South Australian election candidate dies A candidate for the South Australian election has died. Read more on thewest.com.au

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This is a quote from the Wall Street Journal in September 2009: “A recent study reported that 52% of working French don’t sleep well on Sunday night. But work-related stress is not a French disease, and is ubiquitous and severe in all developed economies. In the U.K. and U.S. 70% of employees don’t sleep well on Sunday night either.”

That means probably about 19 302 500 French workers, 98 413 700 Americans and 21 700 000 British people spent their Sunday nights tossing and turning in September of 2009, instead of getting a good night’s sleep.

Was September 2009 a bad month? No. Did these people have a restless night because they were really looking forward to going to work on Monday morning? I am sure some of them did, but that would probably be a fraction of a percentage of the number.

Why would people have a good weekend and then have a restless night before returning to work?

Over weekends we tend to do the things that please us. We do what makes us happy. We relax and enjoy time with friends and family. Even when the weekend is busy, we are often busy with things that give us a purpose in life, such as carting our children around to various activities, or shopping for stuff that add quality to our lives.

When we return to work, we do the things that please others. If those activities please us as well, then we are very fortunate. When you work for an employer, what it really means is that you put your own dreams on hold and use your energy to create another person’s dream.

Providing energy to another person is hard work. Any parent can tell you how exhausting it is to raise children. Commuters are prone to dis-ease, not just because of the higher risk of contracting dis-ease. Commuters share their energy with fellow commuters. Some people are very skilled at getting their energy from others. Often we are not even aware that we give energy to other people, and the takers are not necessarily aware that they are taking energy from others rather than generating their own energy.

Of course we all have experiences where we recognize these energy-takers. Have you ever said that having a relationship or a friendship with someone is “hard work”?

Do you feel exhausted after having spent time with some people? When you do, you tend to think the reason for the exhaustion is that you have focused hard on a task. You do not recognise that the person you have worked with is an energy-taker.

People who have a sleepless Sunday night, often exchange energy with others in a way that leaves them exhausted.

On the other hand, look at people who live their passion and their life purpose. They can go without sleep. They work twice as hard as others, and there is no-one looking over their shoulders to check the quality of their work, which is always top-class.

Truly creative people who live their passion do not easily get tired. They constantly create energy and they keep that stream of creativity flowing. They are not easily distracted.

They also have another secret. They know how to protect their own energy. They know how to not allow the energy-takers to drain them. Sometimes they are regarded as ruthless because they know how to cut people out of their lives.

Does this ability to leave others behind make them bad or selfish people?

If you read the biographies of energy-generators, you will realize that they inevitably make a difference to this world. They are inventors and entertainers. They run successful enterprises and make an impact on their environment. They have world-class sports performances. In fact, there is a reason who a biography is written about each one of them.

We may say that some of those people have not had any achievements that justify a biography. What can a celebrity whose claim to fame is some physical attraction contribute to justify a biography? If we measure their success in terms of changing the world, they can probably not contribute that much. But if their lives inspire others to reach for their dreams, however big or small those dreams are, then they set an example.

If you are an energy-creator, do you know how to protect yourself from the energy-takers? Could it be that you lie awake on a Sunday night because you are employed by an energy-taker?

If you are an energy-taker, how about learning to generate your own energy? You will be pleasantly surprised when you start to listen to your heart. Live your life as if today is your very last chance to achieve your ambitions. You might even get a good night’s sleep on a Sunday night!

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melissaacid’s quickcapture Video – March 19, 2009, 03:04 PM

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Love-struck Rihanna see Matt’s family RIHANNA’S obviously head-over-heels with new boyfriend Matt Kemp flying in to meet his family for the first time at an event very close to their hearts. Read more on Daily Telegraph

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My 21st birthday is coming up in a few months and I always say that when I turned 21 I would get a tattoo that represented my father who passed away when I was 3. I dont have any memories of him only pictures but not a day goes by that I dont miss him. My uncle who i was VERY close to also passed away when I was in 5th grade.

