Where can I still play poker as a US Resident?
Companies that have stated that it is Business as Usual and they will still allow US players.
Full Tilt Poker
Poker.com
Absolute Poker
Companies that are still accepting US Players but have not stated their long term position yet
PokerStars
Poker Room
Paradise Poker
Companies that have stated they will no longer be accepting transactions with US players.
Party Poker
Pacific Poker / 888.com
Titan Poker
Noble Poker
This is Outrageous – What can I do about it?
Everybody in the poker world agrees with you and the only way to fight this is to have your voice heard.
Make sure that your local media are covering the Act and the massive effect it is having not just on the US but also on the rest of the world. Also ensure that they are covering the underhand way that the Act was passed by attaching it to the back of an irrelevant act. If they are not covering it then Phone / Fax / Email / Write to them to ensure they know people want this story to be covered.
You can forward them to this press release which has been released on the subject Poker Ban.
If you are in the US - you can also make sure that your senator knows of your objection to this act and that it will be affecting the way you vote in the upcoming elections.
For other co-ordinated efforts then take a look at the Poker Players Alliance which is a non-profit organisation fighting for the rights of Poker Players. We strongly suggest that you become a member of the Poker Players Alliance and support their fight against this Act.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Washington Judge Rejects Bid to Overturn Online Poker and Gambling Ban
In a closely watched case that could have significant consequences for the online gaming industry, a King County judge on Thursday upheld a Washington state statute that outlaws Internet gambling. But Lee Rousso, the attorney who brought the case seeking to have the law overturned, has vowed to continue the fight. He promised an appeal saying he will take his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
The 2006 statute at the heart of the case was an amendment to the 1973 Washington Gambling Act, which had previously only banned the "receipt or transmission of gambling information" through such means as the radio, phone and telegraph. The amendment broadened the law to include the Internet. The amendment also upgraded a violation of the law from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, and made violations of the law subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Rousso, the Washington State Director of the Poker Players Alliance, filed a lawsuit on July 1, 2007, seeking to have the amendment declared unconstitutional. Rousso contended that the new law discriminated against interstate businesses and, thus, violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. He argued that the law was enacted to benefit the state's brick-and-mortar casinos and card rooms, at the expense of Internet gambling companies, noting that the law arose from a bill sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, whose district contains the benefited casinos and card rooms. State Assistant Attorney General Bruce Marvin countered that Congress gave to the states primary authority over their own criminal laws and that Washington's law bans online gambling regardless of whether a company operates in or out of state.
On May 16, 2008, State Court Judge Mary Roberts dismissed Rousso's complaint, finding that Rousso had not proven that the state law unfairly protected gaming interests inside the state at the expense of interests outside the state. She also stated that the state's historically strict prohibition on gambling influenced her ruling. However, Rousso countered that the law was hypocritical and blatantly discriminatory. "The state loves gambling, it's a gigantic business. It's just the state protecting its turf."
Rousso, who earlier this year aborted his plans to run for governor of Washington, spoke after the ruling to his supporters gathered outside the courthouse and urged them to lobby politicians to change the law. He encouraged them "to continue to fight the good fight." Rousso added: "We are going to win this battle. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday soon."
Among those outside the Kent county courthouse supporting Rousso's lawsuit were poker pros Andy Bloch and Barry Greenstein. Greenstein argued against the state ban, saying, "the politicians are dictating what you can do in the privacy of your own home. Makes it look like a pretty backward place."
Washington state Gambling Commission spokeswoman Susan Arland disagrees. She said the law is meant to protect the public from the risk of playing on unregulated sites. "You don't know who's behind that screen. You don't know if the games are fair or honest. You don't know if you get paid your winnings."
Supporters of online poker see it differently. As the bright red t-shirts they wore at the post-decision courthouse rally stated, "Poker is not a crime."
The 2006 statute at the heart of the case was an amendment to the 1973 Washington Gambling Act, which had previously only banned the "receipt or transmission of gambling information" through such means as the radio, phone and telegraph. The amendment broadened the law to include the Internet. The amendment also upgraded a violation of the law from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, and made violations of the law subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Rousso, the Washington State Director of the Poker Players Alliance, filed a lawsuit on July 1, 2007, seeking to have the amendment declared unconstitutional. Rousso contended that the new law discriminated against interstate businesses and, thus, violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. He argued that the law was enacted to benefit the state's brick-and-mortar casinos and card rooms, at the expense of Internet gambling companies, noting that the law arose from a bill sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, whose district contains the benefited casinos and card rooms. State Assistant Attorney General Bruce Marvin countered that Congress gave to the states primary authority over their own criminal laws and that Washington's law bans online gambling regardless of whether a company operates in or out of state.
On May 16, 2008, State Court Judge Mary Roberts dismissed Rousso's complaint, finding that Rousso had not proven that the state law unfairly protected gaming interests inside the state at the expense of interests outside the state. She also stated that the state's historically strict prohibition on gambling influenced her ruling. However, Rousso countered that the law was hypocritical and blatantly discriminatory. "The state loves gambling, it's a gigantic business. It's just the state protecting its turf."
Rousso, who earlier this year aborted his plans to run for governor of Washington, spoke after the ruling to his supporters gathered outside the courthouse and urged them to lobby politicians to change the law. He encouraged them "to continue to fight the good fight." Rousso added: "We are going to win this battle. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday soon."
