Giant Burmese python discovered in Florida (+video)

A newly found Burmese python has broken previous records in size and egg capacity. The discovery is an indication of just how comfortable the invasive species is in its Florida home.?

By Megan Gannon,?LiveScience / August 13, 2012

In this file photo taken from video, a Burmese python is seen in the snake pit at the Savannah River Ecology Lab in South Carolina. A Burmese python found in Florida has broken two records.

AP Photo/Alysia Patterson, File

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A double record-setting Burmese python has been found in the Florida Everglades.

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Herpetologist Shawn Heflick and Kimberly Wright discuss how a thriving python population in Everglades National Park has made the refuge more a killing ground than a haven for the endangered mammals, trees, plants, birds, turtles and alligators there. Heflick and Navarro are joined by Pugsley, a 13 ft. Burmese python.

At 17 feet, 7 inches (5.3 meters) in length, it is the largest snake of its kind found in the state and it was carrying a record 87 eggs. Scientists say the finding highlights how dangerously comfortable the invasive species has become in its new home.

"This thing is monstrous, it's about a foot wide," said Kenneth Krysko, of the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. "It means these?snakes?are surviving a long time in the wild, there's nothing stopping them and the native wildlife are in trouble."

The giant female python was discovered in the Everglades National Park and had been stored since May in a freezer at the museum; on Friday, researchers at the museum studied its internal anatomy, making the wild discovery.

Florida is the?world capital for invasive reptiles and amphibians, and the Burmese python, native to Southeast Asia, is one of the state's most prominent new residents. The snake was introduced to Florida by the exotic pet trade three decades ago and is now one of the region's deadliest and most competitive predators. [See Photos of Record Burmese Python]

"They were here 25 years ago, but in very low numbers and it was difficult to find one because of their cryptic behavior," Krysko said in a statement from the University of Florida. "Now, you can go out to the Everglades nearly any day of the week and find a Burmese python. We've found 14 in a single day."

Officials worry that the snakes pose a threat to humans, as well as to native, endangered species, which turn up in the pythons' stomachs. This record-breaking, 164.5-pound (75-kg) specimen found in Everglades National Park had feathers in its belly that will be identified by museum ornithologists, the researchers said. Research published this year suggested the pythons are not only eating the Everglades' birds but they're also snatching, and likely?swallowing whole birds' eggs.

Population estimates for the Burmese python in Florida range from the thousands to hundreds of thousands, the researchers said. Studying this massive female specimen with dozens of babies on board could help scientists understand how to curb the spread of the python and other invasive animals.

"By learning what this animal has been eating and its reproductive status, it will hopefully give us insight into how to potentially manage other wild Burmese pythons in the future," Krysko said.

Previous state records for Burmese pythons found in the wild were 16.8 feet (5.1 meters) long and 85 eggs, the researchers said.

Follow LiveScience on Twitter?@livescience. We're also on?Facebook?&?Google+.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/DqQopc0pqXA/Giant-Burmese-python-discovered-in-Florida-video

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Obama opens his Chicago home to supporters

CHICAGO (AP) ? The red-brick Georgian Revival home was gleaming: An American flag extended from the porch, the evergreen trees surrounding the yard were pruned and the red impatiens and begonias were blooming. Guests mingled at tables covered with stylish lime-colored tablecloths and listened to light jazz before their host said a few words.

Just a nice summertime garden party on a Sunday ? along with beefy Secret Service agents, the buzz of a motorcade waiting outside, and a black pole extending high over the corner of the property, dotted with surveillance equipment and cameras.

"Welcome to my house!" said President Barack Obama, greeting donors at his South Side home. "I have to say, the lawn hasn't looked this good in a while. But I figured, but at least Michelle figured, that if everyone was coming over we ought to neaten up a little bit."

Obama opened up his home in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood for a marquee fundraiser, welcoming about 75 of his top donors who wished the president a belated happy birthday ? No. 51 ? and gave big bucks to his re-election campaign. It was part of a full day of hometown fundraising for Obama, who was expected to haul in $3.5 million to $4 million to fuel his campaign against Republican Mitt Romney.

