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From AOL Auto Section: A New Jersey woman spent the night in jail after a ticket she received way back in 2002 came back to haunt her. When she was 17, Krystle Garcia was cited by New York police for not having her insurance card. She never paid the fine, but was able to renew her license and commute to New York for the subsequent decade. Everything seemed fine until she was stopped at a checkpoint and had her license randomly scanned. The scan showed that Garcia had an outstanding summons, so she was arrested on the spot. Even though Garcia had long forgotten about the ticket, the state of New York did not. "It was horrifying," Garcia told NBC 4 in New York. "I sat in a holding cell for 14 hours with people who had gun charges, who were fighting each other." "I've received tickets in New York and I've paid them. Couldn't they have just impounded my car instead of taking me, and putting me with other people who commit actual crimes?" Garcia ended up settling in court and paying a $155 fine, but not until after she suffered through a long and frightening ordeal. Moral of the story: Pay your fines, folks. The government has a long memory. Now how would this have gone down in Milwaukee County? 1. If she was stopped in one of the suburbs, ie. Shorewood, WFB, Fox Point, etc., they would have let her make a phone call, someone would have come and paid fine, and she would have been released. 2. If she was stopped in the City of Milwaukee, they would not let her make a phone call. They would have kept her in a city jail for a few hours and then transferred her to the County Jail. At the County Jail she would be subject to a cavity search (per the US Supreme Court). When allowed to finally use a pay phone, on which she could only make a collect call, she might get out if she has a friend with a landline, you cannot make collect calls to cell phones. It would not be unusual for her to spend a couple nights in the County Jail before getting released. When I grew up, we were taught in grade school that this kind of thing only happened in countries like the USSR or China or other dictatorships, and that US citizens were treated with a little respect and common sense. It cost a lot more money to treat her like a dog in manpower and jailing, then if they just suspended her license and she would have remembered the ticket and paid the fine. What do you think? Do you agree? Greg 4:32 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012 I once got a speeding ticket in Kentucky. I asked the Trooper, What would happen if I never pay the fine? He said "never come back to Kentucky", I paid the fine when I got home. I know, a while back, Wisconsin required payment prior to being turned loose, for out of state violators. David Tatarowicz 4:50 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012 @Greg I think you missed the entire point of this post --- or I did not make it clear. CowDung 4:53 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012 She was fortunate that it wasn't the IRS. They would have had her pay penalties and interest in addition to the amount she owed for the original fine... Greg 5:00 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012 "Is This the Kind of America We Have Fought Wars For?", Nope. "What do you think?", Not exactly a Gulag. The USSR or China reference was a bit much. "Do you agree?", No it was over reaction, but it does not represent our entire country. She should learn to take care of her obligations. 10 years is a long time. Bren 10:05 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012 The episode in New York was ridiculous. Frankly I'm amazed that the NYPD actually stopped someone. The things I have seen in the City that Never Sleeps...and the police ignore it. Once two officers were standing on a street corner during a four way traffic jam. A taxi had gone through a red light and had become trapped in a sea of cars trying to travel in the other direction. Horns blaring, people yelling profanities out their windows. The officers stopped chatting, looked at the mess (which showed no signs of clearing up soon), looked at each other, shook their heads and went on talking. So I have to believe Ms. Garcia's stop was an extraordinary circumstance. (A NY acquaintance kept a broom in his car for years for Manhattan driving. Cabby, delivery truck or other vehicle would get too close, and SMACK! I love New York.) But it is a shame that citizens are harassed with minor traffic issues when crack houses and major crimes are rampant in some tragic parts of the city. The obvious answer is revenue. People who can afford to drive a car can afford to pay citations. Greg 10:30 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012 I think it would be interesting to know what information the arresting officers were given. They may have only seen it as a 10 year old warrant. Bren 10:35 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 I agree, but still have to wonder at the stop happening at all. ; ) Greg 11:06 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 It will become all that much more common with the automated tag readers. They won't need a check point to find out you are late on that library book. David Tatarowicz 12:02 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012 America has become a scary place that is looking like countries that we used to use as examples of where people did not have basic rights and dignity. Two reasons I see for these changes are first of all Apathy by Folks who think that it will always happen to someone else, and that as long as they are respectable and upright citizens, they will be protected and treated with dignity The recent TV coverage of the guy on Water street who was on the ground and being punched by a cop should have resulted in total outrage by the citizenry. The cop doing the punching was a sadistic coward, but because the "cops" say it is proper procedure -- and the average citizen thinks it can't happen to them, the controversy went away. Many Supreme Court cases over the past few years have been eating away at basic rights and dignities --- but people feel it won't happen to them, so they just don't care. The Supreme Court decided that an American Citizen can be put into MILITARY custody, sent to Gitmo, be denied legal representation, and has no right to a trial of his peers. In the name of National Security --- Makes the McCarthy Red Scare seem tame. The Supreme Court has decided that Anyone who is locked up in jail for ANY reason --- unpaid parking ticket --- is subject to a Cavity Search ! Contrary to popular belief and TV shows --- you are NOT entitled to a phone call upon arrest !! These are just a few examples --- there are many more. Greg 11:03 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012 Do you really think this is new, other than the Patriot Act stuff? Cops beating peoples heads in, has been going on as long as there were cops. Remember what Dirty Lyle did to Spider Mike in Convoy. Quack, Quack. David Tatarowicz 12:50 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012 @Greg Does that mean you don't mind cops breaking the law --- or cops making up rules of conduct that are ridiculous --- that coward cop beating that guys head while he is subdued is somehow proper procedure --- yeah I know, sometimes a cop might get wound up, and I certainly don't believe they should be micro-managed, but when something like beating in a guy's head is "justified" there is a limit to which citizens should say -- BS ..... just saying it is proper procedure does not make it right. Guys like that cop are often the kind that use their power on helpless victims ..... instead of condoning his conduct, the People,the Chief and the Other Cops should tell him to Man Up. Greg 5:54 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012 Your post, just above, makes it sound like this is something new. It's not. That was what I was saying and I have no clue how you could read into that, that I condone such actions. If you are upset by the actions in this blog, you'll really find this interesting. David Tatarowicz 5:46 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 @Greg I understand it is not new and I enjoyed the article -- I did read much of it before --- I think what is new is that the police and prosecutors and legislators have become so overhanded in meting out punishment, that when confronted with one of their own, they realize how much it will F up his or her life and career, and all of a sudden they back off. The days of a cop pulling over someone with a minor want or warrant and warning them to get it taken care of are over --- an overdue library fine and all of a sudden in Milwaukee you are in jail !!! In the burbs, they will let you call and try to get it paid --- What is ironic is that I run a service company, and my clients would NOT allow me to hire someone with some of the records those cops have --- because their insurance companies won't allow it !!! Remember that kid that the Shorewood HS tried to have arrested and tried for $2.70 worth of chicken nuggets, that he may or may not have had legally --- if he had been convicted of that --- believe it or not, my clients would say I could not hire him ....... No Mercy for Citizens --- but Cops and Supreme Court Justices can get away with a lot !!! $$andSense 8:33 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 Get used to it. This is what you get when you stop challenging or promote the militarist police state. The bullet ballot is what is coming next if things are to change. One size fits all. I LMAO when I read the postings of the AA's, the JRH's and all the rest of the widdle "conservatives" that tell us that Walker and his ilk are our "saviours and heros". Reap what you sow. When you let the cops and their unions get a free pass from the voter, expect more of this crap. But you feel safe don't you? Hey, if you didn't do nothing wrong, you don’t mind being stopped, frisked (TSA style) or letting them in your house without a warrant? Greg 8:56 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 It's Walker's fault. Delusion has reached a new level. $$andSense 9:21 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 No, Greg, if you are leveling at me. It is YOU and all the rest of the US allowing the Doyle's, McCallum's, Kohl's, Sensennbrenners, Obama's, Bush's etc., etc. etc. to get away with their Patriot Acts, federal reserve, attacks on home rule, etc. etc. that are delusional. But you come across as the young crowd that thinks that a conservative is a republican and nothing more. News flash, you don't have it Jr. Greg 9:29 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 And where have you been in all of this, you fossil. $$andSense 10:02 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 Oh, so the status quo is fine with you? My vote and voice has been against all this. Enjoy your police state junior. Mere mention of the architects of the present makes one a fossil? History isn’t your strong point? Read up on what pissed off the American colonists that lead to a revolution and founding of our Constitution and MAYBE YOU MAY GET A CLUE!! Did you even finish high school? Hopefully not college because you are an embarrassment to the rest of us that finished either. Greg 10:09 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 You calling me Jr., makes you a fossil. You attacking my education, makes you a moron. $$andSense 10:21 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 Excellent. Then I am accurate on both. Thanks for setting that straight. Regarding the moron thing, I was young and stupid once too like too like you so I deserve that comment. You are just a few decades short of my gaining a lot of experience and wisdom in the meantime. Good luck with that. Time is a bitch. Greg 10:26 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 Old does not equal wise or smart. You are proof of that. I think facts are the bitch for you. How old am I? $$andSense 10:48 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 Take the night off Jr. Some of us have to go to work tomorrow. You think on the "facts" that are a problem for you or how old you are (though you should know your own birthday). You know Dr. Seuss? "Ask me tomorrow, but not today". Let's trade words then, OK? This will give your "conservative" friends time to weigh in as well. Greg 11:02 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 Don't break a hip getting into bed. David Tatarowicz 5:25 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 @ Old/Grumpy -- Young/Snippy -------- after reading your tete a tete I really did LOL as I don't think you are very far apart philosophically but just had to find something to argue about ............ And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people, maybe more People talking without speaking People hearing without listening Greg 7:53 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Now they stood beside the treasure, On the mountain, dark and red. Turned the stone and looked beneath it... "Peace on Earth" was all it said. $$andSense 10:09 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 David Old/Grumpy means either you, Greg, Bren or CowDung. Who is it? jukap29 12:23 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 i think we need to temper a over-active police force with the fact that they deal with problems that are wholly new or at least the size and scale of which are. do you listen to the scanners in Racine? do you realize what these guys put up with. There may be a couple bad eggs, but every org has that - your fear and loathing of authority has got to have some deeper roots. were you embarrassed by a cop? popped for possession? were you over 18 and your girlfriend wasn't? I'm not fan of unabated authority run amuck by any means, but MOST police officers will show you respect if you show it first. if you broke the law, you broke the law. a lenient judge or officer is all that lets you avoid the actual statutory penalties, never forget that... AND WE ARE A NATION OF LAWS, no matter how much the current or past admins want to ignore that Avenging Angel 2:46 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Lets see, the point is the cops should just ignore an outstanding warrant? She thought she had gotten away with it. She didn't. I come and go as I please and have absolutely no fear of the police because I have a clean record. Know what the best part of having a clean record? You can take the cops to task without consequence, which I have done many times. Try to find something that will get some traction. This isn't it.

Obesity,Diets#Eating Disorders#Bullying#Fat Acceptance#Please Share weight watchers, TOPS, curves, Atkins, South beach, you name it , I've tried it. 4 years ago I started in investigate Bariatric Surgery, and specifically LAP band. with a BMI of 49 I was approved as a patient in Washington and in Ontario, but didn't like the idea of the cost or of spending time away from all my support systems. When I heard the procedure was being offered in my home town, that included a pre-op and a 2 year post op program, I was elated . I started dieting and exercise under the Dr's supervision and in the 12 weeks pre-op was able to lose 15 lbs. Thats a good weight loss, why have surgery you might say. The problem was the hunger and temptaion that came along with it. I had my surgery on April 21 2010, and have plateaued twice (which was solved by filling the band a little) but as of Today, the 1st anniversary of the start of my weight loss journey, I have lost 70 lbs. I am not the same person I was, I am more confident than ever, I don't get hungry, as a small meal will fill me up, and am very happy that I have had the procedure done, even though we had to take out a loan to do it. Our medical coverage still considers it elective. To say that overweight people won't try diet and exercise, In My Opinion , is wrong. Do you think they just woke up one morning to find out that they were obese? I don't think so. Lap band surgery is not available to every one . You must fall within the criteria in order to have it done. You must have tried many weight loss programs and failed, You must have a BMI over 35, and be at least 35 years of age. I am sure these rules can be bent, and here-in lies the problem. People having the surgery instead of trying a standard weight loss program. There are many people who just don't care about the cost of the surgery any more than they care about the cost of plastic surgery. There is a place in society for the LAP band surgery, and it solves so many weight related problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease and diabetes that are all associated with obesity. The benefits out weigh the cost and bring down the overall cost of healthcare to the obese. I don't believe that bariatric surgery should be taboo, but rather a solution to a fast growing problem in North America today. I have added this wonderful writing piece to recognize the complex issues surrounding obesity. Views: 6 Comment You need to be a member of Obesity Thunder Bay-Promoting Education on Health Determinants to add comments! Join Obesity Thunder Bay-Promoting Education on Health Determinants

In Memory of Donna Mae Henley November 27, 1936 - July 27, 2011 Donna Mae Henley, 74, of New Plymouth, left to her final home on July 27, 2011. A visitation for friends and family will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, July 29th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, New Plymouth. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 30th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, New Plymouth. Interment will follow at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth. Condolences may be made to Donna's family at. Donna was born on Nov. 27, 1936 in Rockville, NE to Donald and Sylvia (Daddow) Rich. She had a special gift of touching every life that crossed her path. Her life was built around her family and her families lives were built around her. There was not a day that went by where Donna was not doing charity work with her dearest friends in the Emblem Club, or spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother, sisters or the love of her life, Dave Rogers. While we will miss her, the "gifts" she gave us will last forever. She is survived by her brother, Jerry (Joanne) Anderson; sisters, Ida (Ron) Wisdom, and Carol (Ray) Prather; her children, Dixie Kinkade, Rick (Sheree) Kinkade, Tammy (Peter) Bronson, Teresa (Casey) McLees, Julie (Todd) Hammon; 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Max and Jimmy; and a grandson, John Ashley. Memorials may be made to the Emblem Club or Ontario Elks Lodge No. 1690, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661. Visitation Friday, July 29, 2011 | 4:00pm - 7:00pm Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel 329 S Plymouth Ave, New Plymouth, ID 83655 | (208) 642-3333 Driving Directions Funeral Service Saturday, July 30, 2011 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel 329 S Plymouth Ave, New Plymouth, ID 83655 | (208) 642-3333 Driving Directions