Among those outside the Kent county courthouse supporting Rousso's lawsuit were poker pros Andy Bloch and Barry Greenstein. Greenstein argued against the state ban, saying, "the politicians are dictating what you can do in the privacy of your own home. Makes it look like a pretty backward place."
Washington state Gambling Commission spokeswoman Susan Arland disagrees. She said the law is meant to protect the public from the risk of playing on unregulated sites. "You don't know who's behind that screen. You don't know if the games are fair or honest. You don't know if you get paid your winnings."
Supporters of online poker see it differently. As the bright red t-shirts they wore at the post-decision courthouse rally stated, "Poker is not a crime."
Saturday, May 24, 2008
diesel and gasoline prices
Release Schedule: The diesel and gasoline prices will be published on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 by 5:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) due to the closure of the Federal government on Monday, May 26. The data will still represent Monday's price.
Retail Gasoline Prices
24-hour hotline: 202-586-6966
Retail Gasoline Prices
24-hour hotline: 202-586-6966
Gas
Hello,
I'm curious, how are the new gas prices affecting your life these days? Gas is almost $4 per gallon where I live.
That's insane!
Less than a decade ago, you could still fill up your tank for $10, I can't even drive across town for $10 anymore.
But what if I were to tell you that there's a tested, proven way that you could start using *today* to save 70 cents per gallon on your gas bill, EVERY time you fill up your car?
That's over $500 per year for the average driver!
There is - and tens of thousands of Americans are using it right now to save money.
It's been on the news, and there are countless videos on YouTube that prove it, including a great piece by FOX. However, surprisingly few people even know about it.
You can check out the details here:
AOL Users Click Here
http://beforekbamnpfire.info/dbm83/l.php?43731&8111026&/-wqs-/rob59
PS: In case you're wondering, this IS NOT the magic "gas pill" you may have seen on TV. You've got to watch the videos to see just what an impact this is having on people's lives:
I'm curious, how are the new gas prices affecting your life these days? Gas is almost $4 per gallon where I live.
That's insane!
Less than a decade ago, you could still fill up your tank for $10, I can't even drive across town for $10 anymore.
But what if I were to tell you that there's a tested, proven way that you could start using *today* to save 70 cents per gallon on your gas bill, EVERY time you fill up your car?
That's over $500 per year for the average driver!
There is - and tens of thousands of Americans are using it right now to save money.
It's been on the news, and there are countless videos on YouTube that prove it, including a great piece by FOX. However, surprisingly few people even know about it.
You can check out the details here:
AOL Users Click Here
http://beforekbamnpfire.info/dbm83/l.php?43731&8111026&/-wqs-/rob59
PS: In case you're wondering, this IS NOT the magic "gas pill" you may have seen on TV. You've got to watch the videos to see just what an impact this is having on people's lives:
Monday, May 19, 2008
Vegetable Gardening Basics
There are few things that are as satisfying to a home gardener, than to wander out to the vegetable garden, harvest and consume the fruits of their labor. Successful vegetable gardening involves far more than just popping a few seeds into the ground and waiting for a tomato to appear. Planting is only the third step of the three 'P's. Planning your garden, Preparing the soil, and then... Planting your vegetables!
As you sit down to plan your garden, please consider adding a few extra plants and donate a little of your bounty to your local food bank or second harvest organization. Give a helping hand to those who may not have the opportunity to grow their own food.
For the best success, a vegetable garden should be well planned out in advance. The site location is of the utmost importance. A spot near the house in full sunlight is the normally the most convenient spot, however, drainage, soil quality, and shade from buildings or trees may mean the garden must be located in an area farther from the house. A good vegetable garden must have at least six hours of full sun each day in order for your food crops to mature properly. No amount of fertilizer, water, or care can replace needed sunshine. The soil should be very fertile and well draining so that water never puddles after a rain storm. While good air movement around a garden is important, windy areas should be avoided because winds can dry out or break plants. Choose a spot close to a water supply for convenience, and to avoid having to use long lengths of hoses. Planting a vegetable garden where it can be visited frequently will allow you to monitor plant pests and the general health of the garden more easily.
Your choice of vegetables will be largely determined by the likes and dislikes of your family. If you expect to consume large quantities of a type of vegetable, it is usually more cost effective to start your plants from seeds indoors. Some types of plants resent transplanting and must be sown directly into the garden where they are to be grown. In other instances it is best to purchase bedding plant starts to extend the growing season long enough to insure the maturity of the crop. As you plan and map out your vegetable garden, be sure consider the information found on garden vegetable tips in your criteria of what and where to plant.
In planning your garden, consider what and how much you will plant. It is better to have a well maintained, small garden than a large one neglected and full of weeds. Usually, the garden should be surrounded by a sufficiently high fence with close mesh to keep out dogs, rabbits, and other animals. A fence also can serve as a trellis for beans, peas, tomatoes, and other crops that need support. It is helpful to draw a diagram of your prospective garden, mapping out each row according to height, plant requirements and other criteria. The direction of the rows isn't necessarily critical, but often it is a good idea to have them running east-west, thereby allowing you to plant your tallest crops on the north end of the plot, and successively shorter crops in front. This prevents shading of the shorter plants. If you must plant your garden on a hill, cut your furrows on a contour with the land, so that the water won't run quickly down the hill, taking with it the valuable topsoil, and the nutrients needed for your plants.
