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Tales From A Not-so-fabulous LifeBook - 2009
From the critics
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THIS BOOK IS AWESOME. #awesome :3
this book was okay but the 11th was like awsome. toddles:]
fun read :)
soooooooooo awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!<3
It was nice reading about Nikki and her friends and their problems and how they worked them out.
I love this book. Once I have read this book. I could not stop reading this book.
The book Dork Diaries is written by Rachel Renee Russell. I give this book series a 4 out of 5 stars. This is a series of books about a girl named Nikki Maxwell. She goes to a high school and has two best friends named Chloe and Zoey. Chloe and Zoey help Nikki talk to her crush named Brandon and deal with the school's drama queen named MacKenzie Hollister. Nikki goes on a lot of adventures and gets into a lot of problems that are often fixed with some help. You should read Dork diaries because you will enjoy it.
- @Siri of The Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board
This book is amazing! You get to follow Nikki through all her adventures in middle school. You are with her for drama, bullies and romantic scenes. Her diary captures the perfect sense of opinion, as if you are her. This book makes you laugh out loud! Must read!!
This is such a good book i love this book but wonder is my favourite book in my life this is my favourite series.i think everyone should get a chance in the world to read this .this book is so ramantic omg it is soooooooooooooooooooooo good.i can write more but i deside not to. But this is a amazing book.~Bonnie~
Age SuitabilityAdd Age Suitability
violet_ladybug_636 thinks this title is suitable for All Ages
blue_antelope_735 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 10 and 16
burgundy_hummingbird_34 thinks this title is suitable for All Ages
green_tiger_623 thinks this title is suitable for 8 years and over
DeanXCastiel thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 8 and 13
IfraKanwal thinks this title is suitable for 10 years and over
violet_pony_769 thinks this title is suitable for All Ages
QuotesAdd a Quote
MacKenzie and I do NOT get along. I'm guessing it's probably due to the fact that she hates my guts!!! She is forever gossiping behind my back saying super mean stuff like that I have no fashion sense whatsoever and that our school mascot , Larry the Lizard, wears cuter clothes than I do. Which might actually be true. But STILL!
Now THAT was a real quote!
ya, I agree w/ you guys. sapphirebear is just a little over going it.
I agree with RockSayerRockStar, not being mean or anything, but still...
Hi sapphirebear15, I sorta think your just blabbing about stuff no one cares no offense
Before Mom and Dad left, they were like, "Be good to your sister! Don't just lock her in her room with a movie on so you can Skype chat with Chloe!"
This past weekend was CRAZY!! I babysit Brianna on Saturday night, and she totally drove me NUTS! Before Mom and Dad left, they were like, "Be good to your sister! Don't just lock her in her room with a movie
We've been working really hard on completing our membership system so you can submit quotes and keep track of them. Once this is complete in the coming weeks there will be a lot more Dork Diaries quotes. We've also changed the sorting on the site so you now see the latest Dork Diaries quotes first. Our goal is to have the best Dork Diaries quotes on the web!
SummaryAdd a Summary
When Nikki Maxwell starts eighth grade at a new school, her mother gives her a diary, Nikki would rather have a new iPhone so she can impress her schoolmates, but instead, she begins to chronicle her life through words and drawings. Readers learn about Nikki's irritating little sister, her crush on Brandon, her friends Chloe and Zoey, the popular mean girl, MacKenzie, and her tattoo art project for the art competition. The book does not follow one particular plotline, but instead, meanders through the daily life dramas of angst-ridden Nikki. It does culminate with some exciting developments -- both at the art show and with her heartthrob science lab partner.
a new girl in school that mean new friends new enemy and a new crushmread more to find out about that
14 year old Nicki J. Maxwell is going to a new private school because her dad arranges a scholarship to go the school. When she gets there there's a mean girl,New crush, New diary
14-year-old Nikki Maxwell is not happy when her father arranges a scholarship for her to attend a private middle school called Westchester Country Day as part of the contract for his bug extermination services.
Nikki does not fit in with the wealthy, designer clad students and spends most of her time alone writing in her diary. To make matters worse, she has a locker right next to the school's most popular girl, MacKenzie Hollister. MacKenzie labels Nikki as a "Dork" and goes out of her way to make Nikki's life miserable.
It appears the new school may work out when Nikki befriends two other dorky girls, Chloe and Zoey. But, things take a turn for the worse when Nikki enters the school art show and discovers her main competition is her enemy, MacKenzie, who will stop at nothing to win.
About an 8th grade girl with a PATHETIC life!
NoticesAdd Notices
Sexual Content: Nikki does try to impress a crush... ;)


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Florida Gov. Rick Scott left little doubt in a speech here on Monday that improving state unemployment numbers and gains in education are going to be essential as he begins to ramp up for his 2014 re-election.
Speaking to about 300 at the South Sarasota Republican Club, Scott reminded the crowd of how bad the economic situation was when he took over and where the state is now.
At the center of the rebound, he said, is the unemployment rate, which has dropped from 11.1 percent to 7.2 percent.
"We're doing the right things," Scott said. "Jobs are coming back. Education is getting better."
Scott said the state is almost to the halfway mark of his key 2010 campaign promise to create 700,000 new jobs in seven years.
But Scott is clearly not content on just pointing to the job gains.
He also spent considerable time in his 20-minute speech talking about improving the state school systems.
Scott highlighted the state's efforts to end teacher tenure and institute merit pay. In addition, he said education funding in the state has gone up in each of the last two years, after he signed a budget that cut school funding in his first year in office.
The results are fourth-graders in Florida are posting the second-highest scores in reading in the world and the gains made by fourth- and eighth-graders here are better than any of the other large states, Scott said.
He said those improving numbers have become a key selling point that he uses to try to convince businesses to relocate to Florida.
Despite the improvements, Scott has widely been considered one of the most vulnerable governors seeking re-election in 2014 because of how poor his approval ratings are in Florida.
Only about 36 percent of registered voters approve of the job Scott has done in office, according to Quinnipiac University's Polling Institute, which regularly polls in Florida.
In fact, Scott's approval ratings have never been above 41 percent during his tenure in office.
During his speech, Scott told the mostly loyal Republican crowd that Republicans have the right ideas and only lose when they do not tell their story.
As for himself, Scott said in an interview after the speech that "our story is getting out."
Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who changed his voter registration to being a Democrat, and Scott's 2010 opponent Alex Sink are among the Democratic candidates considering running against Scott in 2014.
Scott left no doubt where his partisans leanings are during his speech.
"Every person that lives in the state of Florida should be a Republican," Scott said.
He explained whether people have a job or not, they should be Republican because Republicans help businesses create jobs. Even if someone is on assistance, they need people to have jobs to help pay for their assistance, he said.
"There's no reason they should be a Democrat," Scott said.
Governor promotes job gains in speech
Florida Gov. Rick Scott left little doubt in a speech here on Monday that improving state unemployment numbers and gains in education are going to be essential as he begins to ramp up for his 2014 re-election.


