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Ancient Creature on Brink of Extinction in Yangzte River, China

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Ancient Creature on Brink 
of Extinction in Yangtze River, China
As the mountains rose from the tide, as the earth’s plates collided, as the tides receded to reveal the land- as the seas changed, one thing remained constant in the ever changing currents: the Chinese Sturgeon. This fish has thought to have lived in the murky depths of the Yangtze River for more than 140 million years. Now the Sturgeon, that has swam in the shadows for so long, may completely disappear.
 
The Chinese Sturgeon can reach up to 16 feet in length and weigh on average 1,000 pounds. Nicknamed the ‘living fossil,’ it is a breathing portrait of what scientists believe a fish thriving in the prehistoric seas would have looked like (BBC News). This massive fish has rumored to be traveling the East Chinese Sea since the reign of the dinosaurs, but modern technology has made them an endangered species. The sturgeon migrate from the East Chinese Sea to the Yangtze River, a 2,000 mile journey upstream, to reproduce. After dozens of dams were constructed in the Yangtze River, the Chinese Sturgeon’s population dropped steadily (BBC News).  
As reported by Discovery News, the Chinese Sturgeon, because of the tribulations it has had to face, did not reproduce naturally in the 2013 breeding season. This is the first time in the 32 years researchers have been studying this incredible fish that reproduction did not occur (Discovery News). Not a single Sturgeon was recorded to have laid eggs in their usual spawning ground. This is a devastating setback to this ancient creature’s vital climb out of their endangered species status. “‘No natural reproduction means that the sturgeons would not expand its population and without protection, they might risk extinction,” Wei Qiwei, an investigator with the academy, told China's official Xinhua news agency on Saturday” (Discovery News). Its extinction would not only be a tremendous blow to the scientific community, but also to the ecosystem the Sturgeon contributes to.
 
The unique residents that swim in the banks of the Yangtze River have suffered greatly from the building of the dams. Plus the overfishing, the incessant disruption from shipping traffic, and the shockingly high levels of water pollution have only diminished the Sturgeon’s chances of survival. The Finless Porpoise and the Chinese Alligator will also face complete annihilation if the above factors keep occurring in their river. The negative impact of humans have put the Sturgeons and many other forms of life in the Yangtze River in dire straits (National Geographic).

To keep this ancient fish swimming, the Chinese government has attempted to replenish the Sturgeons’ population. They’ve created a sanctuary designated for a new spawning ground for the sturgeon away from the influence of the dams, but changing a 140 million year migratory cycle is not that easy. They have also bred the carnivorous Sturgeon’s primary food source, the fry, in large numbers in captivity and released them in the wild so finding food is not a challenge. Although these are solid efforts, there has been little improvement as of yet (National Geographic). 
 
While the extinction of this ancient creature may seem inevitable, the Chinese Sturgeons haven’t lived 140 million years without learning a few tricks. Its long history in the Earth’s seas is not all smooth tides and crystal clear waters. “Sturgeons may face long odds, but the fish has survival in its genes… Some reports suggest the sturgeon may already be adapting to its changing environment. Studies suggest its diet is shifting from less abundant bottom dwellers, like clams, to more plentiful earthworms” (National Geographic). This adaptive behavior is a skill necessary for the Sturgeon’s survival.
 
This ancient creature may have thick scales to combat the always changing waters, but extinction is still a possible future for them. While their small improvement is a step in the right direction, the Chinese Sturgeon still have seemingly insurmountable hurdles ahead of them. 
Today, the Chinese sturgeon – one of the oldest living species of animal on Earth – have been reduced to a population of only about 100. “Last year, there was no evidence found of their natural reproduction anywhere along their usual habitat. If action is not taken immediately, they will go extinct…” as Lindsey Weedston of Animal Petitions wrote in her petition letter to the Minister of Environmental Protection in China, Zhou Shengxian.
 
Calling the Chinese Sturgeon “one of the most treasured Chinese icons,” Animal Petition is one of many wildlife conservation organizations that are speaking up to protect one of the oldest living creatures on Earth today. Without their efforts, the extinction of this ancient fish would have gone unnoticed. It likely would not have been found again until hundreds of years later where it would be found in the riverbed of the Yangtze River as fossils, reunited with the dinosaurs that it was born with 140 million years ago. However, its struggle against extinction has been brought to light, which is the first step in every conservation effort. If conservationists and the Chinese government can work collaboratively to reduce pollution and other negative human impacts in the Yangtze River, the Chinese Sturgeon has a chance for 140 million more years on Earth.


