Bob Vila: Building & Remodeling Your Home to be Green (VIDEO ...

When it comes to home improvement, there are few ? if any ? names in the business more trusted than Bob Vila. And these days, he?s increasing his focus on how to build green ? without breaking the bank.

Watch Bob Vila talk about new green building technologies and tips at BobVila.com on how you can integrate green building and green techniques into your own home, including how to best conserve energy:

WATCH:??Urban Miners? Turn Old Electronics Into New Devices

Does building green cost more?

?Like everything in life, it?ll cost more depending on what you do and how much you do of it,? Vila says. ?Generally speaking, there are a lot of alternative approaches to building new and to remodeling that don?t necessarily cost more but do bring the operating costs of a home down and the energy efficiency down, and these are the areas I want to promote the most.?

How are people utilizing technology in their homes these days? For one, utility companies are encouraged to help consumers tone down the energy use in their homes and conserve energy through new technologies. but it?s not just about conservation, it?s about living happier in cleaner, more environmentally friendly homes by using more technology.

WATCH:?New Building Technologies With Bob Vila?

?There are so many options that are just in the past five to 10 years that are becoming reality ? not just in terms of materials but in terms of operating systems,? Vila says.

Tags: bob vila, bob vila building green, bobvila.com, energy, energy conservation techniques, energy efficiency, energy efficiency techniques, featured, green building, green building initiatives, home improvement, home improvement tips, Kelly Hayes, new technologies in remodeling, SXSW, SXSW'12, technology, tips for building green, utility companies, video

Category: Home & Garden, Lifestyle, Technology, Videos

Source: http://www.genconnect.com/lifestyle/bob-vila-building-remodeling-your-home-to-be-green-video/

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Dog Rescued in Akron Needs Help | FOX8.com ? Cleveland news ...

Posted on: 8:32 pm, November 28, 2012, by Jessica Dabrowski, updated on: 08:38pm, November 28, 2012

AKRON, Ohio ? A dog that is the victim of abuse and neglect is extremely patient and sweet despite enduring horrendous pain as he recovers, representatives from the PAWSibilities Humane Society of Greater Akron said.

The organization?s newest rescue, King, was removed from a property in Akron on which he had no food or water.? He was found dehydrated and emaciated and left out in the cold weather.

The PAWSibilities Humane Society of Greater Akron said he should weigh about 55 pounds but only weighs about 40.

Part of his chain was wrapped so tightly around his neck that it became embedded and skin had grown over it.

King was also discovered to be heartworm positive.

His luck is changing now that he?s in caring and capable hands.? He has had surgery to remove the chain and is being given a proper diet.? Once he regains his strength, his treatment for the heartworm will begin.

Other details about King?s rescue were not released due to pending animal cruelty charges.

?Please, if you can give a donation to help this sweet dog and animals like him coming to the shelter daily, contact us. We can?t do it alone and every bit of support we receive makes such a difference to the animals we rescue!? PAWSibilities Humane Society of Greater Akron said on its Facebook page.

Anyone who would like to contribute can call (330) 487-0333 or click here.

Submit Your Photo

Source: http://fox8.com/2012/11/28/dog-rescued-in-akron-needs-help/

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IMAGES: What we'll see at India Resort Fashion Week

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

As India Resort Fashion Week kicks off in Goa today, we bring you a glimpse of outfits that will make their way onto the runway.

From bikinis to cocktailwear, the India Resort Fashion Week will see varied and vibrant creations from Indian and international labels over the next four days.

Going behind the scenes at the fitting sessions, we bring you a first look.

Here we have designer Sounia Gohil, posing with models in two of her creations -- a dip-dye beach number and a sparkling bikini with matching cutwork cover-up.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

Babita Malkani makes some last-minute alterations to one of her designs.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

Models strike a pose wearing James Ferreira resortwear.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

This vibrant kaftan dress is from the latest Pria Kataaria Puri collection.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

Designer Shouger Doshi contemplates the fit of an ethnic ensemble.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

Rocky S is the king of cool as he strikes a pose with two of his muses in sparkling gold.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

Varuna D Jani's latest resortwear line promises to be a treat in black.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

This stunning embroidery and cutwork anarkali is from the Libas collection.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

Designer Gogee Vasant busies herself with the latest offerings from her label Swan.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Last updated on: November 28, 2012?18:36 IST

A bevy of beauties pose with choreographer Achla Sachdev and Rocky S.

Photographs: Courtesy id8 Media Solutions

Source: http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-glamour-india-resort-fashion-week-fittings/20121128.htm

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Exit133.com: Tacoma City Council Meeting - November 27, 2012

CONSENT AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38573 Approving the final plat of ?La Terra?, a 51-lot and five-tract single-family residential subdivision located at 4001, 4007, and 4025 49th Avenue Northeast. (CES NW, Inc.; File No. PLT2012-40000186527) [Cheri Gibbons, Associate Planner; Ricardo Noguera, Director, Community and Economic Development]

The consent agenda passed without comment.

PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Mayor Strickland proclaimed December 2012 to be Zoolights Month in the City of Tacoma, in honor of the 25th year of Zoolights as a holiday institution in the city.
• City Manager Broadnax recognized Linda Bremmer for her recent years of service to the City as head of the Human Rights and Human Services Department. Bremmer will be retiring after leading the department through significant changes over the last two years.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Despite the lengthy agenda, there was no comment this week.

REGULAR AGENDA

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38574 Authorizing the execution of a Multi-Family Housing 12-Year Limited Property Tax Exemption Agreement with SNR Northwest Properties, LLC, for the development of six market-rate multi-family rental housing units, located at 4549 South Puget Sound Avenue in the Tacoma Mall Mixed-Use Center. [James Colburn, Associate Planner; Ricardo Noguera, Director, Community and Economic Development]

The resolution passed without comment.

Resolution No. 38575 Designating the Every-Other-Week Garbage Collection Project as a special project of limited duration; and designating general salary classifications and benefits for persons employed on the project. [Michael P. Slevin III, P.E., Interim Director, Environmental Services]

This resolution designates the every-other week transition as a special project of a limited duration. The changeover will require a large logistical effort, and rather than contracting out, the City has decided to use City employees or temporary employees. This decision will reduce turnover during the period of the project and allows those employees to get benefits like regular employees, which they would not get without the special project designation. Employees who are on the layoff list for this round of budget cuts will be the first to be contacted if they are eligible for the positions created for this project. All positions have been budgeted for in the 2013-2014 budget.

FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 28100 Authorizing a zero percent increase in the 2013 general property tax revenue collection, in terms of both dollars and percentage, for the general property tax levy. [Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

The ordinance passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28101 Fixing the amount of the 2013 Ad Valorem property tax levies. [Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

The ordinance passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28102 Authorizing a decrease in the 2013 general property tax revenue collection, in terms of both dollars and percentage, for the Emergency Medical Services property tax levy. [Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

The ordinance passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28103 Fixing the amount of the 2013 Emergency Medical Services tax levies. [Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

The amount of this revenue source will be going down in the next biennium due to declining property values. The State caps the percent at which the City can levy this tax.