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Viewing Listing MLS# 18027516
No Recent Price Change
3837 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
- Residential
- Single Family Detached
- Sold
Agent Remarks
Behind the gates of Dunes West, in prestigious Wagner Point, this grand southern plantation style home is nestled into an estate size lot of lush landscaping and sits on the banks of Toomer Creek. The exterior of the home is impressive, from the crushed tabby drive, to the standing seam metal roof, and it is evident that this home was built in a timeless fashion and designed with a classically elegant flare that will transcend trends and fads. An imposing front staircase welcomes guests onto the deep, rocking-chair ready front porch. Once inside, you'll find the lavish details are everywhere. Gorgeous millwork, including hardwood floors, multi-piece crown moulding, five inch baseboards, coffered ceilings, board-and-batten walls and eight foot solid core doors are found throughout. No detail was left unattended in this custom masterpiece. The welcoming foyer is flanked by a formal dining room to the left and a formal living room to the right. The dining room is generously sized to accommodate the largest of dining tables and features a stunning crystal chandelier. Just perfect for hosting holiday or celebratory dinners, you can envision family and friends gathered around the table as you propose a toast to the special occasion! To the right of the foyer, there is a formal living room for receiving guests and features a tucked away, private study complete with fireplace and finished in richly stained floor-to-ceiling board-and-batten walls. This room begs for you to strike up a fire and sip an after dinner bourbon on a cold evening. Beyond the foyer, a dramatic curved staircase will have you picturing everything from holiday garland strung along its wrought-iron balusters to stunning prom photos on its elegantly curved treads. This traditional home's floor plan gives way to an open and airy family room that boasts a two-story wall of windows, 18'+ ceilings and a brick surround fireplace with custom built-ins on both sides. The gorgeous floor-to-ceiling board-and-batten mantle competes with, but can't steal the focus from the breathtaking views of Toomer Creek. Ideal for entertaining, this home offers an easy flow into the casual dining area and the kitchen. A gourmet kitchen that will please the most discerning of home chefs, it is adorned with true professional grade appliances. A six burner dual fuel Wolf range with griddle and double oven sits below a custom cabinetry exhaust hood and pot filler faucet. Stainless steel appliances, including a built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator as well as two sinks, and long expanses of granite countertops provide a sleek, modern edge while details such as tumbled tile backsplash and custom, staggered top cabinetry with glass doors provide an old-world elegant feel. There are conveniences for everyday living with a walk-in pantry and oversized laundry room just off of the kitchen. The mud room style laundry room offers a space for an extra refrigerator, a hidden washer and dryer area tucked out of sight behind custom cabinetry and a large utility sink. The long expanse of counter tops, along with the hidden appliances, makes it easy to utilize this area as a huge butlers pantry! In this home, entertaining will be a breeze! With just enough separation, the kitchen is of the caliber to accommodate caterers for large, elaborate parties yet still open enough to host informal gatherings. Friends can perch on a stool at the raised bar and sip wine while you effortlessly prepare the evening's treats! There is no shortage of space for parties as in addition to the formal dining spaces there is an L-shaped sun room along the back corner of the home. Embellished with shiplap walls, tongue-and-groove stained wood ceilings and ceramic tile, this beautiful area of the home offers sweeping marsh and water views while providing a casual place to dine and relax. A large screened-in porch provides an excellent location to sip your morning coffee while watching Egrets and Herons fish for the morning's breakfast in the water below. With tiled flooring, wood ceiling and bahama shutter, this outdoor living room will be your favorite place to relax and is accessible via the sun room, family room, and master retreat. When it is time to retire for the evening you'll gladly make your way to the private master retreat conveniently located on the main floor. As one would expect in a home of this stature, the master retreat is separated by a private hallway into its own wing and offers all of the expected luxuries and then some. The bedroom is situated on the back of the home to provide private access to the screened-in porch and take advantage of the spectacular water views. With so many windows and glass doors, the natural light is in abundance and highlights the impressive built-in wardrobes on either side of a beautiful granite surround fireplace. Imagine lounging in your private retreat, reading a book with the fire glowing gently in the background as you prepare for bed or waking each morning to the stunning water views! A luxury en-suite bath is located off of the private hall, providing a nice separation from the bedroom itself. The bath features a large, walk-in custom tiled shower, his-and-her double sink custom cabinet vanity with linen tower, private water closet and large jetted soaker tub below a bay window. A large walk-in closet completes the master retreat. Whether you opt to take the stairs or the three-stop elevator to the upper floors, you will continue to be impressed with the details in this home. On the second floor, off the open balcony style hallway, you will find four additional bedrooms. The secondary bedrooms are all generously sized and offer their own en-suite bathrooms. Each bathroom has its own style but all are finished in custom cabinetry, stone countertops and fixtures befitting a home of this distinction. One bedroom offers access to a private balcony and the awe-inspiring views of Toomer Creek. The third floor is a huge, open space with built-in storage benches and a large full bathroom. With so much space, it would be ideal as a secondary family room, playroom, teen retreat, game room, in home exercise studio, the ultimate man-cave or she-shed! The possibilities are endless and with this much room, it could serve multiple functions! There is a balcony located off the back of the room where bird watchers or nature enthusiasts would love to place a telescope and take in the area's wildlife! This home is an excellent example of the classic Lowcountry lifestyle ~ Elegant and refined, yet comfortable and welcoming with plenty of outdoor living space. In addition to the porches and balconies, this home offers a covered patio space with stone pavers, stained tongue-and-groove ceilings and graceful brick arches that frame stunning water views. Enjoy iced tea under the shade while watching the children and pets frolic on the professionally landscaped lawn (with room for a pool!) Better yet, stroll down to the rarely found deepwater dock with 16,000lb boat lift and floating dock. Wired for a generator and offering built-in deck seating, this dock affords you the ability to jump into your boat and be in the Wando within minutes so that fishing and other water sports are enjoyed at your convenience! In addition to the three car garage, there is a separate, conditioned workshop space, and a large storage area. Not included in the square footage is an unfinished, insurable, 1,500+ space that could be completed as a guest house or in-law suite. This home is truly a custom masterpiece and must be seen to be fully appreciated. Located in one of Mount Pleasant's premier gated communities, Dunes West offers an award winning golf course and club house, pools, tennis club, and neighborhood walking paths. Dunes West is conveniently located close to the beaches, shopping, dining, minutes from the new Roper St. Francis hospital and a short drive to the world class dining and shopping of historic downtown Charleston.
Sale Info
Listing Date: 10-08-2018
Sold Date: 02-28-2019
Aprox Days on Market:
4 month, 19 days ago
Listing Sold:
3 month, 19 days ago
Baths Info
Halfbaths: 1
Fullbaths: 6
Building Info
Year Built: 2007
Floors: Ceramic Tile, Wood
Foundation: Elv. Construction
Exterior Features
Misc Ext: Boatlift, Patio - Covered, Dock - Existing, Dock - Floating, Porch - Full Front, Gutters, Lawn Irrigation, Lawn Well, Patio, Special Yard Lights, Thermal Windows/doors
Interior Features
Msc Intr: Ceilings - 9+, Elevator, Ceiling - Smooth
Lot Info
Acres: 1
Lot Desc: Waterfront - Deep, 1 - 2 Acres
Misc Features
Auction: No
Parking Info
Gar Pkg: 3 Car Garage
Property Features
Subsection: Wagner Point
Amenity: Boat Ramp, Boat Storage, Cable Tv Available, Club House, Club Membership Available, Exercise Area, Gated Comm, Golf, Neighborhood Pool, Play Park, Security Guard/sys, Tennis Court, Trash Pickup, Walk/jog Trails
Desclocation: Bedroom, Family Room, Gas Logs, Two
Roof: Metal
Style: Traditional
Stories: 3 Stories
Rooms Info
Beds: 6
Ground Level: No
Rooms: Bonus, Family, Formal Living, Foyer, Great, Laundry, Media, Pantry, Separate Dining, Study, Sun
SqFt Info
Sqft: 6,812
Utilities / HVAC
Cooling: Central
Heat: Forced Air, Heat Pump
Water Sewer: Public Sewer, Public Water
Elem: Charles Pinckney Elementary
Middle: Cario
High: Wando
Courtesy of listing office Carolina One Real Estate


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Topic: Kotor + Fett!!!!
If any of you have Either one of the Kotor games for computer, You'll want to get these skins. For Kotor 1 You have a side quest to help two x-wing pilots find there kidnapped bud. so on so forth find some piggies in the dune sea they mention kidnapped dude you tell them to take you to him they rufuse you kill them take there spead off you go the Jabbas palaca there you can talk to Boba Fett . Unfortunatly the only way you can get our heros armour is to kill him....But its worth it sorry to say.
And on kotor 2 Mandalore changes into Jango Fett with a pic of Jango for his portrait. The other mandalorian also get there own unique colored fett armour. The players get a choice or 7 or 8 different Fett armours, Jango's, Boba's, Bobas With jet pack, Some other one with a jet pack with out a missle. and Some other fancy colors red, green, gold ect. Mandalore comes with a flame thrower which is pretty cool.
Unfortunatly with the K2 skins the download link is gone. But a nice modder sent me it. If any one would Like it I can send you it. As for the K1 Boba fett Here's the link for the download
For screen shots click on the xfire link on my signature. Scroll down to "screenshots" Click on view all Screen Shots and they'll be there. Be sure to look at both sets of screenies kotor2 screens are under k1. You may also see some clone, arc, or storm troopers. Sorry for not putting any photobucket shots on, but this way is just sooo much easyier and less time consuming. These are uberly awsome XD.
Oh yeah I dont know if you need to be logged in or not to see these so if you do please tell me and I'll upload them to photobucket.


text: Sweet Potato Pork Fried Rice (MP) Oops! This content is for Real Simple Good Meal Plan Subscribers only. If you are a current Meal Plan subscriber you just need to login here to access this content. If you are not a current subscriber, you can learn more about our Paleo Meal Plans here. Please contact email@example.com with any questions. Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password


