 per semester for one-hour lessons and $100 for half-hour lessons. All applied Music registration, including Add/Drop, is handled directly between the Department of Music and the Registrar. Students may not register for Applied Music via the Banner registration system. For specific information regarding the Applied Lesson Fee please see page 20 of the 2008-20010 Undergraduate Catalog or go to http://www.wcsu.edu/registration/ugrad-tuition.
Music Majors Note:
Music majors must reserve the twelve to one o'clock hour on Monday and Wednesday afternoons for attendance at the Convocation in Ives Auditorium. It is a requirement in your program.


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The Return on Invested Capital (aka ROIC) Score for CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) is 7.654565. The Return on Invested Capital is a ratio that determines whether a company is profitable or not. It tells investors how well a company is turning their capital into profits. The ROIC is calculated by dividing the net operating profit (or EBIT) by the employed capital. The employed capital is calculated by subrating current liabilities from total assets. Similarly, the Return on Invested Capital Quality ratio is a tool in evaluating the quality of a company's ROIC over the course of five years. This is calculated by dividing the five year average ROIC by the Standard Deviation of the 5 year ROIC. The ROIC 5 year average is calculated using the five year average EBIT, five year average (net working capital and net fixed assets).
Investors will be paying extra close attention to company earnings reports during this current season. With stocks bordering on all-time highs, any substantial earnings beats may propel stocks to even greater heights. On the flip side, stocks that may be overvalued could see a significant correction if earnings disappoint. Every earnings season has its share of big winners and big losers. Trying to project the stocks that will post large beats for the quarter can be tricky. Even if the research points to a company handily beating on the earnings front, the stock may not always react as expected. Trading around earnings reports can get quite dicey for even the most seasoned investors.
We can now take a quick look at some historical stock price index data. CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) presently has a 10 month price index of 0.78351. The price index is calculated by dividing the current share price by the share price ten months ago. A ratio over one indicates an increase in share price over the period. A ratio lower than one shows that the price has decreased over that time period. Looking at some alternate time periods, the 12 month price index is 0.73952, the 24 month is 0.79398, and the 36 month is 0.81440. Narrowing in a bit closer, the 5 month price index is 0.95741, the 3 month is 1.06708, and the 1 month is currently 1.02936.
CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) has a Price to Book ratio of 3.166350. This ratio is calculated by dividing the current share price by the book value per share. Investors may use Price to Book to display how the market portrays the value of a stock. Checking in on some other ratios, the company has a Price to Cash Flow ratio of 7.444990, and a current Price to Earnings ratio of 7.333280. The P/E ratio is one of the most common ratios used for figuring out whether a company is overvalued or undervalued.
Checking in on some valuation rankings, CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) has a Value Composite score of 25. Developed by James O'Shaughnessy, the VC score uses five valuation ratios. These ratios are price to earnings, price to cash flow, EBITDA to EV, price to book value, and price to sales. The VC is displayed as a number between 1 and 100. In general, a company with a score closer to 0 would be seen as undervalued, and a score closer to 100 would indicate an overvalued company. Adding a sixth ratio, shareholder yield, we can view the Value Composite 2 score which is currently sitting at 16.
Return on Assets
There are many different tools to determine whether a company is profitable or not. One of the most popular ratios is the "Return on Assets" (aka ROA). This score indicates how profitable a company is relative to its total assets. The Return on Assets for CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) is 0.142104. This number is calculated by dividing net income after tax by the company's total assets. A company that manages their assets well will have a higher return, while a company that manages their assets poorly will have a lower return.
ERP5 Rank
The ERP5 Rank is an investment tool that analysts use to discover undervalued companies. The ERP5 looks at the Price to Book ratio, Earnings Yield, ROIC and 5 year average ROIC. The ERP5 of CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) is 926. The lower the ERP5 rank, the more undervalued a company is thought to be.
Leverage Ratio
The Leverage Ratio of CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) is 0.348188. Leverage ratio is the total debt of a company divided by total assets of the current and past year divided by two. Companies take on debt to finance their day to day operations. The leverage ratio can measure how much of a company's capital comes from debt. With this ratio, investors can better estimate how well a company will be able to pay their long and short term financial obligations.
Watching some historical volatility numbers on shares of CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX), we can see that the 12 month volatility is presently 20.424700. The 6 month volatility is 24.975700, and the 3 month is spotted at 24.869700. Following volatility data can help measure how much the stock price has fluctuated over the specified time period. Although past volatility action may help project future stock volatility, it may also be vastly different when taking into account other factors that may be driving price action during the measured time period.
The Gross Margin Score is calculated by looking at the Gross Margin and the overall stability of the company over the course of 8 years. The score is a number between one and one hundred (1 being best and 100 being the worst). The Gross Margin Score of CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) is 11.00000. The more stable the company, the lower the score. If a company is less stable over the course of time, they will have a higher score.
M-Score (Beneish)
The M-Score, conceived by accounting professor Messod Beneish, is a model for detecting whether a company has manipulated their earnings numbers or not. CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) has an M-Score of -2.830820. The M-Score is based on 8 different variables: Days' sales in receivables index, Gross Margin Index, Asset Quality Index, Sales Growth Index, Depreciation Index, Sales, General and Administrative expenses Index, Leverage Index and Total Accruals to Total Assets. A score higher than -1.78 is an indicator that the company might be manipulating their numbers.
Piotroski F-Score
The Piotroski F-Score is a scoring system between 1-9 that determines a firm's financial strength. The score helps determine if a company's stock is valuable or not. The Piotroski F-Score of CI Financial Corp (TSX:CIX) is 4. A score of nine indicates a high value stock, while a score of one indicates a low value stock. The score is calculated by the return on assets (ROA), Cash flow return on assets (CFROA), change in return of assets, and quality of earnings. It is also calculated by a change in gearing or leverage, liquidity, and change in shares in issue. The score is also determined by change in gross margin and change in asset turnover.
Investors might be trying to figure out how to play the stock market at current levels. The optimist may see much more upward action in the future while the pessimist may be waiting for the impending disaster. Buying into the market at these levels will no doubt come with a bit of caution. Even at these levels, there may still be some good buys. The average individual investor may need to spend a little more time doing the homework, but it may pay off handsomely if the stock market decides to break out higher. As companies start to report quarterly earnings, investors will be watching to see what types of trends emerge. A generally upbeat earnings season may give the bulls more strength to breakout and continue the charge higher into the later stages of the year.