Ordinance No. 28104 Amending Chapter 1.30 of the Municipal Code, relating to the joint City-County Law Enforcement Support Agency, to update the reference of Law Enforcement Support Agency to South Sound 9-1-1 Agency. [Tansy Hayward, Assistant City Manager; T.C. Broadnax, City Manager]

The ordinance passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28105 Amending Chapter 8.109 of the Municipal Code, relating to public safety and juvenile curfew, to renew the Curfew Ordinance to make it non-expiring with a biennial review by the Public Safety, Human Services, and Education Committee. [Kelly Crouch, Contracting and Planning Auditor; Linda Villegas Bremer, Director, Human Rights and Human Services]

The ordinance passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28106 Amending Chapter 6A.30 of the Municipal Code, relating to business and occupation tax, to revise the definition of engaging in business to clarify the nexus of board meetings; adopt changes which amend apportionment for digital goods; and update the deduction to refer to state-required tax treatment. [Danielle Larson, Tax and License Division Manager; Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

The ordinance passed without comment.

Ordinance No. 28107 Amending Chapter 6A.30, relating to business and occupation tax, to add a new deduction for gross income received from public entities for health or social welfare services; and eliminate the partial exemption and deduction provided to non-profit healthcare providers whose annual gross income exceeds $30 million for gross income received from health care services. [Danielle Larson, Tax and License Division Manager; Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

The infamous ordinance repealing the B&O tax exemption for large healthcare service providers passed without the sunset provision proposed at last week?s City Council meeting. As Councilmember Fey clarified, however, the lack of a sunset provision does not mean that the Council can not revisit the issue at a future date. In fact, we heard several comments from council members vowing to review Tacoma?s tax structure as a whole, including the way B&O taxes work.

FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 28108 Amending various sections of the Municipal Code to reflect the elimination of the Human Rights and Human Services Department, align the scope of duties and authority for the new Neighborhood and Community Services Department; and repealing obsolete Chapter 5.20 in its entirety. [T.C. Broadnax, City Manager]

This ordinance and the following two reflect changes covered during the budget process in an effort to streamline processes and improve efficiency. The City Manager expects to see about $750,000 in savings come out of these adjustments.

This first ordinance would consolidate what has been the Human Rights and Human Services, merging services of Code Compliance and Community Based Services into the new Neighborhood and Community Services Department. City Manager Broadnax explained that the departments already work closely together, and their alignment in one department adds value and links critical services.

Ordinance No. 28109 Amending various sections of the Municipal Code to reflect organizational changes and align the scope of duties and authority for the Planning and Development Services and Public Works Departments. [T.C. Broadnax, City Manager]

This ordinance would address overlaps in existing departments, streamlining those services into the new Planning and Development Services and Public Works in ways Broadnax expects to provide more beneficial outcomes for customers and greater efficiencies for the City.

Ordinance No. 28110 Amending various sections of the Municipal Code to reflect organizational changes and align the scope of duties and authority for the Community and Economic Development Department, including the assignment of oversight of the Historically Underutilized Business Program and Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program. [T.C. Broadnax, City Manager]

This third ordinance would remove Planning and Building and Land Use Services from the Community and Economic Development Department, and add the HUB and LEAP programs to more closely align with the City?s goals of supporting small business efforts.

Ordinance No. 28111 Amending Chapter 8.20 of the Municipal Code, relating to minors and alcohol, by repealing Section 8.20.070 in its entirety and enacting a new Section 8.20.071, entitled ?Minors and Liquor ? Prohibited Acts,? to allow for effective and efficient prosecution consistent with state law. [Keith Echterling, Prosecuting City Attorney; Elizabeth Pauli, City Attorney]

These changes would bring the TMC up to date on this issue, which has not been addressed since 1988. The changes would bring Tacoma in line with the State code, allowing the City office to prosecute this kind of offense in alignment with the State law.

Ordinance No. 28112 Adopting the 2013-2018 Capital Facilities Program. [Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

The proposed 2013-2018 CFP was heard by the Planning Commission in October, and has been presented as a part of the budget process. The list of capital facilities projects included in Tacoma?s comprehensive plan is a planning document that complements the budget, and includes the whole range of projects for the City. New projects are identified for the list based on public input, recognized needs within the city, alignment with City goals and objectives, and availability (or potential availability) of funding. Completed projects are removed from the list. This year 18 projects have been recommended to be added, and 67 will be removed from the list. Among the projects listed are work to upgrade Puyallup Avenue with complete streets mobility improvements, upgrades to Dock Street, design work to prepare 56th Street for grant money when that becomes available, sidewalk and wetlands conservation projects, ramp improvements at 72nd and I-5, Tacoma Dome improvements, and others. The list aligns with other City planning documents like the Six-Year Transportation plan. Inclusion on the list doesn?t guarantee the project will get funding, but makes it a possibility. If the ordinance passes at its final reading next week, it will be enacted along with the budget for the next biennium.

Ordinance No. 28113 Amending the 2011-2012 Biennial Budget to appropriate funds for contractual obligations, an interfund loan, transfers, and other budget adjustments; and appropriating miscellaneous donations, contributions, and/or fees. [Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

This ordinance would authorize transactions within certain operating budgets, capital and grant funds to comply with generally accepted processes.

Ordinance No. 28114 Adopting the 2013-2014 Biennial Budget for the City of Tacoma; and restructuring the remaining balance of a line of credit note through December 31, 2018. [Steve Call, Interim Director, Finance]

We?ve heard a lot about the budget in recent days, weeks, and months, and it hasn?t changed much other than a few minor revisions. One new change is an additional $200,000 associated with Tacoma?s new Transportation Benefit District going into effect a month sooner than expected. We also see an additional $3.5 million associated with the elimination of the B&O tax break for nonprofit healthcare providers. That isn?t a huge number in the grand scheme of things, but it will allow the City to invest some money back into things like our libraries, improvements to Ruston Way and Old Town Dock, and a reduction of the impacts when the SAFER and COPS grants for Tacoma Fire and Police jobs expire. Most of the programs this money will go to are one-time expenditures. We also see a slight adjustment upward of the City?s reserve balance, but it still falls short of the 12% of the total budget recommended for the City to keep on hand.

Another component of this ordinance is the restructuring of a line of credit for the City. Without restructuring, the Tacoma Dome loan would come due as a lump sum in 2013. The restructuring allows the loan to be spread out over the next six years.

We also heard a couple changes that will be coming to TPU billing practices. TPU will be extending its grace period for payment of utility bills from the current 10 days to 15 days, and will be increasing the amount of assistance for low-income households at a level greater than the increase in rates. Those changes will go into effect early next year.