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You have to be impressed with Buford High School's Anthony Stephens' determination.
After a pair of sixth-place finishes in the Class AA state meet as a BHS sophomore and junior, Stephens wanted to do better.
He did, as best as he could have for at the recent Class AA state track meet in Pontiac.
Stephens posted a personal-best 48.35 to win the state title in the 400-meter run during the Class AA state track meet.
The Lancaster County School District Hall of Fame, in keeping with the tradition of honoring the work of past top educators, has added four deserving members with the 2012 class.
The elite four includes the late Peter Barry, Charles Clark, Mary Mackey Robertson and Walter Lee Tillman.
Each did plenty to promote education in Lancaster County and earn a special place in Lancaster County education history.
Take a good look at today's Graduation 2012 special section. It's full of the graduates from all four county high schools.
After their respective ceremonies today they'll toss their mortar boards high into the air as they celebrate their graduation with the friends, family, teachers and administrators who helped them along the way.
For nearly 80 years, Small's Food Center, has played a vital role in the Kershaw community.
The grocery store, which Curtis Small opened in 1933, is still going strong, thanks to Small's son, Ronnie, and their family commitment to quality over the decades.
Recently, the food center was saluted for its solid place in the Kershaw area business community.
2012 marked Ronnie Small's 50th year involved with the thriving business known for its high-quality selection of food and goods, as well as its friendly service.
In the spring of 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt, a colorectal surgeon from Tacoma, Wash., sought to raise money for the American Cancer Society in honor of his patients.
For 24 hours, a dedicated Klatt walked around the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma.
Throughout the night, his friends paid $25 each to walk or run 30 minutes with him.
He walked about 83 miles and raised $27,000 to fight cancer.
The youth ball season is under way around the county.
As an annual rite of spring, many area youngsters, girls and boys from a variety of ages, will be involved with baseball and softball games from the county Panhandle to southern Lancaster County and all points in between.
It's a new season and the optimism is high.
There will be plenty of games on the diamonds for these youngsters from now to mid-summer to be a part of this season.
Some seminars might seem like just a way to pass time. But you might have a hard time convincing Lancaster County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Rollins of that.
Last fall, while he was on a dinner break with fellow drug task officers at a Lancaster restaurant, someone tried to rob the restaurant. The incident led to shots and Rollins was wounded. He grabbed his side and realized it was serious, but the knowledge he gained from a seminar by longtime police trainer Dave Smith last year proved vital in his will to survive.
Whether it was a foreign country or in his native Palmetto State, John Platt was active in spreading love through the work of God.
Platt, who served 15 years in Lancaster at the Moriah Baptist Association, gave 52 years of his 78 years to serving God and spreading his word, no matter where he was.
A cancer victim, Platt died earlier this month.
The personable Platt had a knack for achieving mission work through his strong leadership and passion for his ministry.
The 2012 University of South Carolina Lancaster baseball season has been one of glowing proportions on the diamond.
The Lancers, who are in their fourth year of play in National Junior College Athletic Association Region X, are having a landmark campaign.
The Lancers started off strong, winning eight straight games to open the season.
It was obvious coach Steve Williams' team was going to be a force to reckon with this season.
Any doubting Thomases about the prowess of the royal blue and gold soon saw how strong the Lancers were.
Big Thursday of Lancaster Inc. brings together area University of South Carolina and Clemson supporters.
When they leave, as strange as it may seem, both groups of backers are likely sporting smiles – toothy grins worth of a good day.
The Big Thursday Scholarship Committee has produced plenty of big smiles over the last few years.
The committee works to help county students who attend the University of South Carolina Lancaster and Clemson University.
Copyright © 2019
The Lancaster News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Lancaster County and Lancaster, South Carolina, and the surrounding area..


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|The deficit-reduction plan that Speaker John Boehner struggled to get through the House was quickly rejected by the Senate last night. (Yuri Gripas/Reuters)
A crisis of credit, credibility
Along partisan lines, House passes debt ceiling bill, which Senate shelves; pressure for compromise builds
WASHINGTON - Resolution of the federal debt ceiling stalemate shifted to a new stage last night as the House approved Speaker John Boehner's $917 billion deficit-reduction plan along narrow partisan lines. The focus now is on the Senate, which promptly tabled the Boehner bill, and on the ability of its majority leader, Democrat Harry Reid, to forge a compromise bill that can pass in both chambers before Tuesday, when the government is expected to be without enough money to meet its obligations.
After two failed attempts to overcome conservative Republican opposition to his plan, Boehner finally corralled enough votes by agreeing to link future debt-limit increases to passage of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, a near impossibility in the current political environment because it would require a two-thirds majority of both houses. Also, because the Boehner bill increases the debt limit by just $900 billion, the government would need another increase early next year, a sticking point with President Obama and Senate Democrats, who want no further debt ceiling battles until after the 2012 election. The House passed the bill by a thin margin, 218-210, with no Democrats backing the plan.
"It is time for our colleagues across the aisle to tell us what they're for. Tell us how we can end this crisis,'' Boehner said.
Reid blasted the plan, and the Senate wasted no time in voting to shelve it.
"The Republican plan is not a solution,'' Reid said. "As experts say, all too soon we would be back in the midst of partisan wrangling with our economy once again held prisoner by extremists in the Republican Party, led by the Tea Party.''
Discussion turned once again yesterday to some type of grand compromise that would require the support of Republicans and Democrats in both houses in order to pass without the votes of the staunchly conservative House freshmen and likeminded senators.
"What's clear now is any solution to avoid default must be bipartisan,'' Obama said at the White House yesterday morning. "It must have the support of both parties that were sent here to represent the American people, not just one faction. It will have to have the support of both the House and the Senate.''
The burden is on Reid, who will have to patch together a compromise with ideas from the various plans he and others have floated. He said yesterday that he is willing to include Republican ideas, including a vote on a balanced budget amendment, although he did not say he would link it to future debt-limit increases.
"I say to my Republican colleagues in the Senate, do the right thing. Put the interests of the country ahead of the Tea Party extremists - they're the ones driving it,'' Reid said.
Reid released the framework for a possible compromise last night, which was taken mainly from a measure he had proposed earlier to cut spending by $2.2 trillion while raising the debt ceiling by $2.4 trillion, enough to cover spending until 2013. It also incorporates parts of a plan from Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, which allows the president to raise the borrowing limit in stages without congressional authority.
Senator Scott Brown, a Massachusetts Republican, indicated yesterday that he is open to a compromise measure.
"As I've said before, I don't really care if it's a Democrat bill or a Republican bill,'' he said in an interview, noting that his key requirements are not raising taxes, averting default, and instituting serious spending cuts.
Senator John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, said he believes the Reid compromise will be "reasonable,'' but he was uncertain about its prospects in the House.
"We'll debate it, and ultimately I hope we can find a critical mass in the Senate that can pass it,'' he said. "I think it'll be up to the House whether they want to default the country.''
In an impassioned speech on the House floor, Boehner said he had done all he could to try to "find a common-sense solution that could pass both houses of Congress and end this crisis.''
"We tried to do the right thing by our country, but some people continue to say no,'' he said.
Just before the House vote, Representative James Lankford, a freshman Republican from Oklahoma, said that a balanced budget amendment is central to why voters sent him and other conservative GOP freshmen to the House last fall.
A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, aside from passage in both chambers, would require ratification by three-quarters of the states.
Supporters say 49 of 50 states are required to balance their budgets and the federal government should be forced to as well. But opponents say such a requirement would hamper the federal government's ability to respond to emergencies, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and wars.
"There is no fix for a budget debt bigger than a balanced budget amendment,'' Lankford said. "That doesn't resolve it today, but that does put a future hope out there once that gets in place that we're actually going to fix this.''
Representative James McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, had some particularly harsh words about the balanced budget amendment and took to the House floor yesterday to urge colleagues to reject more partisan bickering.
"Enough of the press releases, enough of the theatrics, enough of the political stunts,'' he said. "I urge you to reject this and get back to the negotiating table and avert an economic crisis.''
In an interview later he said the new Boehner plan was "even more right wing than the proposal they pulled from the floor [Thursday] night.''
Representative Barney Frank said he was dumbfounded by Boehner's kowtowing to his party's right wing and said he believes it has weakened the speaker's authority considerably.
"I've never seen a leader this weak - of either party,'' said Frank, a House member since 1981. "He's had to keep giving in.''
Treasury officials declined to release details yesterday about what the agency plans to do if Congress cannot reach a deal by Tuesday, when they predict the country won't have enough money to pay all its bills, including Social Security and veterans benefits.
Obama urged citizens to press their elected representatives in Congress to sign on to a compromise, warning "we are now running out of time.''
Still, the president sounded a confident note.
"For all the intrigue and all the drama that's taking place on Capitol Hill right now, I'm confident that common sense and cooler heads will prevail,'' he said.
Donovan Slack can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Theo Emery can be reached at email@example.com. Follow them on Twitter @DonovanSlack and @temery.