El baloncesto

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El baloncesto
El baloncesto nació como una respuesta a la necesidad de realizar alguna actividad deportiva durante el invierno, en la escuela de YMCA en Massachusetts. Al profesor de la Universidad de Illinois (Massachusetts) James Naismith, (un profesor de educación física) le fue encargada la misión, en 1891, de idear un deporte que se pudiera jugar bajo techo, pues los inviernos en esa zona dificultaban la realización de alguna actividad al aire libre.
El baloncesto, basquetbol  (del inglés basketball; de basket, 'canasta', y ball, 'pelota') es un deporte de equipo que se puede desarrollar tanto en pista cubierta como en descubierta, en el que dos conjuntos de cinco jugadores cada uno, intentan anotar puntos, también llamados canastas o dobles y/o triples introduciendo un balón en un aro colocado a 3,05 metros del suelo del que cuelga una red, lo que le da un aspecto de cesta o canasta. 
También existe una modalidad, fundamentalmente para discapacitados, en la que se juega en silla de ruedas (baloncesto en silla de ruedas), prácticamente con las mismas normas que el baloncesto habitual.





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Winter is on its way!

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Winter is on its way! which means you better have your little ones prepared for the icy cold.


Upcoming Events: September

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Fall Clearance Sale & Festival

Saturday, September 20, 2014

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

111 Sunnyside Drive
Alexandria, MN 56308


Admission:
One perishable food item per person to donate to our local food shelf

We are so excited to welcome you to our 1st Annual Fall Clearance Sale & Fall Festival at Green Thumb Floral & Greenhouse!

Come in and check out our fantastic sales on spring bulbs, hanging baskets, potted mums, and zinnias.


We also have pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, corn bunches and other items in stock to decorate your home for fall.

Bring the whole family!
We will have carnivals games,
face paintings, pumpkin patch,
and hay rides.


Our local petting zoo will join us with some of their friends from
11 a.m.-1 p.m.


We will also serve hot apple cider, coffee and cookies.

We're open:
Monday- Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.



Don't Miss Out

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JUMP IN FOR AN OPPORTUNITY!!!!!
We got a bunch of new and improved front and rear (Gril Guard and Tailgate) Logos and Symbols in. Visit our website too see them all!!!
We now carry whips in 10 differnet colors! Choose your dream color for your CB antennaas, starting at $10.99
Grill Guards and Cow Rails can now be custom made to your liking! For the farmers out there we also have custom hitch attachments that can be added to your truck, to tow tractor trailors.
For all you country girls, we just got these Muddy Girl rims in! Sizes: 12-28
A full customized interior that can fit any of your liking. The above three images are showing the muddy girl interior wrap, pink speedometer wraping, and lighting. This is just a couple of things we do on the interior.
Custom detailing on any part of the exterior of your SUV.
OFF-Road Detatiling


Now Hiring

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Now Hiring

Qualifications:
*Two-year college graduate from Diesel Mechanic Program
*One year experience
*Will train on the job


Come in for an application to join our team.

*Full-time position
*Two week vacation after one year employed
*Health Insurance
*SEP Retirement Fund
*$20/hour