Ordinance No. 28115 Amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to create six unclassified titles to implement the reorganization of departments; and to implement wage provisions for employees represented by the United Transportation Union, Switch Crew Unit and Yardmasters Unit, which covers approximately 32 full-time positions. [Joy St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

This ordinance contains three items: it amends the TMC to implement 2013 wage increases for two groups of employees arrived at through represented bargaining, it corrects a clerical error that mis-states a wage step increase by three cents, and it creates the positions associated with the implementation of the departmental organizations proposed in ordinances 28108, 28109 and 28110.

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND APPEALS

This is the date set for a public hearing by the City Council on the proposed Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program for amended year 2012, and 2013-2018. [Jennifer Kammerzell, Associate Engineer; Dick McKinley, Director, Public Works]

The RCW requires that the Six-Year plan be updated annually. The plan lists the planned construction projects for the remainder of the six years, and guides project priorities for the City. Four additional projects were added that were not included in materials advertising the public hearing. Those projects were the Pierce Transit Authority project, McKinley Avenue Streetscape, and two bridge maintenance projects: the Union Avenue viaduct and the Schuster Parkway bridge. Those last two projects are fully funded at this point, and will require no local match. As with the CFP, inclusion in the Six-Year Program does not guarantee funding for any projects, but it does open the door. After the hearing today, staff will ask for guidance for Council, and we?ll see a finalized draft at some point in the near future.

We heard comment from one speaker on the topic of adding transit to the Six-Year plan. In light of the service cuts coming on the heels of the defeat of Pierce Transit Prop 1, the commeter asked that the Council consider providing funds to support the transit services that a significant portion of Tacoma residents rely on.

TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD

The first meeting of the governing board of Tacoma?s new Transportation Benefit District (a.k.a. Tacoma City Council) was scheduled to coincide with this week?s City Council meeting. The board will meet regularly to direct funds, and meetings will be open to the public. Citizens will have input on the actions of the TBD both through input on the Six-Year Transportation plan, and at these TBD meetings.

AGENDA

Public Comment

One commenter spoke to applaud the Council for the creation of the TBD and to ask for investment in public transportation.

Resolutions

Resolution No. TBD 001 Imposing a vehicle fee of $20 for the Tacoma Transportation Benefit District to commence in six months and identifying projects to be funded.

A citizen advisory group worked for months on assessing Tacoma?s streets and other transportation issues, and possible fixes. The report from the Mobility Stakeholder Funding Task Force found a lot of problems in need of funding ? about $800 million worth ? and made some recommendations for addressing those issues. Among those suggestions was the formation of a Transportation Benefit District for the purpose of raising funds specifically for transportation-related issues, including the levying of a license fee.

The fee proposed here would take effect six months after passage of the resolution, so beginning next May it?s going to cost an extra $20 to renew your car tabs. Campers, mopeds, and some other vehicles will be exempt. The City expects to raise just over $4 million in the next biennium.

Projects will be selected for a piece of that $4 million by the Council TBD Governing Board. Those projects will come from the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program. Staff will take direction from the board on which projects to pursue, and will make regular progress reports back. Projects would not be required to be funded in full by TBD dollars, which could be used in combination with other funding sources. The State Department of Licensing will collect the fee, and remit the money to the City. Mayor Strickland reminded the audience that this is only $4 million every two years ? not much compared to the cost of possible projects ? and suggested that the money be used to focus on neighborhood streets to spread the money as far as possible.

Comments of the Tacoma Transportation Benefit District Governing Board

Deputy Mayor Lonergan asked about the procedure for scheduling future meetings. Staff responded that a schedule will be forthcoming for Council input, which they will try to make consistent with resolutions that need to be adopted. Lonergan recommended that meetings happen on a regular schedule to maximize public input._

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.

REPORTS BY THE CITY MANAGER
None.

COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Government Performance and Finance Committee ? Deputy Mayor Lonergan reported on topics discussed by the committee:

At the next meeting the committee will hear updates on State Auditor and Moss Adams audit reports, Tacoma Power bond defeasance, Tacoma Rail Mountain Division , and other topics. Deputy Mayor Lonergan also promised that in the coming year he and other council members would be looking closely at Tacoma?s tax structure, including the administration of the B&O tax, as well as other taxes.

Councilmember Ibsen reminded us of the upcoming discussion of live/work spaces in Tacoma this Wednesday, November 28, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the New Frontier Lounge. Ibsen also suggested the Bethany Presbyterian Church?s 25th Annual fair trade market this Sunday, December 2 for your holiday shopping.

Councilmember Campbell recommended that everyone take advantage of Zoolights in its 25th year ? check out the giant octopus. Campbell also asked us all to make our holiday spending with the local economy in mind; continue to shop local at locally owned businesses.

Deputy Mayor Lonergan thanked to Mike Slevin, Principal Mary Chapman, and others (especially Al the janitor) for their work on Fawcet Elementary School?s pilot program to teach kids the about food waste recycling ? particularly the connection between the little brown bin at your house and the amount of stuff that goes into our landfills.

Councilmember Woodards congratulated everyone at the City who has or will take an early retirement as a part of the City?s budget cutting measures.

ADJOURNMENT

Commenting Is Open

Comments are allowed for two weeks from the posted date. If you have something to say, say it now!

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Source: http://www.exit133.com/7254/tacoma-city-council-meeting-november-27-2012

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U.S. Pushes to Keep Entrepreneur Jobs in the Country

?

The Obama administration's top immigration official is visiting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to unveil an online resource intended to help entrepreneurs navigate their immigration options.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Director Alejandro Mayorkas will unveil so-called "Entrepreneur Pathways" on Wednesday.

It is a key product of "Entrepreneurs in Residence" program that brings in business experts from outside government to look for better ways to apply existing immigration laws. The initiative, launched during a meeting with members of Silicon Valley's startup community in February, seeks to keep foreign-born, high-tech entrepreneurs in the U.S.

The tech industry typically complaint that non-citizens who come to the country often hit immigration obstacles when they try to start companies.

The immigration service says it wants to streamline the immigration process for entrepreneurs to help keep jobs on U.S. soil.

Source: http://www.pddnet.com/news/2012/11/us-pushes-keep-entrepreneur-jobs-country

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Gov. Chris Christie's approval rate soars post-Sandy

If there's anything that Walmart didn't need on Black Friday weekend, it was a jaw-dropping headline about somebody dying in their parking lot after a run-in with a couple of employees. Unfortunately for the big box retailer, that's exactly what happened on early Sunday morning at a store in Lithonia, Georgia.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/chris-christie-approval-soars-post-sandy-152601446--election.html

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The Ugly Duckling House | DIY Home Improvement Blog: Tips for ...

Baseboards may not be the most expensive thing to buy in the molding department, but if you're doing a renovation and are able to save the pieces you remove from the wall intact, your savings can really add up. ?Here are just a few of my tips for salvaging old baseboards:

Removing baseboards

*note: the steps in this section were done while I was in class (which is nicer than coming home after class and still having to do it - thanks Dad!), so I don't have pictures to show. The next time I have to remove them, I'll take these and update the post.