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Chicago is sophistication, but also comfort, an essential element to move through the streets of this bustling metropolis recreated by charismatic buildings that have emerged over the last hundred years.
Receptive to new influences and follower of the latest design trends, this city is propitious to audacious creations that make a difference.
Handcrafted in Portugal with the finest Italian materials, these high-top sneakers incorporate some of the confluence of the different realities and the streetwear aesthetic of the region.
This model features white alligator embossed leather uppers, soft padded light grey calf leather collars, Velcro-fastening light grey calf leather straps, white calf leather linings, padded tongues with ALA Design's gold embossed logo, white cotton flat laces, calf leather comfort insoles and white rubber cupsoles by Margom. The shoes fit true to size.
Additionally, the pack includes a dustbag, extra white cotton flat laces, extra soft Sanitized insoles, a care instruction card and our compliments.
|White Alligator Embossed Leather
|Soft Padded Collar
|Light Grey Calf Leather
|Velcro Fastening Strap
|Light Grey Calf Leather
|Padded Achilles Notch
|Calf Leather Lining
|Rubber Cupsole
|Cotton Flat Laces
|Extra Cotton Flat Laces


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Monday, December 27, 2010
Guess What I got for Christmas!!
9 comments:
Hi Leslie Ann - I bought one of these doohickeys for myself last April. It takes A LOT of practice to not only scan straight, but also at the right speed (both matter). I've spent literally hours working with mine, and I typically have to scan each page 3-4 times before I get something useable. It's a wonderful concept, but I find it very hard to use. I have hope that I'll get it right eventually, though. Hopefully you'll get it figured out much more quickly!ReplyDelete
Merry Christmas to you!
I think the key is to hold it with one hand in the middle (instead of with one hand on each end) and move at an even speed. If you start with it straight then it will stay that way because you can't get one end ahead of the other. (Does that make sense?)ReplyDelete
I bought one a few months ago and have been very happy with the results on legal size docs. I probably wouldn't use it for photos (unless it was my only option) but for text, I'm happy with it.
After some initial practice, I haven't had any real problems with flat pages using the wand scanner. Tightly bound books are much more difficult, however; a camera is probably better for them.ReplyDelete
Sounds like Genea-Santa was really good to you!
Yeah! I love mine and have had great results after some initial practicing.ReplyDelete
I think I might love one of these toys.ReplyDelete
That is awesome! I think you did a great job, crooked or not. Now I am wanting one of these! The endless possibilities are going around and around in my head, i.e., when visiting relatives who have a document they don't want to "loan" out... I could scan it right there!ReplyDelete
Treated myself to one just before Christmas as well...thanks for all the hints. I;m hoping to scan my trillions of pictures and documents ....wish me luckReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:58 AM
You'll get better! My friend has one and loves it!ReplyDelete
It is nice to see a scanner post about something other than the flip-pal (which I do want). What will they come up with next. I appreciated seeing what you scanned too. Good luck with it.ReplyDelete