Diesel Mechanic 



BB's Cup of Brew

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BB's Cup of Brew
Come in at BB's Cup of Brew and try our delicious coffee and bakery goods!
BB's Cup of Brew has a very cozy and friendly environment. We welcome anybody to our shop! we have couches, chairs, books, tables and a fireplace for you to enjoy our cup of coffee and yummy bakery goods of ours!
Fall is here!
YES! Fall is finally here! I bet you know what means, yummy scented candels, cuddling with warm blankets, getting to wear cute outfits, but also the Pumpkin Spice Lattee is back! Yummy creamy whipped cream on top and creamy milk that will make you melt when you try it. Even real pie spices on top of the whip cream. I bet your mouth is watering just by reading this! Our Pumpkin Spice Latte is one of the most popular drink we have! Only here for limited time so you better come in and get some while you can! Let us know what your favorite drink is at BB's Cup of Brew!
11 Reaons Why You Should Drink Coffee...
Did you know that coffee can be pretty amazing, yes I know coffee tastes amazing! But did you know that coffee is good for your brain, your skin, and your body?? Trust me after you read these reasons I promise you, you will be drinking coffee everyday!
1. Americans get more antioxidants from coffee more than anything else. According to a study done in 2005, "nothing else comes close" to providing as many antioxidants as coffee. Fruits and vegetables have many antioxidants, it just seems that the human body absorbs the most from coffee.
2. Just smelling coffee could make you less stressed. Researches at the Seoul National University examined the brains of rats who were stressed with sleep deprivation and discovered that those who were exposed to coffee aromas experienced changes in brain proteins tied to that stress. This aroma study doesn't relate to stress by itself, only to the stress felt as a result of sleep deprivation.
3. Coffee could lessen the syptoms of Parkinson's disease. ScienceDaily reported in 2012 that "drinking coffee may help people with Parkinson's diesease control their movement."
4. Coffee is great for your liver (especially if you drink alcohol) A study published in 2006 that included 125,000 people over 22 years howed that "those who drink at least one cup of coffee a day were 20 percent less to develop liver cirrhosis" Consuming coffee seems to have some protective benefits against alcoholic cirrhosis, and the mroe coffee a person consumes the less risk they seem to have of being hospitalized or dying of alcoholic cirrhosis.
5. Coffee can make you feel happier. A study done by the National Institute of Health, found that those who drink four or more cups of coffee were about 10 percent less likely to be depressed than those who had never touched the java. The proposed reason coffee makes you feel good is because of those trust antioxidants.
6. Coffee consupmtion has been linked to lower level of sucide. A study done by Harvard School of Public Health determined that drinking between two and four cups fof coffee can reduce the risk of suicide in men and women by about 50 percent.
7. Coffee can reduce your chances of getting skin cancer (if you're a woman). Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School followed 112,897 men and women over a 20-year period, and apparently, women who drink three or more cups of coffee a day are much less likely to develop skin cancer than those who don't.
8. Coffee can make you a better athlete. Caffeine increases the number of fatty acids in the bloodstream, which allows athletes' muscles to absorv and burn those fats for fuel, therefore saving the body's small reserves of carboyhydrates for later on in the exersice.
9. Coffee could reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. According to a study from the American Chemical Society. The study's researches found that "people who drink four or moure cups of coffee a day reduce their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by 50 percent. With every additional cup, the risk gets lowered by 7 percent."
10. Drinking coffee could help keep your brain healthier for longer. Researches from the University of South Florida and the University of Miami found that people older than 65 who had higher blood levels of caffeine "developed Alzheimer's disease two to four years later than other with lower caffeine. We firmly believe that moderate coffee consumptions can appreciably reduce your risk of Alzheimer's or delay it's onset."
11. Coffee may make you more intelligent. You usually drink coffee when you are sleep-deprived, right? Well, that much-needed jolt not only keeps you awake, it makes you sharper. CNN reports, "that coffee allows your brain to work in a much more efficient and smarter way." TIME reporter, Michael Lemonick says, "When you're sleep-deprived and you take caffeine, pretty much anything you measure will improve: reaction time, vigilance, attention, logical reasoning-- most of the complex functions you associate with intelligence.
Our Bakery Goods
BB's Cup of Brew may have the best coffee around, but we also have the BEST bakery goods too!
Breakfast (until 11am)
We have many solections for breakfast. We have muffins, scones, croissants, bagels, oatmeal and many many more options!
Lunch
Sandwhiches and Salads
Famous Smoked Turkey Sandwich-- with Brie  Cheese, basil presto spread, and cranberry sauce on Amy's fennel raisin bread.
Vegan Sandwich-- Roasted red pepper hummus, carrots, Guss' Pickles, cucumbers, and sprouts on Amy's whole wheat five-grain bread. 
Smoked Salmon Sandwhich- With tomatoes, watercress, red onion and cream cheese on Amy's Pumpernickel bread.
Beef and Goat cheese salad- With mixed greens, crush walnuts, and balsamic vinegar and olive dressing.
Mozzarella & Tomato Salad- With fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and basil pesto.
Iceberg Wedge Salad- Buttermilk-blue cheese dressing, tomato, applewood smoked bacon, cucumbers.
Drinks
Our Espresso is the quintessential coffee preparation, it's rich, aromatic and velvety all at once. You will fall in love with this after the first sip.
Our ice Americano is similar in strength but different in flavor our regular Iced Coffee (which is a little sweeter). This one is prepared by combining our signature espresso with water and pouring it over ice to chill. All the flavor of your favorite brew, minus the heat.
With less milk than a lattee, our cappuccino offers a stronger espresso flavor and a luxurious texture. The most important part is frothing the foam to velvety perfection as the milk steams-something our baristas take great care to achieve.
Our iced coffees are especially blended and brewed to provide the perfect flavor when chilled. Begin your day with iced coffee in three delightfully invigorating ways.
A robust full-bodied cup witha ocncentrated character of malt and deep undertones that welcome a bit of milk and sugar. Satisfying and delicious, this tea is a great breakfast cup that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Come to BB's Cup of Brew!