Perennial vegetables such as rhubarb and asparagus should be planted off to the side where they won't interfere with future plowing. Early producing crops (radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, onions, etc.) should be grouped together with extra space for successive plantings. After they are finished for the season, this will allow you to easily rework the area for later season crops.
If the same garden plot is used for vegetables for many years, your crops should be rotated, so that each vegetable is in a different position during the following season. Each few years, give your garden a year off, and during that time concentrate on rebuilding the soil to replace the nutrients that have been depleted.
Preparing the soil
Fertile, well drained soil is necessary for a successful garden. The exact type of soil is not so important as that it be well drained, well supplied with organic matter, reasonably free of stones, and moisture retentive. The subsoil also is very important. Hard shale, rock ledges, gravel beds, deep sand, or hardpan under the surface may make the development of garden soil extremely difficult or impossible. On the other hand, infertile soil that has good physical properties can be made productive by using organic matter, lime, commercial fertilizer, and other soil improving materials. Soils should not be plowed or worked while it is very wet unless the work will certainly be followed by severe freezing weather. If the soil sticks together in a ball and does not readily crumble under slight pressure by the thumb and finger, it is too wet for plowing or working, because in this condition it will cake as it dries, making it unsuitable for young plants.
If your garden has already been cultivated and used in past years, there is little to do other than to plow in additional organic material, and fertilizers. The fertilizer may be in the form of composted manure or any good commercial complete plant food distributed at a rate of 3 or 4 pounds for every thousand square feet of vegetable garden. Infertile soil will often benefit from even larger proportions of chemical fertilization, but care must be taken not to add too much because of the danger of fertilizer burn. When manure is added to the soil, it must be composted prior to planting, because fresh, hot manure will also burn your plants.
If you intend to bring a previously unused patch of ground into cultivation, The work should commence the preceding fall, before the ground becomes saturated with water. An abundance or organic material should be plowed into the soil, and allowed to compost over the winter. The actual ground preparation is very much the same as what was involved in creating a perennial garden.
Different types of vegetables require varying degrees of soil acidity. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil is measured by pH, and must be adjusted according to which crop will occupy that area. Generally, soils in moist climates are acid and those in dry climates are alkaline. A soil with a pH lower than 7.0 is an acid soil and one with a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline. You can buy an inexpensive pH test kit at most nurseries, and many good garden centers will gladly test a soil sample for you. Once you have determined the pH you can amend the soil as needed. The pH requirements of different garden vegetables will determine what steps must be taken next.
Only after the site has been prepared, and the soil and conditioners mixed, watered well and settled should you test the pH of the soil. The tested soil should be dry.If a soil test reveals that you need to make corrections to your soil pH, you can use materials commonly available at your local garden center. If your soil needs to be more acidic, sulfur may be used to lower the pH. For raising the pH, lime is most commonly used. The amount of either material used will depend on the amount of change you need to make. The recommendations provided on the product label will help you determine how much to use. A general rule of thumb is to add 4 lbs. of lime per 100 sq. ft. of garden for every pH point below 6.5, or 1 lb. of sulfur per 100 sq. ft. for every pH point above 7.5. Sawdust, composted oak leaves, wood chips, peat moss, cottonseed meal, and leaf mold lower the pH, while ashes of hardwoods, bone meal, crushed marble, and crushed oyster shells raise the pH. The best way to adjust pH is gradually, over several seasons. Most garden vegetables do best on soils that are slightly acid and may be injured by the application of excess lime. For this reason lime should be applied only when tests show it to be necessary. If the soil is excessively alkaline, you may find that you are better off to build a raised bed using topsoil purchased from a nursery.
Once your soil structure, fertility and pH have been established, the soil should be tilled one last time, and then raked smooth.
Planting vegetables
Using your garden layout map which you created in the planning stages, use stakes to mark out where different rows will be planted. Build your trellises or set in stout stakes for climbing plants such as peas and beans. Create mounds on which you will put in the vining plants such as cucumbers,pumpkins and melons. Don't forget to establish your pathways early so that you won't be walking across areas which will be planted. You don't want to be compacting the soil which you have worked so hard to fluff up.
You are now ready to sow your seeds, and to put in your vegetable bedding plants. Planting depths and spacing are critical, so don't crowd to many plants into the allotted space or you may end up with spindly plants and no food. Be sure to place a tag or marker on each row or area so that you will know what to expect will sprout there and when! Water your garden thoroughly the day before you intend to plant.
Sowing your seeds
Stretch a string between the two stakes you set to mark the row, or use a straight piece of lumber, and use it as a guide to open a 'V' shaped furrow with the corner of your hoe. Set the depth to the recommended requirements on the seed packet. Tear the corner of the seed package off and use your finger to tap the package lightly as you move down the row, carefully distributing the seeds evenly. Larger type seeds may be placed individually in the row. You will want to plant extra seeds in each row to allow for failed germination, and for thinning. Cover the seeds with fine soil (no clods or rocks). Firm the soil over the seeds to insure good moisture contact, and to help retain the moisture in the soil. Water thoroughly using a gentle spray so that you don't disturb or uncover the seeds. Seeds need moisture to germinate, so it is important to keep the soil moist until the seedlings are up.BR>When the seedlings have emerged and developed their second or third set of true leaves, thin them as needed so that you keep the strongest plants, leaving the remaining ones spaced as directed on the seed package. It is best to thin while the seedlings are still small, so that you aren't disturbing the roots of the plants which will remain.