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Five Honored With Spirit of Augustana Awards
Before a crowd of more than 1,200 people, Augustana College honored five area individuals for their efforts to advance humanitarianism, ministry, innovation, leadership and creativity last night at The Spark, the gala event to celebrate the College's 150th anniversary. The event was held at the Washington Pavilion.
"At Augustana, central to our culture are five core values: Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community and service. These are much more than just words on paper -- they're really the compass that guides our community. We live them and honor them each and every day and their energy and meaning are infused in our academic curriculum," said Rob Oliver, president.
"In honor of our Sesquicentennial, we felt it was fitting to introduce an award that honors individuals who really embody the principals that guide us. It's a way for Augustana to recognize individuals in our community who are committed to making the world a better place – men and women who are leading the way, driving change and encouraging others to do all they can to ensure a brighter tomorrow."
Spirit of Augustana Award Winners
- The Spirit of Augustana Award for Advocacy and Humanitarianism was awarded to Kevin Kirby. This award recognizes individuals who give of themselves to fight indifference, intolerance and injustice. This honor celebrates those who work tirelessly and without recognition or remuneration to improve the lives of others through selfless, courageous and compassionate acts. As fellow citizens, we revere their honesty, integrity, responsibility and compassion and we hold in high regard their passionate efforts to preserve equality and respect human diversity in order to improve the human condition.
- The Spirit of Augustana Award for Ministry was awarded to Monsignor James Doyle. This award recognizes individuals who accept the call to servanthood and who serve the Church and society by nurturing the search for religious faith in others. As fellow citizens, we revere those who encourage open dialogue within their own faith and with those of other faith traditions, acknowledging their witness of Christian faith to everyday life.
- The Spirit of Augustana Award for Innovation and Discovery was awarded to Jeff Scherschligt. This award recognizes individuals who have the courage to try, the resilience to try again, an appreciation for the unmet needs of others and who possess a passionate spirit that is both tenacious and compassionate. As fellow citizens, we revere those who innovate and discover and, as importantly, who encourage innovation and discovery in others.
- The Spirit of Augustana Award for Leadership and Philanthropy was awarded to Kelby Krabbenhoft. This award recognizes individuals whose contributions as visionary leaders have helped advance progressive philanthropic ideals and vital communities, locally and at Augustana College. This honor celebrates individuals or families who have shown exceptional generosity, both to the College and to the community they serve. As fellow citizens, we revere their outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and we commend the encouragement they have shown to others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, national and international level.
- The Spirit of Augustana Award for the Arts was awarded to Charlotte Carver. This award recognizes the spirited souls who bravely share their artistic originality and God-given talents with others through words, from the stage and on a canvas. As fellow citizens, we revere their fearless efforts to foster an understanding of history, culture and the unknown and we hold in high regard the endeavors they gracefully undertake to inspire creativity in others.
Kelly Sprecher
Director of Communications & Media Relations


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David C. Bohnett
Partner Rating:Rated 5.0 / 5.0 by 1
Partner Information:
Title: Managing Member
Location: Beverly Hils, US West
Firm Rating:Rated 4.3 / 5.0 by 1
Firm Information:
Company: Baroda Ventures
Type: Small Private VC
URL: Firm Homepage
PERSONAL SPECIALTY: None.
FIRM DESCRIPTION: Internet, SaaS, Digital Media. Early stage. Capital efficient businesses. Los Angeles and Southern California focus.


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Get the biggest deals delivered to your inbox! Click here to sign up for the DEALBOSS newsletter.
- $65 Off HP Omnipresent High Definition Camcorder With Car Mount + Free Shipping
- $30 Off HP 10.1" Digital High Definition WiFi Multimedia Frame + Free Shipping
The savings are so substantial for this early Amazon Prime Day deal that I don't expect it to last long! Any time you see a big brand like HP and a reduction of more than 50 percent, you have to know Prime Day is right around the corner.
First off, if you're unfamiliar with Amazon Prime Day, this global shopping event is Amazon.com's answer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but with more deals.
The same two HP deals that will appear on Prime Day — July 16 — are something you can score right now, almost two weeks early and with guaranteed stock. Early Prime Day price drops are scheduled by the big brands to increase momentum for Prime Day and to serve as a teaser to the general public. My job is to unbox and flag those deals for you as early as possible.
Deal #1: An HP Surveillance, Dashcam and HD Camcorder For Under $65
What you get: A palm sized HP Camcorder with a full HD 1920 x 1080p wide angle lens, motion detection and a built-in G sensor for parking mode.
This tiny yet extremely powerful camera can be used as a surveillance system (thanks to its motion detection), a car dash cam (thanks to its included mounts and parking mode sensor) or an HD camcorder to capture beautiful vivid high definition video and audio.
$65 Off HP Omnipresent High Definition Camcorder With Car Mount + Free Shipping
Was: $129.99
Now: $64.99
Deal #2: A WiFi HP Digital High Definition Photo Frame At $40 Off
What you get: The ultimate way to display your photos, videos and all the other memories trapped on your smartphone. Whether you capture your summer activities with the camcorder deal mentioned above, or use your smartphone - this WiFi digital picture frame has built-in speakers, a stunning 10.1-inch HD display and built-in memory so you can display your memories with no memory card needed!
The included HP app for both iPhone and Android devices lets you sync your photos wirelessly to this digital picture frame and at under $120, this entertainment device is at the lowest I've ever seen.
$30 Off HP 10.1" Digital High Definition WiFi Multimedia Frame + Free Shipping
Was: $159.99
Now: $129.99
- The top Prime Day deal on a robo vac is online
- Prime Day's best headphones deal is now online early
- Prime Day's biggest pillow deal
- Prime Day's biggest bedding deal
- Nike and North Face Prime Day deals are online early
- The first Prime Day laptop deal is online
Matt Granite is a freelance consumer reporter who produces stories and video for this Station, Amazon Live and others. He is not compensated by the brands featured here. This Station and its parent company may receive a share of the revenue from the site that sells the product if you purchase one of these products using the link on this page.


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Diet has a profound effect on the health of an animal and the meat it produces.
Meat from animals fed exclusively grass is nutritionally superior.
Consumers have been led to believe that organic meat has some kind of nutritional advantage. In other words, it's not important what an animal eats as long as it's organic. This is not true.
So what's the hype?
Grass-fed is not enough. It's important that the cattle are not only grass-fed and raised but grass finished as well. This phase, which lasts 3 to 4 months before butchering, is probably the most crucial of all. A mere 3 months of grain feeding without grass dramatically changes the nutritional profile of the meat.
Take a look at a comparison of the change in (Omega-3 content of cattle fed grains in the finishing phase)
An analysis of the effect of grain- or grass- finishing systems on the nutritional composition of beef, particularly comparing lean meat from grain- and grass- fed animals, revealed that grass-fed product had:
Most of the above data is from the book Why Grassfed Is Best! The Surprising Benefits of Grassfed Meats, Eggs, and Dairy Products by best selling author, Jo Robinson. Other data comes from the website eatwild.com
You can visit NY Times best selling author Jo Robinson's website to obtain extensive information on grassfed meat.
You can visit NY Times best selling author Jo Robinson's website to obtain extensive information on grassfed meat.


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Combat operations, covert action, clandestine intelligence missions, diplomatic assignments...
Rick Francona brings over twenty-five years of political-military experience in the Middle East to his analysis of the challenges for American foreign policy in this volatile yet critical region.
An acknowledged Middle East expert, Rick is one of CNN's on-air military analysts. A dynamic speaker, author of Ally to Adversary - An Eyewitness Account of Iraq's Fall from Grace, retired USAF intelligence officer and Middle East specialist Lieutenant Colonel Rick Francona provides analysis and commentary on various Middle East topics.
Lieutenant Colonel Rick Francona is a retired U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, a veteran of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, and service in the Balkans. His assignments include the National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency, with tours of duty in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, and operational duties in virtually every country in the Middle East.
During the last year of the Iran–Iraq war in 1988, Rick was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad as a liaison officer to the Iraqi armed forces intelligence service, where he observed field operations of the Iraqi Army.
Throughout the first Gulf War he served as the personal Arabic interpreter and advisor on Iraq to General Norman Schwarzkopf and later co-authored the report to Congress on the conduct of the war.
Following the Gulf War, Rick served as the first air attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria until 1995. In 1995 and 1996, Rick served in northern Iraq with the Central Intelligence Agency, where he narrowly escaped an attempt on his life by Iraqi agents. During that tour, he was involved in the extraction of an Iraqi nuclear scientist's family from Baghdad (watch the video).
In 1997 and 1998, he served in the Department of Defense counter terrorism branch and led a special operations team in Bosnia that captured five indicted war criminals. That hunt is the topic of Rick's latest book, Chasing Demons - My Hunt for War Criminals in Bosnia.
Copyright © 1999-2018 - Rick Francona