The president was among friends, noting that many in the audience knew him "when I barely owned a suit," a reference to his time as a community organizer during the mid-1980s. "This place is where I learned about the importance of bringing communities together to solve problems."

Michelle Obama wasn't there, instead raising money for her husband's campaign at events in Los Angeles. But the president reminded guests that she was born and raised in Chicago, where they met and started a family. "I think it's fair to say I'm an adopted son of the South Side."

Obama's weekend fundraising trip had all the trappings of a local homecoming, right down to the crowds gathered by the nearby Pancake House to cheer on his motorcade on Saturday night and a banner hanging on a fence a few blocks from his home that said, "Happy Birthday President Obama."

The weekend offered a rare two-night stay for Obama at his house. The president stayed at a hotel during NATO meetings in June because of security concerns. He arrived on Saturday afternoon and met advisers at his Chicago campaign headquarters, then grabbed dinner with friends at a local eatery called Piccolo Sogno Due, which means "Little Dream 2" in Italian.

During his Chicago sojourn, his motorcade swept past Grant Park several times, letting him look at the park where throngs of supporters cheered his victory on election night in 2008. He could look out the window and see Soldier Field, home of his beloved Chicago Bears, and watch the final day of the Olympic Games on television.

Making his own Olympic analogy, Obama told his donors ? most of whom paid $40,000 per person to attend ? that the 2012 election wasn't going to turn out like a Usain Bolt race, referring to the dominant Jamaican sprinter who was so fast he could jog to the finish line. "We're going to have to run through the tape. But we're really well positioned to not just win but to keep America moving forward."

By dusk, with temperatures in the mid-70s, the president was ready for an evening stroll.

His next fundraiser was at the home of Marty Nesbitt, one of his closest friends, followed by another at the home of Barbara Bowman, the mother of Valerie Jarrett, a longtime adviser and friend.

Nesbitt's home was so close that the president decided to walk, slinging his black blazer over his left shoulder while he was trailed by Secret Service agents and his entourage. He shook hands with cheering neighbors and gave a local TV crew a presidential shout-out for his favorite baseball team, the Chicago White Sox.

"Nice to be home?" shouted a member of the press corps.

"It's always nice to be home," Obama said. "A little cooler than Washington, isn't it?"

___

Follow Ken Thomas on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Ken_Thomas

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-opens-chicago-home-supporters-225156646.html

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Pavers ? Stone ? Bricks - Home Improvement - Rubin Aguilar's blog

Sidewalks can be a beautiful add-on to any site and will enhance the appearance of your house. A good sidewalk provides a secure path for foot traffic but simultaneously adds a decorative element to your home. Sidewalks need not always be for your front door but can connect landscapes, patios, outbuildings or any other frequently used path of travel. Sidewalks may also be constructed of dozens of different kinds of materials ranging from stone, brick pavers, wooden chips, concrete, stone screenings, wood, gravel or most any idea you can develop that will provide a firm ground. Pavers come in many shapes, dimensions and colors. Patterns are almost limitless.

Move the lines around a little in case your are curving the walk. Your first idea might not have been the best one. OKAY, now that you have an idea you prefer on paper, go get your hose. You don?t need water, just the actual hose. Using the hose, layout the sidewalk as closely as you possibly can to what you have drawn. Place the hose on both sides from the proposed walk. NOW you can see that which you actually drew on our layout linen.

Source: http://nevisislandhouse.com/home-owners-sidewalks-pavers-stone-bricks/

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Source: http://rubinaguilar.typepad.com/blog/2012/08/pavers-stone-bricks-home-improvement.html

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The Invidiata Collection | Reconnecting Through Wellness

For her birthday, on an auspicious day around thirteen years ago, Liz Belford?s closest friends conspired to send her to a luxurious out-of-town spa. While there, she relaxed and reposed, and let the worries and stressors of her day?of her year, even?melt away.

A facial, massage and body treatments later, Liz was aware that the wellness centre?s effects had gone deeper than she ever could have imagined: In fact, her birthday gift had made her see that she had a new calling. ?Literally overnight,? Liz says, ?I realized I wanted to be in the business of restoring health for others. I knew I wanted to take spas to a whole new and elegant level.? It was at this moment that the seed was planted for what has become the Rosewater Spa of Oakville.