We are located at: 4645 Coffee Lane, Benson MN 56271.

If you have any questions please call us at: 320-555-2255


We can't wait to see you!




A Job Complete

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This morning, we finished up a project we were given' on Monday! This truck is a fabulous piece of work. Our shop men did a wonderful job.
When this project was gave to us, we were really excited to see what it would end up looking like. It turned out great, and I think when she picks it up this afternoon she will love it too!

Below is the different parts of the truck that changed, from what they started at to now:

~Body Style: White -> Pink
~Frame: 0" Lift -> 6" Lift
~Tires: 28" -> 36"
~Rims: Stock Platinum -> Matte Black
~Grill: Stock -> Custom 
~Headlights: Stock -> LED's
~Bumper Guard: Aluminum Steel -> Plastie Dip Pink Plastic
~Tint: 45% -> 15% (ALL AROUND)
BEFORE
AFTER
OFF- Road Detailing


New construction equipment

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Ronning Trucking
New construction equipment added to all of our locations!
 New excavators, front loaders, and many other machines, along with all of our other equipment.
 We can now do pipe work with this new equipment as well.
Come check out all of our construction equipment today, and see what we can do for you and your business to get the job done, and done right.


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Isolation Eye Pads - PremierLash
Find the perfect eye pad for any client! We offer Sensitive (Aloe Vera), high tech Silicone pads, and Anti-Aging (Collagen, Arbutin, Vitamin A&E). PremierLash Gel Eye Pads are the most popular isolation eye pad available. Free of additives to reduce sensitivity.
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Universal Testing Machines

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Universal Testing Machines
Our Customers value the delivery of the responsive, affordable, and effective solutions that overcome the challenges of their static and fatigue testing applications. As test engineers that develop and produce a wide range of test systems and accessories, we solve challenges ranging from highly technical down to the basics. We know testing.
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Luxury Watches Los Angeles

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Luxury Watches Los Angeles
Finest Watches is a watch retailer and wholesaler based in Encino, California, USA. Finest Watches buys, sells and trades both new and pre-owned watches from a vast network of suppliers, dealers and collectors worldwide.


Kitchen Tools And Utensils

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Kitchen Tools And Utensils
We have everything that you need to run a successful business. Cooking equipment, refrigeration equipment, bakery equipment, food prep equipment, stainless steel work tables, sinks, warewashing equipment, bar equipment, table top supplies, glassware, china, silverware, furniture, baking supplies, pizza supplies, bar supplies, linens, consumables & disposables all in one place.


Bullet Security Cameras

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Bullet Security Cameras
The Best in High performance, durable and reliable security solutions for your home, business, and your family!  Featuring Revo America products, praised for the simple All In One Cable, which features video power and audio over one cable.  Also with Revo Elite and Elite HD, HD/IP Camera Solutions and more.  Get the peace of mind you deserve with the most products at the best prices only at SecuritAll - Call us Toll Free at 1-877-247-2288


Total Eclipse Turbo Caps

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Total Eclipse Turbo Caps
Thank you for visiting Supervits.com, your comprehensive resource for the highest quality health and nutritional supplements. Our products- from Zyflamend and BioAstin to Cellfood, and Digest Gold - allow our customers to support their health naturally.
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Criminal Defense Attorney Tampa

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Criminal Defense Attorney Tampa
Florida authorities take a very severe stance against individuals suspected of sexual misconduct, especially when the victim involved is a minor or a vulnerable resident. In many cases, prosecutors put in extra effort when trying a sexually related case, simply because of their personal views of the offenses and the public’s and media’s interest in these types of cases.
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good

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Organic Chemistry Assignment