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A Changing Of The Guard, At Pack 68.stevejb68 on March 26, 2014 in committee, Cub Scout, Leadership
Cub Scout Pack 68 held their Blue and Gold Banquet last night, Tuesday March 25, at the American Legion in Melrose. Pizza was brought in with hot dogs, chips, and desserts provided by the families. The Cub Scouts were pretty excited to receive their achievements during the award ceremony.
I am a member of the pack committee and attended the event for two reasons. First, I wanted to video record the awards ceremony. Second, I wanted to chat with the second year Webelos and their parents to promote moving on to the Boy Scout troop. Unfortunately, only three of the six Webelos Scouts attended the ceremony. I did get to chat with the three boys who did attend, along with their fathers.
Mark, the current cubmaster, will be stepping down from his position in May. His youngest son is one of those second year Webelos who will become a Boy Scout of Troop 68. Mark has been the cubmaster since his oldest son, who is now 14, was a Cub Scout. Near the end of the evening's ceremony Mark spoke briefly of his tenure with the pack and thanked the parents for allowing their boys to be a part of the Cub Scout program.
It was then time for Dave, the committee chairman, to say a few words and thank Mark for all he has done for the pack. Dave's son is also a second year Webelos Scout and will be joining Troop 68. Dave has agreed to join the troop committee.
This means it is time for new leadership to step forward to continue the program of Pack 68. After the meeting I chatted with a few of the parents about filling these leadership roles. One father is seriously considering taking over the position of cubmaster. Another is willing to join the pack committee, and may even be willing to take over as the chairman.
I offered to stay on the committee for another year and offered my home as a place to hold the committee meetings. Mark and Dave have also stated they would be willing to help the new leaders as they learn about their new roles within the pack. Our district executive has offered to come to town and conduct a training session for all the new pack leaders.
It is starting to look like things are falling into place for Cub Scout Pack 68's program to continue strong as things kick-off again with a new program this fall.


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Back to Events
- Category: Events Source website : eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/70.3-world-championship.aspx#/axzz5PjmH1u58
2018 Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship: Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
The globally-rotating event brings the world's best to compete in one of the world's most beautiful locations with a with a women's race on September 1, 2018 and the men's race on September 2, 2018
IRONMAN announced that the 2018 Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship has been awarded to Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. The event will take place on Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd, 2018 and is the first time an IRONMAN World Championship event will be held on the African continent.
Located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Nelson Mandela Bay first hosted an IRONMAN event in 2004 and has been the site of the Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship since 2015. The world championship is the pinnacle event in the global IRONMAN 70.3 calendar.
The Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship event expects to attract more than 6,000 athletes from over 100 global qualifying events in locations such as Australia, China, Spain, South Africa and the Americas.
Nicknamed "The Friendly City," Port Elizabeth was founded in 1820 and has steadily grown into an economic hub of more than 300,000 inhabitants. In 2010, Port Elizabeth played host to eight games of the FIFA World Cup held in the country. It is also considered the southernmost large city on the continent, just south of Cape Town.
The championship is part of a week-long festival which will include a range of lifestyle events for the community and visitors to enjoy.
"We are excited to welcome triathletes from throughout our region and around the world and show them true South African hospitality. For more than a decade IRONMAN has had the privilege of working with Nelson Mandela Bay and the city of Port Elizabeth to put up world-class events," said Hans Peter Zurbruegg, Managing Director of IRONMAN Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship was created in 2006 and held in Clearwater, Florida until 2011. It then moved to Henderson, Nevada, where athletes were treated to a much more challenging course. In 2014, the event took place in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec—its first stop on the new global rotation for the championship. The event headed to Europe for the first time in 2015, where Zell am See, Austria, hosted an epic and memorable event. In 2016, Australia's beautiful Sunshine Coast hosted an incredible race week.
More than 3,000 athletes from around the world (who qualified at another IRONMAN 70.3 event) will compete at this prestigious race. More than 130,000 athletes participate in a season of qualifying races for the championship, a series which consists of over 85 events in locations such as Australia, Germany, South Africa and Switzerland. Participants in the Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship will range in age from 18 to 75-plus, and will represent over 70 countries.
Originally from: http://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/70.3-world-championship.aspx#ixzz5PjtgHwcq
ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship
view link


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Sarah Lim: Combing the records to uncover the past of a county historian
One Tuesday afternoon in March while I was working at the Milliken Museum in Los Banos, I was shown a typed document about Merced County history in an old envelope. The envelope – postmarked April 15, 1954 – was addressed to Ralph Milliken of Los Banos from James Outcalt of San Andreas.
The manuscript, which appeared to be proofread by Milliken in 1939, consisted of two chapters: "Population" and "The West Side – Before the Gringos Came." I told the staff the manuscript would not have been John Outcalt's "History of Merced County" since it was published in 1925 and it was more likely the work of Corwin Radcliffe, whose version of "History of Merced County" was published in 1940.
Once I returned to my office in Merced, I checked Radcliffe's book and confirmed my speculation. Not only did his book cover both chapters, Radcliffe also acknowledged help from historians John Outcalt, Ralph Milliken and Frank Latta.
I was intrigued by the sender, James Outcalt. What was his relationship to John Outcalt? How did he end up with the document? Why did he send it to Milliken long after Radcliffe's book was published?
Come to think of it, I knew very little about John Outcalt, whose work I have referred to extensively in my writings. In comparison to Milliken, Radcliffe and Latta, Outcalt is the most quoted and celebrated Merced County historian, and yet no known biography about him was ever written.
With the help of local genealogist Alma Stone, I have been able to put together a biographical sketch of this historian.
John Maurice Outcalt was born to Ammi Alamanson and Cynthia Outcalt on Oct. 16, 1880, in St. Johns, Mich. He had a brother, Albert A. Outcalt. When he was a child, the family moved to California and eventually settled in El Dorado County. Outcalt attended the University of California, Berkeley, in the late 1890s and obtained a bachelor's degree in English.
After successfully passing the teachers' examination in 1900, he was granted a teaching certificate in El Dorado County.
Teaching may not have been his calling since he returned to Berkeley to work on his bachelor of law degree in 1908. His passion for writing made him a perfect member of the editorial staff for the school yearbook, Blue and Gold.
After his admission to the state bar, Outcalt came to Merced in 1914 and started his own law practice in the Shaffer Building. An interesting note, eight out of 15 law offices in Merced at this time were housed in the Shaffer Building.
Outcalt lived in Merced County from 1914 to about 1938. His last known residential address was 954 W. 21st St., according to the 1935 Polk's Merced City Directory. It was unclear when he left Merced, but he was listed as residing in the White Oak Township in El Dorado County in the 1940 federal census. When he died on April 4, 1954, he was a resident of Rescue, El Dorado County. It appears Outcalt never married nor produced any children.
During his time in Merced it was not well documented what kind of law practice he had. But from a little information gathered, Outcalt appeared to engage in civil and criminal law.
In 1918, he successfully represented Charles Hing in an insurance law case in the California District Court of Appeal. In 1926, he served as deputy to District Attorney Claude H. McCray who was a close friend, a hunting buddy and a fellow Elk.
Outcalt was more interested in collecting and writing local history than practicing law. Even though he was not a Merced County native, in just a little over 10 years, Outcalt had already established himself as an authoritative local historian. He gave history talks to local groups.
He accompanied Frank Latta to interview John Charles Cunningham, the author of "The Truth about Murietta," in 1924.
When Historic Record Company in Los Angeles wanted to publish a comprehensive history of Merced County, Outcalt was hired to write it. To finance the book, the company got prominent local citizens to pay for their biographical sketches in the book. Published in 1925, the full title of Outcalt's book was "History of Merced County California with a Biographical Review of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified with Its Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present."
Although this kind of history often seems a self-promotion of local pride, Outcalt did a fair job in "marshaling of facts and completeness of detail," according to Merced Sun-Star columnist Corwin Radcliffe.
Outcalt drew his research from old newspapers, county records, federal censuses, manuscripts, maps and interviews of pioneers. One of the most valuable sources was Peter Fee's diary, which detailed the history of Merced and Mariposa counties in the mid 9th century. If anyone has seen or knows the whereabouts of this diary, please contact me at (209)723-2401.
As for James Outcalt and Radcliffe's manuscript, James was John Outcalt's nephew who resided in San Andreas at the time of John Outcalt's death.
I suspect that Milliken sent Radcliffe's manuscript with his comments to Outcalt for input in 1939. Shortly after Outcalt's death in 1954, James discovered the manuscript while going through Outcalt's personal belongings and sent it back to Milliken. This would explain how the document came into James' possession.
For more history of Merced County, please visit the Courthouse Museum. Currently on display is the "Weaving A Legacy: The History of Central California Indian Basketry" exhibit.