1. If it is difficult to distinguish where the wall ends and the baseboard begins, this usually means that there is caulk in the seam. ?This usually makes things look better than leaving a small gap where the wall and baseboard meet. ?In my case, there was no caulk, so this step was skipped. ?If there is, cut the old caulk where the baseboard meets the wall. ?Be sure to slice downward (between the wall and board) so you don't cut into your drywall. ?This preps the baseboard so that it will more easily separate from the wall in the next step.

2. Use a flat prybar to wedge between the baseboard and wall. ?I own this set and recommend it.?(affiliate link)? Use the large, flat one. ?Try to be gentle, but pry the baseboard away. ?If you can simply remove the baseboard, nails and all, do it. ?Pretty Handy Girl has an excellent visual example if you need one of this (since I don't have the pictures yet!). ?If you can't pry the board off cleanly without splintering the board, try to pry just enough off the wall, then hit the baseboard back onto the wall with a swift blow of a hammer (but not where the nails lie; you'll want space along the wall to create the effect). ?What often happens is the nail will stay more firmly in place, but the hammer's connection to unsupported (no nail) spots on the board will further separate the nails from the wood. ?Often this causes the nail to jut out from the baseboard at this point, so you can use a claw hammer to completely remove the nails and take the baseboard off.

Another baseboard nail removal method

As you can see from the picture below, the original nail holes were never covered when the baseboard was installed, so nail removal was a snap. ?If you pried the baseboard off the wall complete with nails poking out of the board, try the following technique: 1. Flip the board over to expose the nails. ?I found that using a soft surface (like the carpet just before my upstairs hallway - excuse the debris from working in the guest bath!) worked easier since it was more of a cushion.
2. Hit the nail points with a hammer, causing the nails to shift back through the front of the board.
3. Flip the board over again. ?With the claw part of the hammer, pry the rest of the nail out of the wood. ?(If you have a completely unblemished front and do not wish to pull the nail through the front, you can use pliers to pull the nail through on the back side, but I've found this takes a little more muscle sometimes so I'd rather use the front).

Painting baseboards

I highly recommend priming and applying at least the first coat of paint to the baseboards when it is still off the wall. ?It is simply faster and you don't have to tape anything off. ?The pic below is after two coats. ?Don't they look a million times better now?

Re-installation of baseboard trim

The best part about re-using the baseboards is that your cuts are already made (unless you make changes to the width of something that was installed).

1. (Optional - and useful where there are areas that can't be nailed in place, like around my tub). ?Apply construction adhesive to the back of the baseboard in an s-curve fashion. ?Using circular motions will cause air bubbles.

2. The old nail holes might be too weak to use again, so I would recommend finding a new spot to drive a new nail (especially if you're painting it anyway). ?Just a couple nails every eight inches or so (if your molding is like mine, top and bottom in one spot) should do it. ?If you're working around hard surfaces like laminate or tile, be sure not to angle the nail's entry so that it doesn't bounce off the surface (and fly at your face; I've seen it happen). ?Regardless, be sure you use eye protection if you're using a nail gun.

3. If the baseboards do not fit (I had one spot where my new vanity was wider than the old, so installing the old baseboard was about an inch too long), use an oscillating tool or miter saw to cut off the excess. ?Again, this is much easier and cheaper than starting fresh, even if there are a few adjustments to make.

4. When everything is back in place, caulk the top (where the board meets the wall) to keep things clean (no one likes crevices, even tiny ones, where dust can settle) and caulk any seams or nail holes, then touch up with paint.

Prest-o, change-o, cheap-o. ?Use the dollars you saved to buy yourself another tool (or whatever else you like to spend your money on - that's just my choice).

Source: http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/2012/11/tips-for-saving-and-reusing-old.html

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University of Washington lecture, Dec. 5: 'The World War I Christmas Truce'

U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Clay Mountcastle, professor and chair of the University of WashingtonDepartment of Military Science, will discuss the famous World War I Christmas Truce of 1914 in a free lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in Room 120 of Smith Hall on the UW campus. Mountcastle will sort the myth from the reality of the truce with stories and quotes from eyewitnesses. The event is part of the UW's ongoing History Lecture Series. To learn more, contact Mountcastle atmount99@u.washington.edu or?206-543-9010.

Source: http://feeds.soundpublishing.com/~r/bchentertainment/~3/GQnFC3-tfSM/180714761.html

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Inventory Management Startup Stitch Labs Adds Amazon.com Integration, Sellers Can Now Be ?Fulfilled By Amazon?

Stitch Labs wants to be the connective tissue between various online shopping carts and marketplaces, making it easier for small vendors to peddle their wares and manage inventory across them. Today it?s announcing one of its biggest tie-ups to date, as the startup has integrated with Amazon.com, allowing users to sell through the online retailer and to have their goods fulfilled by Amazon.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/Nw49T-Kk_9s/

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The Multi-Platform Workspace

Today's featured workspace belongs to Flickr user Chad Tillekeratne and features multiple platforms. You'll find Windows, OS X, and iOS on his desk. Plus, there's a platform for his feet in addition to the usual desk and chair, providing adding ergonomics to operating system options. And, of course, a dog for good measure.

If you have a workspace of your own to show off, post them to #workspaceshowcase. Make sure any photos you include are at least 640x360. Keeping them to 16:9 helps, too! Include a little text about the stuff you used, how you came up with the design, and any other relevant details. If your clever organization and good design sense catches our eye, you might be the next featured workspace.

My Desk | Flickr

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/z_ulxNRqBCE/the-multi+platform-workspace

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Should I let go? - Relationships, Dating, & Marriage

Q: I have been dating a guy for the past year and he recently called to let me know that he doesn?t think it?s working. A little info about why I feel torn:

This past summer he decided to take a leave of absence from work. There were no discussions (not that it?s my business), but we had been discussing moving in together, etc. I was a bit taken aback by his decision. Long story short, he went back to work, but was eventually let go. I have a little resentment toward him because of that, because he was in a great job and he has a child to consider (again not my child, not my issue) but I figured he would at least discuss it before making such a rash decision without thinking it through.

My own child is special needs and I?ve been dealing with some parenting issues lately that have taken up much of my time. I haven?t really seen the guy (I mean that in every way) in about two months, but we do the daily talks, etc. I get that he missed me and that I wasn?t spending as much time with him as I could have, but I needed to focus on the problem at hand.

I know I could have made an effort in seeing him, but between my issue with my child and thinking this guy did a dumb thing with his job, we just kind of grew apart. We started arguing over the most trivial things. I do love him and I know he loves me.

I still want to be with him and at least work on the issues, but he doesn?t. He doesn?t want a relationship but he wants me to remain ?close friends.? What the heck does that mean?

I?m really torn about this and wanted to ask if I should just consider it a wash and move on. Am I wrong for wanting to at least try?

? Torn, South of Boston

<div with this person, Torn. Please tell him that platonic friendship just isn't an option right now.