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From Bloominglabs
- Indiana LinuxFest Hardware Hacking Village
- March 25th, 26th, and 27th
- http://www.indianalinux.org
- February 16 from 6pm to 11:00pm
- Contact Microphone Building Workshop with the DeKalb Hackerspace CMKT4
- CMKT4 will show you how to solder up a piezo-electric pickup and house it sturdily in a recycled bottle-cap housing.
- CMKT4's band will be performing after the workshop
- The workshop is $15 but interested onlookers are welcome for free
- The event will be held at 1021 South Walnut Street behind Russian Recording
- January 22 from 11:30am to 3:30pm
- Build Beetlebots with Bloominglabs at the Wonderlab Robotics Program.
- As seen at Make Magazine
- Instructions at: http://makeprojects.com/Project/Beetlebots/20/1
- Get your own kit at: http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKSB018


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MESSENGER Update with Sean Solomon: Monday, 11/5 main content.
by AMNH on
Having outlasted its original one-year mission as the first spacecraft to orbit the planet Mercury, the MESSENGER spacecraft is still hard at work investigating the chemistry, composition and geological history of the solar system's innermost planet.
Learn more this Monday, November 5, at 7:30 pm, when Sean Solomon, Director of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, will discuss his work as a principal investigator for the MESSENGER spacecraft, and more.
Q: Sean, you've called Mercury, around which the unmanned probe MESSENGER is now orbiting, "one of the last frontiers of the inner solar system." What are three of the most important things MESSENGER hopes to learn about the planet?
Mercury was "one of the last frontiers of the inner solar system" because prior to MESSENGER no spacecraft had ever been placed in orbit about the innermost planet and an entire hemisphere had never been seen at close range. Among the top goals of the MESSENGER mission were to determine Mercury's surface composition and learn what that chemistry tells us about how Mercury formed, to determine Mercury's geological history and how that history compares with those of the other inner planets, and to ascertain the nature of Mercury's global magnetic field and why the smallest inner planet retained a global field even though the larger bodies Mars and Venus have not done so.
Q: Why did you and your team decide to call the probe MESSENGER? Was it a reference to the Roman deity Mercury, messenger to the gods?
The name MESSENGER is an acronym, chosen before the full mission name was selected: MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging. The MESSENGER name was meant not only to evoke the role of the planet's Roman namesake on Olympus but also to convey the idea that this spacecraft would be returning important messages about how the inner planets formed and evolved.
Q: How does Mercury compare in mass to Earth? Can you tell me more about similarities between the four "terrestrial" planets in our solar system?
Mercury's mass is about 5 percent that of Earth. For comparison, the mass of Mars is about 10 percent that of Earth, and Venus and Earth are nearly the same in mass. The inner planets differ more in density, particularly if the density is corrected for the differences in pressures achieved at the planetary centers. The "uncompressed" density of Mars is the least, those of Venus and Earth are similar, and that of Mercury is the greatest.
Q: How long will MESSENGER orbit Mercury? What will be its final end?
MESSENGER successfully completed its primary mission to acquire observations of Mercury from orbit for one Earth-year. About this time last year, NASA approved an extended mission for another Earth-year of observations that will be completed in March 2013.
The project is in negotiation with NASA over a second extended mission that will permit additional observation through calendar year 2013 or until early 2014. The ultimate fate of MESSENGER is that the altitude of closest approach will decrease progressively with each orbit until the probe crashes onto Mercury's surface some time in 2014 or 2015.
To purchase tickets to tonight's event, visit the Museum's Web calendar.


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Even a newbie at public speaking knows they should make eye contact.
But the term eye contact is rather vague. It can infer just making fleeting "contact" with a person then moving on. Don't make eye contact – make "eye connection." Eye connection means spending time with each person so that person feels like you're talking just to them. Eye connection has two major benefits:
This slideshow features eight tips on how to make eye connection, provided by presentation trainer Olivia Mitchell. Visit Olivia's website for more presentation tips.
HTML Email Design Recommendations Best practices to optimize user experience and response.
Decision Making 'In the Dark' a Major Worry for Large Companies Organizations are struggling with a lack of visibility into profits that is impairing financial performance, morale and business success.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries The top 10 fastest growing industries from 2000 to 2016.
Related Topics : APC, Product Recall, Cooling Systems, Data Center, Energy Consumption
It's easy to forget about the ghosts of servers past that are hiding in the background, continuing to consume electricity and potentially exposing organizations to malicious attacks. ... More >>
When considering where businesses should locate their data centers, risk of natural disaster, as well as the potential impact of associated damage, must be of prime consideration. ... More >>
Enterprise data center architecture is in the midst of the most dramatic change in decades. Hyperscale data centers have pioneered the software-defined data center (SDDC) on industry-standard hardware. ... More >>