Setting in vegetable starts
If you purchased bedding plants, or started your seeds indoors in pots dig a small hole which is slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of the new plant. Water the plant thoroughly prior to planting it out in the garden to lessen the shock of transplant. Gently tap the pot to loosen the roots and remove the new plant. If the root ball is tangled and compacted, use your finger tips to gently loosen the outer roots.Set the plant into the hole sightly deeper than it was growing in the pot, and firm the soil in around it, making certain that there is good soil/root contact. Water in well.....
As your garden grows...
During dry periods, vegetable gardens need extra watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more water each week, especially when they are fruiting.
Mulching between the rows will help to control weeds, conserve moisture in the soil, and provide you with pathways to access your plants. Black plastic may be used, or you can utilize grass clippings, straw, wood chips, or garden debris.
Throughout the growing season be vigilante against insect pests. Discovering a bug problem early will make it much easier to take appropriate action and eliminate the pests. Do not use pesticides once the plants have fruited unless it becomes an absolute necessity, and be sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations.
Weeds rob your vegetables of water, light and root space. Keep them pulled out regularly (try to get the entire root) and the job isn't too bad. If they are allowed to go to seed, you may be dealing with thousands of weeds instead of a few.
Once you have harvested your crop, put the spent plant and other vegetable matter into your compost pile so that it can be recycled into your garden again, next spring.
pH Requirements of Different Garden Vegetables
Testing and Adjusting Your Soil pH
As you sit down to plan your garden, please consider adding a few extra plants and donate a little of your bounty to your local food bank or second harvest organization. Give a helping hand to those who may not have the opportunity to grow their own food.
For the best success, a vegetable garden should be well planned out in advance. The site location is of the utmost importance. A spot near the house in full sunlight is the normally the most convenient spot, however, drainage, soil quality, and shade from buildings or trees may mean the garden must be located in an area farther from the house. A good vegetable garden must have at least six hours of full sun each day in order for your food crops to mature properly. No amount of fertilizer, water, or care can replace needed sunshine. The soil should be very fertile and well draining so that water never puddles after a rain storm. While good air movement around a garden is important, windy areas should be avoided because winds can dry out or break plants. Choose a spot close to a water supply for convenience, and to avoid having to use long lengths of hoses. Planting a vegetable garden where it can be visited frequently will allow you to monitor plant pests and the general health of the garden more easily.
Your choice of vegetables will be largely determined by the likes and dislikes of your family. If you expect to consume large quantities of a type of vegetable, it is usually more cost effective to start your plants from seeds indoors. Some types of plants resent transplanting and must be sown directly into the garden where they are to be grown. In other instances it is best to purchase bedding plant starts to extend the growing season long enough to insure the maturity of the crop. As you plan and map out your vegetable garden, be sure consider the information found on garden vegetable tips in your criteria of what and where to plant.
In planning your garden, consider what and how much you will plant. It is better to have a well maintained, small garden than a large one neglected and full of weeds. Usually, the garden should be surrounded by a sufficiently high fence with close mesh to keep out dogs, rabbits, and other animals. A fence also can serve as a trellis for beans, peas, tomatoes, and other crops that need support. It is helpful to draw a diagram of your prospective garden, mapping out each row according to height, plant requirements and other criteria. The direction of the rows isn't necessarily critical, but often it is a good idea to have them running east-west, thereby allowing you to plant your tallest crops on the north end of the plot, and successively shorter crops in front. This prevents shading of the shorter plants. If you must plant your garden on a hill, cut your furrows on a contour with the land, so that the water won't run quickly down the hill, taking with it the valuable topsoil, and the nutrients needed for your plants.
Perennial vegetables such as rhubarb and asparagus should be planted off to the side where they won't interfere with future plowing. Early producing crops (radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, onions, etc.) should be grouped together with extra space for successive plantings. After they are finished for the season, this will allow you to easily rework the area for later season crops.
If the same garden plot is used for vegetables for many years, your crops should be rotated, so that each vegetable is in a different position during the following season. Each few years, give your garden a year off, and during that time concentrate on rebuilding the soil to replace the nutrients that have been depleted.
Preparing the soil
Fertile, well drained soil is necessary for a successful garden. The exact type of soil is not so important as that it be well drained, well supplied with organic matter, reasonably free of stones, and moisture retentive. The subsoil also is very important. Hard shale, rock ledges, gravel beds, deep sand, or hardpan under the surface may make the development of garden soil extremely difficult or impossible. On the other hand, infertile soil that has good physical properties can be made productive by using organic matter, lime, commercial fertilizer, and other soil improving materials. Soils should not be plowed or worked while it is very wet unless the work will certainly be followed by severe freezing weather. If the soil sticks together in a ball and does not readily crumble under slight pressure by the thumb and finger, it is too wet for plowing or working, because in this condition it will cake as it dries, making it unsuitable for young plants.