A consummate entrepreneur, and passionate when it comes to the health that spa services can proffer, Liz came to notice that a number of couples were coming to the Rosewater to reconnect with each other over shared relaxation. Aware that modern life can stress relationships, and that time is needed to make any good relationship work, Liz designed packages that could help couples bond and enjoy valuable time together. These packages have proven a ?hit? because of the specialized treatments, fine details and reconnection-oriented ethos they incorporate.

The majority of couples who walk in the door are there for the purpose of finding relaxation. To help them attain this goal, the private suites to which they are first shown are insulated against outdoor noise, while the massage room is doubly protected with sound barriers. Once a couple has crossed the spa?s threshold, they are transported away from the dizzying world of cellphones, busyness and noise. Also, the treatments area contains heated massage tables and a fireplace. The Rosewater Spa is designed to keep the world?s distractions at bay, and to provide a casually elegant atmosphere.

The array of available massage options has proven to be another strong point for the couples? packages. Thalassotherapy (which uses a therapeutic, certified organic and deeply penetrating seaweed gel to soothe muscles and joints), reflexology, aromatherapy, relaxation, deep tissue and hot stone therapies are a few of the possible choices.

Relaxing as they are, the couples? package treatments go beyond superficial soothing. Each individual therapy can be tweaked to focus on a person?s specific wellness preferences. If neck tension, headaches or workplace anxiety are causes for concern, for example, the client need only mention this to the massage therapist: Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are trained to address a number of physical and emotional complaints through the use of precisely applied pressure and care. Also, the Rosewater specialists? ability to tell a client what is going on with his or her body on a deeper level is?as Liz puts it??uncanny.? Liz explains that a labyrinthine system of nerves connects our organs to our feet and head. When reflexologists manipulate certain areas of the foot, they can gain insight into more significant issues within the body, as well as soothe any related physiological symptoms. Thalassotherapy?or ?ocean? therapy?is another modality that allows for a more profound restoration of body and mind. Using algae and deeper level ocean water, which is free of surface pollutants, the body is re-mineralized and its chemical balances are restored. While all available modalities provide a sense of calm, they also offer a deeper reading on, and recalibrating of, one?s overall health. These benefits last long after the spa?s visit has ended.

While the treatments themselves offer enhanced wellness, the mere decision to visit the spa for a romantic date is a step towards health. As one of the Rosewater?s RMTs, Samantha Pearce, puts it: ?Couples often fall into a rut of doing the same thing, and that same thing isn?t always conducive to fitness. Sometimes couples go out to dinners, or go to the movies where they eat lots of buttered popcorn, and this can be unhealthy.? When couples enjoy themselves at the spa, it?s a ?safe? and even healthy indulgence: Together, they take a step away from bad habits, and towards a shared new experience of wellness.

A number of ?special details? make the Rosewater?s couples? packages even more noteworthy. For example, when the couple first walks in, they?re given a menu. They get to choose what they?d like to have as part of a catered lunch?complete with a glass of champagne?that will await them after their specialized treatments. This post-treatment meal, served in an antechamber outside the treatment room, affords valuable ?face time? for a couple. They get to enjoy a sumptuous (but healthy!) dining experience, chat about their time in the massage room and just be in each other?s presence. This added touch makes the day that much more special.

In addition to a meal, all couples? packages start with a eucalyptus steam bath. After getting ready in their personal V.I.P. suite, the couple is shown to their very own, private steam room. Here, warmth combines with heady eucalyptus oils to relax the body?s muscles. The soothing vapours not only feel great on their own, but?once in the treatment room?they help the massage therapist access any knots or areas of tension in the body. As Liz notes, ?the details are what count,? and ?we?ve done everything possible to make this an unrivalled experience for both men and women?the couples?who visit the Rosewater.?

Finally, the Rosewater?s location is, in and of itself, an ingredient in the recipe for a couple?s relaxation. Nestled in charming and historic downtown Oakville, the Rosewater is steps away from Lake Ontario, magnificent harbour gardens, and a plethora of intriguing boutiques, caf?s and restaurants. So, a couple can leave their treatment and head out directly for a hand-in-hand stroll, some window-shopping, or dinner. The rejuvenation and ease achieved within the Rosewater?s relaxing walls can be carried back out into the day.