My gut tells me that he?s being honest about not wanting a relationship. Sure, he was angry that you disappeared on him, but all of this started when he made a quick (and very important) decision without taking you into consideration. You were just starting to make serious plans together and he went off on his own. You had every right to be upset.

You?re looking for some stability, but he?s just not capable. You mention that his choices (and his child) aren?t your business. It doesn?t sound like you guys were really on a path to a shared life.

My advice is to make your terms clear. You want a partner. If he?s not interested, you?re gone.

It?s time to allow yourself to go look for what you really want.

Readers? Is this a wash? Should he have talked to her about the job? Did she kill this by keeping him away for two months? What happened here? Help.

? Meredith

Source: http://relationships.wark.biz/should-i-let-go/

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Roach-eating contest winner choked to death

Courtesy of Katie Resmondo

Undated photo of Edward Archbold and his fiance, Natasha Proffitt.

By NBC News staff

A man who collapsed after winning a cockroach-eating contest last month at a Florida pet store choked to death, according to a Broward County Medical Examiner report released Monday.

Edward Archbold, 32, of West Palm Beach, and several other contestants signed up to eat a variety of insects at Ben Siegel Reptiles in Deerfield Beach on Oct. 6. After eating dozens of giant cockroaches, Archbold was declared the winner of an ivory-ball python.

Florida man dies after winning cockroach-eating contest

Earlier in the night, he had also entered a superworm-eating contest.

But after winning, Archbold felt sick and started vomiting. He then collapsed in the store and was later pronounced dead. The medical examiner?s office conducted tests to determine the cause of death, which was revealed more than a month later.

According to the report, the death was deemed an accident as a result of "arthropod body parts" blocking Archbold's airways. The autopsy tested negative for toxic substances.

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Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/26/15460502-florida-man-who-died-in-cockroach-eating-contest-choked-to-death-autopsy-says?lite

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The Proper Way To Keep Your Back Pain In Hand | health and ...

Each and every year, doctors all around the globe receive patients that are suffering from back stiffness. The agony has a bearing on areas of the back and also causes agony in surrounding areas,eg arms, legs, hand, and feet. The following piece will give you tips to stop back pain and avoid a doctor visit.

Maintain correct posture to stop back pain. It is important to stand, sit and walk correctly so the muscles and ligaments don't pull your vertebrae out of alignment and cause agony. Your head, neck and back should be correctly aligned properly at all points to help stop any pain.

Placing moist heat on the effected area of your back is likely to help you manage your pain. This technique has been utilized for many years and has proven to be quite helpful in the management of agony suffered in several parts of the body. Use it straight to the skin and the stress should be reduced.

Efficient, back-friendly chairs are critical for avoiding back pain, particularly if you expend a lot of time in a seated position. Confirm your ordinary chair is well-fitted to you and provides the support that your spine wants. Do not forget to pay attention to your sitting posture too , so you get the complete benefit of a labor-saving chair.

If you suffer from issues with the cartilage in your spine, you can avoid pain by avoiding sitting for long periods. Sitting compresses the disks in your spine, because it causes your stomach to press backwards. Try reclining, or using a lumbar cushion if you've got to sit, and take frequent breaks to stand up.

Sleep on your side in order to forestall and alleviate back trouble. Additionally , place a pillow between your knees to help in keeping your backbone in proper alignment. Sleeping on your stomach or back may lead to back pain, but sleeping on your side with knees a little bent is helpful.

If you sit for long periods of time, keep your feet barely elevated on a stool or on a pile of books. Doing this is going to help keep your back aligned properly and keep pressure from creating. Make sure to take breaks, as well and work out those muscles.

Try a massage for back pain. A delicate massage may help to ease back pain, relaxing tight muscles and gets the blood flowing. Even if you can't see a professional masseuse, you can give yourself a mini-massage. Put your hands on your waist, and place your thumbs at either side of the backbone. Press gradually, moving up, down, and around in a small circle. If you find a tender area, pay special attention to it. Work gradually up each side of your spine, an in. at a time. A good option would be to employ a quality massage chair.

In conclusion, doctors worldwide receive patients who suffer from back stiffness each year. Back stiffness starts in the back and travels to other areas of the body, producing a terrible experience. If you remember the tips from this piece, you can prevent back stiffness and stave off a mandatory doctor visit for treatment.

Source: http://healthandfitnessupdates.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-proper-way-to-keep-your-back-pain.html

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Give the gift of premium Web services

10 hrs.

Whitson Gordon, Lifehacker

As you're trying to come up with great gifts for the holidays, software likely isn't the first thing that comes to mind. It can make a great gift for the right person, though, especially when they're not willing to shell out the cash themselves (as so few people are). Here are some of our favorite (and your favorite) premium Web services that not only boost productivity, but dish out a little holiday cheer too.

Note: Most of these are monthly subscriptions, so you can gift them however you like. Giving someone a few months or a year of a service is a great gift that you can tweak for your budget, and leave yourself room for the same gift next year if they really like it.

If a service doesn't offer a gift option, you can always use a prepaid credit card and give it to them for use with the service you're gifting.

SUBSCRIPTIONS?UNDER $5 A MONTH?

A personalized domain name
It?may sound silly for the No.?1 item on our list, but it's the cheapest subscription you can give, costing only $3.99 a year (that's 33 cents a month), and it's something everyone should have. They may not know it, but a personalized domain name can come in extremely handy, and will only get more important as time goes on. They can post their online CV or resume there, redirect it to their Twitter or Facebook page, and further control how the Internet sees you. The quicker you snatch it up before someone else with the same name, the better. We've linked to Namecheap below, since that's your favorite domain registrar, but check out our Hive Five for a few other options.

Crashplan+
If you have a friend who still isn't backing up their data, it's the perfect time to give them the gift of bulletproof backup thanks to Crashplan. Even if they're backing up to an external drive, that isn't good enough???they need something in the cloud so no matter what happens, their backups are always accessible and they don't become another sad story of lost data. Crashplan is our favorite option, being cheap and easy to set up, so get them in the habit now. If you're particularly cheap, RobotTaco notes that you can get a free subscription right now from this page.

LastPass and Xmarks Premium
If you know someone with multiple computers, the gift of synchronization can be a wonderful thing. Give them a combined subscription to LastPass and Xmarks for their passwords, bookmarks, history, open tabs, and everything else so they're able to browse easily from any computer.?

Xmarks is convenient, but LastPass is the most important app here, as it gives you the enhanced security everyone should have???make sure they create good passwords and turn on two-factor authentication, while you're at it, so they don't fall prey to the ever-increasing number of hacks happening nowadays.?

The pro versions give you access to the mobile apps for each service, more secure two-factor authentication with a thumb drive or YubiKey, plus an ad-free experience and priority support. You can buy each service separately, but buying them both together gets you a pretty sweet discount.

Pandora One
Everyone loves Pandora, but no one likes ads interrupting their music. Reader jrod3737recommended a subscription to Pandora One as a gift for just about anyone: it not only ditches the ads, but lets you use the Pandora desktop client, customize your experience with skins, and listen to higher quality audio all day long. You can either buy a month-to-month subscription or grab an entire year for a discounted price.