If your garden has already been cultivated and used in past years, there is little to do other than to plow in additional organic material, and fertilizers. The fertilizer may be in the form of composted manure or any good commercial complete plant food distributed at a rate of 3 or 4 pounds for every thousand square feet of vegetable garden. Infertile soil will often benefit from even larger proportions of chemical fertilization, but care must be taken not to add too much because of the danger of fertilizer burn. When manure is added to the soil, it must be composted prior to planting, because fresh, hot manure will also burn your plants.
If you intend to bring a previously unused patch of ground into cultivation, The work should commence the preceding fall, before the ground becomes saturated with water. An abundance or organic material should be plowed into the soil, and allowed to compost over the winter. The actual ground preparation is very much the same as what was involved in creating a perennial garden.
Different types of vegetables require varying degrees of soil acidity. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil is measured by pH, and must be adjusted according to which crop will occupy that area. Generally, soils in moist climates are acid and those in dry climates are alkaline. A soil with a pH lower than 7.0 is an acid soil and one with a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline. You can buy an inexpensive pH test kit at most nurseries, and many good garden centers will gladly test a soil sample for you. Once you have determined the pH you can amend the soil as needed. The pH requirements of different garden vegetables will determine what steps must be taken next.
Only after the site has been prepared, and the soil and conditioners mixed, watered well and settled should you test the pH of the soil. The tested soil should be dry.If a soil test reveals that you need to make corrections to your soil pH, you can use materials commonly available at your local garden center. If your soil needs to be more acidic, sulfur may be used to lower the pH. For raising the pH, lime is most commonly used. The amount of either material used will depend on the amount of change you need to make. The recommendations provided on the product label will help you determine how much to use. A general rule of thumb is to add 4 lbs. of lime per 100 sq. ft. of garden for every pH point below 6.5, or 1 lb. of sulfur per 100 sq. ft. for every pH point above 7.5. Sawdust, composted oak leaves, wood chips, peat moss, cottonseed meal, and leaf mold lower the pH, while ashes of hardwoods, bone meal, crushed marble, and crushed oyster shells raise the pH. The best way to adjust pH is gradually, over several seasons. Most garden vegetables do best on soils that are slightly acid and may be injured by the application of excess lime. For this reason lime should be applied only when tests show it to be necessary. If the soil is excessively alkaline, you may find that you are better off to build a raised bed using topsoil purchased from a nursery.
Once your soil structure, fertility and pH have been established, the soil should be tilled one last time, and then raked smooth.
Planting vegetables
Using your garden layout map which you created in the planning stages, use stakes to mark out where different rows will be planted. Build your trellises or set in stout stakes for climbing plants such as peas and beans. Create mounds on which you will put in the vining plants such as cucumbers,pumpkins and melons. Don't forget to establish your pathways early so that you won't be walking across areas which will be planted. You don't want to be compacting the soil which you have worked so hard to fluff up.
You are now ready to sow your seeds, and to put in your vegetable bedding plants. Planting depths and spacing are critical, so don't crowd to many plants into the allotted space or you may end up with spindly plants and no food. Be sure to place a tag or marker on each row or area so that you will know what to expect will sprout there and when! Water your garden thoroughly the day before you intend to plant.
Sowing your seeds
Stretch a string between the two stakes you set to mark the row, or use a straight piece of lumber, and use it as a guide to open a 'V' shaped furrow with the corner of your hoe. Set the depth to the recommended requirements on the seed packet. Tear the corner of the seed package off and use your finger to tap the package lightly as you move down the row, carefully distributing the seeds evenly. Larger type seeds may be placed individually in the row. You will want to plant extra seeds in each row to allow for failed germination, and for thinning. Cover the seeds with fine soil (no clods or rocks). Firm the soil over the seeds to insure good moisture contact, and to help retain the moisture in the soil. Water thoroughly using a gentle spray so that you don't disturb or uncover the seeds. Seeds need moisture to germinate, so it is important to keep the soil moist until the seedlings are up.BR>When the seedlings have emerged and developed their second or third set of true leaves, thin them as needed so that you keep the strongest plants, leaving the remaining ones spaced as directed on the seed package. It is best to thin while the seedlings are still small, so that you aren't disturbing the roots of the plants which will remain.
Setting in vegetable starts
If you purchased bedding plants, or started your seeds indoors in pots dig a small hole which is slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of the new plant. Water the plant thoroughly prior to planting it out in the garden to lessen the shock of transplant. Gently tap the pot to loosen the roots and remove the new plant. If the root ball is tangled and compacted, use your finger tips to gently loosen the outer roots.Set the plant into the hole sightly deeper than it was growing in the pot, and firm the soil in around it, making certain that there is good soil/root contact. Water in well.....
As your garden grows...
During dry periods, vegetable gardens need extra watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more water each week, especially when they are fruiting.
Mulching between the rows will help to control weeds, conserve moisture in the soil, and provide you with pathways to access your plants. Black plastic may be used, or you can utilize grass clippings, straw, wood chips, or garden debris.
Throughout the growing season be vigilante against insect pests. Discovering a bug problem early will make it much easier to take appropriate action and eliminate the pests. Do not use pesticides once the plants have fruited unless it becomes an absolute necessity, and be sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations.
Weeds rob your vegetables of water, light and root space. Keep them pulled out regularly (try to get the entire root) and the job isn't too bad. If they are allowed to go to seed, you may be dealing with thousands of weeds instead of a few.