The Rosewater Spa is certainly a treat for the senses. And, so often in today?s bustling world, couples are in need of just such an experience. With its tranquil atmosphere and treatments, and with the attention to special detail that?s palpably a service ?must,? the Rosewater Spa is a great place to go when you?re hoping to enjoy some valuable time with that special someone.

The Rosewater Spa is located at 482 Elizabeth Street in Burlington, Ontario, and at 156 Church Street in Oakville, Ontario. Please visit www.rosewaterspa.com for more details.

Source: http://www.theinvidiatacollection.com/reconnecting-through-wellness/

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Japan?s DeNA Appears Unfazed By Gaming Mechanics Ban As Profit Is Up 20%

At least for the time being, Japan's multibillion dollar gaming giant DeNA appears to be unaffected by the government's recent inquiry into 'gacha' gaming mechanics. Profits were up 20 percent year-over-year to 10 billion yen ($127.3 million). Overall revenue was up 37 percent to $605.9 million. Japanese gaming companies have faced some headwinds in the early part of this year as the country's consumer affairs agency cracked down on a gambling or 'wishing well'-like gaming mechanic called kompu gacha that randomly awards players prizes (kind of like a slot machine). The biggest mobile gaming companies in the country like DeNA and GREE have stepped back from using them, which has put downward pressure on their share prices. DeNA removed these mechanics from its games in May (or two months into the quarter).?The company said that increased spending on virtual currency offset the loss of these mechanics, although we'll only see the real effects perhaps in the next quarter.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/xZFyj4PlxcI/

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Why Is League Of Legends The Most Popular PC Game In The World?

Earlier last month, news broke that League of Legends, the addictive rehash of MOBA games like DotA and Heroes of Newerth, has officially earned the right to call itself the most popular game on the PC platform. This data was pulled from statistics over at time-tracker gaming service Xfire. As Xfire is a little outdated (or so you can argue), many have disputed the crowning of LoL.

In Korea, League of Legends has quickly taken over and has overthrown the long-time king, StarCraft II. Korea is an incredibly competitive country in eSports. In Europe, it?s quickly becoming beloved and has peaked titles like World of Warcraft. In the United States, LoL has every reason to remain top dog for a very long time.

It?s Free

We?ll go with this reason first, as I believe it?s the biggest contributor to the game?s success. There is no flat free or subscription required to play LoL. Upon hearing that, you?re not crazy to think, ?But yeah, it?s got one of those ridiculous cash shops that you?re going to have to put money into if you want to remain competitive.? Not true at all.

The only items in the game that cannot be purchased by a currency obtainable by playing at a completely free level are items that change cosmetics. Skins and themes. These are completely useless other than to change the appearance of your game and characters. Other than that, RP (Riot Points, the points-for-cash currency) can also buy boosts and ?packs.?

Champions and runes, the two most important contributors to the competitive atmosphere of the game, can be obtained using either RP or IP (Influence Points). IP is obtained through playing games.

It?s Very Competitive

The nature of MOBA games allow them to be some of the most complex, strategic, and dynamic available online. League of Legends is a game of chess right from the moment you queue into a game.

Be it a blind pick normal or a ranked draft, the game begins when you enter the draft lobby. Competition kicks off selecting a team of champions, where a team with the better team composition has a huge advantage going right into the game. Choosing the correct set of masteries and runes is also a huge factor in the early game.

There are over 100 available champions in the game, which makes for a ridiculous combination of possible teams. Selecting a team that synergizes in the lane and late game phase is a battle of brains in itself. I?ve yet to even need to mention the complexities of the game itself once things get flowing. It?s a chess match for the long haul and the team of players who know the game the best and are able to execute as a team the best will win. It?s a very good feeling when you win a competitive game as a team.

Constant Updates

League of Legends pushes out patch after patch after patch. Not only are they constantly striving to even out and improve the gameplay, but new gameplay elements are constantly introduced.