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the newly elected president of Iran, arrived in New York last Tuesday for the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the United Nations and wasted no time in giving the world a clear indication of where his government stood on a number of issues. But it was on Saturday, his last night in town, that he and his delegation really let loose. That night, at a gala event at the midtown Hilton, the Iranian president and Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Dr. Ali Larijani, spoke to an all-Iranian crowd. Away from the glare of the media for the first time, Dr. Larijani insisted in a menacing and supremely confident tone that not only would Iran never make concessions on the nuclear-fuel cycle, but that threats of an American invasion or use of force against Iran were at best ill-advised—especially considering Iran’s influence in Iraq. It had been a whirlwind week for the Iranian government. Having been granted a last-minute visa by a reluctant U.S. government, Mr. Ahmadinejad swung into town on an aging Iran Air 747, along with a large entourage that also included his minister of foreign affairs. Mr. Ahmadinejad had a busy week of “getting to know” his various foreign counterparts—with the exception, of course, of his American counterpart. On Wednesday, the Iranian president gave an eagerly anticipated speech to the U.N., notable more for criticism of the United States (whose delegation, led by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, walked out as soon as he opened his mouth) than any indication of Iranian nuclear intentions. He promised at a press breakfast I attended the next day that his final speech would offer new proposals for restarting the stalemated negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. The even more eagerly anticipated Saturday speech at the U.N. (again, the U.S. delegation walked out) did indeed offer proposals to end the deadlock, but they weren’t particularly new, and his defiant tone left American allies shaking their heads in discouragement. That evening, however, the Iranians were in a triumphant mood and had planned an evening at the midtown Hilton, where 500 or 600 U.S.-based pro–Islamic Republic Iranians would be on hand to honor the president. (The media wasn’t invited, as it was intended for Iranians only, and no part of the evening was in English.) Yet another summer street fair had closed Sixth Avenue down for the day, and I had to walk a few blocks through the detritus of the festivities to get to the hotel, following a group of Iranian women marching uptown in their chadors and hijabs and heels, trying to keep up with husbands who walked a few paces ahead. On the mezzanine level of the hotel and away from the bemused looks of the tourists in the lobby, security was tight: U.S. Secret Service agents with tell-tale curly wires in their ears, beefy security guards from Tehran with tell-tale stubble and ill-fitting suits, and NYPD shock troops lining the wall, machine guns at the ready. I stood in line to pass through a metal detector and then wandered over to one of the Islamic-friendly “bars”—a table with sodas and water and glasses of ice. The bartender gestured at the bottles and said, “Go ahead.” Perhaps he knew that his meager offerings were unlikely to result in a tip, so he wasn’t about to actually fill anyone’s glass. I walked into the half-empty ballroom and sat at one of the big round tables, nursing my soda and wishing I’d brought a hip flask. A few seconds later, an Iranian official tapped my shoulder and took me by the hand, instructing me to follow him. We walked down a hallway lined with Secret Service agents and entered a smaller ballroom, where a select group of about 60 Iranians were taking turns asking the president questions. The questions and comments were mostly about Iranian exile concerns, everything from “It’s hard for us to explain the chants of ‘Death to America’” to “You have to encourage investment in Iran,” and Mr. Ahmadinejad dutifully took notes but didn’t respond directly. Back in the now-crowded grand ballroom, a man took to the stage and launched into an extended, melodious recantation of verse from the Koran. It was quite beautiful, and it turned out to be the sole musical number of the evening. When it ended, the president, fresh from his prayers, walked to the podium to a loud chorus of salavaat (the blessing for the prophet Muhammad). After the obligatory “In the name of Allah,” etc., he delivered a bombastic speech extolling the Iranian nation. His view of the Iranian people—unparalleled on the planet in their greatness—drew great cheers from the audience, but he refrained from discussing the nuclear issue and instead invited Dr. Larijani to the microphone to explain Iran’s nuclear stance in detail. Dr. Larijani, an elegant man in a well-tailored suit, began by saying that Iran would “never, ever” give up its right to peaceful nuclear energy. He compared Iran’s sovereignty over its nuclear-fuel cycle to Iran’s immensely popular nationalization of the oil industry in the last century—a clever analogy that drew thunderous applause from the crowd. Dr. Larijani also recounted that he had told Jack Straw, the British foreign minister, that Iranians still view Britain with deep suspicion because of the oil concession of a century ago, and had warned him that Britain “should not repeat the same mistake when it came to nuclear power.” He waited for the applause to die down before he moved on to address the possibility of being referred to the Security Council. Dr. Larijani said that even if a veto of a resolution by a friendly state (read: China or Russia) was possible, Iran would still rely on nothing in its nuclear negotiations: “nothing but the will of the Iranian people.” He beamed as the audience again applauded enthusiastically. It occurred to me that Dr. Larijani knew that whatever he was saying this evening would land, translated by the C.I.A., on the desk of Condoleezza Rice the next morning, courtesy of a spy or two in the audience or a listening device in the room. The message was in crystal-clear Farsi: Iran was moving ahead with its nuclear plans, like it or not, go tell your masters. At the end of his speech, his eyes scanned the room (was he looking for the spy?) before he made two direct references to the U.S.: first, that America would not and could not act militarily against Iran, as it is too busy with the messy “soup” it’s created in Iraq; and second, that the U.S. should know that the reason the Shiites of Iraq are tolerating, if not cooperating, with the occupiers is “because of Iran”—and only because of Iran. That was as close to “Bring it on” as it gets, and Dr. Larijani’s Cheshire-cat grin while basking in the applause was a telling sign of the confidence the Iranians felt at the end of their New York stay. After his speech, people rushed to the buffet tables laden with kebabs and rice outside; inside the ballroom, President Ahmadinejad was making a valiant effort to visit every table before heading for the airport, but the crowd gathered around him prevented him from moving far. Despite repeated requests by the U.N. ambassador for people to take their seats, the Iranians somehow didn’t believe his promise that the president would actually say hello to each and every person present, and they ignored the ambassador’s pleas. Not long after, Mr. Ahmadinejad left New York for the long flight home, and the Iranians left for their own homes maybe a few blocks away—some perhaps a little envious that, unlike their president, they would wake up the next morning still in the land of the Great Satan. Follow Hooman Majd via RSS.

Robert E. Bartkowiak, 86, of Fredonia, N.Y. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday afternoon March 17, 2013. He died at home surrounded by the love and prayers of his children and their spouses and the complete devotion of Runa, his dearly beloved wife of nearly 62 years. He was born June 5, 1926 in Dunkirk NY, the son of the late John and Helen Bartkowiak. Mr Bartkowiak graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1944 and is also a Navy veteran. He served with a construction battalion in the Pacific theatre from 1944-1946 and upon his discharge joined the Service Hardware Staff founded in 1928. He went into partnership in 1956 with Nelson Rider and Andrew Swoyer. He became sole owner of Service Hardware, Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, N.Y. in 1973 retiring in 1993. He was a member of the American Legion, Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce, coached Little League and bowled with The Lakeside Club. He enjoyed family barbecues, yard work and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his wife Runa (Kaus) Bartkowiak; two sons: Richard (Ann) Bartkowiak and Robert W (Nanette) Bartkowiak of Fredonia; three daughters: Robin (Dr Timothy) Ward of North East Pa., Rosemary (Mark) Cressy of Wexford , Pa. and Rita (Dr Mark) Kutner of Dunkirk; Grandchildren: Richard(Brittney) Bartkowiak, Daniel (Bethany) Bartkowiak, Kathryn Bartkowiak, Timothy (Jen) Ludemann, Kevin (Britney) Ludemann, Robert W (Jordyn) Bartkowiak Jr., Susanna (Nathan) Elliott and Jonathan (Rachel) Ward; and great grandchildren Shaelyn Elliott and William Bartkowiak. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother John Bartkowiak and sister Mary Ann (Bartkowiak) Somerfeldt. Per Robert's wish, his body was donated to the anatomical gift program at the School of Medical and Bio-medical Sciences at the University of Buffalo. A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 30 at First Baptist Church of Dunkirk at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County. Robert E. Bartkowiak PO Box 391 , Dunkirk, NY 14048-0391 | 716-366-3000 © 2013. All rights reserved.| Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Forum Post: Disclosure Petition. Sign here to get cash out of elections. Posted 6 months ago on Oct. 26, 2012, 9:44 p.m. EST by Builder (3696) This content is user submitted and not an official statement Big Money is buying the 2012 elections in secret. To escape accountability for their political spending, Wall Street corporations and super-rich donors like the Koch Brothers are pumping upwards of $900 million dollars into shadowy tax-exempt nonprofit groups that can spend unlimited money influencing elections without having to reveal a single donor.* Let’s face it - our bought Congress no longer represents the will of the people. 88% of American voters think that “all campaign contributions and expenditures should be publicly disclosed.” And they are right. In the words of Bill Moyers, “three things don’t go together: money, secrecy, democracy." Dark Money has got to go. If Congress will not act to save American democracy - we will. It’s time to take the demand for disclosure directly to the worst of the 1%, and insist they immediately release all records of any anonymous political expenditures. The Koch Brothers of the world think we don’t know or care what they’re up to: add your name to the petition and show them they’re wrong. We delivered this petition to Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase on September 28th. Both have failed to respond, and 8 were arrested in Los Angeles when they peacefully refused to leave until BofA complied. But we will keep coming back, and our civil disobedience actions will only continue to grow until our simple demand is made impossible to ignore. We need at least 1,000 people to sign on to this call before our next wave of actions mid-October so the deep patriots who will risk arrest to ensure our voice is heard will know a growing movement has got their back! signed - BUT telling the bully to stop is not likely to work the only way to beat billions of dollars is with thousands of votes [ think 2000 & 537 Florida votes ] stop it at the legal level it requires us to do more than sign a petition - BUT WHEN DONE - IT WILL SUCCEED Signed Thankyou Nevada1. This is not your concern. Worry about your own nation. Does root your boot have any negative connotations for you? Thanks for the bump. Does interfering where you have no business ring a bell? Go away foreign garbage.... Wow, do you kiss your goat with that mouth? If Builder is trying to help us from another country it makes his effort that much wiser. It's called Earth. More bumpage? Thanks. You have several dysfuncional fixings in your brain, my friend. Screws loose, in other words. Please don't call me your friend. I'm a confirmed opponent of the left. And since you don't answer other than with flippant bullshit I see I'm right. Never heard of the ANZUS treaty? American politics affects Australia greatly, particularly foreign policy, if that's what you could call it. Aren't you tired of hearing about all your young men and women coming home in body bags? Or disfigured for life? Or suffering permanent mental scarring from what your oligarchs are pushing them into? There hasn't been a war or invasion that was any more than a front for corporate greed since Pearl Harbour. You reap what you sow, Grim. [Removed]

Elvin Roytman and Bein' It Productions will present the Off-Broadway run of Gina Kim and Ryan Tofil's MISS KIM, a daring and brutally honest new play about a young Korean- American woman at war with her abusers, her family and herself, January 17 to 29th at the 45th Street Theatre. Matthew Corozine directs the production that will officially open on January 20.. "Sexual abuse is a subject most people simply don't want to talk about," explains Director Matthew Corozine, "especially in the Korean culture, which is ironic, because Korea has one of the highest populations of sex offenders. But stories like Gina's need to be told to let survivors see that the past is really the past and that they're still whole, complete and worthy of living a fulfilling life." The cast of MISS KIM includes Broadway's Kathy Dietch (Wicked, Footloose, Hair at Encores!), Tessa Faye, Justin Gentry, Gina Kim, Matthew McCurdy and Ryan Tofil. Gina Kim recently produced 2 short films and currently in process of creating her first musical. She has performed back-up vocals for K-POP stars in Korea, various pageant competitions, singing competitions, Regional Theatre (Flower Drum Song as Mei Li), Local Theatre (Chorus Line as Connie), and the 2011 NYC Koreatown Vagina Monologues in addition to working in Finance, which she has for 13 years. She has degrees from New York University and Hunter College with a BA in Psychology and Economics. Ryan Tofil (Playwright) teaches acting at the Mathew Corozine Studio (MCS) in Times Square and has also taught and directed preteens at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA). He also teaches Special Education in the NYC public school system. Ryan has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from the New School University, with an additional focus on creative writing. He co-wrote and performed in the critically acclaimed MISS KIM, THE PLAY, which was originally produced through MCS and FringeNYC in 2010. He is currently writing and work-shopping a new play shining a homosexual light on the biblical laws of Leviticus titled, LEVITICUS IN LOVE. Matthew Corozine (Director) has been training actors "to get outta their head" since 2000. He created the Matthew Corozine Studio Theatre (MCS) in NYC, an acting studio rooted in The Meisner Technique and is proud to "house" working actors, budding talent, a teaching staff of 4 (MCS musical theatre class coming soon) and a support staff of 3 and growing! In NYC, Matthew Corozine and his acting studio have produced and directed over 15 productions. In 2009, Matthew Corozine directed the FRINGEnyc critically acclaimed hit, THE BOYS UPSTAIRS, (Soho Playhouse) that was extended as part of the FRINGEnyc Encore Series. For the 2010 FRINGEnyc Matthew directed MISS KIM written by MCS' Ryan Tofil (Acting Teacher) and Gina Kim (inspired by the personal monologue exercises at MCS). Matthew also has guest coached on Reality TV. MCS students have appeared in film/tv in LA and NYC on Broadway in WICKED; LEGALLY BLONDE, GYPSY, THE ADDAMS FAMILY; ROCK OF AGES; BOOK OF MORMON; ANYTHING GOES; WONDERLAND, RENT among others. MCS hopes to expand and build a bigger theatre and offices in 2012. Set and lighting design are by David S. Goldstein, costume design is by Michelle Eden Humphrey and the Stage Manager is Laura Hirschberg. Performances of MISS KIM are Thursday's - Sundays. Thursday and Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 7PM. Matinee performances are on Saturdays and Sundays at 2PM. Tickets for MISS KIM are $18.00 and can be ordered online at, or