Any ideas on what to get? I dont want names on me. Something more symbolic for both of them.

Thank you!
My uncle was a DJ and LOVED music. My dad also liked music but I dont think as much as my uncle. He was killed bc he wanted a better life for me & the path he was on wasn’t going to be safe. My mother doesnt talk about him anymore (she remarried). I was his little girl from what I was told. I look just like him (lol well if he had a sister)
Image taken on 2008-03-16 11:32:27 by UltraCore.

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Simons B-day at Verano in Santa Barbara

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Silicon Bands

Silicon bands are made from a semi-inorganic polymer that is durable, flexible, and water resistant. This component called silicone is used to create a wide range of products including all kinds of silicon bands. These silicon bands are special for birthday parties because there is an item that guests will remember for longer. Parents usually order silicon bands for celebrating their child’s first birthday.

Moreover, all fifteen year old girls will enjoy using personalized silicon bands by the way it brings a special touch to the party. In this respect, you can use these silicon bands to remember the good times lived throughout the year or even a decade! This use will open the people’s minds to remember adventures like family celebrations and growing up. Graduate silicon bands are also a good option to celebrate and remember those special moments in people’s lives.

The implementation of silicon bands can be used to show your gratitude to your guests. You can find them in a wide range of colors and sizes so that there is always one for each visitor. Birthday parties are perfect to give out silicon bands. Celebrations such as 21st, 30th, 50th anniversaries will never be forgotten since silicon bands work as a reminder of these special occasions.

silicon bands are made of 100% silicone, which means that they are durable, adjustable, secure, non transferable (if required), and never lose their original color. Party silicon bands are an excellent option for entrance admission, security, drinking restrictions, age verification, tickets, etc. show your gratitude to your friends, relatives, guests, clients, by giving them customized silicon bands. You can order them for Valentine’s Day, carnivals, village festivals, and bloc parties. Do not hesitate to implement silicon bands in these kinds of celebrations. silicon bands are attractive to the eye because they are available in any color.

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Last night in Boston’s Beacon hill, my girlfriend’s best friend, Melissa, had her 21st birthday party at her apartment. I am on probation for 1 year for a continuence w/o a finding assault and battery for pushing my mother. I am to stay drug/alc. free, which I have to the point of not getting caught (I drink sometimes).

While my girlfriend Katie was getting sick in the bathroom, Melissa’s roommates boyfriend Craig, decides to tell everyone that “the girl in the bathroom has to leave”. However, she did not leave because Katie was invited by Melissa who pays rent and Craig does not. Everyone told Craig he was crazy for thinking he can order Katie to leave, especially me who said that he was out of line.

Then, all of a sudden, he starts coming quickly towards me with a look in his eyes as if he is going to attack me and he had his fists raised. Before he could make the first move, I pushed him away from me. I would have ran, however the apartment was too small and I felt the only way to assure my safety was to push him. Then he runs towards me and he grabs my shoulders and before I can react, Craig’s friend Charlie who was not involved punched me 1-3 times in the face.

The first punch broke my nose (as x-rays have now confirmed) while 2 other punches possibly were thrown when I was seeing stars due to 2 black eyes on top of my nose being broken. A friend of mine quickly restrained Charlie while Craig was held back on the other side of the room.

As I screamed at Craig that this was all his fault that my nose was now bleeding badly and lot’s of people were upset he came at me again. This time there were so many people near me, and I didnt know who could possibly hit me. So, I punch him in his face. My reason being is that I felt I had to make sure he would not hurt me for a few seconds while I made sure the people around me did not hurt me. Again we are split up and I announce that I am leaving because I do not want anymore trouble. My girlfriend, friends, and I leave to go to another apartment to take care of my face.

Here are the pros and cons to trying to get money from him:

Pros:

Not only is my nose broken, but I have pictures in the apartment of blood on the floor and pictures of my fucked up face and x-rays showing a broken.

I feel as if it was a dramatic experience and I could use therapy for a few weeks.