Since I began playing League of Legends around three months ago, I believe a total of four or five new champions have been released. In that same window of time, turrets have been greatly changed, the entire visual landscape of Summoner?s Rift has been improved, ARAM has made its rise, and the first ever theme has dropped. Riot always makes sure to keep this game fresh and to keep the level of gameplay at a standard that its players are pleased with.

Too much of the same thing begins to wear on a game. That may be what happened to games like Guild Wars and World of Warcraft (despite new expansions every other year). LoL is constantly flowing and changing, forcing players to adapt and learn along the way.

These are just three of the reasons why LoL is such a great and popular game, and there are many more. Let me know why you think LoL is the king of PC gaming in the comments.

Source: http://www.iusecomputer.com/why-is-league-of-legends-the-most-popular-pc-game-in-the-world-muo-gaming.html

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Jonathan Carbutti - New Haven Real Estate Expert: Traditional Vs ...

Watch on your mobile device >>

Believe it or not, there is more to selling a home than just putting out ads. And as we delve deeper and deeper into this digital age, what used to be considered luxuries are now necessities to the marketing scheme of any successful real estate agent. Consider some of the traditional ways that real estate agents for years (generations?) have marketed their clients? properties ? and notice how each item is entirely passive.?

????????? 1. Putting a sign outside the home, hoping a buyer will drive by.

????????? 2. Listing the property on major national websites or the local MLS with the expectation that an offer will be received eventually.

????????? 3. Hoping that other agents will notice the new listing and introduce it to their buyer clients.

????????? 4. Advertising the property in print publications, again with the expectation that a buyer will notice the listing.

????????? 5. Holding one or more open houses with the intent and hope to generate interest.

As someone that wants to successfully sell their home, it?s important to ask yourself:

Do I want my agent to be passively marketing my house? Or is a proactive approach critical in today?s market?

Today, we live in a world where nearly everyone holds a smartphone (or tablet, laptop, notebook, book reader) and each provides an unlimited gateway to instant access of information. At the same time, we also live very much in a ?here and now? world. Where there once may have been a charm of sorts to sit down and meet with your agent over coffee and discuss your needs prior to engaging in the standard forms of advertising ? now, it?s a whole new ballgame.

Buyers are savvier than ever before and they too don?t have that much time on hands. So the first thing they do is jump online to shortlist locales, neighborhoods, school districts and other macro aspects of their home search. Next, they begin shortlisting on a more specialized level. They pare down specific neighborhoods, research about area restaurants, shopping, crime rates, amenities and other things. At this point in their search, most of them haven?t even engaged in a conversation with a real estate agent.

Now, ask yourself this question:

Would I rather be a seller hoping for a buyer to drive by and just happen to see the ?open house? sign ? or does it make more sense to position my property out there for buyers to find before they start shortlisting?

In fact, the real estate industry is fast changing and soon enough the only way to succeed in selling your home will be to reach far out and grab the business.? In other words ? you will have to make it happen yourself because it simply won?t happen on its own.

So the next time you find yourself asking an agent, your agent ? or even one that you are thinking of hiring ? what they will be doing to get your home sold, be sure that their answer shows they are proactive rather than stuck in yesteryear.

Carbutti & Co. Realtors Remains at the Forefront of Technology

This is where we come in. With the use of expert video technology as a standard approach, we accept nothing less than taking a proactive stance at marketing your property. Where some agents might host an open house to introduce a property on the market, we also provide an intimate look into the home with a video tour. Where you might see flat, one-dimensional photographs of a home ?marketed? by others, our listings practically jump off the page and speak to buyers. Where buyers may expect to receive cold, impersonal emails ? we take the time to communicate face-to-face, even if that means doing so online.

In the business of real estate, we know it is critical that we stay current with the times and with one look at our blog you will see that we take this very seriously. You can see examples of our video tours, subscribe to receive our bi-weekly education video communications or take a town tour to get a close look at some of the wonderful aspects of your community of choice. When it comes to selling a home, we utilize unique, custom communication tools catered to making buyers feel valued.?

These are the very things that stand out. These are the tools that make buyers want to view our listings. These are the things that make our homes sell.

~

To find out how we can help you get your home sold, call us today for a customized consultation so we can determine your needs and start working on it right away!

Source: http://www.jonathancarbutti.com/2012/08/traditional-vs-online-marketing-why.html

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