Author Archive Dallas Office Sublease Dallas Office Sublease Our favorite types of leases to work with are Dallas office subleases. There are so many positive reasons that a sublease should be considered by an office tenant but as with all decisions there are potential negative results if everything isn’t considered by the sub-lessee. When a tenant is considering an option to lease space from a particular building it is important that the tenant determine of there are any sublease spaces available in the building prior to contacting the building’s leasing agent. If a tenant has already contacted the building and at a later time discovers a sublease space that is ideal and thirty five percent cheaper than a direct deal they may have eliminated themselves from being approved my the landlord for the Dallas office sublease. Why would this happen? Because, in most leases the landlord restricts the sub-lessor from leasing to anybody that the landlord or their agents are talking to about space in the building or to any other existing tenants within the building. A tenant can avoid this pitfall by working closely with a professional that has years of experience in negotiating Dallas office sublease space. It is important that before a building is contacted that all known sublease options are reviewed and a determination is made to their viability as a future location for the tenant. Reasons For A Dallas Office Sublease Why do you want a Dallas office sublease? Here are many of the reasons given by our clients, shorter term lease, significant rental rate reductions, furniture could be included in the deal, telecommunications and network systems could be included in the Dallas office sublease and the space is usually ready for immediate occupancy. All of these are great reasons however the Dallas office sublease client need to never forget two important issues that could have serious negative consequences for their business. First is that a sublease is only as good as the credit of the sub-lesser. If the tenant that the sub-tenant is leasing from goes into default then the sub-tenant has no lease or space and most likely will be given a short notice to move out of the building. Secondly once the negotiation of the sublease is complete the building’s landlord must approve the sublease Landlord’s Consent Dallas Office Sublease Most landlords will not even review a sublease until the negotiation between the sub-lessor and the sub-lessee is complete and the sublease is executed. The landlord will then issue a landlord’s consent to sublease and this could be presented within a few days or it could take a few weeks. Once the landlord’s consent is issued the sub-lesser and sub-lessee sign it and the Dallas office sublease is approved after the landlord executes their consent document. All things being considered we love subleases for our clients. Yes there are a few hurtles that need to be jumped over but the money that can be saved is well worth the risk for the right client. In our opinion the only firm that shouldn’t consider a Dallas office sublease is one that has a very short term timeline and needs a Dallas office lease in less than thirty days. If you found this article on Dallas office sublease space of interest you should also read our other informative articles on Dallas office space and Dallas office brokers. Dallas Office Brokers Dallas Office Brokers When looking for Dallas Office brokers to represent your interests you need to be aware of the different types of services that brokers can offer to their clients. Brokerage services fall into three main categories, buyers’ agent, seller’s agent or intermediary. It is important that the consumer of brokerages services understands the difference. Upon first contact with a licensed Texas broker or agent they should provide you with an Agency disclosure form, which is required to be delivered upon first contact with a consumer of the Dallas office brokers prospect. The Texas Real Estate Commission require this form to be presented so that it helps to inform the individual talking with the broker that they need to know what side the broker represents. Dallas Office Brokers Representation Many times I speak with a tenant that has been speaking with various Dallas office brokers and they refer to the broker as their broker when in fact the broker is representing the interests of the landlord. “Their Dallas office brokers” responsibility is to the building not to the tenant. They must treat the tenant with respect and be truthful but their ultimate responsibility is to the landlord. So how does a tenant know if the Dallas office brokers they are working with are looking out for their best outcome? This may sound crazy but the broker they are working with will usually have a signed Tenant Representation Agreement with the tenant indicating that they are obligated to the tenant and what their responsibilities are to the tenant. Without a written contract with broker the tenant really doesn’t have a broker representing them and their broker would be like all the other Dallas office brokers looking out for the interests of the landlord. Unfortunately some tenants don’t want to sign a contract with a tenant representation broker. We think this is because they don’t understand that if they did they would automatically bring onto their team a dedicated professional that understands that Dallas office market and has complete fiduciary responsibility to them. Dallas Office Brokers Contract Sometimes the tenant doesn’t want to sign a contract because of bad experiences they may have had in the past. We believe that it is imperative that when a tenant is looking for Dallas office brokers to represent them that they look for professionals that only specialize in Dallas office tenant representation. By doing so they remove all potential conflicts of interest and they know that their broker is totally focused on only representing tenant’s interests and not any landlord’s. Additionally this type of broker has been immersed in thousands of hours of experience dealing with tenant’s issues and completely understands the concerns and issues a tenant may face in a lease negotiation. When looking for a broker look for one that has had many years of personal experience assisting Dallas office tenants find good leases for their firms. Some Dallas office brokers are with old firms but they have six months of experience. We think it is better to have a broker with twenty years experience that can draw upon their own experiences to help a tenant navigate the lease negotiation and space selection process. If you found this article on Dallas office brokers of interests you should also read our other informative articles on Dallas office space and Dallas office sublease. D. Recent Comments

I tend to freak-out a little when I remember that my belly still has a few months to grow even bigger than it already is. But hey, this thing ain't over until the fat lady screams, right? There are times when I feel like a second-class citizen in my own body; at the same time, I enjoy feeling so physically in-tune. Every day is a conversation with my body, and I find all the changes, sensations, kicks, cravings, and even the new aches and pains pretty fascinating. It's not always a cakewalk, but I love sharing my body with Baby. Even more, I love assuring Jacob that Baby "told me" she wanted a spoonful of Nutella. Call it the mysterious maternal bond—I know what she likes. I can honestly say that (so far) I've enjoyed being pregnant. I'm sure there are women out there who will want to smack me just for saying that, but I mean it. Yes, there have been days that were emotionally and physically overwhelming, but the good days have both outnumbered and out-shined them. Before pregnancy, I expected (and dreaded) that there would be more miseries than joys, and have been pleasantly surprised to find the opposite. Lots of joys mingled with a few endurable miseries. Of course, I hear the hardest days are still ahead of me... I better not speak too soon. 4 comments: I love that you always have such a positive attitude about everything! It always encourages me to be better! Love you! I agree with you: " Lots of joys mingled with a few endurable miseries." That is how pregnancy and motherhood are. (endurable misery of motherhood = reading Olivia and the missing toy 15+ times a day. I hate that book so much.) Here is my opinion: If you are a happy person, you will be a happy pregnant person and a happy mother. i always love your friend's comments! such good thoughts. glad you are feeling well. third trimester is my favorite. i don't think you will have any problems- though it is possible that sleeping will become uncomfortable those last few weeks or days. you look like a maternal goddess :) keep up the good work. i think baby robinson told me to buy the two LARGE containers of nutella at costco last week...she looks after her mom and aunt apparently. or so i'd like to think... Love the picture. And love your always upbeat attitude. Lot of snow in Prove! Be careful of the ice. You would not want to slip in your condition - or any condition for that matter!

So, You Think You Know Indy I’m hitting the road for Indy this morning, so we’ll keep it light. How well do you know your trivia concerning the Indianapolis 500? Who’s the next Donald Davidson out there? Here are thirty-three questions to test your skill. I’m too cheap to award prizes, but top honors will be announced next Saturday. At least you can achieve a warm, fuzzy feeling. We’re not technical enough to have you submit it online except to have you e-mail the answers to me at geophillips14@gmail.com. They are short-answer and not multiple choice. Plus, they are not easy – although some are tougher than others. So load up Wikipedia, pull out those old programs and see how many you can get. Again, answers and winners will be announced next Saturday May 30. I’ll have my personal reflections of Race Day on Sunday morning. See you at the track! – GP 1. Tony Bettenhausen, Sr.’s real name was Melvin. Tony was just a nickname. How did he get the nickname “Tony”? 2. What was Tony Bettenhausen’s nickname while he was racing? 3. Who is the youngest pole sitter in the history of the Indianapolis 500? 4. Driver Pat O’Connor lost his life in an opening lap pile-up in turn three. What year did this happen? 5. What was the last year that gasoline was used as fuel in the Indianapolis 500? 6. Al Unser is the oldest driver to win the Indianapolis 500. Prior to his fourth win in 1987, who had been the oldest driver to win? 7. What was the first year that the Borg-Warner trophy was presented to the winning driver? Who was that driver? 8. What car number has won the Indianapolis 500 the most times? 9. Which starting spot has produced the most winners for the Indianapolis 500? 10. Which driver is the only driver to finish last in his first 500 and then finish first in his last 500? 11. What was the last year that a front-engine car started in the Indianapolis 500? Who was the driver? 12. What was the last year that a woman did not start in the Indianapolis 500? 13. Who is Cyrus Patschke? 14. Which driver has the most consecutive starts in the Indianapolis 500? 15. The rookie class of 1965 produced three future 500 winners. Name them. 16. This year will be John Andretti’s tenth Indianapolis 500 start. What year was his first? 17. With Lloyd Ruby’s death this past spring, there only eight drivers remaining that drove both front-engine and rear engine cars in the Indianapolis 500. Name them. 18. How many times has a Lola chassis won the Indianapolis 500? 19. Who is the only driver to win in a front-engine and rear-engine car? 20. Who was the first driver to break the 150 mph race average barrier? 21. When was the last time a relief driver was used in the Indianapolis 500? 22. How many drivers that raced in the Indianapolis 500 in the 1950’s are still living? 23. Of the thirty-three drivers that started in AJ Foyt’s first Indianapolis 500 in 1958; how many would lose their life while racing? 24. How many turbine powered cars actually raced in the Indianapolis 500? 25. What was the final year that Sid Collins headed the broadcast for the IMS Radio Network? 26. How many Indianapolis 500 victories does Roger Penske currently have as a car owner (as of Sat May 23, 2009)? 27. Including this year’s race, there have been nine different drivers with the last name of Jones to run in the Indianapolis 500. How many are related? 28. How many different Indianapolis 500 drivers have had the last name of Smith? 29. Who was the first father-son combination to try to qualify for the same Indianapolis 500? What year? 30. Who was the last driver to be fatally injured at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? 31. What driver holds the record for most pole positions for the Indianapolis 500? 32. Arie Luyendyk holds the record for the fastest four lap qualifying average. What driver holds the single lap record? 33. There were a record, ten former winners in the 1992 Indianapolis 500. Name them. May 23, 2009 at 2:50 pm I just sent the answers to most of these but I too have a question: Who was the first driver to drive a Lola in the race? If you have the answer George (not me) owes you 20 thousand dollars.

Drivers Still Hate To Lose The IZOD IndyCar Series seemingly has been immune to a malady that has afflicted many other sports on several levels – indifference. There have been several instances in the NFL this season that have caused fans to question a player’s dedication to their profession. The most noteworthy example played out before a national audience on Monday night a few weeks ago, when Cardinal’s quarterback Derek Anderson was caught on camera laughing it up on the sidelines, while his team was getting bludgeoned by the 49ers. Closer to home; while no one disputes the talents of Titan’s running back Chris Johnson, his sideline demeanor made it impossible to tell if the Titan’s were in the midst of a six game losing streak or winning streak. Although the Titans exorcised some of their demons yesterday by beating the Texans, Johnson was caught on camera late in the Titans-Texans game three weeks ago clowning around with teammates in the late stages of a 20-0 shutout. The Titans are so bad this year that no one but the two local markets saw the game, but it got mentioned a few times here the following week. This isn’t limited to professional football. College players have been too willing lately to mug for cameras and lose their game face regardless of which end of the scoreboard they are on. The same goes for college and pro basketball. Don’t get me wrong – I think players should have fun and not be so stoic all the time, but I think that they should act like losing bothers them as much as it bothers their fans. Although there is plenty of time for clowning around in the IZOD IndyCar Series, the drivers seem to know when to cut the act and get down to business. Scan the faces of the drivers during the singing of the National Anthem prior to the Indianapolis 500. Not many of them look like they are contemplating their next celebration dance. Which brings me to another rant regarding the NFL…what is it with these pre-game speeches from the most vocal player on the team (Ray Lewis, Drew Brees, etc) that is followed by what sounds like a pack of barking dogs? Talk about contrived – they all seem to wait before the cameras for NFL Films is there before starting their chant. Every team has started to do it within just the past few years. It’s ridiculous sounding. If that ritual motivates anyone, I question their drive. I cannot imagine Scott Dixon leading his crew through a series of chants and responses like that. Anyway, I digress… This may be one reason why I’m so attracted to racing. All of the participants still take it very seriously. Granted, the consequences of a mistake are much higher in motor sports than in stick and ball sports. If someone gets too careless and misses a blocking assignment, the quarterback might get sacked. The worst outcome is that the team may lose a game or worse yet, the quarterback might sustain an injury. In the IZOD IndyCar Series – a mistake can cost someone his or her life. Each week, about 1,400 players will participate in an NFL game. Yes, many will be injured – some injuries will be career threatening and life-altering. Very few will sustain life-threatening injuries. The only player fatality in the NFL that I am aware of was in 1971, when Chuck Hughes of the Detroit Lions collapsed on his way back to the huddle and died of a heart attack during a game against the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, death will always be a part of racing. Whether or not Randy Bernard and most fans (myself included) get their wish to start pushing for new track records, if you hit the wall in the wrong spot going over 200 mph – the consequences can be deadly. I don’t know if a lot of people realize how lucky Vitor Meira was to come away from his 2009 crash at Indy with “only” a broken back. Had that crash occurred a few years ago before the SAFER barriers were installed (thanks to NASCAR, no doubt), he probably would not have survived. Although racers will never publicly acknowledge that death ever enters their thought process, the possibility is always there and it probably affects their demeanor prior to a race. But what about after a race? Fans complain when a driver criticizes her…eh, um…their crew for not doing something right, but in some ways – you can’t blame them. If a crew member forgets to put the right bolt back on correctly, it’s the driver that suffers far worse consequences than the crew member. But it’s not just their own safety that a driver frets about after a race. Drivers still hate to lose. A couple of weeks ago, I was chastised for saying that Rafa Matos appeared to accept losing. I didn’t say he DID accept it, I said he gave that appearance that he accepted losing. I don’t pretend to know what goes on his head. I’ve never met Rafa Matos. I can only go by the brief glimpses I’m given through television. But from what I saw, Matos never gave the impression that he was terribly bothered by another bad day at the track. There is a fine line between being a good sport and being OK with losing. Of course, it might explain why an announcement is coming later today that will more than likely announce that his seat at de Ferran Dragon is being given to Tony Kanaan. Some accuse Kanaan of being a brooding pouter. He can be, when he loses or is given an uncompetitive car. Based on the car that Matos was driving the past two seasons, he may be pouting a lot more. But I’ll promise you that Kanaan’s presence will get better performance from that entire team than the nonchalant attitude of Matos. Some of the older NFL players do seem to care when their team loses. There is no question who won the game when Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is at the podium. It’s the younger generation of players who know that regardless of how they played on Sunday, they’ll still be getting a check on Tuesday. I’m personally glad that Will Power was almost despondent after slapping the wall at Homestead and costing himself the championship. He should have been. Had he gotten out of the car wearing a smile and joking around, I would have questioned his desire and commitment. As a fan, it bothers me that I care more about the outcome of a Titans game than some of the players Although the IZOD IndyCar Series is on a definite upswing right now, there is no denying that there have been some very serious and legitimate concerns by fans in the past. Some of the previous administration made some very bone-headed moves and the league suffered accordingly. But not once did I ever hear any fans say that they thought the drivers were indifferent about their performance. Winning and losing still matters to them. George Phillips December 20, 2010 at 5:42 am I think auto racing is still inherently dangerous in a way that football, basketball, etc., isn’t. Now, there are some hardcore competitors in thaose sports. You don’t find Peyton Manning laughing at a blowout; Kevin Garnett has a white-hot focus on winning. But honestly, endeavors like the NFL have paled for me in recent years. I don’t like the overhyped, overproduced “entertainment” game it’s become, played by athletes who at times seem apathetic. As I said, there’s great competitors in the NFL, but you notice the Chris Johnson and Derek Anderson cases, you know? Thank goodness I have IndyCar. December 20, 2010 at 6:56 am I think–in pro sports–that the competition is still pretty intense when and if the game means something. When the game is meaningless, as many of them are, the intensity falters a bit. Also the money is so huge that they sometimes have to consider the cost/benefit factor. Like–do I really want to go up for that pass on a crossing route in December when my team is out of the playoffs anyway. Racers–Indy and Nascar–seem pretty focused most of the time for the reasons you stated. But there are start and parkers in Nascar and there are non-competitive teams in Indycar who just put down laps. December 20, 2010 at 7:34 am Chris Johnson can’t help that his coach has lost the team and his head can stray because of it. As for the pregame pep talk from the captains and coaches, that has always been a part of the game. The cameras know its coming and get to the players to show it because it makes for great TV. We did it in high school and that was a long time ago. As for IndyCar drivers, I wouldn’t pull for one who didn’t want to win. I still follow Tony Stewart in NASCAR because of that trait and it is something I liked about AJ Foyt. I can only follow those that want to win like that. December 20, 2010 at 7:49 am I don’t think you barked like animals to the militaristic cadence of one of your leaders when you played high school football. As for Jeff Fisher…he has NOT lost the team. December 20, 2010 at 2:09 pm I’ve been around pro athletes of all sports (especially baseball) a lot, and they are all insanely competitive individuals. You have to be in order to get to that level. I had an uncle who was a pro baseball player and played college basketball, and he HATED to lose. I remember him once even talking trash and then getting upset when he lost a game of lawn darts at a family reunion. Some just don’t show it the way we would like them to, and others reach the point where they are only concerned about themselves (I do think Johnson is a guy who doesn’t care about winning or losing, so long as he gets his carries). In some sports where the season is so long you have to keep and even keel or it will eat you alive. So those guys go out to win ever game, but at the same time they don’t live or die with it. A baseball player would have to be committed if they did. “That’s baseball” is a phrase I hear a lot from guys because one, they know even in an MVP year they are going to make 400 outs in a year and two, when you win 100 games you still lose two months worth of them, and most of those losses are out of your control. I think IndyCar drivers have to have a more laser-like focus than other athletes given their margin of error, but to say they care about winning and losing more than other athletes is a broad stroke. That said, what I do like about IndyCar is that EVERY RACE COUNTS. You don’t have the luxury of having a bad day, in many of the ways you mentioned, especially when it comes to the championship. So of course many of these guys are going to take winning and losing very personally, as they well should. December 20, 2010 at 4:44 pm Yes there is nothing contrived in racing. The NASCAR victory lane celebrations. Victory donuts and burnouts. Danica putting on her “show” after someone has wronged her. Paul Tracy playing a WWE character. Kyle Busch doing the same. The Waltrip’s. Digger The Gopher. Most of these race drivers are from very, very privaledged families and have more money then they could ever spend anyway. And in NASCAR you can make millions of dollars by just running 26th every week and selling a bunch of souvineer crap. December 21, 2010 at 3:01 pm Wow, it had been a long time since the last time I strongly disagreed with one of your articles, George. A few minutes after Castroneves lost the 2010 Edmonton race, he was smiling at the camera. He wasn’t happy at all, yet he wanted people to look at him and feel ok. After all, sport is just another form of entertainment. Drivers and all sportsmen feel bad when they lose, but that shouldn’t forbid them to feel good that they had a nice race / match of the sprot they love to do.