Charlie hit me, breaking my nose, without me doing anything to him specificly.

Many eye-witnesses can confirm these events.

Cons:

I pushed him first and I am worried if I went to court I could lose it because of that. Although I did only push him because it was impossible to run away and he came at me with his fists raised.

Alcohol was present at the party and I am not suposed to be around alcohol. Now one small question is that if I do bring Craig and Charlie to court should I do it after I get off probation because I’m not suposed to be around alcohol?

Can and what should I do to get first Money and then also or justice?
Image taken on 2008-03-16 11:32:23 by UltraCore.

Technorati Tags: assaulted, justice, Money, Want

Q What is the ideal depth for a koi pond?

A In my experience of over 25 years, 4 to 5 feet is ideal. You need a minimum of 3 feet for koi fish for several reasons. Safety for fish from wading cranes they can not wade in 3 feet of water. Plus the water temperature in shallow ponds fluctuates too much with the changes in ambient temperature. The greater the volume of water, the longer it takes for the temperature to change. Warm water or fluctuating temperatures are unhealthy for fish.

Q What is the ideal size for a pond?

A The ideal size would be determined by the size of your yard. Its size should be proportional to the size of the yard. Also, the larger the pond, the greater the maintenance.

Q What is your opinion on using a liner to construct a pond rather than using a hard molded or concrete one.

A My recommendation is and always has been to use concrete. However, if you are on a tight budget or do not plan on living there for an extended period time, a liner would be recommended. In this case, you would have to add a thin layer of mortar between the liner and soil to prevent tree roots, ground squirrels, rats, mice, gophers or chipmunks from compromising the liner. The hard molded, preformed plastic ponds become brittle from the sun’s UV rays in just a couple of years. No good!

Q What type of pond filter do you recommend?

A That cannot be answered simply because many factors are involved. Do you have an existing pond with a submersible pump or above-ground pump? What’s the volume of the pond? Do you have fish, and if so, how many? What size plumbing pipe is being used? This is so involved, I have devoted an entire chapter in my construction manual to the subject. I have an 8000 gallon pond with above-ground pump and I use a pressurized biological bead filter. It takes 2 minutes to back flush with the turn of a handle and keeps my pond crystal clear.

Q I have tons of algae hanging from the rocks in my falls and growing in clumps in my hand. What can I do to get rid of it?

A When the first Polynesians settled in Hawaii between 300 and 600 AD, they were probably very annoyed by the aggressive, wild, pervasive taro plant, just like you are your algae. They tried to chop it down, burn it, stomp it, but to no avail. It just came back, so they eat it, and still do to this day. In fact, it’s a staple like peanut butter is to some Americans. Just kidding! However, if you told me it was watercress I would suggest eating it. Many pond stores will try to sell you a very expensive algaecide to solve your problem, but all you need to do is increase the salt content of your water. Some experts recommend one pound of rock salt to every 100 gallons of water. This will not hurt your fish; in fact, it will help to produce a healthy shine coat. However, it will harm most of your plants if you apply that dose all at once. Plus the dead and decaying algae will deplete the oxygen and this will harm your fish. Apply it slowly over a week or two, and be patient. It takes longer to kill it this way, but your fish will appreciate it! This topic is also a chapter in my construction manual.

Q Should I keep salt in my pond on a regular basis?

A If you maintain a specific gravity of 1.000, your fish will be less susceptible to ulcer and fin rot. And you will keep the algae from getting out of control.

Q I am considering building a waterfall between my house and my neighbor’s against the fence. Will the sound of the falls annoy them if I let it run 24 hours a day?

A The sound generated by a waterfall is called white noise, which is very relaxing and soothing, not annoying. I have several hundred clients who leave their falls running 24/7 and none have ever had a neighbor complain. In fact, they all appreciate the fact that they did not have to spend the money to enjoy the sound.

Q How many koi fish can I put in my pond?