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Arkansas soybean producers looking to diversify with a specialty crop may not have to look very far. One of the state's main specialty crops is soybeans for niche markets.
Arkansas has the potential to be the major source of non-GMO (not genetically modified) soybean seed, beans and products in the United States, Drew Oliver said at a May 8 meeting of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.
Oliver is a Crittenden County farmer who heads the International Marketing and Industry Relations Committee of the ASPB, which manages check-off funds paid by soybean producers and processors to support research and promotion.
The vast majority of soybeans grown since the mid-1990s have been genetically modified by the insertion of a gene that makes them resistant to certain herbicides, which simplified weed control and reduced the amount of herbicides released into the environment. However, constant exposure to the same herbicide has resulted in resistant weed populations, which has caused some farmers to plant non-GMO soybean seed and use more comprehensive weed management practices.
The Division of Agriculture's soybean breeding program has produced high yielding, Arkansas adapted non-GMO varieties that are marketed by the state's seed industry. Arkansas is a leading state in the production and marketing of soybean seed.
Consumers who prefer food labeled as free of genetically modified ingredients have created a market for non-GMO soybean food products. Some Arkansas farmers grow non-GMO soybeans under contract with companies or marketing groups for production of non-GMO soy products such as edamame, tofu, soymilk, natto and others.
The Division of Agriculture breeding program -- supported by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and conducted by Professor Pengyin Chen -- includes development of improved non-GMO soybean varieties for specialty food markets in addition to the commodity soybean varieties grown by most farmers.
Lanny Ashlock, ASPB director of research, said Chen is one of the leading breeders of specialty market soybeans in the South. His 'Kirksey' vegetable soybean variety is being grown by Arkansas farmers for wide-scale marketing of edamame products from the nation's first edamame processing plant in Mulberry by Arkansas Vegetable Soybean and Edamame, Inc.
Oliver said objectives of his ASPB committee include gathering data on current and potential non-GMO soybean production and marketing opportunities for Arkansas farmers and specific products and markets ripe for development.
Ron Rainey, director of the Division of Agriculture's MarketMaker project, said the MarketMaker website is a tool soybean producers can use to connect with potential buyers of specialty soybean varieties.
The address is http://ar.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/.
"MarketMaker is an interactive web resource aimed at promoting the products and services of farmers, agricultural businesses and food related businesses," Rainey said.
Food science professor Navam Hettiarachchy has documented bioactive benefits of soy consumption that help prevent cancer, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's and heart disease. In research supported by the ASPB, she and Professor Andy Proctor have developed bioactive ingredients for use is soy products ranging from cooking oil to soymilk.
A patented process developed by Proctor converts the linoleic acid in soy oil to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to protect against cancer, heart disease and inflammatory diseases.
Specialty lines in Chen's Division of Agriculture breeding program are under evaluation for potential release in 2013 as new varieties well adapted to Arkansas growing conditions, he said. They include lines for production of edamame vegetable soybeans, tofu, soymilk and natto, which is a fermented soy product.
Other lines being considered for release in 2013 include two with high oil content and two with low linoleic acid, which contain low trans fat, and one line with low phytase, which can help reduce the excretion of phosphorus in the manure of animals fed soybean meal.


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NZ House pressures risk to financial stability - Wheeler
Property Here - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Increasing pressure in a housing market where supply is failing to meet demand is posing a growing risk to New Zealand's financial stability, according to the Reserve Bank.
In the bank's six-monthly financial stability report, governor Graeme Wheeler said the country's financial health is still sound, though growing private sector credit and rising house prices which are already high pose a concern to the central bank. The fears have emerged as Auckland and Christchurch stand out as struggling to meet demand for housing and as banks become more tolerant of lending on smaller deposits.
"Further price escalation will worsen the potential damage that could result from a housing downturn following an economic or financial shock," Wheeler said in a statement. Housing pressures, arising from pent up demand, limited supply and the lowest interest rates in 50 years are being felt particularly in Auckland and Christchurch, where supply constraints are greatest."
The housing market has become a growing headache for the central bank, as Auckland sale prices hit new record highs in a rapidly heating market, while at the same time a strong currency has limited the bank's ability to stoke lending growth with lower rates.
One of the reasons behind the increase in higher loan-to-value ratios being offered was the improvement in bank profitability, with the banking system now earning a return on assets near the pre-global financial crisis level of 1 per cent per annum. Mortgage lending with an LVR of 80 per cent of more now accounts for about 20 per cent of banks' total residential loan books, and has made up about 30 per cent of new ending.
"The greater willingness of banks to approve high loan-to-value ratio mortgages has further increased the potential adverse impact of a fall in house prices," the bank's report said.
Because of that increase in high LVR lending, the central bank has been looking at lifting capital requirements for housing loans ad decided to lift the amount of regulatory capital required for the riskier lending.
Deputy governor Grant Spencer said the increase in weights will apply to all current and new high LVR loans for the major banks, and will result in an average increase of capital held for housing by about 12 per cent, from the end of September this year
The Reserve Bank said annual house price inflation was 9 per cent and prices exceed the previous 2007 peak by 5 per cent, with an increase in turnover over the past 12 months. While new supply will take some time to come online, the increased prices pose a risk to the economy if it causes excessive construction, which would ultimately cause a fall in house prices and lead to stress on bank and household balance sheets.
The increase in low equity home lending has also led to household balance sheets becoming more stretched as people take on higher debt relative to their assets and income.
"Signs that the more cautious approach to borrowing observed in recent years is beginning to stall are of concern, given the existing levels of debt and the longer-term downside risks to the housing market," the report said.
The central bank as also completed its consultation on a new tool-kit off macro-prudential instruments to cool asset bubbles, which includes the ability to set limits on high LVR lending.
A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed with Finance Minister Bill English shortly, the bank said.
"The new framework provides the ability to temporarily tighten prudential settings if house prices and household borrowing continue to be of concern," the report said


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I get really fed up of the word atheism. I do not follow any atheism guide, for none exists, I do not follow any atheism dogma, for none exists, I do not follow any atheism manifesto, for none exists. In essence there really is no such thing as atheism. I am atheistic, I was born and raised without the crap of supernatural belief systems.
In Wiktionary, item 3 places the ism of atheism in a category with "overtones of dogma".
It's up to us atheists to encourage the obsolescence of the word, since it is based on falsities, just as the N word was eventually dropped from most reasonable language. Sometimes language self-corrects as the decades roll along, sometimes language needs a little help. Atheism is pushed upon atheists by the religious majorities of the world with the sole purpose of bad-mouthing us. Let's stop it.
Atheism is nothing, we atheists are by no means homogeneous at all as a group. Most of our character is determined by our upbringing during our formative youth years. Atheists are all over the place philosophically, economically, politically, spiritually (gag), many atheists even chose to not even dump the religious values pushed upon us for 20 centuries.
Edit: To be clearer, my gripe is not with the root of the word, I am absolutely fine with the atheos component... it is the "ism" component, the doctrine, the philosophy, it is an etymological issue.
Views: 897
"atheists do no "follow" anything."
Beliefs without evidence are foolish. Opinions based on evidence are worth discussing, an opinion remains just that, an opinion. You want to bring beliefs into this... frankly, I'm not impressed.
I'm not 'loading' the word atheist, I'm proposing the opposite, that we consider unloading atheism, by dismissing it.
Sorry, I should have said "all atheists are human, and all humans have a value system" instead of beliefs.
Yes I know you want to unload atheism, which is fair enough, but "atheists do not follow anything" indicates you also want to unload atheist.
It's a trivial debate about word choice anyway. All atheists have values and who really cares if they use the word atheism when they really mean humanism? Everybody knows what they mean.
So, given your radical and bitter individualism, I presume you are really objecting to humanist groupthink, rather than wordchoice. So it sounds like you're trying to stamp out humanist groupthink rather than correct people's wordchoice.
Wordchoice or radical individualism: you should make it clear what you are arguing for.
Well that's because you, as a few others, confound the definitions of humanism with being an atheist. They are by no means one and the same. If some atheists want to call themselves Humanists, fine, that's their prerogative, but to assume that all atheists are Humanists makes no sense at all. Humanism was in its infancy strictly Christian, over the decades, some Humanists started to part ways with godly thoughts, now Humanism generally has the same value system as Christianity, but god is less popular still, though there are still plenty of Humanist Christians, just as there agnostic Christians.
You call me radical... I say thank you
You say bitter... I say realist
But please, do not confound Humanism with all things atheist.
Like I stated a few times... atheist I have absolutely to problem with, but atheism represents nothing that is definable as a whole.
Humanism is an OFFICIAL thought movement. It has a manifesto, in fact, the official Humanist organisations have now gone through three manifestos. You may want to Google and read them. I did not 'invent' those manifestos, they've existed for quite some years, and I'm especially not in favour of any value system which prioritises human numbers versus a balanced view of humans within the earth's ecosystems.
Have you noticed how I'm able to remain polite even though you have for the last couple of posts made personal attacks? Calling me hypocrite does not reflect well on your contributions here I'm afraid.
"atheists do no "follow" anything."
I think you are taking this sentence out of context.
Again, I assume he is saying 'atheists as a group do not follow any one doctrine'. By reading everything before the sentence and everything after the sentence, I am able to understand what he means by it.
I wonder if I am right here?
And again, maybe TNT needs to clear this up a bit and re-explain his position.
If we got rid of the "ism" at the end, I'm not sure what we'd replace it with. I always thought of it as just a form of the word "atheist" that we kept around for reasons of proper english that I didn't pay enough attention in class to expound upon.
I really think it only has world-view associations because theists have such a difficult time wrapping their brains around the god concept (or in our case, the lack of one) not being the foundation that lives are built upon.
It doesn't seem to be a problem that can't be remedied with a metric ton of repetition that atheism is a lack of belief in a god or gods, period. Otherwise we're looking at reducing theists to the same frequency as bigfoot believers. Which I wouldn't object to. I think the former suggestion is more reasonably attainable.
The "ism" isn't what signifies adherence to a specific set of ideas though. That's just the term itself. And the term is just a short-hand for an idea.
For instance, the word accupuncturist is used, but the word accupuncturism is not (which is what you suggest should happen with atheist-atheism). Does that make us think as accupuncturist as people who do not adhere to specific (and kooky) doctrines about health and metaphysics? Nope, we still think of them that way, despite the ism.
And for people who believe in the Norse gods, there's not even a word. Yet if I met a group of them, it would be perfectly clear to me that they ascribed to certain myths and legends; and I wouldn't need to call them Norsists or adherents of Norsism for that.
So if you want to stop using the term atheism, but will still use the term atheist... I doubt that's going to have much effect.
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hello all, just some advice. i made kiteloops im my 9m waroo 2009 without problems...kite looped quick and i had confidence. not len10 ML but high KL.
since i have a kahoona 7.5 v3 something is wrong. kite turns slow with drag, and looks like does not want to complete the loop.
i am not so noob, so i now i have equal 21m lines, i also insert more rear line knots in order to make it quicker BUT i still can't proper kiteloop as i did in the past! is it ME or it is the fu kahoona that is really slow!
any tips? thanks