I was a little too young for Born To Run, in fact I was probably too young for Darkness on the Edge of Town, but as a 16 year old I found it by chance. My friends didn't care. Local radio wasn't buying into the hype at the moment. Not much stirring for a high school kid in 1978 on the Bruce front. Then I got my hands on a copy and things changed. Forever. Before this I was all about Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith (still like 'em too) but hearing this album changed the way I heard music. I was the classic case of the "teenager". Mad at my father for whatever reason. Not getting along with my step mother. Mad at my mother for divorcing my dad (like he had nothing to do with it). I got over all of this soon enough, but at that particular time in my life I dropped the needle on Badlands and things changed. Here were feelings and thoughts expressed that I had and would continue to have. It's not always a rosy world out there and we need to get through. That and some killer rock & roll. I know these songs are over-played over the years, but they are for a reason. This album is just amazing. Adam Raised a Cain voiced my feelings about my relationship with my father at the time. It screamed it out of the speakers and while I came to understand him over the years, much like Bruce does on Independence Day (an amazing track off of the River), this one spoke right to me at 16. Something in the Night and Candy's Room have some screaming guitar and I love 'em both but the highlight comes at the end of side 1...Racing in the Street. What most folks hear as a song about a guy a girl and a car is all about the same redemption that we all seek. The question is will we ever find it. A simply stunning song. Side 2 is loaded with concert staples: The Promised Land, Prove It All Night and Darkness on the Edge of Town. The first two all full of promise and hope. The latter searching for that chance that we all hope is out there. The battle rages on in each of our lives the question is will life's little victories be enough to get us through. Even the out-takes, some of which will make The River, and some which don't see the light of day until the Tracks collection are so far above what was out then, or now, that the music continues to amaze me. I love a lot of what he did and I like most of the rest quite a bit, but for me this was the pinnacle of his career. And I keep going back again and again. Searching for that redemption... Great post, I was too young for born to run, but I loved the Darkness. I had it from the local public Library and had it on tape with Manfred Mann's Watch. Funny how time has slipped away. But I still love both albums.

ymouth Street,February 4, 1793. Your polite note is so full of kindnesses, that I know not which most to thank you for. That of your promise to fix a day to favour me with your company, and to prevail on Mr Wilson to come also, I prefer. Your brother, the colonel, was enjoying practical gratifications, whilst we were indulging in speculative ones. He was even with us. I am obliged by his card, and am desirous of having the honour of his acquaintance. Alas! I am obliged to go for a few days to Ireland, and to set off on Tuesday next, my brother having particularly desired me to see him in Dublin. Your pamphlet on the Judiciary Establishment is gone to be bound, and it will receive my greatest attention, for, in Asia, courts are much wanted, and good laws. I was reading it, when Colonel Bentham was amusing himself with the Essay on Woman. His Panopticon would, me-thinks, be a good building for a jealous man. The genuine native of Siberia I should behold with eagerness as a rare animal, but mere curiosities, in general, have very little attraction. Cui bono is my question. Your brother is pleased with novelties. Immediately upon my return, I shall claim your promise, and hope that your brother will accompany you.—I remain,” &c. A Frenchman, named Duquesneau, a shoemaker by trade, had married a servant of Bentham’s. On the 3d February, 1793, a king’s order was issued, banishing the said Duquesneau, and directing him to leave the nation within three days. Bentham took him into his house. The man was supposed, but without any the slightest grounds, to be connected with the republican party in France. Bentham was at this time engaged in his Panopticon negotiations, and was assuredly not likely to obtain favour by interfering on behalf of this poor foreigner. I find in Bentham’s handwriting the following endorsement on the king’s warrant:— “King’s Order of Banishment to Duquesneau, under the Alien Act,—acting functionary Huskisson, afterwards cabinet minister. The order being groundless, J. B., Q. S. P. [Jeremy Bentham, Queen Square Place] attended at the Alien Office to prove it so to be. Huskisson was haughty and unreasonable, but yielded, though with a bad grace.” The royal thunder, directed against Monsieur Duquesneau, the shoemaker, was thus spent in vain. This letter of Bentham to Henry Dundas explains the case:—