Evernote Premium
Evernote is still your favorite note-taking application, and it's only gotten better lately. If you know someone that isn't using Evernote yet???particularly if they need some extra organization in their life??a subscription to Evernote Premium is a great way to get them started. A premium subscription gets you more space per month, offline notebooks, collaborative notes, better speed, PDF search, priority support, an ad-free experience, and more. It's the perfect way to take someone's organization from good to awesome with one simple download.

SUBSCRIPTIONS UNDER $10 A MONTH

Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime's combination of two-day shipping and sizable library of streaming TV shows and movies makes a fantastic gift for?...?well, anyone who ever uses Amazon. And if they don't use Amazon, they will once they can buy anything with free two-day shipping. Of course, you could always share your two-day shipping benefits with them, but getting them their own subscription lets them stream movies too, which is always nice???especially if they have a home theater PC or streaming set-top box in their living room.

Netflix and Hulu Plus
For the true TV addict, grab them a subscription to Netflix and/or Hulu Plus so they can watch all their favorite movies and TV shows on demand. Netflix is great for movies and TV shows alike, while Hulu Plus is particularly good for watching current seasons of shows as they air. Both subscriptions let you stream to a set-top box, too, and are the perfect companions for ditching an expensive cable subscription. Grab one or both for your friends and help set them free from the shackles of cable TV.

Spotify Premium
If your friend has truly embraced streaming and switched to Spotify for their music-listening needs, they need a premium subscription.?

Not only will it get rid of the ads (which the cheaper "Unlimited" subscription will also do), but it gives them higher-quality audio and lets them listen on their iPhone or Android phone, truly completing the Spotify experience.

?It may not be ready to replace most people's libraries, but if you know someone whose fallen in love with it, you should help them go all-out with a Premium subscription.?

Alternatively, if you don't like Spotify, you can grab them a subscription to one of the other great music services out there, like Grooveshark or Rdio.

FOR THE BIG SPENDERS: SUBSCRIPTIONS $10 A MONTH AND UP

A VPN for privacy and international browsing
A VPN (virtual private network)?may seem like an ultra geeky gift, but it's something not everyone knows they need, and nobody wants to pay for. However, it can be useful for all sorts of people, but especially good for users looking for an extra bit of privacy (like bittorrent users) or, as reader JeshuaSanmentions, those living internationally (who?want to watch Hulu or listen to Spotify when it isn't available in their country). Every user is different, so hit the link below to see some of the VPNs we recommend.

• Choose a VPN (Subscriptions range from $7.99/month to $38/month)
  

Extra Dropbox space
Dropbox is one of our all-time favorite Web services, and while you can grab a lot of space for free, sometimes you just need to pony up for a premium subscription. A subscription to expanded space can be great for students, video editors with large files, or people that just want to sync their large musicor photo libraries across computers. Alternatively, you can also grab someone one of the cheaper options, like Google Drive, Skydrive, or Box.

A special thanks goes out to everyone who provided suggestions last week! It made putting together these guides a lot easier, and a better fit for you.

More?from Lifehacker:

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/give-gift-premium-web-services-1C7209890

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Health and environmental risk in flame retardants in building insulation

ScienceDaily (Nov. 23, 2012) ? Researchers in the United States are calling for a change to the US building codes, following a study showing that the mandatory flame retardants routinely added to foam insulation are not only harmful to human health and the environment, but also make no difference to the prevention of fire in buildings where a fire-safe thermal barrier already exists. Such a change would bring the US building codes in line with regulations in Sweden and Norway.

The research team, which is drawn from US-based centres of excellence including the University of California and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, conducted a thorough review of fire safety literature since the mid-1970s and conclude that the addition of halogenated organic compounds to plastic insulation materials such as polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane is costly, ineffective and environmentally damaging. Their conclusions are published in the latest issue of the journal Building Research and Information.

Led by internationally renowned fire expert Dr Vytenis Babrauskas of Fire Science & Technology Inc., the research team investigated the impact of the "Steiner Tunnel test," which is used to test the propagation of fire over the surface of all sorts of building materials in the early stages of fire (before flashover point is reached). Their paper suggests that changing the US building codes to exempt foam plastic insulation materials from the test would avoid the use of thousands of tonnes of flame retardants that are known or suspected to be persistent organic pollutants. They conclude:

"Such a change would ? decrease the cost of foam plastic insulation and encourage the use of insulation materials for increasing building energy efficiency and mitigating climate change. The potential for health and ecological harm from the use of flame retardant chemicals would be reduced and the fire safety of buildings would be maintained.

The Steiner Tunnel test, showing the flame being applied to the ceiling, is an inadequate and inappropriate method for testing insulation safety. Photo: IntertekTesting Services Inc.

Their article begins with a review of the development of the US building codes in relation to fire safety, and foam insulation in particular, and explains that foam plastics used for insulation have required a thermal barrier (usually 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) thick gypsum wallboard) since 1976. In addition, chemicals such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) are routinely added in order to meet the requirements of the Steiner Tunnel test. The building codes have never stipulated that chemicals be added to foam plastic insulation, however doing so is the most common way to meet the Steiner test. These additives are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) which do not bind to the insulation material and are known to be released into the environment throughout the life cycle of insulation. The chemicals can persist and accumulate, and have been implicated in thyroid hormone disruption and nervous system development problems and are potentially carcinogenic.

The experts suggest that exempting foam plastic insulation materials from the Steiner Tunnel test would mean there was no longer a need to add these flame retardants.

As well as presenting a detailed analysis of the problems associated with the Steiner Tunnel test, the article reviews the:

? Adequacy of the thermal barrier

? Fire propagation into a cavity constructed in violation of codes

? Behaviour of exposed foam insulation installed in violation of codes.

The article also discusses alternative courses of action, including the possible development of a more accurate test, the use of different flame retardant chemicals and a range of options for mitigating the impact of the flame retardants currently used.

Finally, the article says that such an action would not be without precedent. Flame retardants were once routinely added to children's pajamas, but their use was discontinued in many regions after a range of adverse environmental and health impacts were identified. Dr Babrauskas and his team conclude that, in the light of their evidence, an equivalent volte-face should be implemented in the US building codes as soon as possible. They also recommend a root and branch review of the process of designing fire standards and building codes, in particular to ensure that fire scientists, building code officials and other regulators consider the efficacy, life cycle, health and ecological impacts of building materials.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Taylor & Francis, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Vytenis Babrauskas, Donald Lucas, David Eisenberg, Veena Singla, Michel Dedeo and Arlene Blum. Flame retardants in building insulation: a case for re-evaluating building codes. Building Research and Information, 2012, 40(6), pp 738-755 DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2012.744533

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_health/~3/pfU8paCQF8U/121125192833.htm

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Vivian Norris: A Buddhist Perspective on Nuclear Energy, Weapons and Taking Responsibility

While attending a weekend of meditation, prayer and the dedication of 108 statues of Amitabha, also known as the "Buddha of Buddhas," I had the chance to interview Sungjang Rinpoche. He is both a laughing spirit, yet beautifully focused young man who is recognized as the reincarnation, by the Dalai Lama, of the fourth Ngawang Drakpa, the disciple of Je Tsong Khapa, who founded the school of Dala?-lamas in the 15th century. Sungjang Rinpoche is living in exile at the Tatsang Ling monastery in France, and as more and more Tibetans flee the hardship and suffering in their native land, we are horrified to learn that the number of Tibetan Buddhist monks self-immolating has now reached at least 76 in the past few years. Petitions are circulating to help bring awareness to the horrific destruction of the environment, people and traditions of Tibet.