Once you have harvested your crop, put the spent plant and other vegetable matter into your compost pile so that it can be recycled into your garden again, next spring.
pH Requirements of Different Garden Vegetables
Testing and Adjusting Your Soil pH
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Join me in Yuwie
Make new friends And some cash at the same time , everytime someone looks at your page u get paid , it's like myspace but u get paid ! Have fun and enjoy ! just click on the link !
www.Yuwurl.com/534171
www.Yuwurl.com/534171
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Carbon Poker Welcomes US Players With Bonus Code
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Download CarbonPoker through PokerNews and players will receive an exclusive 100% first deposit bonus up to $500. Players need to earn 250 CarbonPoker Comp Points per $1 in bonus money. The bonus is released in $10 increments and any outstanding bonus amount expires upon withdrawal. New players will also receive entry to a $1000 freeroll of their choice. Other Bonuses and Promotions
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Background
CarbonPoker began its operations in February 2005 and has defined itself as a site that offers enticing overlays, great guarantees and superb game selection. CarbonPoker is the latest addition to the Merge Gaming Network and benefits from the sturdy, detailed and well designed software client that Merge Gaming features.
Limits and Rake
The limits at the CarbonPoker tables are large and varied, although the focus is clearly on the more popular Texas Holdem and Omaha tables. Limit Texas Holdem starts at $0.10/$0.20 and extends to $50/$100. Pot Limit Texas Holdem begins at a reasonable $0.50/$0.10 and finishes at $25/$50. No Limit Texas Holdem ranges from $0.02/$0.04 to $25/$50. The Omaha tables begin at a low $0.10/$0.50 for No Limit and max out at $25/$50. The lesser popular games usually begin at a low $0.05/$0.10 and finish at $10/$20.
In general, a 5% rake is taken at the tables at CarbonPoker. Like most other sites, the exact amount taken per hand is dependent on the number of players in the pot, pot size and limit level. CarbonPoker caps the rake taken at all tables at a low $3. The rake is generally taken at $0.01 per $0.20, up to a table max that is dependent on the limit.
Player Traffic
CarbonPoker regularly attracts over 2000 players to their tables. The generous daily, weekly and monthly tournaments help ensure player loyalty and the exclusive PokerNews bonus also provides great value. CarbonPoker is currently ranked around 19th place overall, however the quality of the software combined with excellent promotions will help elevate CarbonPoker in the future.
Playability
The Merge Gaming software, which CarbonPoker is part of, is an incredible piece of poker software. The speed is blisteringly fast, with animation limited to the community cards and emoticons. The use of vector graphics means that full screen play is presented cleanly without slowing down play. Large buttons and check boxes provide quick preset selection to keep the pace of the games even faster. The lobby is packed full of information; on the various games, limits, tournaments and promotions and thankfully all the relevant information is conveniently sorted under tabs and filters can be applied to further narrow players game search.
Software and Extra Features
The Merge Gaming software provides players with an array of features that help elevate CarbonPoker above much of the competition. Aside from the standard features, CarbonPoker also includes:
Quick Start – Set your options and start playing with one click.
Rabbit Hunt – Continue to see the cards, even after you've won the hand.
Multi-table Play – The software doesn't skip a beat even with this function on.
Player Accolades – Win virtual trophies and ribbons to show off.
Player Tags – Tag players as fish, sharks and buddies with this feature.
Animated Emoticons – Animated donkeys, fish and emoticons liven up the game.
Expose One – Elect to muck, show both or just one of your cards.
Customer Service
A comprehensive online FAQ is complemented by efficient customer support through email. CarbonPoker states that most enquiries will be answered within 30 minutes, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Responses are fast, accurate and courteous.
3.9
Editors rating 4.5
Player's rating 3.3 Games
No Limit/Limit/Pot Limit Texas Holdem, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo, 5 Card Stud, 5 Card Draw, Ace to 5 Lowball, Deuce to 7 Lowball, Razz, Badugi
Download CarbonPoker through PokerNews and players will receive an exclusive 100% first deposit bonus up to $500. Players need to earn 250 CarbonPoker Comp Points per $1 in bonus money. The bonus is released in $10 increments and any outstanding bonus amount expires upon withdrawal. New players will also receive entry to a $1000 freeroll of their choice. Other Bonuses and Promotions
$500 Freeroll – New Depositing Players Only
$1000 Freeroll – Exclusive to new players
$50,000 Monthly freeroll
$30,000 in weekly freerolls!
Refer a friend – Earn $25 plus $2,500 Freeroll entry!
Background
CarbonPoker began its operations in February 2005 and has defined itself as a site that offers enticing overlays, great guarantees and superb game selection. CarbonPoker is the latest addition to the Merge Gaming Network and benefits from the sturdy, detailed and well designed software client that Merge Gaming features.
Limits and Rake
The limits at the CarbonPoker tables are large and varied, although the focus is clearly on the more popular Texas Holdem and Omaha tables. Limit Texas Holdem starts at $0.10/$0.20 and extends to $50/$100. Pot Limit Texas Holdem begins at a reasonable $0.50/$0.10 and finishes at $25/$50. No Limit Texas Holdem ranges from $0.02/$0.04 to $25/$50. The Omaha tables begin at a low $0.10/$0.50 for No Limit and max out at $25/$50. The lesser popular games usually begin at a low $0.05/$0.10 and finish at $10/$20.