8th. August 1823 It was set down in my minds calendar to write to you this very day, and forestall your letter. I remained at Dorking till wednesday morning, and deferred writing till I should get to town, and be more able to speak with precision about my Gatcomb movements. I must first tell you, that I have been at work, and, I think, to good purpose, at Dorking. Last year I did something considerable towards the exposition of all the phenomena classed under the title of Thought.1 I have pursued the subject, during the last few weeks; and all the phenomena called intellectual, (still leaving the moral) have undergone investigation. You know my opinion was, that they might all be expounded upon the principles of Hartley, and might be satisfactorily shewn to be nothing but sensations, and the ideas, the copies of these sensations, combined in groups by association. I think I have now made this satisfactory exposition; that I have not left one point doubtful, or likely to be disputed but by those who lie under the dominion of previous associations, and are not capable of the degree of attention which is necessary to break their fetters. After explaining, in an elementary manner, the phenomena of sensation, and the representations of sensations, the ideas, and also the laws of association, and the artifice of naming, I proceed to apply these elements, and examine how far they go in accounting for all the complicated phenomena, included under the titles, Imagination, Memory, Belief, Judgement, Ratiocination, Abstraction, and so on. No body has seen the papers but John, whose mind however is perfectly ripe to judge of them: and to him the expositions appear to be easy of comprehension, and perfectly satisfactory. I doubt not that they will appear equally so to you. I confess that the evidence has turned out to be shorter, more simple, and conclusive, by far, than I had dared to anticipate. I should like to have your opinion of it; and if I can get it copied, so that you would be able to read it, I will send it to you. The whole is within a very narrow compass; and it will need to be a good deal dilated, and made familiar by illustrations, in writing it afresh for the public. In its present shape, the analysis is given in the naked state in which it presented itself to me, as I advanced step by step.—I mean to go on, next, to the exposition of the Will, and the different phenomena commonly classed under it, the desires, passions, &. c., called the “active Powers of the mind”, by the Scotch and other philosophers. This will be easy; and when this is done, the whole of what we call mind will be explained. I shall then look upon myself as having rendered no small service to the cause of light. I got so full of my subject, that I could not tear myself away from Dorking. There was, however, another reason. For as it is necessary that McCulloch1 and I should so arrange our matters, that one of us shall always be here; and as business came on which rendered it impossible for him to go away at the time which had been originally settled between him and me, that so I might have the half of my holidays now, and the other half to go to Gatcomb with, the latter half of September; I lost nothing by staying at Dorking: for now the time of my getting to Gatcomb will be necessarily postponed for some weeks beyond the time when I hoped I could be with you, and as my stay will also be shortened I shall make my run down to you by my single self. I shall have an ostensible week for you, which I shall make all but two; for I can come off by the night coach on a wednesday evening; and I can be with you all the evening of the next tuesday week. I regret that I shall not see your country in all its beauty; but I come to enjoy yourselves, my own dear friends; and I shall be happy in spite of all the rest. My wife prays me to say every thing to Mrs. Ricardo expressive of her sense of her kindness, in her wishes to see her and girls. With respect to her, however, she hardly proposes to wean her little one1 so soon; and would not be easy at leaving her in the hands of those she has at Dorking. We must look forward to a future time. I beg my own kind regards, and all my gratitude to Mrs. Ricardo. A propos of gratitude, tell her that the turtle came in admirable order, and was a high treat to some friends we had with us from London, who celebrated her health in a bumper. Tell the young ladies not to forget me, nor to let absence deprive me of one jot of their affections: for I cannot consent to lose an atom. Mine, they may be assured, will stand the trial of time. I am happy to hear that you have been employed upon your proposed Tract: and have no doubt of your proving the merits of your plan.2 Poor Malthus, and his Measure of Value! I am more and more satisfied that your account of the matter, which both Mc.Culloch and myself have adopted, is the true exposition; and that it wants nothing but to be somewhat better expressed than any of us has yet done it, to satisfy every body, except Malthus and Torrens. Mc.Culloch gave me hopes that he would write an article Value in the Suppl. on purpose.3 He also told me that you were to reconsider the subject with your pen in your hand. Why should you despair of putting what you conceive clearly down upon paper clearly? Why despair of doing any thing? Where is that able pen you talk of? I shall try mine upon the subject one of these days. Some one of us three must do it—or it will not be done. Let us all try, and we can adopt the best. I have been reading the correspondence of Voltaire and D’Alembert, the two last Volumes, in the large collection of Voltaires works. I think it would interest you much. It contains some of the most interesting points of the history of literature at that time in France; one of the most interesting of all the portions of that history—also much information on the state of the human mind, and the instruments by which it was worked upon both for good and for evil—in short I recommend it strongly to your perusal. You will be much entertained, and somewhat edified, by running over a good deal of the works of Voltaire. For elegance and wit, they are almost always delightful; and frequently admirable in tendency.— Whatever you do, let the consideration of the grand cause be always uppermost. The real principles of good government have you alone, among public men, who thoroughly understand them. You alone therefore can be their real champion. J. Mill I must say a word about the poor fishes. I think the error was in not making the pond for the gold and silver darlings, higher up than all the rest. For the spawn of these cormorant fish is so very small that it will make its way through almost any thing through which water will go. The stronger fish, which will be sure to devour the spawn of the weaker, will prevent the favourites from multiplying, I should fear; though they may not consume the grown ones. They all devour the young of one another. What sport for Mr. Samuda! How happy! [3 ]Addressed: ‘David Ricardo Esq. M.P. / Gatcomb Park / Minchinhampton / Glostershire’.MS in R.P.—Printed in Minor Papers, pp. 206–9 and 229. The cover, which bears the postcript on one side and the address on the other, has been there regarded as an independent letter from John Stuart Mill, owing to its being sealed with the initials ‘JSM’ (cp. below, p. 390, n. 1); the handwriting, however, is undoubtedly that of James Mill and the postmark on the cover (8 Aug. 1823) agrees with the date of the letter. [1 ]During the summer of 1822, the first holiday which he spent at Dorking, Mill had begun writing his Analysis of the Human Mind; he worked at it during his vacations at Dorking for eight years and published it in 1829. (See J. S. Mill, Autobiography, pp. 68–9.) [1 ]William McCulloch: Mill was now next to him in the office. [1 ]Mary, the Mills’ eighth child, born in 1822. [2 ]The Plan for a National Bank. [3 ]No article ‘Value’ appeared in the Supplement to the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Arturo "Thunder" Gatti CANASTOTA – There’s no telling what the weather will be like in Canastota next June when the International Boxing Hall of Fame opens its doors to 11 new inductees. One sure thing is that there will be a little “Thunder” in the air. Two-division champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti and five-time world champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill lead the IBHOF Class of 2013, both being inducted in their first year of eligibility. They are joined by two-time light flyweight champion Myung-Woo Yuh in the modern category. “Let’s get it on,” referee Mills Lane, ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. and manager Arturo “Cuyo” Hernandez will be inducted as non-participants, while cartoonist Ted Carroll and journalist Colin Hart join the IBHOF as observers. Joe Coburn rounds out the Class of 2013 in the pioneer category. “We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2013 and very much looking forward to honoring the 24th class of inductees,” said IBHOF executive director Edward Brophy. The Class of 2013 was announced at the hall Monday. In addition to the induction of 11 new members, there will also be tributes to Canastota’s own welterweight champion Carmen Basilio, who passed away early last month. The theme of the June 7 event at the Rusty Rail will be “A Night of Welterweight Warriors,” highlighting Basilio and fellow champion from Canastota Billy Backus. “Carmen Basilio was my sports hero,” said Town of Lenox supervisor Rocky DiVeronica. “We sure will miss him.” The spirit of Gatti will also be strongly felt throughout the weekend. He was one of boxing’s greatest action fighters, participating in four “Fights of the Year,” throughout his career. “Thunder” won the International Boxing Federation 130-pound belt in 1995, defeating Tracy Harris Patterson. He defended the title three times, including a fifth-round technical knockout of Gabriel Ruelas in 1997’s “Fight of the Year.” He relinquished the belt later in the year to campaign at lightweight. Gatti’s 10-round loss to Ivan Robinson earned “Fight of the Year” in 1998. Gatti briefly moved to the welterweight division where he beat Oscar De La Hoya with a fifth-round technical knockout before moving to the 140-pound division. There he participated in an epic trilogy with “Irish” Micky Ward, with Gatti taking two of the three bouts. The first and third bouts won “Fight of the Year” in 2002 and 2003 respectively. In 2004 he captured the vacant World Boxing Council junior welterweight crown, which he successfully defended twice. Following a loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. he boxed three more times, retiring in 2007 with a 40-9 record, with 31 knockouts. Gatti died two years later in Brazil. “He gave it all in the ring,” said Ward of Gatti. “He gave the fans what they wanted. I’m really happy for Arturo.” Ward will participate in the Official Enshrinement Ceremony in place of his friend. Continued... Hill was known for his exceptional hand speed and an excellent jab, and will join his trainers Eddie Futch and Freddie Roach in Canastota. Hill won a middleweight silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and turned pro later that year. In 1987 he became Class of 2012 inductee Roach’s first world champion by defeating WBA light heavyweight champion Leslie Stewart with a fourth-round TKO. He defended his title 10 times over four years before losing a 12-round decision to Thomas Hearns. Hill regained the vacant belt from Frank Tate in 1992 and again defended it 10 times. He lost a unification bout to WBO champion Dariusz Michalczewski in 1997, but won a 2000 bout with Fabrice Tiozzo in the first round to earn the WBA cruiserweight crown. He quickly lost the belt to Jean Marc Mormeck, but regained it with a win over Valery Brudov in 2006. After dropping two bouts in 2007 “Quicksilver” hung up the gloves for good, retiring with a 50-7 record and 23 knockouts. “It’s the biggest honor that’s ever been bestowed upon me,” said Hill. “It’s more than winning the five world titles and the Olympic silver medal. It’s the biggest thing – outside of my children and my wife – that’s ever happened to me. I know this would have meant so much to my father. He passed away a year ago and this was a big thing for him. I’m so happy. You have no idea.” Yuh becomes the second South Korean enshrined in Canastota, following in 2010 inductee Jung-Koo Chang’s footsteps. He utilized a whirlwind style full of combinations that overwhelmed opponents and earned him the nickname “Sonagi,” which translates to rainfall. The 5-foot-4 Yuh turned pro at 18 and was unbeaten in 36 bouts over nine years. He won the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation light flyweight championship in 1984 and the WBA light flyweight crown in 1985. He defended his crown a record 17 times over six years, eventually losing to Hiroki Ioka in 1991. It would be the only loss of his career. Yuh won the rematch the following year, defended his crown once and retired in 1993 with a record of 38-1 with 14 knockouts. “I feel honored and I’m proud as a boxer,” said Yuh. Lane is only the eighth referee to be inducted, the third in the past four years. The third man in the ring earned a reputation as a no-nonsense referee early in his career. He coined his catchphrase “let’s get it on” late in the 1970s, and it rapidly became a fan favorite. He refereed several controversial bouts, including the rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, where Tyson famously bit Holyfield’s ear. He retired in 1998 and starred in the syndicated TV show “Judge Mills Lane” through 2001. Lane suffered a stroke in 2002 and continues to recover at his home in Reno. “Mills was thrilled and appreciative to learn that he was elected into the IBHOF’s Class of 2013,” said his wife Kaye. “He loves boxing. Even more, he loves the boxing community that has been such an important part of his life for over 50 years.” Meanwhile Lennon is in even rarer air, joining 1997 inductee Joe Humphreys and 2012 inductee Michael Buffer as the third ring announcer in the hall. Following in his father’s footsteps, Lennon has traveled the world as one of boxing’s premier announcers. He announced Buster Douglas’ 1990 upset of Mike Tyson and has been the ring announcer for “SHOWTIME Championship Boxing” since 1991. Lennon’s known for his flawless pronunciation of difficult names, as well as his pre-fight battle call “It’s showtime!” Hernandez is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in Mexican boxing history. He guided fellow Hall of Famers Carlos Zarate, Ricardo “Finito” Lopez and Ruben “El Puas” Olivares. Overall, he worked with 12 world champions and 37 Mexican national champions before his death in 1990. Carroll and Hart compiled over a century of boxing experience between the two of them. Carroll’s artwork could be found in “The Ring” magazine for over 50 years. The famed cartoonist also wrote for the magazine, and his work also appeared in several New York newspapers. Hart began covering boxing in 1964 for London’s Daily Herald, moving to The Sun in 1969. His first assignment in America was the “Fight of the Century,” featuring Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. He saw a number of other memorable bouts before his retirement in 2000 after 31 years. Hart continues to contribute to The Sun, serving as the paper’s boxing columnist. He won the Nat Fleischer Award for “Excellence in Boxing Journalism” in 2011, the first British writer to do so. The 24th annual Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 6-9 in Canastota. Events include the annual golf tournament, Banquet of Champions, ringside lectures, celebrity workouts, a 5K Fun Run, parade and autograph card show. The Official Enshrinement Ceremony will be held on June 9 on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds. Continued... Hall of Fame Weekend doesn’t just provide boxing fans a chance to mingle with each other, as well as their heroes. It’s also an economic boon to the area, bringing $2.3 million dollars into Madison, Oneida and Onondaga Counties, according to the executive director of Madison County tourism Jim Walters. He added $700,000 comes to Madison County swim team has strong start - Vernon-Verona-Sherrill girls bowling beats New Hartford 9-2 - Oneida's boys basketball team beats Camden 54-28 - Morrisville-Eaton girls basketball tops Westmoreland - Hamilton girls basketball falls to Unadilla Valley - Cazenovia boys basketball wins home opener over Chittenango - Oneida girls volleyball improves to 3-0

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Our Christmas celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving with the making of at least one dessert or treat to be served during the Christmas holidays. That first dessert is usually a cake that requires aging, but we've also been known to make cookies that fall into a category we call "keepers". A "keeper" in our parlance is a treat that will not stale before the official holiday begins. Moravian Spice Cookies fall into that category. When I was a child we called these glass cookies, not because of their appearance, but because they were so thin they'd shatter if you dropped them on the floor. They were brought to the United States by members of the Moravian church who settled in colonial American communities established by church elders in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The highly spiced cookies are flavored with molasses and are arguably the world's thinnest cookie. When properly rolled, a one inch stack will contain 16 cookies. I still haven't mastered that challenge, though I continue to try. Over the years, I've made some changes to the original recipe to accommodate the tastes of family and friends. Not everyone appreciates the bold taste of full-flavored molasses and dark brown sugar, so, while the dark versions are more authentic, I prefer to use light molasses and brown sugar. The cookies are simple to make and they are wonderful keepers. Be forewarned that the dough must be refrigerated before it can be rolled, so you'll have to plan your time accordingly. Here's the recipe. Moravian Spice Cookies...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite Ingredients: 1-1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Pinch of cayenne pepper 3 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar, packed 1/3 cup molasses, light or dark Directions: 1) Whisk flour, salt, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl. Set aside. 2) Using an electric mixer, cream butter in a small bowl. Add sugar and molasses and mix until combined. 3) Slowly add flour mixture and beat just until smooth. 4) Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Dough will keep several days if refrigerated. 5) Move a rack to upper third of oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Set aside. 6) Divide dough into 4 parts. Work with 1/4 of dough at a time, keeping the rest refrigerated. Roll dough on a well-floured surface until it is paper thin - 1/16th of an inch thick. Work quickly because dough will become sticky and unworkable if out too long. Cut with a 2-3/4-inch round cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to prepared cookie sheet. 7) Bake until cookies darken slightly, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining portions of dough. Scraps can be reserved and rerolled following refrigeration. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. Yield: 48 cookies. This post is being linked to: Pink Saturday, sponsored by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound 36 comments: I've never gotten the nerve to make these cookies -- don't think I can give them that thing! Another fantastic recipe that I can't wait to try. Excellent! Thank you Mary! :) ButterYum I have tried these cookies before--so good with tea but have not tried making them. I love how thin ad crisp they are. I've never had this before. Love how thin it is and the spiciness. Mary, that is a gorgeous photo! And the recipe sounds wonderful as well. Thanks!. Mary, When we lived in Greensboro we used to go Old Salem where the Moravians had there village. They still make the Moravian cookies in the old wood fired ovens and the smell of molasses and spices is heady on a cool winter day. Mary, this is a marvelous cookie filled with incredible spices and flavor. I usually have to make several batches due to breakage & eating them while they are still warm. Many thanks for reminding me about this old favorite. A spice cookie wins my heart every time. These are just lovely! This is my mother's favorite cookie and I haven't made it yet. Now I know what I'll be doing today. Thanks for this recipe, Mary. I have had these cookies before in NC, and they are FABULOUS. The remind me of the benne cookies in Charleston in terms of their texture and thinness. Your recipe sounds perfect, Mary. Thank you for sharing this. Now, I am craving this for breakfast! LOL! Happy Pink Saturday! XO, Sheila :-) I've never made these cookies but you've given me courage to give them a try. Hope you have a happy holiday and a wonderful Pink Saturday. Sam Another great recipe... anxious to try to this one..hugs ~lynne~ I have never made these AWESOME!!! cookies before. I love the combination of spices. THANKS!!! for the GREAT!!! recipe. Geri Love molasses cookies..these sound really good! One of these days you will have to take a photo of your recipe file..it must be bulging!! my mom used to make these :) A woman in our church used to make these at Christmastime. They're wonderful! Oh, I bet these are lovely! My mother used to make a dark spice cookie, and then she lost the recipe. I've been trying out recipes ever since to find one that came close. Yum! Happy Pink Saturday! What a lovely tradition! When she's in town, my sister and I make tamales to give to our friends at Christmas time ;-) My Pink Saturday is at Happily Retired Gal Hugs and blessings, Perfect! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the holiday season. wow... I am loving this... I don't think this sounds very Christmassy to me, BUT,,, I think this combination would compliment a rib BBQ dinner as dessert wonderfully. The molasses is a key ingredient in my beans, and the pepper ... well, the pepper is key in my rib rub... People are always too full to really enjoy a dessert, but a wafer thin little treat passed around would be gobbled up this is a keeper I've heard of these and they sound delicious. I love trying all different kinds of cookies....yours look so pretty! Mary they look wonderful..I just saw your newest adorable cookie:) Congratulations! allspice, ginger...I am making this now :) This makes me want to run and grab a cup of tea, they look so good, Happy Pink Saturday Mary and thanks again for a perfect recipe, Char Oh they look so pretty. Kind of cookie you share with a girlfriend over hot coffee and tell secrets. Mary, Just coming by to say hi on Pink Saturday!! Christmas Blessings barbara jean these sound lovely never would have thought cookies could keep so well have a fab christmas loads of love Val These are gorgeously thin and crispy. I love these spices - I want them. These are perfect holiday cookies. Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Holidays to you and your family, Mary. I love these cookies. We have been to Old Salem in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and the some yummy scents come from the bakery. I can't believe you actually have this recipe. I am going to have to try this for my husband. Sorry I'm so late visiting you - I'm in for another eye op in January, so I'm having to keep computer stuff to minimum time and small doses, unfortunately. Lovely, mouthwatering post as always! I've got a family sherry trifle recipe on mine, if you'd like to add it to your collection. Belated Happy Pink Saturday! And Happy Christmas (I won't be participating in the upcoming, Boxing Day one). Thanks for making this recipe publicly available! I hadn't heard of Moravian cookies until I stumbled across a small 3.5oz can of them by the Salem Baking Co., on sale at TJMaxx. The small container intrigued me, because the nutritional label said 12 cookies per serving, and that there were about 3.5 servings inside. How could over 40 cookies fit into this small container? Well indeed, they are about 1/16" thick! I can't see making them that thin, but even at 1/8" that's still a reasonably thin cookie. The Salem Baking Company cookies are incredibly good, and I imagine these will either come close or match that. :-) G, I hope you'll like these. They are a favorite of mine. I made these last weekend and we love them. You quickly get the hang of rolling them. A couple of tips: 1) don't be afraid to use flour so they don't stick, but brush the extra flour off with a pastry brush before you bake them, 2) a bench scraper works awesomely to get the cookies off the counter after you've rolled them out. I was able to roll them until they were almost see-through and then scrape them up with the bench scraper and put them on the cookie sheet. They aren't so fragile to handle; they are more fragile to roll as they stick to the rolling pin and the dough tears if you roll too fast. Try them - you will love them too! I love cookies .. Need to post something too. I have a few recipes you may like too : PS:I foolow you :)