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Hubble Takes Census of Elusive Brown Dwarf Stars
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have carried out the most complete inventory to date of brown dwarfs, one of the universe's most elusive types of objects, which dwell in limbo between stars and planets. The Hubble census provides new and compelling evidence that stars and planets form in different ways. Because the brown dwarfs "bridge the gap" between stars and planets, their properties reveal new and unique insights into how stars and planets form.
Hubble Space Telescope
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have carried out the most complete inventory to date of brown dwarfs, one of the universe's most elusive types of objects, which dwell in limbo between stars and planets.
The Hubble census provides new and compelling evidence that stars and planets form in different ways. "Because the brown dwarfs 'bridge the gap' between stars and planets, their properties reveal new and unique insights into how stars and planets form," says Joan Najita of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) in Tucson, AZ, whose study with Glenn Tiede (NOAO) and John Carr (Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC) will appear in the October Astrophysical Journal.
Considered an astronomical oddity only a few years ago, brown dwarfs are intriguing objects that, unlike stars, are too low in mass to burn hydrogen, but are more massive than planets. At 15 to 80 times the mass of Jupiter, the light that they do emit is so faint that it has been hard to tell how many of them are scattered throughout the galaxy, and whether their formation process is similar to that of stars, planets, or neither of these.
The Hubble census finds that like stars, there are more low mass brown dwarfs than high mass ones, and this trend continues down to low, nearly planetary masses. "In this respect, the isolated ("free-floating") brown dwarfs found by Hubble appear to represent the low mass counterparts of the more massive stars. This suggests that stars and free-floating brown dwarfs form in the same way," says Najita.
However, the Hubble finding also offers the strongest evidence to date that free-floating brown dwarfs are a completely different population from the recently discovered planets that orbit nearby stars. Najita's team found that brown dwarfs are, remarkably, far more common in isolation than in orbit around other stars. "This suggests that the extra-solar planets and, by extension, the planets in our own solar system, formed very differently from how the Sun and other stars formed," Najita says.
For example, these results support the idea that stars form through the gravitational collapse of molecular clouds, whereas planets grow through the sticking of micron-sized particles of stardust, creating larger rocks, and finally planets.
Only a few years ago, it was commonly believed that brown dwarfs are rare, perhaps because the process that makes stars "stops working" at lower masses. "The Hubble result is a resounding 'NOT!' Nature does not discriminate between stars that can shine by fusion and lower mass objects that are unable to do so," says Najita. "In fact, the universe easily makes brown dwarfs of all masses, from the most massive to the least," Najita says.
The study also found that brown dwarfs, elusive though they have been, are unlikely to contribute significantly to the mysterious, unseen "dark matter" that dominates the mass of our galaxy and the universe. Although Hubble found that brown dwarfs are abundant, it turns out that they are not common enough to explain the unseen "dark matter" that dominates the mass of our galaxy and the universe. Najita and her colleagues conclude that brown dwarfs probably contribute less than 0.1 percent of the mass of the Milky Way's halo.
The inventory was carried out using Hubble's infrared vision to measure the brightness and temperature of stars in the young cluster IC 348, located in the constellation Perseus. Because the cluster is young, the brown dwarfs in the cluster are intrinsically brighter, which made it easy to detect approximately 30 brown dwarfs dwelling in the cluster.
A critical step in the observation was picking out the cluster brown dwarfs from the clutter of background stars. To tackle this problem, Najita and her colleagues developed a new technique. They used Hubble's NICMOS camera to measure the strength of an infrared water absorption band in the atmospheres of the stars. The strength of the band is a sensitive measure of each star's temperature. Since strong water absorption in the Earth's own atmosphere made this experiment impossible from the ground, using Hubble and NICMOS was the ideal solution.
"The ability to measure the temperature of each star solved several problems simultaneously," says Najita. "In addition to helping us distinguish the cluster brown dwarfs from background stars, we were also able to measure the masses of the brown dwarfs without having to assume their age. This greatly improved our mass estimates."
As a result of the high sensitivity of Hubble and NICMOS, Najita and her colleagues were able to accurately identify and study brown dwarfs to very low masses. Their study is the first to be complete down to 15 Jupiter masses, a fiducial boundary between brown dwarfs and planets.
Ray Villard
Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-338-4514; E-mail: email@example.com)
Suzanne Jacoby
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, Tucson, AZ
Phone: 520-318-8364; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com)