When I knew I would be interviewing Sungjang Rinpoche, I thought we would focus on Tibet, or Buddhism, but what we ended up talking about surprised me. When I asked him what he felt was the most important thing he could speak about to a wide audience, he replied, "We live in a dangerous time, of nuclear threats." He spoke of how these man-made threats, precisely because they were made by man, could also be stopped by man. And that we each had an important responsibility, not politicians, not governments, but each one of us, to take responsibility for our world. He spoke about Fukushima and how we do not really know how much radiation has already or will in the future rain down on us. Fukushima is still unstable yet we hear very little about it anymore. Sungjand Rinpoche said, "Fukushima releases a lot of radioactivity in the sky and it can fall on America, Alaska, China, Russia and Europe. We should end all nuclear energy because even that can be like a nuclear bomb. It will kill everybody. The main point is in society we have to change the dissatisfaction and selfishness to Love."

He spoke of the Cold War and how even though it is over, unstable nations with nuclear weapons threaten us. I was happily amazed at how he was completely focused on this issue of a nuclear threat which could destroy the planet and cause illnesses. I told him I had written a great deal about Fukushima and that I thought it was being forgotten. He repeated that we were destroying the future for our children, destroying the planet, and bringing about destruction which in Buddhist teachings is usually left to unkind, technologically advanced aliens travelling to Earth to bring about the Shambalic ending of this world.

This plain-speaking young man in his deep red and gold robes, praying with such intent for all of us, a living Buddha in his own right, expressed a deep compassion for the suffering of the entire planet and all of the living beings on it as he spoke of the nuclear threat. Interspersed with his usual child-like laughter, he would sway between a serious frowned brow and an open face smiling and sharing.

I asked him about the series of prayers we had dedicated to those who harm us, the humans who treat us cruelly and whose negative energy attempts to hurt us. We were taught that these people could be our greatest spiritual teachers and that we should in fact thank them. I asked him if the destruction and pollution of this planet could also have a lesson in it. He agreed and once again brought up the nuclear threats all around us. He spoke of the threat to all sentient beings, not just human beings. He spoke of how we need to no longer speak as countries as each country's interests destroys the others. He added, "Think globally. Act globally. We need to be careful not to hurt people. The Lord Buddha said do not destroy others' happiness for your own happiness."

"We are interdependent economically, environmentally, everything is connected. We are all human. We are all the same. We are all world citizens."

I wish to thank Celine Menguy for inviting myself and my daughter to participate during these amazing two days of dedication, initiation and prayer and Sofia Stril-Rever for all of her hard work and devoltion to Buddhism and hosting us at the monastery. My daughter and myself were extremely moved by the two days in the presence of someone who truly is focused on bringing more compassion to this world.

?

Follow Vivian Norris on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vivigive

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vivian-norris-de-montaigu/a-buddhist-perspective_b_2189010.html

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Powerball jackpot builds to $325M for Saturday

File - in this Sept. 27, 2012 file photo, a Powerball promotional check sits on the counter in the Casey's General Store, in Bondurant, Iowa. The jackpot for Powerball?s Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, drawing has climbed to $325 million, the fourth-largest in the game?s history. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

File - in this Sept. 27, 2012 file photo, a Powerball promotional check sits on the counter in the Casey's General Store, in Bondurant, Iowa. The jackpot for Powerball?s Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, drawing has climbed to $325 million, the fourth-largest in the game?s history. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) ? The jackpot for Powerball's Saturday drawing has climbed to $325 million, the fourth-largest in the game's history.

A single winner's cash payout would be nearly $213 million before taxes.

Powerball organizers say this is the first run-up to a large jackpot that's fallen over a major holiday. They're unsure whether Thanksgiving and Black Friday will help or hinder sales.

Powerball jackpots have increased more rapidly since the game's organizers doubled the ticket price to $2 in January. An Iowa couple won $202 million in a Sept. 26 drawing, and an anonymous winner in Delaware got $50 million prize the next week.

Roxie Breece, assistant manager at a Cenex convenience store in Ogallala, Neb., says far more Powerball tickets than usual have been sold over the past week.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-11-23-Powerball%20Jackpot/id-63754147a582422fa7b1f1bc61edfef4

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Jose Luis Borau, Spanish Filmmaker, dies at 83

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Influential Spanish filmmaker Jose Luis Borau died Friday in Madrid, the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences said. He was 83.

Borau had reportedly been suffering from throat cancer.

Though Borau, who was born in Zaragoza in 1929, only made a handful of films since his 1960 directorial debut "En el Rio," his talents were widely respected, and he received a Goya award for Best Director in 2000 for his final film, "Leo."

Borau was also a screenwriter and producer, and acted in some of his films. According to the Academy, his other pursuits included editing the first published biography of director-producer Samuel Bronston and short-story writing. He also "dabbled in advertising," the Academy said.

Borau was probably best known for his 1975 drama "Furtivos" ("Poachers"), a film whose success, he later said, made him "a little sad."

"Nobody is bitter sweet, but I'm a little sad," the filmmaker once said. "My scale is a bit like what happened to Orson Welles, who made great films after 'Citizen Kane,' but just remember that title. "

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/jose-luis-borau-spanish-filmmaker-dies-83-011238702.html

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95% The Sessions

All Critics (143) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (136) | Rotten (7)

A funny, tender and mostly unsentimentalized movie about physical and emotional triumph.

Forced to do all his acting with his face, Hawkes displays the kind of camera-arresting capability that has earned others Oscar nominations.

This is a crowd-pleaser of the finest sort.

Using only his tilted head, his eyes, nose, and mouth and that quizzical voice, Hawkes brings O'Brien to life.

It's funny and well-meaning, with great performances, but the story plays out more like an Afterschool Special with full-frontal nudity.

Raw, unrestrained and sympathetic without giving in to melodrama, 'The Sessions' is about a man facing a physical challenge who decides he wants to become intimate with a woman.

An intelligent, funny, insightful film that offers a frank examination of sex. It's not prurient or titillating, just truthful.

A remarkable actor, John Hawkes, gives a remarkable performance as a remarkable character.

Surprisingly funny and touching.