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10-year sentence in murder-for-hire plot
An Anahuac man who tried to give an undercover officer more than $25,000 to kidnap his Russian mail-order bride has been sentenced to 10 years in jail. David Houston Sartin, 49, pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence against Elena Barykina, a Ukrainian national.
According to Examiner archives, Sartin became enraged by his bride when she asked for more than $17,000 to attend a school in Russia. In an attempt to avenge their soured love, Sartin set out to kill his lover and eventually came into contact with undercover ATF agents who set up a sting operation at the Sutherlands in Beaumont. When Sartin delivered the second $25,000 promised to the undercover agent turned would-be kidnapper, police promptly arrested Sartin, who had a pair of handcuffs, a handgun and a room where police say he planned to detain Barykina in his home.
Sartin told the undercover agents he wanted to "personally take care of her," according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the Examiner.


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Winging South for the Winter
October 01, 2017
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder; as long, languid summer melts into crisp, cool autumn; as nature takes on russet hues and puts on fancy dress; as you marvel at the beauty of the season, don't forget to look up. One of nature's great marvels is the show in the sky as the birds of North America migrate south. Migration is the annual movement of birds, often north and south along a flyway, between their breeding grounds and their wintering grounds. One of the best known, and certainly the most familiar, of North America's migrators is the Canada (not "Canadian") Goose (Branta canadensis). The impressive V-formations of Canada geese flying south are seen all over North America; indeed, Canada geese are found in every one of the contiguous United States and every Canadian province. However, they are not our only journeying birds. "Of the more than 650 species of North American breeding birds, more than half are migratory." Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Long-distance migration patterns are "controlled at least partially by the genetic makeup of the birds. They also incorporate responses to weather, geography, food sources, day length, and other factors." Cornell Lab of Ornithology How do birds navigate these vast distances? They seem to use the earth's magnetic field, landforms and wind patterns, and also celestial navigation (the sun by day and the stars by night). However, we do not fully understand how birds navigate across thousands of miles and come back to the same grounds each year. How do young birds make their very first migration on their own and find their winter home, despite having never seen it before? The migration of birds is one of nature's great marvels and mysteries.
Did you know?
- Migration comes from the Latin word migratus, meaning "to change."
- To prepare for migration, many birds enter a state called hyperphagia, where they bulk up on food and increase their body weight to store fat, which they'll use for energy during their long journey. Some birds almost double their body weight during the weeks leading up to migration.
- At least 40 percent of the birds in the world are migratory (around 4,000 species).
- The birds that fly the highest are the bar-headed geese of India, which regularly reach heights of up to 5 ½ miles above sea level while flying over the Himalayan mountains.
- Another record-holder, the Arctic tern, flies the farthest. The Artic terns fly from their breeding grounds in the Artic to their wintering grounds in the Antarctic every year. Close to 50,000 miles! Over its lifespan of around 30 years, the tern has flown the equivalent of around 3 trips to the moon and back. Audubon.
- The great snipe is the fastest migratory bird. It flies around 42,000 miles at speeds of up to 60 mph. Audubon.
- Records of bird migrations were made as early as 3,000 years ago by Ancient Greek writer such as Homer, Herodotus, and Aristotle.
- "The bar-tailed godwit can fly for nearly 7,000 miles without stopping, making it the bird with the longest recorded non-stop flight. During the eight-day journey, the bird doesn't stop for food or rest, demonstrating jaw-dropping endurance." Audubon.
Why do birds fly in a "V" formation?
The V formation is aerodynamically brilliant. Basically, it saves energy and makes flying easier. By taking advantage of the updraft of the flyers in front of them, birds can use 20% to 30% less energy by flying in a V. (Cyclists in a race also take advantage of this aerodynamic principle by "drafting" behind the racer in front, thereby reducing wind resistance.) Pretty ingenious.
Mesmerizing Migration: Watch 118 Bird Species Migrate Across A Map Of The Western Hemisphere
For the first time, scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have documented migratory movements of bird populations spanning the entire year for 118 species throughout the Western Hemisphere. Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds
Each dot represents a single bird species; the location represents the average of the population for each day of the year (see paper for a more precise explanation of the "average location"). Here's a key to which species is which.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology – All About Birds, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/the-basics-how-why-and-where-of-bird-migration/
Audubon, "9 Awesome Facts about Bird Migration," http://www.audubon.org/news/9-awesome-facts-about-bird-migration
The Spruce, "15 Fun Facts about Bird Migration," https://www.thespruce.com/fun-facts-about-bird-migration-386434
BBC, "Fly like a bird: The V Formation Finally Explained," http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-25736049
Wikipedia, "Bird Migration," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_migration
National Geographic, http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2014/01/15/birds-that-fly-in-a-v-formation-use-an-amazing-trick/
Science, "Why Bird fly in a V Formation," http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2014/01/why-birds-fly-v-formation
National Geographic," Canada Goose," http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/c/canada-goose/


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Models Fall Down, Go Boom
The shame is that this could all have been avoided if they had just turned left.[BoingBoing]
Nepal Narcos Nab 2.5 Tons of Sticky Icky
Nepalese Police made the largest drug bust in the nation's history on Monday when officers seized two and a half tons of dank from a major dealer in Kathmandu. The fuzz found 5,820 pounds of weed bound and waiting for transport to India, with a local street value of just $155,000—or not enough to even buy a house Stockton, CA. [WPD - Image: Invisible Hand]
Mike Tyson's Best First Round Knockouts
You know, I bet getting punched by Iron Mike doesn't even hurt that much—on account of you becoming instantly unconscious.
Chuck Norris: The Movie
Behold, Mike Tyson's only known natural predator.
Rhode Island Decriminalizes the Ounce
Rhode Island took the unprescedented step yesterday of decriminalizing marijuana. According to a report from the Providence Journal:
The law, which takes effect April 1, 2013, says possessing an ounce or less will become a civil violation with a $150 fine, akin to a ticket. It also states that three such violations within 18 months would be a misdemeanor with larger fines and/or prison.
Half of collected fines are to be spent on drug-awareness and -treatment programs for youths.
Offenders under age 18 will have parents notified, have to complete a court-approved or juvenile hearing board-approved drug-awareness program, and do community service. Failure to do those within a year would increase the fine to $300.
So while it isn't quite Amsterdam legal, RI is probably the best place in America to get caught holding. Hell, I've gotten parking tickets more expensive than this. [Providence Journal - Image: Mike D]


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NEW YORK, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Tom Hanks immediately apologized after saying the F-word on "Good Morning America" in New York Friday.
The double Oscar-winner was on the live broadcast to promote his new film "Cloud Atlas." The expletive escaped his lips while he was speaking as a British character in the movie and talking about his boots.
"We are so sorry, 'Good Morning America,'" co-anchor Elizabeth Vargas said as guest Hanks looked shocked and covered his mouth.
"Man oh man. I have never done that before. I would apologize to the kids of America who are watching this right now. And the next time I'm on the show, there will be a 7-second delay. Never give me a handheld mic. I blame the staff."
Despite the star's apology, the Parents Television Council said it is unacceptable the F-word slipped through unedited during the broadcast.
"Once again, a morning news show has allowed the harshest profanity to be broadcast into every living room and breakfast table in the country," PTC director of public policy Dan Isett said in a statement.
"This is just another in a long, sad string of similar instances where all of the major network morning shows have permitted this inappropriate and offensive content," the statement said. "These cannot and must not be dismissed as 'mistakes,' and it's time for the networks to step up, take responsibility for what they broadcast, and ensure that this never happens again."