A The amount could range from 150 to 250 gallons per fish. If you are starting out with small 6″ to 8″ long koi, they can reach 2 feet in three years, depending on how much food and how often you feed them. They could even grow to over 3 feet long! The overcrowding of fish produces stress and a lot of waste material. It can reduce the health of the fish and result in various diseases. Also, a less crowded pond is more pleasant to look at.

Q Do I really need a filter in my pond?

A Not in every case. If your pond is small and you have any guppies or mosquito fish and adequate water plants covering 1/3 to ´ of your pond, your pond will clean itself by means of the nitrogen cycle. The biological aspects of pond chemistry is well covered in my waterfall and construction manual.

Q How long do koi fish live?

A The average life span of koi in Japan is 70 years. Some have been known to live to 100 or more, such as the legendary Hanako, alleged to have lived for over 200 years. Unlike the amazing results of the meticulous care the Japanese give their koi, American koi live a fraction of that time, usually due to neglect and lack of care or proper environment.

Q How can I protect my koi against predators?

A Unfortunately, most people that come to me are frustrated people who already have a pond or a rather poorly planned pond. If your pond is shallow, less than 3 feet, or has a shallow end, the raccoons, coyotes, cranes, egrets, etc. have easy access to your fish. You may think your fish are safe because you have a deep end for the fish to retreat to. Well, you and your fish are dead wrong. A crane will stand perfectly still for 10 to 20 minutes waiting for the koi to forget he is there. Some will regurgitate chum into the deep pond, luring the fish to the surface. Your only solution is a net, or try the crane statue, scarecrow, or high-frequency sound emitters for smaller animals. However, one of my clients watched a crane land next to his crane statue. While the scarecrow was pelting him with a stream of water, it snatched up one of their prize koi.

A critter-proof pond is over 3 feet everywhere and has a raised deck 13″ minimum over the water surrounding the pond. Raccoons cannot swim and catch fish at the same time, and they or the birds will not be able to reach the water.

Q I would like to have a koi pond but I live in Michigan and every year ponds and lakes freeze over. Will they survive?

A There are fish in those lakes you are talking about: blue gill, bass, sunfish, carp, and they all survive. And guess what? Koi are in the carp family. Koi were originally raised for food in Japan. They would grow rice in the summer and then flood the rice patties and raise koi in the winter, cutting holes in the ice to catch them for food. However, your pond must be 4 ´ to 6 feet deep to ensure the water stays about 40 o the bottom. Turn off the waterfall and bottom drain, draw water from the skimmer to keep the bottom still. Place swimming pool solar blankets over the surface. If your pond is deep enough, you can let it freeze over. However, you need to install a horse tank heater to keep a hole open in the ice to allow any ammonia gas from rotting debris on the bottom to escape. If your pond is less than 4 ´ feet deep, take the koi indoors for the winter and place them in a garage or basement tank.

Q Can I keep koi and goldfish together?

A Yes, you can. They are both cold water fish and members of the carp family. Most other cold water fish can also swim together, such as shubunkins, rudd, orfe, blue gill, mosquito fish, guppies, sunfish, bass, etc. However, only in deeper ponds where the mean temperature is 65 degrees or less on the bottom for bass, sunfish and blue gill.

Q Should my pond have a bottom drain?

A First of all, a bottom drain is essential for a healthy pond. However, if it is exposed and the suction is strong enough, turtles or fish can get stuck to it and not be able to get loose. Therefore, two drains should be hooked in series to relieve the pressure between them, just as in a swimming pool. Bottom drains draw falling waste from the fish before it reaches the bottom, keeping it clean. Areas where it does build up can be swept to the drains for easy cleaning. If you are using a submersible pump or pulling the water from a skimmer, water is not circulating properly on the bottom of the pond. That is where rotting debris is producing ammonia and other toxic gases.

Q My pond water is very clear, but my fish are dying. What is wrong?

A Drinking water might taste good, smell good, and look clear. But some of the most toxic chemicals that are known to cause cancer are colorless, odorless and tasteless. I recommend that you purchase a test kit form a pond store and check your water regularly. Nitrates, nitrite and ammonia are all detrimental to fish. Ammonia and nitrite can, at high levels, be fatal to fish. These substances are dissolved in the water and consequently are impossible to detect by the clarity of the water and they can break down the fishes’ immune system.