The tragedy at the Boston Marathon really, really bothered me. Which, obviously, it should have. It was so awful, so senseless, so horrific. It made me mad, sad, full of grief for those affected, horrified, stupefied as to why anyone would do this to another person, and so many more emotions I can’t even describe. It brings tears to my eyes to think about it. It wasn’t just that it makes me so dang mad that someone would hurt innocent people who were just enjoying the day and celebrating with those who ran in this iconic event, which it did. It wasn’t just that it was so horrific and senseless, which it was. It wasn’t just that our daughter’s good friend lives in Boston and was running in the marathon on Monday and that we were concerned for her safety, which we were. (We couldn’t get ahold of her for a while and were really worried about her. She’s fine, having run the race in 3h 14m 07s, but we didn’t know where she was in relation to the blast zone and if she was safe.) This tragedy bothered me on so many levels that it took me a few days to sort it out. As I thought about it, I realized that it really touched a nerve of very personal vulnerability, one that goes back to Jason’s death. It made me feel so vulnerable. We tend to think that tragedy happens to “other people.” Until WE are those “other people” whose children die. Until WE are the family touched by tragedy. Until WE are that country where bombs go off in crowded places and kills and harms innocent bystanders. I recently read a poem written by By Madelaine Perri Kasden: OTHER PEOPLE Every so often, you hear about other people losing their child. Sometimes there is a horrible accident you find out about on television. Sometimes it is a senseless murder or suicide you read about in the newspaper. Sometimes you learn about a deadly illness over the telephone because, this time, he child belongs to someone you know When such a tragedy happens, to other people, your heart goes out to them. You feel deeply saddened and perhaps, you shed a few tears. You then continue your charmed life, going about business as usual. You don’t forget, but, you don’t necessarily remember either. After all, the death of a child is something that occurs in the lives of other people. Unless, God forbid, the television story or newspaper article or telephone call is about your child. Unless, one terrible day, heaven and earth and hell become one. Unless your life loses all meaning and nothing makes sense anymore. Suddenly, by a random twist of fate, or the hand of God, you have become other people. By Madelaine Perri Kasden Before Jason died, I was one of those people who felt like the death of a child was something that happened to “other people.” Tragedy happened to “other people.” I was like a teenager marching through life, feeling invincible. I prayed for my family. I was sure beyond a doubt that God heard my prayers and would protect my family. Terrible tragedies happened to people in other places; great tragedy would never touch me or happen to me. But it did. My child died. And it made me feel so incredibly vulnerable. I was not protected from tragedy. I was not immune. We were ordinary people, doing ordinary things, living our ordinary daily lives. I became “that person” whose child died. Jason was taken from us by the actions of someone else, a drunk driver. I felt like someone ripped my entire chest open, leaving my most inner self bare, raw, and exposed to unbelievable grief and pain. I became “that person” who no longer was thought of as “Becky.” I became the “mother of Jason, the young man who died in the car accident.” People would whisper to each other about me, point me out to each other. People would avoid me, look right through me as if they didn’t see me. I became a grieving mess, a lonely pariah who struggled to get through the day. I was touched by tragedy, changed by the death of my child. I had to learn to “find a new normal,” find a way to weave Jason’s loss into my life, find a way to learn to walk again without Jason in this life. My life became divided into “before” and “after” by that stark moment of vulnerability when Jason died. Those people in Boston were ordinary people experiencing a wonderful slice of Americana at the iconic Boston Marathon. In a split second of vulnerability, the security that tragedy happens to “someone else” was taken from them; it was robbed from them by a terrorist’s actions. They are now people whose lives are affected by this tragedy forever, and they will never be the same. Their lives will be divided in so many ways into “before” and “after” by that stark moment of vulnerability when that bomb went off, when some lost dear family members, when some lost limbs and will have to learn to walk again in a new manner, when some witnessed a horrific scene of human suffering that will forever be burned into their memories. It all happened to ordinary people in one split moment of vulnerability. And when something like the bomb blasts in Boston or some other tragedy happens, it touches a nerve deep inside me and I feel incredibly vulnerable all over again. It makes me feel anxious and restless, almost the the point of being panic-y. Because, as a parent whose child has died, I know all too well that it can be just one split moment in time from MY child is alive and well…to the moment when tragedy has happened and MY child is gone. There’s no going back, no way to change what’s happened. Jason died when he was broadsided by a drunk driver who was going more than twice the speed limit. Three people died in Boston at the hands of a terrorist. Beautiful, innocent children died in Newtown. People died in an explosion in Texas. As much as we’d like to think we are immune from tragedy, we really aren’t. I wish we could be, but we’re not. As long as we live in an imperfect world, we are not immune from the possibility of becoming that “other person” that has been touched by tragedy. And that’s why I felt so vulnerable – all over again – when I heard of the Boston tragedy. I don’t know why tragedies hit some people and not others; or, as the title to Harold S. Kushner’s book says, why “Bad Things Happen to Good People.” I don’t know why things happen the way they do. I pray for the protection of my family and those I know, knowing as I do now that we don’t live in a perfect world and that none of us are truly immune and that we are vulnerable to tragedy. I pray for those I know who are going through grief as they have never known before. I pray that good will come from what I have experienced and walked through, that what I have to say here will create a greater understanding for those who deeply grieve. I know that I will see Jason again. I am doing the best I can to rebuild my life and reconstruct my faith. I long to know the security as I once did, with all my heart, that I serve a God who is not untouched by our pain, suffering, and tragedy. I pray and pray for my family, along with saying, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” Perhaps we can use this as a reminder of how fleeting life can be and encourage ourselves to really take time to extend comfort, love, and kindness to those within our sphere of influence – our family, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors, our acquaintances. Listen to those little “nudges” that seem to come from inside of you, telling you to take time to do something special for someone. We never know when those moments may be gone forever. My thoughts and prayers are with those people affected by this terrible tragedy in Boston and to those affected by the blast in Texas. I wish I could put my arms around you and show you how much I care. Sending hugs, hugs, and more hugs… © 2013 Rebecca R. Carney

On The Beak – Admin This past Friday night, December 2, at Dover Downs in Dover, Delaware, undefeated and world-ranked heavyweight sensation, Amir ‘Hardcore’ Mansour remained perfect by scoring a sixth round stoppage over former light heavyweight world title challenger Epifanio Mendoza and captured the WBF intercontinental championship that highlighted an exciting eight bout card. Mansour and Mendoza thrilled the sellout crowd at Dover Downs with Mansour throwing some wicked shots to the head and body of Mendoza. Mendoza showed surprisingly good defense and decent counter punching ability. Tensions grew during the fight as both landed shots after the bell that nearly incited a brawl. In the sixth, Mansour landed a huge flurry of punches that forced the corner of Mendoza to throw in the towel. Mansour, ranked number seven by the WBO, raised his mark to 16-0-0, 12ko and he indicated the he is ready to take on anybody in the top ten. Mendoza fought well but fell to 32-13-1. In the co-feature, light heavyweight Anthony Caputo Smith had a few tense moments but scored an incredible final round stoppage over Douglas Okola in a six round bout. Smith was dropped and then cut badly over his right eye and it was looking like his perfect mark would be falling by the wayside. In the final round, Okola walked into a huge left hook that put him down and out and in an instant Smith scored the knockout. Smith is now 12-0-0, 10ko. Veteran Dorin Spivey scored his 40th professional victory with a solid six round unanimous decision over rugged and tough-as-nails Angel Rios in a lightweight bout. Spivey boxed well by putting some solid combinations together. Rios never had any quit in him and kept coming forward and even buckled Spivey during the fight. Spivey will now look to jump into the rankings when he takes on Victor Vasquez on February 4. Ironically, Vasquez was ringside calling the action with Marc Abrams during this bout. Mike Tiberi made it 18-1 with a solid six round unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s Emill Gonzalez in a Super Middleweight bout. var Scribol; if(typeof Scribol==’undefined’){Scribol={}; Scribol.frames=[];Scribol.site=’’;Scribol.is_preview=false;} Scribol.frames.push(’615488′); For all of boxing’s biggest stories click here onthebeak@gmail.com

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OpenJurist Browse OpenJurist Learn the Law Find a Lawyer OpenJurist Blog Opinions US Code Legal Practice Area 345 U.S. united states reports 345 US 1 United States v. Reynolds 345 US 13 Alstate Const Co v. Durkin 345 US 19 Thomas v. Hempt Bros 345 US 22 United State v. Kahriger 345 US 41 United States v. Rumely 345 US 59 Unexcelled Chemical Corp v. United States 345 US 67 Fowler v. State of Rhode Island 345 US 71 National Labor Relations Board v. Rockaway News Supply Co 345 US 83 Orloff v. Willoughby 345 US 100 American Newspaper Publishers Ass'n v. National Labor Relations Board 345 US 117 National Labor Relations Board v. Gamble Enterprises 345 US 128 Ramspeck v. Federal Trial Examiners Conference 345 US 146 Baltimore or Co v. United States 345 US 153 United States Chapman v. Federal Power Commission 345 US 183 Orvis v. Brownell 345 US 192 Local Union No 10 United Ass'n of Journeymen Plumbers and Steamfitters of United States and Canada of American Federation of Labor v. Graham 345 US 206 Shaughnessy v. United States Mezei 345 US 229 Heikkila v. Barber 345 US 242 Albertson v. Millard 345 US 247 Western Pac Corp v. Western Pac R Co Metzger 345 US 278 Healy v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue 345 US 286 In Re Isserman 345 US 295 United States v. Public Utilities Commission of California Mineral County Nevada 345 US 322 Dameron v. Brodhead 345 US 330 Ford Motor Co v. Huffman International Union United Automobile Aircraft and Agricultural Implementworkers of America Ci 345 US 344 United States v. Certain Parcels of Land in Fairfax County Commonwealth of Virginia 345 US 361 United States v. Gilbert Associates 345 US 369 State of New Jersey v. State of New York 345 US 377 United States v. Jones 345 US 379 Pope v. Atlantic Coast Line R Co 345 US 395 Poulos v. State of New Hampshire 345 US 427 Calmar Ss Corp v. Scott 345 US 446 Calmar Ss Corp v. United States 345 US 457 United States v. Carroll 345 US 461 Terry v. Adams 345 US 495 Esso Standard Oil Co v. Evans 345 US 502 United States v. International Bldg Co 345 US 507 Callanan Road Improvement Co v. United States 345 US 514 Wells v. Simonds Abrasive Co 345 US 528 May v. Anderson 345 US 544 Watson v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue 345 US 559 Avery v. State of Georgia 345 US 565 Tinder v. United States 345 US 571 Lauritzen v. Larsen 345 US 594 Times-Picayune Pub Co v. United States 345 US 629 United States v. W T Grant Co 345 US 639 Central Bank v. United States 345 US 648 Levinson v. Deupree 345 US 653 Transcontinental Western Air v. Koppal 345 US 663 Polizzi v. Cowles Magazines 345 US 927 Isserman v. Ethics Committee of Essex County Bar Ass'n 345 US 973 Gartner v. Overholser 345 US 981 State of Nebraska v. State of Wyoming 345 US 989 Rosenberg

371 F.2d 205 ZIFFRIN TRUCK LINES, INC., Plaintiff-Appellant, v. The ARMSTRONG RUBBER COMPANY and Armstrong Rubber Mfg. Co., Defendants-Appellees. Shellie DAGLEY, Administrator of the Estate of Charles W. Collins, Deceased, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. The ARMSTRONG RUBBER COMPANY and Armstrong Rubber Mfg. Co., Defendants-Appellees. Nos. 15556, 15557. United States Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit. Nov. 30, 1966. Alan H. Lobley, Ice, Miller, Donadio & Ryan, Indianapolis, Ind., for plaintiff-appellant. Richard W. Yarling, Donald S. Tunnell, Yarling, Winter & Tunnell, Indianapolis, Ind., for defendants-appellees. Before HASTINGS, Chief Judge, MAJOY, Senior Circuit Judge, and CASTLE, Circuit Judge. HASTINGS, Chief Judge. Plaintiffs-appellants, Ziffrin Truck Lines, Inc., and Shellie Dagley, administrator of the estate of Charles W. Collins, deceased, have appealed from the judgment of hte district court dismissing its diversity action on the merits, following a jury verdict for defendants, The Armstrong Rubber Company and Armstrong Rubber Mfg. Co. This is the second appeal in this cause. In the prior appeal, Dagley v. Armstrong Rubber Company, 7 Cir., 344 F.2d 245 (1965), we reversed and remanded the cause for a new trial on an issue of breach of implied warranty held erroneously dismissed by the trial court. This cause arose when a Ziffrin trucktractor, which had installed on its right front wheel a tire manufactured by Armstrong, went off the highway allegedly due to a tire blowout, while being driven by Collins, and turned over, killing Collins. The only issue in this appeal is whether the trial court erred in including, over the objections of appellants, certain matters in its instruction number 16. The pertinent parts of instruction 16 read: '* * * and/or if you find the proximate cause of the happening was due to abnormal use of the tire or the use thereof beyond the reasonable safe period of its life expectancy; * * * and/or if you find that the tire failed and collapsed when it struck the pole or earthen embankment; * * * and/or if you find the tractor had defective equipment which proximately caused the happening; and/or if you find the tractor had abnormally defective equipment or abnormal lack of maintenance which proximately caused the tire to become defective or aggravated any existing defect or defects in such tire so as to proximately cause the happening; and/or if you find that the tire's life expectancy had expired for front wheel usage because it had reached the point of the treads having been reduced to from somewhere between one-half (1/2) to eighty five per cent (85%) of their original structure with the visually known worn cupping defect and which was known to the operator because of steering wheel vibration and that such proximately caused the alleged tire failure and/or caused the mechanical failure to the tractor which proximately caused the happening; then you would be warranted in finding the plaintiffs have failed to prove an essential element and/or elements of their complaints.' It is urged that this instruction was not predicated on evidence adduced at trial, that it was therefore prejudicial, allowing the jury to find that the tire failure, alleged to have been the cause of the accident, occurred for reasons not shown in evidence and not urged by the parties. In Indiana, prejudicial error may result from an instruction on an issue formed by the pleadings and concerning which there is no evidence. Hayes Freight Lines v. Oestricher, 117 Ind.App. 143, 147, 66 N.E.2d 612,68 N.E.2d 792 (1946). Instructions are regarded as a total charge to the jury, and if an instruction, which standing alone might be erroneous, is cured by other instructions in the charge, then no reversible error exists. Ewing v. Timmons, 135 Ind.App. 274, 277, 193 N.E.2d 497 (1963). Furthermore, instructions are proper if they are within the issues and the evidence is conflicting, cf. John Hancock Mut. Life Ins. Co. v. Gordon, 109 Ind.App. 58, 61-62, 32 N.E.2d 727 (1941), or if the instructions are 'pertinent to any question of fact which the jury may properly consider under the evidence, or any ligitimate inferences which may be drawn from the evidence.' Schlarb v. Henderson, 211 Ind. 1, 7-8, 4 N.E.2d 205 (1936). The Indiana Appellate Court has also said: 'If there were any facts or circumstances in the case, although quite meager, to which the instructions might, upon any view, be pertinent, provided they were correct in the statement of the law, it would not be error for the court to give them, although they were so given to the jury over the objection of the complaining party.' Pennsylvania Ice & Coal Co. v. Elischer, 106 Ind.App. 613, 621, 21 N.E.2d 436, 439 (1939). In considering whether an instruction applies to the evidence, a trial court must consider the evidence in its entirety, together with all reasonable inferences which might be drawn from it. Elischer, supra. Appellants argue, however, that notwithstanding the fact that, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the defendants, there is some evidence in the record relating to the matters covered in instruction 16, there is no evidence that these matters could possibly have been the proximate cause of the alleged blowout. Where the determination of proximate cause depends upon a state of facts from which different men might reasonably draw different inferences or conclusions, the question of proximate cause is a question of fact for the jury. Siebeking et al. v. Ford, Admx., etc., 128 Ind.App. 475, 485, 148 N.E.2d 194 (1958). If there is any reasonable doubt as to proximate cause, it is also for the jury. Phares v. Carr, 122 Ind.App. 597, 603, 106 N.E.2d 242 (1952). Since proximate cause is a question for the jury, and since the jury is broadly entitled to draw inferences from facts presented, we are not persuaded that, to avoid a presumption of prejudice, there must be evidence that the matters upon which the trial court instructed the jury could have or did proximately cause the blowout. The only question is whether there was sufficient evidence for the jury to consider those matters as bearing on the question of proximate cause. While the contested instruction was rather long and may be subject to minor criticisms, we do not find it prejudicial. We conclude from an examination of the entire record, and from a reading of the instructions taken as a whole, that appellants received a fair trial and that the jury was not improperly instructed. Appellants raise further objections to other parts of instruction 16. We have reviewed such other portions objected to. In reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the defendants, we find that such other portions of such instruction are not prejudicially erroneous for the reasons hereinabove stated. In the first trial of this action on the negligence count only, the jury returned a verdict for the defendants, and this we affirmed. Dagley, supra. In the instant appeal, another jury, hearing substantially the same evidence, found for the defendants on the breach of implied warranty count. The evidence amply supports such a verdict in this case. In reviewing the instructions as a whole, we conclude that in other instructions given, and not challenged on appeal, the issues to be determined by the jury, the burden of proof, the theory of plaintiff's complaint, the law relating to proximate cause and the resolution of conflicting testimony, resulted in the jury being fairly and adequately instructed. The judgment appealed from is affirmed. Affirmed.