Presents the sensitive O'Brien as a brave, funny, unselfish and unlikely romantic-fantasy dream hero for disappointed, weary or jaded older female moviegoers.

The uplifting struggle for living a life of dignity for paralyzed from the neck down polio victim Mark O'Brien.

The sex scenes are frank and explicit, but never cheap and exploitative. (Yes, they get naked. Grow up.) The nudity isn't airbrushed pin-up perfection, but raw and real - and all the more lovely and moving because of it.

Taking the good with the bad, this isn't a terrible movie, though it is being rather overhyped. I found myself laughing a lot and enjoying the transformations the actors go through, but an unengaging story only serves to drag it down.

A film, inspired by the life of the late poet-journalist Mark O'Brien, that celebrates the relationship between physical and emotional intimacy.

Not just another weepy drama of overcoming odds, a My Left Foot with a different appendage. The Sessions is often brazenly funny, not from shocking dialogue but characters reacting the way people do, especially with such a flustering subject as sex.

an unusually frank and frequently humorous meditation on the transformative power of connection

Take away the nudity and the frank sex talk and you'd pretty much be left with a high-minded TV movie -- with unusually good actors.

Hunt's tangible disregard for false modesty does justice to the misunderstood surrogacy profession, while Hawkes' committed yet matter-of-fact portrayal of O'Brien masterfully avoids theatricality or sappy heartstring tugging.

Lewin has never had talent like Hawkes, Hunt, and Macy as his instruments before, and he makes the best of them.

Popular sex therapist Dr. Ruth once said that sexual surrogates are "illegal." The Sessions makes them mainstream.

An adult film that approaches the serious subject of sex with refreshingly explicit honesty.

The honest performances and assured direction makes The Sessions an extremely accomplished film that celebrates sexuality.

John Hawkes and Helen Hunt generate an endearing chemistry, here, turning in a couple of virtuoso performances deserving of serious consideration come Oscar season.

Writer-director Ben Lewin has made the decision to position the film somewhere between the comedic and dramatic genres.... and it works.

Australian veteran writer/director Ben Lewin (The Dunera Boys) delivers a heartfelt gem that is as moving as it is unassuming. It easily chimes in as one of the films of the year.

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sessions/

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Brazil Gold Reserves In Fixed Term Gold Deposits With Bullion ...

Today?s AM fix was USD 1,734.75, EUR 1,345.39, and GBP 1,088.37 per ounce.
Yesterday?s AM fix was USD 1,729.75, EUR 1,344.23, and GBP 1,084.35 per ounce.

?

Silver is trading at $33.43/oz, ?26.02/oz and ?21.07/oz. Platinum is trading at $1,583.00/oz, palladium at $654.70/oz and rhodium at $1,040/oz.

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Cross Currency Table - (Bloomberg)

?

Yesterday New York was closed for the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Today trading finishes at noon. With very little data today, trading is expected to be relatively quiet ahead of the weekend after yesterday's Thanksgiving holiday.

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Gold inched up on Friday, set for its 2nd week of gains, as the euro strengthened on news of advancement in Greece?s bailout talks while the looming US fiscal cliff continues to support bullion.

?

Stock markets are down a touch and oil prices are edging lower due to the ceasefire in the Gaza strip and demand destruction concerns.

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Greece's lenders have finalized new means to trim its debt burden but still need to fill a $12.9 billion gap to receive the approval of the IMF said a senior Greek official.

?

Central bank buying, the US fiscal cliff and continuous loose money policies from nations around the globe all cement the yellow metal?s appeal as a hedge against inflation.

?

Gold is nearing some key chart levels and these were commented upon by UBS this morning and noted by Reuters.

?

?Gold is just a few dollars shy of its 50-day moving average sitting at $1741, and more importantly, a key technical level lurking at $1739.10," it said.

?

"Our technical strategist notes that a break above this level, which is the month?s high, would be a crucial bullish development that would open up $1748.95, the 62% retracement of the October/November sell-off ahead of $1794.80, the October high."

?

"The yellow metal seems on the verge of a break higher," the bullion bank added. "But with trading for what?s left of the week expected to extend yesterday?s quiet $5-range, market participants may have to wait until after the weekend to see some action. The advantage of this is that investors still have the day ahead to position for what may be an exciting week in store for them."

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Currency Ranked Returns G10 & Precious Metals in Brazilian Real ? (Bloomberg)

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The IMF reported Wednesday that the Banco Central do Brasil has increased its gold holdings for the second straight month, to the highest level in 11 years, as Latin America?s biggest economy looks to diversify its vast international reserves.

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Brazil?s aggressive efforts to weaken its currency by buying dollars ? about $132 billion since the beginning of 2008 ? have left the country with the sixth biggest international reserves in the world, about 80% of which is denominated in the US currency.

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However, recent turmoil in currency markets and concerns over the global financial crisis and fiat currencies in general has given Brazil?s authorities even more reason to diversify their holdings.

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It has frequently stated its intention to diversify assets and reduce its exposure to currency risk.

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Recent sharp weakness in Brazil?s real (see table) and systemic risks are leading central banks, including the BCB to diversify into gold.

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Brazil raised its gold holdings by 17.2 tonnes in October to 52.5 tonnes, the highest level since January 2001. The move comes on the back of Brazil?s 1.7 tonne increase in September, the country?s first significant gold purchase in a decade.

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In December last year, 83.5% cent of the central bank?s $352 billion reserves was held in increasingly risky government bonds, 15.6% was in other bonds and bank deposits while only 0.8% of reserves was held in other asset classes such as gold.

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In its international reserves report in June, the central bank said the recent surge in reserves had allowed the country to hedge its external liabilities, allowing it to now ?seek a greater diversification of international reserves.?

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However, there are concerns that the increase in the Brazilian central bank gold holdings' and tonnage are not all that they seem. It appears that the central bank in Brazil has not actually bought London Good Delivery bullion bars but rather fixed term gold deposits with bullion banks.

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Recently, the Brazilian central bank was asked about their gold reserves and about a section on gold on their website under 'Official Reserve Assets' lists gold as "gold (including gold deposit and, if appropriate, gold swapped)" with a footnote of "Includes available stock of financial gold plus time deposits."

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Although Brazil?s central bank declined to comment on the reason behind its recent return to gold purchases, the Banco Central do Brasil confirmed that the gold included in Reserve Assets comprises fixed term gold deposits at commercial banks only.

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XAU/BRL Exchange Rate, Monthly ? (Bloomberg)

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Therefore, rather than being outright owners of their national patrimony either in their own vaults in Brazil or in the vaults of other central banks, some of the Brazilian gold reserves may be a claim on gold deposits held with bullion banks .

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This would be unusual and poses increased counter party risk for the Banco Central do Brasil and the Brazilian currency reserves.

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Source: http://www.24hgold.com/english/news-gold-silver-brazil-gold-reserves-in-fixed-term-gold-deposits-with-bullion-banks.aspx?article=4138028714G10020&redirect=false&contributor=Mark+O'Byrne

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