Q What type of filter do you recommend?

A For any pond over 1000 gallons, I recommend a pressurized biological bead filter that can be back washed. I have used Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II filters for years. Most larger pond suppliers carry them. Their filters range from 1000 gallons to 10,000 gallons. Up-flow and gravity flow filters require regular cleaning, which is a filthy job. The filter media is packed with stinky, putrid fish waste and decaying pond scum. As you handle the filter screens, media, scrubbers, etc., you will have little white feces-eating worms that are 1/16″ long crawling on your hands and arms. Not to mention the noxious smell that burns your eyes and lungs.

It cost pennies on the dollar to make, yet dealers charge a fortune. You pay the price for the filter and in the time it takes to maintain it you pay an additional cost for your time maintaining it. With a pressurized filter, it only takes the turn of a handle for 2 to 3 minutes and the filter is clean. The waste water is not wasted either. You can water your plants with it using the discharge hose. If you can imagine, that brown, colored, stinky water is packed with nitrogen. It’s better than Miracle Grow T.M. I have used my 6000 gallon Ultima II for over eight years and it works as well now as they day it was installed. Happy, happy fish!

Q How much does an average pond cost?

A What is average? It depends on whether you are talking about a liner pond or a professional concrete and rebar pond. A typical liner pond can be 6 feet by 8 feet, and depending on who is installing it, could cost between $2,500 and $3,500. The other dimensions are pretty much proportionate. Liner ponds are susceptible to leaks from punctures, gophers, and rats, etc. Concrete ponds last for decades and on the average cost only 20% more than liner ponds.

Q My pond is green and I can not see my fish. What should I do?

A Your challenge is algae (suspended planktonic algae), which does not directly hurt the fish. However, algae gives off oxygen during the day from photosynthesis. But unfortunately, it uses up oxygen at night. In addition, it is unsightly and blocks the view of the fish. You can increase the salt content or install an ultraviolet light, which not only kills spore algae but kills the bacteria that causes the water to become murky and stinky.

Q I heard that UV light will also kill the beneficial bacteria. Is that true?

A If I say “No,” I am calling many so-called professional experts liars. So I will put it this way. All the beneficial pond bacteria such as aerobic or anaerobic bacteria, nitrobacter, etc., reside in the filter or in the decaying debris at the bottom of the pond. They aren’t floating around in the pond. Bacteria and algae containing pathogenic disease are, and as they pass through the UV light, they are eradicated.

Q Do I need a waterfall for my pond?

A With no hesitation, YES! Most definitely. First of all, waterfalls are beautiful to look at. The sound is soothing and relaxing and the water moving over rocks generates negative ions which are added to the air. As you breathe negatively charged air, it relieves stress and anxiety. Waterfalls also add extra oxygen to the pond. Waterfalls are a must!

Q I heard concrete ponds will leach alkali into the pond. Is that true?

A Yes and no. A poorly constructed concrete pond will, but only until algae starts growing on the sides. Also if the pond is constructed of 3500 psi concrete and coated with Thoro-seal T.M., it is impossible for alkali to leach out. Plus, if you use Doug Hoover’s secret mortar mix formula, the mortar in the waterfall between the rock will not leach either.

Q What is the advantage of building a waterfall using concrete and mortar?

A A major reason is that the rock will be securely mortared in place, preventing a serious accident from rocks sliding, as with a liner waterfall. Trust me, some day, some adventurous child will climb onto it. That is a lawsuit in the making.

Happy koi, peace & joy.

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Community Calendar A book discussion of Shadow Divers will be held at 1 and 7:30 p.m. March 11. Author Robert Kurson will visit to talk about the book at 7:30 p.m. March 18. Both events will be held at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave. Call 630) 279-8696. Read more on The Doings Clarendon Hills

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