2014 NBA Preview: The Denver Nuggets

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#19 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets come into the 2014 NBA season with a lot of hope and optimism that they can return to the playoffs after missing out last season, in Brian Shaw's first year as head coach. They play in one of the hardest divisions in the NBA which features teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Portland Trailblazers, so returning to the postseason won't be an easy task. 
The success of the Nuggets this season will rest on the shoulders of their point guard Ty Lawson. Last season he averaged 17.6 points and eight assists per clip, but if the Nuggets want to make it out alive in the Western Conference, Lawson must increase both of those averages. He will go against point guards such as Westbrook, Paul, Curry and Lillard on a nightly basis, and he will need to match their production. As the best player on the team, and the person who handles the ball, Lawson will need to improve on his consistency which is something he lacked last season especially early on. If the Nuggets end up making some noise early in the season, don't be surprised if Lawson makes the all-star team. 
After signing a contract extension in the offseason, the Nuggets will depend on Kenneth Faried to take his game to the next level. The "Manimal" is one of the more athletic post-players in the league, and he averaged nearly 14 points and nine rebounds per game last season. Faried also played on Team USA this summer when they competed in the FIBA World Cup. That experience will surely pay off this season, since he was able to go against some of the league's elite players everyday in practice. If Faried could somehow develop a mid-range shot, then he could increase his scoring by a lot and be considered one of the better power forwards in basketball. 
The acquisition of Aaron Afflalo should really help this Nuggets team out. Last season with the Magic, Afflalo averaged 18 points per game. He could be the consistent wing scorer that the Nuggets so desperately needed last season. Afflalo is known to have his up and down years, but he will have a good nucleus of teammates in Denver which will benefit his game even more. The return of Danilo Gallinari will also be big for the wing scoring. Gallinari had to sit out all of last season for the Nuggets because he was recovering from an ACL injury. He's been a sharp shooter in his career so I expect that to continue this season. 
At center, the Nuggets will have the option of starting either Timofey Mozgov or Javale McGee. Last year Mozgov averaged nine points per game and six rebounds while McGee was out nearly the entire year due to injury. Mozgov's name has surfaced in trade rumors recently, so it'll be interesting to see if he finishes the year in Denver. The also have J.J. Hickson who will bring added depth to the post. Hickson almost averaged a double double last season. This could be one of the strong points for the Nuggets. 
Potential Starters
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Aaron Afflalo
SF: Danilo Gallinari
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov
Check back tomorrow to see who I ranked 18th in the "2014 HOOPSAHOLIC NBA Preview"


Project #1 Starters

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Book: Starters
Prime Destinations
Book: Starters
        Prime Destinations plans to turn teenagers or in this case Starters into permanent renters of Elders robbing children from their youth.
The Starter Times
Leaves everything behind!
          Callie leaves eveything behind, including her little sick brother. She goes to try and make some money and has to be gone for long periods of time. She doesn't realize the danger she is putting herself through by donating her body for an older person to rent.
Do You Need A Little Cash?
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             Have you been needing a little more cash? Do you have a family you need to raise? Well if you are between the ages of 14-19 we have a deal for you. Call this number to find out more info on how to get money and get if fast. 1-800-227-4669. Or go to this address Saturdays and Sundays between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., 1027 South Lake-view Drive
Los Angeles, California 90001
Camps for kids.
       Kids that have been caught for being squatters are being held in camps. Squatters- people who hide, sleep, or reside on property that is not theirs. Prime Destinations Old Man is planning on visiting one of these camps and picking out kids for his new experiment. Callie Woodley new to this camp is the only person who knows the true reason he is coming. He wants the kids to become permanent bodies to be rented. Callie only knows one person in the camp and she is not wanting her to get picked because of the fact that she is a sweet little girl named Sara. So Callie punches the little girl in the face. The Old Man picks his choices and Callie is one of them. So Callie runs and hides where Sara told her to if anything ever went wrong. 
My Opinion on the book!
          I really enjoyed this book. This book is part of the series which I'll have to read the rest of the series. The book never lost my interest. There was always something exciting going on in the story. It's a mixture of a book between action and romance. The book is majority action.  The book was intriging I didn't want to stop reading the book. When I finished this book I said to myself, "Yep, I'm definitely reading the whole series." 
                                                                                                          Wednesday, October 20, 2029                                                                                                                  FREE
Would I recommend this book?
           I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read fiction or about predicted futuristic events. This book is a page turning book. When I started reading this I didn't want to put the book down. I wanted to see what was going to happen next. This book was a very enjoyable book for me. I recommend this book and probably recommend this series, but have not yet read any of the other books.
ATTENTION:
          Are you in need of a little extra food and water? Do you need some more blankets and necessities. Well do we have exciting news for you! Every day from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. we will be having a free give away. We will send you home with a box of supplies that should last you 2 weeks if not longer. 
Supplies include:
Tooth brush and toothpaste
Shampoo
Bottled water
A blanket
Food
First aide kit
Fingernail clippers
A backpack
Notebook and pens
Flashlight
Batteries
Sun block and bug spray