In general, a 5% rake is taken at the tables at CarbonPoker. Like most other sites, the exact amount taken per hand is dependent on the number of players in the pot, pot size and limit level. CarbonPoker caps the rake taken at all tables at a low $3. The rake is generally taken at $0.01 per $0.20, up to a table max that is dependent on the limit.
Player Traffic
CarbonPoker regularly attracts over 2000 players to their tables. The generous daily, weekly and monthly tournaments help ensure player loyalty and the exclusive PokerNews bonus also provides great value. CarbonPoker is currently ranked around 19th place overall, however the quality of the software combined with excellent promotions will help elevate CarbonPoker in the future.
Playability
The Merge Gaming software, which CarbonPoker is part of, is an incredible piece of poker software. The speed is blisteringly fast, with animation limited to the community cards and emoticons. The use of vector graphics means that full screen play is presented cleanly without slowing down play. Large buttons and check boxes provide quick preset selection to keep the pace of the games even faster. The lobby is packed full of information; on the various games, limits, tournaments and promotions and thankfully all the relevant information is conveniently sorted under tabs and filters can be applied to further narrow players game search.
Software and Extra Features
The Merge Gaming software provides players with an array of features that help elevate CarbonPoker above much of the competition. Aside from the standard features, CarbonPoker also includes:
Quick Start – Set your options and start playing with one click.
Rabbit Hunt – Continue to see the cards, even after you've won the hand.
Multi-table Play – The software doesn't skip a beat even with this function on.
Player Accolades – Win virtual trophies and ribbons to show off.
Player Tags – Tag players as fish, sharks and buddies with this feature.
Animated Emoticons – Animated donkeys, fish and emoticons liven up the game.
Expose One – Elect to muck, show both or just one of your cards.
Customer Service
A comprehensive online FAQ is complemented by efficient customer support through email. CarbonPoker states that most enquiries will be answered within 30 minutes, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Responses are fast, accurate and courteous.
3.9
Editors rating 4.5
Player's rating 3.3 Games
No Limit/Limit/Pot Limit Texas Holdem, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo, 5 Card Stud, 5 Card Draw, Ace to 5 Lowball, Deuce to 7 Lowball, Razz, Badugi
Friday, January 11, 2008
Sorry !
I wanted to leave a few words for why I ahven't been on my blog for a while , THe world seems crashing down around me , I have been sic and still dealing with it , Really bad migrains that I can't handle , I have to see a neursurgeon Soon , and lots of other things including family issues , I will be back soon so best of luck to everyone ! Thanks Cindy
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Seismic activity suspends miner rescue effort
'We are back to square one,' official says, insisting quake caused cave-in
A helicopter and officers from the Utah Highway patrol stand ready Monday a few miles from Utah American Energy Inc.'s mine up Crandall Canyon.
HUNTINGTON, Utah - Seismic activity has “totally shut down” efforts to reach six miners trapped below ground and has wiped out all the work done in the past day, a mine executive said Tuesday.
“We are back to square one underground,” said Robert E. Murray, chairman of Murray Energy Corp., owner of the Crandall Canyon mine.
Still, “we should know within 48 to 72 hours the status of those trapped miners,” Murray said. Rescue crews are drilling two holes into the mountain in an effort to communicate with the miners — provided they are still alive.
Meanwhile, unstable conditions below ground have thwarted rescuers’ efforts to break through to the miners, who have been trapped 1,500 feet below the surface for nearly two days, Murray said.
The seismic activity and other factors “have totally shut down our rescue efforts underground,” he said.
“There is absolutely no way that through our underground rescue effort we can reach the vicinity of the trapped miners for at least one week,” Murray said.
The National Earthquake Information Center in Colorado said 10 seismic shocks have been recorded since the collapse, but only one since 3 a.m. Tuesday. That one struck at 3:42 p.m. with a magnitude of 1.7.
Geologist: Not a natural eventMurray has insisted the cave-in was caused by an earthquake. But government seismologists have said the pattern of ground-shaking picked up by their instruments around the time of the accident Monday appeared to have been caused not by an earthquake, but by the cave-in itself.
“Based on the information and preliminary analysis we’ve done so far, this event doesn’t look like a natural event. It doesn’t have the proper characteristics of a natural earthquake,” said Rafael Abreu, a geologist for the earthquake information center. “Even though it’s not a natural earthquake, it could still generate aftershocks, which is exactly what we’re seeing in this particular situation.”
Murray lashed out at the news media for suggesting his men were conducting “retreat mining,” a method in which miners pull down the last standing pillars of coal and let the roof fall in.
“This was caused by an earthquake, not something that Murray Energy ... did or our employees did or our management did,” he said, his voice often rising in anger. “It was a natural disaster. An earthquake. And I’m going to prove it to you.”
if Mine collapses that produced quake-like activity
Seismic waves of 3.9 magnitude were recorded in the area of a mine in Utah after it collapsed. Scientists believe the collapse caused the disturbance. Below are some previous mine collapses in the United States that also produced earthquake-like activity.
March 12, 1994Akzo Nobel salt mine in western New York, seismic reading of 3.6.
Feb. 3, 1995mine in southwestern Wyoming, seismic reading of 5.4.
Jan. 19, 1999Coal mine 15 miles northeast of Tuscaloosa, Ala., seismic reading of 4.0.