530 F.2d 450 18 UCC Rep.Serv. 1122 FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HOLLYWOOD et al., Plaintiffs-Appellees, v. AMERICAN FOAM RUBBER CORP. and Milton R. Ackman, as Trustee of American Foam Rubber Corp., Bankrupt, Defendants, Marie Louise deMontmollin et al., Defendants-Appellants. No. 38, Docket 75--7051. United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. Argued Sept. 24, 1975. Decided Feb. 5, 1976. David Sive, New York City (Winer, Neuburger & Sive, New York City, on the brief), for defendants-appellants. Jacob E. Heller, New York City (Joseph Heller and Jacob E. Heller, New York City, on the brief), for plaintiffs-appellees. Before LUMBARD, MULLIGAN and VAN GRAAFEILAND, Circuit Judges. VAN GRAAFEILAND, Circuit Judge: This is an appeal from a judgment in favor of the executors of one corporate creditor against another corporate creditor whose right to receive payment was made subordinate to that of plaintiffs' testate. Two questions are presented: 1. Did the subordinated creditor have the right to discharge an unmatured subordinated indebtedness without the consent of the senior creditor? 2. Was there payment of a matured, subordinated debenture when the subordinated creditor took the note of the debtor's parent corporation instead of cash? Litigation between the paties has now been in progress for fifteen years, and three opinions of the District Court have been reported. Buchman v. American Foam Rubber Corp., 250 F.Supp. 60 (S.D.N.Y.1965); First National Bank v. American Foam Rubber Corp., 306 F.Supp. 593 (S.D.N.Y.1969); First National Bank v. American Foam Rubber Corp., 309 F.Supp. 547 (S.D.N.Y.1969).1 Repetition will not improve upon the recitals of fact contained in these opinions, and we will therefore review only so much background as is necessary to frame the issues on this appeal. Prior to 1957, appellees' testate, Samuel Buchman, was president and a substantial stockholder of American Foam Rubber Corp. (AFR), a New York corporation. On May 17, 1957, Buchman resigned and sold his interest in AFR and its affiliate, Burlington Holding Corporation, to appellants. As part of the agreement of sale, certain debentures of the two corporations, maturing in 1960 and 1965, which were held by appellants, were subordinated to debentures held by Buchman. The pertinent portion of the subordination agreement reads as follows: To induce Samuel Buchman to sell his capital stock hereunder, Marie Louise deMontmollin and Alexander F. Pathy hereby agree with respect to the debentures of each of said corporations that the rights of any holder (including her or him) of the debentures thereof now held by her or him and referred to above, be subordinated to the rights of any holder or holders of the debentures thereof now held by Samuel Buchman (including him) as to the payment of interest and principal. No claim for interest under the debentures so subordinated shall be made unless all interest payable on the debentures now held by Samuel Buchman shall have been paid in full, and no claim for principal under any of the debentures so subordinated shall be made unless the entire principal of all the debentures now held by Samuel Buchman shall have been paid in full. If for any reason, either corporation shall pay interest or principal on said debentures to any of the Buyers, or to any person deriving title to the debentures of said corporation from any of the Buyers, and said payment shall be made without first satisfying the priority to which the holder or holders of Samuel Buchman's debentures are entitled by reason of the foregoing provisions, the amount or amounts of the payment so made to the buyer (or to the person deriving title from her or him) shall be promptly paid by such Buyer to said holder or holders of Samuel Buchman's debentures. A similar agreement of subordination was made with respect to some corporate promissory notes which were held by the parties. In 1958, AFR decided to issue new stock for the purpose of improving its capital structure; and, over a period of time, appellant deMontmollin surrendered subordinated AFR debentures and notes with a face value of $322,000 for preferred stock with an equivalent face value. On April 1, 1960, the Burlington debentures became due. Buchman was paid in cash for his, and Mrs. deMontmollin received a credit on Burlington's books for $15,000, the amount of her debentures. She immediately loaned this money to AFR, receiving a promissory note in return.2 This was accomplished by a bookkeeping transfer of assets from Burlington to AFR; no money passed through appellants' hands. On February 21, 1961, AFR was adjudicated a bankrupt. In its opinion, 306 F.Supp. 593, 601, the District Court stated that, if Mrs. deMontmollin had not surrendered the $322,000 in debentures and notes, appellees, because of their right to priority in payment under the subordination agreement, would have been entitled to recover the bankruptcy dividends payable on these obligations. It therefore held appellant deMontmollin liable for the amount of the dividend which would have been paid. The District Court also held that the transaction involving the $15,000 Burlington debentures constituted payment of those debentures within the meaning of the subordination agreement and that appellant deMontmollin was liable for this amount. Id. at 607. We reverse the holding of the District Court insofar as it predicates liability upon the exchange of the AFR debentures and notes for stock and affirm its holding insofar as it predicates liability upon the payment of the Burlington debentures. The Exchange Transaction Before examining the District Judge's theory of liability, we first note our approval of his rejection of an alternate theory which had been proposed by plaintiffs. Judge Cooper held that the exchange of debentures and notes for preferred stock did not constitute payment of these obligations, as that term was used in the subordination agreement, since no assets of the corporation passed into the creditors' hands. 306 F.Supp. at 599. Neither, he said, was the issuance of stock the first step in a plan to secure payment, since AFR was precluded by other contractual provisions from paying dividends or redeeming stock. Id. at 600. We find no error in these holdings. Judge Cooper's theory of liability was that appellant had breached an implied provision in the subordination agreement that the subordinated debt would not be discharged.3 He stated that the subordinated debt was 'a type of security for the senior debt, available to the senior creditor upon a distribution of the assets of the debtor' and might therefore be regarded as a 'cushion' or 'support' for the senior debt. 306 F.Supp. at 599. Although he then specifically refused to determine the true nature of the interest, 'if any', created in favor of the senior creditor, he held that, in the absence of provisions to the contrary, it was a breach of the subordination agreement for the junior creditor to discharge the subordinated debt. Id. at 606. We disagree. The subordination agreement provided in substance that neither interest nor principal should be paid on the subordinated debt unless the interest and principal on the senior debt were paid in full and that, if such payments were made, they would be promptly paid over to the senior creditor. Clearly, the senior creditor had both equitable and contractual rights in the proceeds of such payments. Similar rights would attach to dividends declared in the estate of the bankrupt creditor. In re Credit Industrial Corporation, 366 F.2d 402 (2d Cir. 1966); Calligar, Subordination Agreements, 70 Yale L.J. 376, 383 (1961). Various theories have been advanced to support the enforcement of subordination agreements in bankruptcy: equitable lien, equitable assignment, constructive trust and enforcement of contractual rights. In re Itemlab Inc., 197 F.Supp. 194, 197 (E.D.N.Y.1961); Calligar, supra, 70 Yale L.J. at 384; Leiby, Enforcement and the U.C.C., 23 Bus. Lawyer 57 (1967). This Circuit has favored the recognition of priorities based upon the 'lawful contractual arrangement between the parties.' In re Aktiebolaget Kreuger & Toll, 96 F.2d 768, 770 (2d Cir. 1938). As we stated in In re Credit Industrial Corporation, supra, 366 F.2d at 407, if the terms of the contract are unambiguous, there is no need to resort to 'strained theories of third-party beneficiary, estoppel or general principles of equity' to determine the rights of the parties. Since most of the decisions in this area have dealt with the priority of payments in bankruptcy, there has been little need for the courts to explore the rights of the parties beyond those which attach to the bankruptcy dividends. The rules which have been laid down in these cases are not, therefore, determinative of the senior creditor's pre-bankruptcy rights, if any, in the payment which has not yet accrued or the dividend which has not been declared, i.e., in the debt itself.4 To justify the judgment in favor of plaintiffs below, they must have had rights, rights of such nature that they precluded defendant's good faith discharge of the subordinated debt. No recital of such rights can be found in the contractual arrangement between the parties. The terms of the subordination agreement are unambiguous and include no prohibition against discharge of the subordinated indebtedness. Moreover, based upon our decision in Cherno v. Dutch American Mercantile Corporation, 353 F.2d 147 (2d Cir. 1965), we see no equitable basis for holding that a prohibition should be implied. The facts in Cherno are not dissimilar from those we are now considering. There, the subordinated creditor discharged a chattel mortgage which he held as security, in order that the debtor could mortgage the property to a third party. In denying the senior creditor's claim that it was a preferred lien creditor as an equitable assignee or equitable lienholder, we held that the usual subordination agreement simply gives priority or precedence of lien right and debt payment to the senior creditor and does not constitute an assignment of the subordinated debt. Id. at 151. We also rejected the senior creditor's claim of a security interest in the debt. In so doing, we anticipated the provisions of § 1--209 of the N.Y. Uniform Commercial Code, enacted the following year.5 Finally, we held that the senior creditor was not the beneficiary of a constructive trust, because the subordinated creditor was not being unjustly enriched by holding property in which the senior creditor had an interest. In denying the existence of an equitable lien in, or equitable assignment of, the subordinated debt, we were following rules of law well established in both the New York and Federal courts. Generally, these courts have held that an agreement to pay out of a particular fund does not create an equitable lien upon the fund or operate as an equitable assignment thereof. East Side Packing Co. v. Fahy Market, 24 F.2d 644, 645 (2d Cir. 1928); Union Trust Co. v. Townshend, 101 F.2d 903 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 307 U.S. 646, 59 S.Ct. 1044, 83 L.Ed. 1526 (1939); B. Kuppenheimer & Co. v. Mornin, 78 F.2d 261, 264 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 296 U.S. 615, 56 S.Ct. 135, 80 L.Ed. 436 (1935); Cabell v. Markham, 69 F.Supp. 640, 642 (S.D.N.Y.1946), aff'd sub nom. Cabell v. Clark, 162 F.2d 153 (2d Cir. 1947); People ex rel. Balbrook Realty Corp. v. Mills, 295 N.Y. 190, 195, 66 N.E.2d 50 (1946). To accomplish an assignment, the would-be assignor must relinquish control over the fund. The test is whether there is 'an appropriation of the fund so that the debtor would be justified in paying the debt or the assigned part to the person claiming to be the assignee.' Hinkle Iron Co. v. Kohn, 229 N.Y. 179, 183, 128 N.E. 113, 114 (1920); In re Conoley, 50 F.Supp. 542 (S.D.N.Y.1942). Whatever may have been the situation with regard to payments due and owing to Mrs. deMontmollin, we think it clear from the foregoing authorities that Mr. Buchman, as senior creditor, had no equitable rights as assignee or lienholder in the debt itself. Thomas v. New York and Greenwood Lake Rwy. Co., 139 N.Y. 163, 178, 34 N.E. 877 (1893). AFR, the debtor, had no right to pay any part of the unmatured debt to Mr. Buchman, the senior creditor. It is interesting to note that this was the specific holding of the court in In re Dodge-Freedman Poultry Co., 148 F.Supp. 647 (D.N.H.1956), aff'd sub nom. Dodge-Freedman Poultry Co. v. Delaware Mills Inc., 244 F.2d 314 (1st Cir. 1957) (per curiam), relied upon by the court below. That case involved the waiver by a subordinated creditor of a bankruptcy dividend and the preservation of such dividend for the senior creditor through the doctrine of constructive trust. The court said, 148 F.Supp. at 651: In the case at bar, there was no manifestation of intention, either written or oral, or by conduct, on the part of Freedman (the subordinated creditor) to relinquish control, or to make any appropriation to Delaware Mills, Inc. (the senior creditor). Therefore, no equitable assignment was created, nor is there an equitable lien. Judge Cooper quite correctly recognized, on the basis of our decision in Cherno, that plaintiffs could claim no rights as beneficiaries of a constructive trust, since Mrs. deMontmollin never had any property in her possession in which plaintiffs had any equitable interest. 306 F.Supp. at 603 n. 38. Having thus rejected appellees' last possible equitable claim, it is not surprising that Judge Cooper would 'intimate no view on the 'true nature' of the interest created, if any.'6 Id. at 606. Judge Cooper's reliance upon a statement in Cherno that the subordinated creditor breached the subordination agreement when it discharged a chattel mortgage given to it as collateral, is, we think, misplaced. That statement was dictum. Moreover, the proof in Cherno showed that the collateral was discharged subsequent to default by the insolvent debtor on both the subordinated debt and the senior indebtedness, while an action to recover on the latter was pending. We described it as part of a 'scheme' to get additional cash from an innocent lender. 353 F.2d at 149. The discharge of the subordinated indebtedness in the instant case occurred before its maturity and three years prior to the debtor's bankruptcy. There is no claim of any 'scheme' or bad faith and no contention that the discharge was made in contemplation of bankruptcy. Nonetheless, Judge Cooper determined in 1969 that the discharge constituted a breach of the subordination agreement and then waited five years until the termination of the bankruptcy proceedings in 1974 to compute the amount of plaintiffs' damages. Only in this way could he ascertain the amount of the 'double dividend' which he said plaintiffs lost.7 It requires little imagination to conceive of the discharge of a subordinated debt many years prior to bankruptcy, or, indeed, without any subsequent bankruptcy ever taking place. If the decision appealed from is correct, such discharge would nonetheless be a breach of the subordination agreement, because of the remote chance that bankruptcy might someday occur and the senior creditor might thereafter be deprived of a double dividend.8 We think that if the senior creditor would prohibit a discharge because of such remote contingencies, he should so provide in the subordination agreement. We hold, therefore, that appellees' testate had no equitable or contractual rights in the unmatured obligations which prevented appellant from discharging them in good faith. The Loan Transaction Appellant's argument that the loan transaction was simply a series of bookkeeping entries between parent and subsidiary corporation was properly rejected by the District Court. Where a creditor takes the bill, note or check of a third party instead of insisting upon performance to the letter of his contract with the debtor, a reasonable inference may sometimes be drawn that the primary obligation has been paid and discharged. charged. Hamilton v. R. S. Dickson & Co., 85 F.2d 107 (2d Cir. 1936); 70 C.J.S. Payment § 29 (1951). Judge Cooper was entitled to find that when, upon the maturity of the Burlington debentures, Mrs. deMontmollin released that company from its indebtedness and took an AFR note in substitution therefor, this was payment of the debentures within the meaning of the subordination agreement. Moreover, although no money passed through appellant's hands, the effects of the transaction, as Judge Cooper held, were the same as if it had. Plaintiffs were entitled to recover the amount of this payment by virtue of the specific provisions of the subordination agreement. This being so, we need not consider appellant's equitable defense of lack of clean hands, based on Mr. Buchman's allegedly improper conduct in other matters involving AFR. We affirm that portion of the judgment appealed from which is based on the payment of the $15,000 in Burlington debentures and reverse that portion based upon the discharge of the $322,000 in AFR debentures and notes, with costs of the appeal to appellant, and remand to the District Court for judgment in accordance with this decision. Appellants claim that Judge Cooper abused his discretion by basing his decision on an implied provision not to discharge the indebtedness because that theory was not pleaded by any of the parties and contradicted previous rulings by the court that allegedly limited the issues to be tried. While these allegations would provide sufficient grounds for reversal if Judge Cooper had, as implied by appellants, raised and resolved issues sua sponte that prejudiced appellants, see United Transportation Union v. State Bar of Michigan, 401 U.S. 576, 91 S.Ct. 1076, 28 L.Ed.2d 339 (1971); Reynolds v. Stockton, 140 U.S. 254, 266, 11 S.Ct. 773, 35 L.Ed. 464 (1891), in this instance Judge Cooper was entitled to consider the claim of the loss of a 'double dividend' in bankruptcy On May 9, 1967, Judge Cooper issued an opinion denying defendants' motion for summary judgment on the subordination claim. Judge Cooper defined the 'plain meaning' of the subordination agreement as prohibiting defendants 'from realizing any cash or its equivalent from the corporation until Buchman's debentures had been satisfied in full.' Judge Cooper indicated that the Exchange Transactions would not violate the subordination agreement thus defined unless it constituted 'a first step in a plan to obtain cash--or cash realizable property--from the corporation.' It was to decide this latter question that Judge Cooper proceeded to trial. After a three-day trial to the court in December 1968, Judge Cooper rendered his decision on July 23, 1969. With respect to the Exchange Transaction, he held that the discharge of the debentures and receipt of the preferred stock did not constitute 'payment' within the meaning of the subordination agreement. 306 F.Supp. at 599--600. Judge Cooper also determined that the exchange was not a first step in a plan to obtain cash that could constitute a breach of the agreement under the May 9, 1967, interpretation. Nevertheless, the judge concluded that the Exchange Transaction breached the agreement because it deprived Buchman of his 'double dividend' in bankruptcy. Since Judge Cooper had indicated in his opinion of May 9, 1967, that the subsequent trial would be limited to the question of whether the Exchange Transaction constituted the first step in a plan to obtain cash, appellants forcefully argue that appellees were restricted by the law of the case to a recovery on the issue of premature payment. Thus, appellants argue, once the district court found no such payment, the inquiry should have ended and judgment should have been entered on their behalf. Our reading of the record reveals that the 'double dividend' theory was not based on an issue or on facts that the parties did not have the opportunity to litigate at trial and that Judge Cooper's consideration of the issue did not unduly prejudice appellants. At an early point during the first day of the trial, appellees offered evidence bearing on AFR's status in bankruptcy in order to prove the amount of the dividend that Buchman would have received in bankruptcy had appellants' debentures not been exchanged for stock. Appellees also noted that they had advocated this theory of recovery throughout the pretrial proceedings, and this point was not denied by appellants. Thus, it appears that appellants were fully apprised of the 'double dividend' issue both prior to and during the trial and could have introduced evidence to the effect that the parties never intended the subordination agreement to cover the parties' rights in bankruptcy, had that indeed been the understanding. No such evidence was offered. The fact that the relief requested in the pleadings did not include the lost dividend would not preclude Judge Cooper from granting relief on that theory. The pleadings recited all the facts relevant to the Exchange Transaction and appellants cannot have been surprised by the evidence proffered at trial. Once the issue was raised at trial, Judge Cooper was entitled to grant relief on a theory not pleaded by any party but relying on pleaded and proven facts. See United States ex rel. Bergen Point Iron Works v. Maryland Casualty Co., 384 F.2d 303, 304 (2d Cir. 1967); Fed.R.Civ.P. 54(c); 10 C. Wright & A. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 2664, at 104--05 (1973). Nor can we say that Judge Cooper's May 9, 1967, decision irrevocably bound him not to consider the parties' rights in bankruptcy at the subsequent trial. In this Circuit, the law of the case is a discretionary doctrine that need not be applied when no prejudice results from its omission. See Dictograph Products Co. v. Sonotone Corp., 230 F.2d 131, 135 (2d Cir.), appeal dismissed, 352 U.S. 883, 77 S.Ct. 104, 1 L.Ed.2d 82 (1956). Since appellants were on notice both prior to and during the trial that appellees would request judgment on the basis of the dividend lost as a result of the Exchange Transaction, the appellants did not suffer prejudice or surprise such as to render it improper for the district court to reach that question. 'Cases in this area are not helpful in solving the question of whether the subordination, if it is a lien or assignment, is a lien or assignment of the note itself or of certain rights arising by virtue of the note.' Zinman, Under the Spreading UCC-Subordinations and Article 9, 7 B.C.Ind. & Com.L.Rev. 1, 25 n. 81 (1965) N.Y. Uniform Commercial Code § 1--209 (McKinney Supp.1975) provides: An obligation may be issued as subordinated to payment of another obligation of the person obligated, or a creditor may subordinate his right to payment of an obligation by agreement with either the person obligated or another creditor of the person obligated. Such a subordination does not create a security interest as against either the common debtor or a subordinated creditor. This section shall be construed as declaring the law as it existed prior to the enactment of this section and not as modifying it. A determination of the 'true nature' of plaintiffs' equitable rights cannot be avoided by adopting the concept of implied contract. '(I)mplied contract is a term used to define those situations and conditions which make it equitable and just in applying the equity powers of the court to establish and declare a lien where otherwise there might be no relief.' James v. Alderton Dock Yards, Ltd., 256 N.Y. 298, 303, 176 N.E. 401, 403 (1931) Since we are reversing that portion of the judgment in which these damages are awarded, we need not consider appellant's argument that the procedure followed by the District Court was improper