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|View Poll Results: Code Geass Episode 15 Rating
|Perfect 10
|9 out of 10 : Excellent
|8 out of 10 : Very Good
|7 out of 10 : Good
|6 out of 10 : Average
|5 out of 10 : Below Average
|4 out of 10 : Poor
|3 out of 10 : Bad
|2 out of 10 : Very Bad
|1 out of 10 : Painful
|Voters: 124. You may not vote on this poll
|Thread Tools
|2007-01-25, 20:25
|Link #42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
what was the doctor saying about suzaku's father is what i'm curious about, my japanese is nowhere good enough to get anything out of it.
Viletta was relieved that Ougi was a nice person, Ougi x Viletta +10
Best moment was LL taunting Mao about knowing CC's true name, finally trumping him in the evil genius department.
|2007-01-25, 20:38
|Link #44
Senior Member
My translation:
Lulu: I am working on something, if I can get a break from the club for a while..
Mily: I guess you can do that......ne.. don't tell me its about your (prince) identity.
Lulu: No, thats won't be revealed. Only people that know that I am alive is only the Asford.
Mily: Asford huh.....
Lulu: hmm? why?
Mily: Luluche, its another marriage meeting for me again. This time I don't think I can avoid it. Ne, what do you think I should do?
Lulu: well.. that's..
Shirley: President~
I think that's pretty much the meat part.. Shirley's part is bs.
Anyway, I just watched the raw theses are some points to note:
- This episode is mostly about CC and Lulu.
- As we suspected, Geass doesn't work on CC. Luluche ends up stating some bold statement for nothing.. "Don't go. Stay with me CC!" -_- well at least he tries...
- "Congratuation!~ and good bye" from CC rocks.. The Seiyuu really know how to voice it.
- Mao's geass has 500 meters range. (double of Lulu). Lulu knows how to come up with a plan to fight him. "CC is my thing (CC is mine). I have seen parts of her that you havn't seen. I totally have her."... Lulu sure make some wild claim there -_-;; or is it?
- Mao and compact ideal of CC is beyond imagination -_-;; wonder if CC can revive again if she get chopped up.
- I feel a bit pity for Mao. CC is the only "human" he knows.
- CC and Lulu had a fight...sort of. She still went out to see Mao because he treathen to reveal lulu identity. She actually break the contract with Lulu so that he wouldn't get killed. You are too nice to this brat, CC -_-;; Lulu didn't plan this btw. He learned that she is doing it for him listening to voice mail, thus he need to save her no matter what.
- well.. Lulu and CC make up in the end. The contract is formed this time again and it is both direction this time. Lulu promise to grant CC wish along with his own, and he won't fail.
- Loyld is actaully Hakkshaku (I think it means "Count"). Now we are getting somewhere in term of his identity.
- Susaku passes the mental test. The score is almost to high in certain area. The doctor asked him about his father and said that he was a great man. Sasuku said nothing.
- Todou and co. is discovered by Britania army. They probably will be forced to join zero soon.
- Next episode. CC and her new cos-play. (again). This time its office lady. well.. so far we have... CC in yukata, CC in stylish prisoner white suit, CC in her under suit, CC in T-shirt, CC in school swimming suit, CC in Lulu's crappy shirt, CC in loli goth, CC in her fashion suit, CC in chinese suit, CC in European clothes in the ending, CC as a sister. lol how many will we have by the time this series end. Now we are at 12 lol. (average almost 1 costume/episode)
Last edited by quina; 2007-01-26 at 00:39.
|2007-01-26, 00:27
|Link #53
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Australia
Last edited by OMG_Zerg_Rush; 2011-03-21 at 14:47.
|2007-01-26, 01:35
|Link #54
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Hmm... so the new character Sophie Wood turns out to be Shirley's roommate?
It's interesting to find that despite her preaching to Lelouch last episode, C.C. herself isn't above a bit of hopeless sentimentality. Her pleading with Lelouch to stop (as he walked away with her in his arms) because she thought she could still talk things out with a clearly unhinged Mao is probably the dumbest thing she's said all series. Lelouch seemed to notice that, too, looking at how he shielded C.C. from the sight of Mao getting riddled by the cops.
|2007-01-26, 02:01
|Link #55
Senior Member
well... she was the one who raise Mao up by his own hand. To her he is like a son. She bring the gun to scare him away and hopefully knock some sense into him. Its a very natural thing for a mother to think that she can talk her child out of bad things regardless how bad he is. C.C. is a smart woman, but she is not emotionless.
Lulu and CC are a very similar type of people thats why they work so well together. Unfortunately they both are freaking stubborn, lol it would be very hard to move from precious partner to lover-like relationship..
well, I am already spoiled from 2ch about Lulu romance. So I know how much to expect...
and yeah.. about Mao..
|2007-01-26, 02:02
|Link #56
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Good episode, but dang this week is like the week where my favorte female anime characters get totured! >"<!!! Poor C.C. and Misa (Death Note). Seeing the bond strengthen between Lulu and C.C is kinda good. Throughout the episode C.C seemed liek a cold hearted women but in the end she's a softy! Again good episode, can't wait for next week!
|2007-01-26, 08:18
|Link #58
Beautiful fighter.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: England, UK
Age: 32
|2007-01-26, 10:02
|Link #59
C.C. belongs to me
Join Date: Aug 2006
|Thread Tools


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The Federal Reserve, in a remarkable acknowledgement of how soft the economy is, has disclosed a vote of its open market committee to keep short term interest rates close to zero for at least three more years—until late 2014. This means that the Fed will keep pumping money into the economy by purchasing bonds at whatever level is required.
The Fed, improbably enough, has also been pressing the Obama Administration to do more about the housing bust, arguing that its own cheap money policies can only do so much. The climate of very low interest rates means that the new program announced by President Obama in the State of the Union Address making it easier for homeowners to refinance—details still to be disclosed—will have several years to lower housing costs and perhaps help put a floor under housing prices. But the Administration needs to do a great deal more so that under-water homeowners can refinance at the current depressed market value of the house.
It is rare to see the Fed taking positions to the left, as it were, of a Democratic administration. That shows that the Fed is less captive of the financial industry than it once was—and that the Administration is disappointingly too captive of it.
The Fed action suggests that our central bank's leaders are worried—about continuing deflation, and about the huge risks coming to the global economy from Europe. It is only in the last couple of weeks that the new head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, has finally reversed the policies of his predecessors and pumped hundreds of billions of Euros into money markets to lower the cost of sovereign borrowing and stop the run on the government bonds of Europe's weaker economies. Draghi has been urged to follow this course by Fed Chair Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, and the Fed's liberal money policy makes Draghi's task easier because it removes constraints of a dollar shortage in Europe.
The move suggests that the Fed has learned one of the two key lessons of monetary policy from the Great Depression, though it has yet to learn the other. The first lesson was to intervene massively when the economy faces deflationary pressures, to make money as cheap and plentiful as possible. By definition, when the economy is in a severe slump and banks aren't lending and business isn't borrowing, inflation is the last thing to worry about.
But the second lesson is to couple loose money with tight regulation, so that low interest rates don't invite all manner of speculation as they did in the creation of the bubble and the run-up to the crash. The current Fed is better than the Greenspan Fed, and it includes at least two Obama-appointed governors—Daniel Tarullo and Sarah Bloom Raskin who'd like to see tighter regulation of banks and shadow banks. Richard Cordray, the new head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is also lodged at the Fed, though the best thing about that location is that he's independent of the rest of the Fed. As financial industry lobbying chips away at the regulations that implement the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve needs to use its prestige to be the counter-lobby for the toughest possible regulations against speculative abuse.
We're a long way from that, but a public commitment to very low interest rates for as long as it takes to help cure this recession is a start.