May 13, 1999Abandoned mine under Kansas City, Kan., seismic reading of 3.0.
Jan. 29, 2000mine in southwestern Wyoming, seismic reading of 4.4.
March 6, 2000Mine in central Utah, seismic reading of 4.2.
Nov. 2, 2006Mine in southwest Virginia, seismic reading of 4.3.
Source: The Associated Press
•
Amy Louviere, a spokeswoman for the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration in Washington, said the men at the mine were, in fact, conducting retreat mining.
However, Louviere said that exactly what the miners were doing, and whether that led to the collapse, can be answered only after a full investigation.
Retreat mining has been blamed for 13 deaths since 2000, and the government requires mining companies to submit a roof control plan before beginning such mining. Such a plan details how and when the pillars will be cut and in what order.
The mine had submitted such a plan and received approval in 2006, Louviere said.
“As long as they abide by that plan, it can be a very safe form of mining,” she said. “What we’ve found with recent fatalities that the operator was found to not be following the roof control plan.”
More than a day and a half after the cave-in, rescuers were unable to say whether the men were dead or alive, and had not even heard any pounding from their hammers, as miners are trained to do when they get trapped.
“The Lord has already decided whether they’re alive or dead,” Murray said. “But it’s up to Bob Murray and my management to get access to them as quickly as we can.”
A helicopter and officers from the Utah Highway patrol stand ready Monday a few miles from Utah American Energy Inc.'s mine up Crandall Canyon.
HUNTINGTON, Utah - Seismic activity has “totally shut down” efforts to reach six miners trapped below ground and has wiped out all the work done in the past day, a mine executive said Tuesday.
“We are back to square one underground,” said Robert E. Murray, chairman of Murray Energy Corp., owner of the Crandall Canyon mine.
Still, “we should know within 48 to 72 hours the status of those trapped miners,” Murray said. Rescue crews are drilling two holes into the mountain in an effort to communicate with the miners — provided they are still alive.
Meanwhile, unstable conditions below ground have thwarted rescuers’ efforts to break through to the miners, who have been trapped 1,500 feet below the surface for nearly two days, Murray said.
The seismic activity and other factors “have totally shut down our rescue efforts underground,” he said.
“There is absolutely no way that through our underground rescue effort we can reach the vicinity of the trapped miners for at least one week,” Murray said.
The National Earthquake Information Center in Colorado said 10 seismic shocks have been recorded since the collapse, but only one since 3 a.m. Tuesday. That one struck at 3:42 p.m. with a magnitude of 1.7.
Geologist: Not a natural eventMurray has insisted the cave-in was caused by an earthquake. But government seismologists have said the pattern of ground-shaking picked up by their instruments around the time of the accident Monday appeared to have been caused not by an earthquake, but by the cave-in itself.
“Based on the information and preliminary analysis we’ve done so far, this event doesn’t look like a natural event. It doesn’t have the proper characteristics of a natural earthquake,” said Rafael Abreu, a geologist for the earthquake information center. “Even though it’s not a natural earthquake, it could still generate aftershocks, which is exactly what we’re seeing in this particular situation.”
Murray lashed out at the news media for suggesting his men were conducting “retreat mining,” a method in which miners pull down the last standing pillars of coal and let the roof fall in.
“This was caused by an earthquake, not something that Murray Energy ... did or our employees did or our management did,” he said, his voice often rising in anger. “It was a natural disaster. An earthquake. And I’m going to prove it to you.”
if Mine collapses that produced quake-like activity
Seismic waves of 3.9 magnitude were recorded in the area of a mine in Utah after it collapsed. Scientists believe the collapse caused the disturbance. Below are some previous mine collapses in the United States that also produced earthquake-like activity.
March 12, 1994Akzo Nobel salt mine in western New York, seismic reading of 3.6.
Feb. 3, 1995mine in southwestern Wyoming, seismic reading of 5.4.
Jan. 19, 1999Coal mine 15 miles northeast of Tuscaloosa, Ala., seismic reading of 4.0.
May 13, 1999Abandoned mine under Kansas City, Kan., seismic reading of 3.0.
Jan. 29, 2000mine in southwestern Wyoming, seismic reading of 4.4.
March 6, 2000Mine in central Utah, seismic reading of 4.2.
Nov. 2, 2006Mine in southwest Virginia, seismic reading of 4.3.
Source: The Associated Press
•
Amy Louviere, a spokeswoman for the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration in Washington, said the men at the mine were, in fact, conducting retreat mining.
However, Louviere said that exactly what the miners were doing, and whether that led to the collapse, can be answered only after a full investigation.
Retreat mining has been blamed for 13 deaths since 2000, and the government requires mining companies to submit a roof control plan before beginning such mining. Such a plan details how and when the pillars will be cut and in what order.
The mine had submitted such a plan and received approval in 2006, Louviere said.
“As long as they abide by that plan, it can be a very safe form of mining,” she said. “What we’ve found with recent fatalities that the operator was found to not be following the roof control plan.”
More than a day and a half after the cave-in, rescuers were unable to say whether the men were dead or alive, and had not even heard any pounding from their hammers, as miners are trained to do when they get trapped.
“The Lord has already decided whether they’re alive or dead,” Murray said. “But it’s up to Bob Murray and my management to get access to them as quickly as we can.”
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