61 U.S. 8 20 How. 8 15 L.Ed. 805 JAMES R. JONES, CHARLES C. JONES, WILLIAM G. GORMAN, ROBERT LOTT, JOHN TIPPIN, MATTHEW T. TIPPIN, AND JOHN R. TALLY, PLAINTIFFS IN ERROR, v. CATHERINE McMASTERS, BY HER NEXT FRIEND, MANUEL YBARBA. December Term, 1857 THIS case was brought up, by writ of error, from the District Court of the United States for the district of Texas. The case is stated in the opinion of the court. It was argued by Mr. Hale for the plaintiffs in error, and by Mr. Hughes for the defendant. The principal question in the case was, whether Catherine McMasters was a citizen of Mexico or of Texas. The arguments of the counsel upon this point were as follows: Mr. Hale's first point was this: The District Court should not have sustained the demurrer to the plea to the jurisdiction pleaded by John R. Tally. It appeared by the allegations of that plea that the plaintiff was, at the time of the institution of the suit, a citizen of the State of Texas. The Constitution of the Republic of Texas declared that 'all persons (Africans, the descendants of Africans, and Indians, excepted) who were residing in Texas on the day of the declaration of independence, shall be considered citizens of the Republic, and entitled to the privileges of such.' (Const. Rep. Gen. Prov., sec. 10; Hart. Dig., p. 38.) And the incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the Union, 'on an equal footing with the original States in every respect,' necessarily onverted the citizens of the Republic of Texas into citizens of the State of Texas and of the United States. (Joint Resolution for annexing Texas to the United States, March 1, 1845, 5 Stat. at L., 797; act of Dec. 29, 1845, 6 Stat. at L., 1.) It follows, that any person who, within the meaning of the Constitution of the Republic, resided in Texas at the time of the declaration of independence, and continued thus to be a citizen of the Republic until the period of annexation to the United States, became thereby a citizen of the State of Texas, and was not competent to bring a suit, in the District Court of the United States, against other citizens of the same State. The only point which presents any difficulty is in relation to the meaning of the phrase, 'who were residing in Texas,' used in the Constitution of the Republic. There can be little doubt, however, that the framers of the Constitution intended this phrase to be equivalent to the corresponding one, 'who had their domicil in Texas,' and did not design to deprive of their citizenship those who were physically absent from the country. Many of the most respectable and deserving residents of Texas were not, personally, within the limits of the Republic at the date of the declaration of independence. They had been forced to leave the country, temporarily, by the advance of the Mexican army; they had accompanied their suffering families to the refuge offered by the United States, on the eastern bank of the Sabine; they had been sent on missions by the General Council, to arouse the sympathies of the Western States; they had returned to their former homes, to bring their wives and children, left there during hostilities, to the country now redeemed by their arms. The history and legal annals of Texas are filled with examples. (Yoakum's History of Texas, vol. II, pp. 34, 36, 118, 125, 175, 181; Ordinances of Gen. Council, pp. 52, 55, 56, 58; Republic v. Young, Dallam, 464; The State v. Skidmore, 5 Tex., 469; Russell v. Randolph, 11 Tex., 464-'6.) It could not be intended by the Constitution of the new State, then in need of citizens, and anxious to attract them, to disfranchise such persons by a rigorous and literal application of the term 'resident.' And this conclusion is confirmed by the established meaning of this term. (Lambe v. Smith, 15 Mees. and W., 434; Hylton v. Brown, 1 Wash. C. C. R., 314; Blanchard v. Stearns, 5 Met., 303; Crawford v. Wilson, 4 Barb., 522.) It is true that in some instances, especially in cases arising under attachment laws, it has been said that residence and domicil were not always equivalent terms, and that a citizen domiciliated in one State, might have a temporary residence in another. But these decisions were based entirely upon the consideration of the object and intention of the particular statutes which were then to be interpreted, and do not deny that in other statutes, having a more enlarged purpose, the two terms would be regarded as identical. Strictly speaking, the more fact of inhabitancy does not constitute a domicil; the intention of remaining must also exist; but it follows, from this very rule, that a domicil implies and presupposes a residence, and that one who had his domicil in the Republic of Texas, necessarily resided there—legally, if not physically. The position here assumed is strengthened by the fact, that at the time of the declaration of independence of Texas, the western portion of the new Republic was filled with the military forces and political adherents of the invader. It would be the height of absurdity to suppose that the framers of the Constitution designed to convert the troops and the supporters of Santa Anna, then actually within Texas, and with a literal residence in the country, into citizens of the revolutionary Government. If, then, the Constitution of the Republic of Texas conferred citizenship upon those who had their domicil in the country at the time of the declaration of independence, it will follow that Catherine McMasters was a citizen of the Republic. It appeared by the allegations of the plea that the domicil of her birth or origin was in Texas, at the town of Goliad, and that domicil certainly continues until another is acquired. (Somerville v. Somerville, 5 Vesey, 787; Monro v. Monro, 7 Cl. and Fin., 876; Mascard de Prob. concl. 85, No. 1.) To acquire another domicil, an intention to abandon the domicil of origin must exist. (Monro v. Monro, 7 Cl. and Fin., 891.) And an absence of fifteen or twenty years is not in itself, without proof of such intention, sufficient to forfeit the original domicil. (Merlin, Repert. Domicile, § 2; Dalloz, Dict. Gen. Domicile, § 1, Nos. 9-13.) In the case of Sanint Germain, absent in India for forty-five years, it was decided that such absence, without proof of his intention to abandon his residence in France, did not divest him of his domicil. (Dalloz, Jur. Gen., vol. 6, pp. 383-'4.) The intention or animus, thus essential to the acquisition of a new domicil, must be a legal and disposing will, and the voluntary act of a mind capable in law of acting. It can only be evinced by a person sui juris. (Somerville v. Somerville, 5 Ves., 787; Guier v. O'Daniel & Young, note to 1 Binn., 349, 352.) And, a fortiori, an infant or child cannot be capable of such as intention. Nam infans, et qui infanti proximus est, non multum a furioso distat. (Inst. III, 19, 10.) A minor, without parents or legal tutor, can therefore never lose or abandon proprio marte the domicil of origin. (Story Confl. Laws, § 46, 506, note; 1 Burge Comm. Col. Law, 38, 39; Pothier, Cout. d'Orleans, Ch. 1, sec. 1, Nos. 12-18; ed. de Brugnet, vol. 1, p. 5; Desduitz de St. Pierre v. Revel, Sirey, 35, p. 2, 556.) And this principle has been repeatedly recognised in the decisions of the Supreme Court of Louisiana—a court the most conversant with such questions. (Robbins v. Weeks, 5 Mart. N. S., 379; Succession of M. J. Robert, 2 Rob. La. R., 435-'6.) It is true that the surviving father or mother, that is to say, the natural tutor, may change, at will, the domicil of the minor, and transfer it to a different country; (Potinger v. Wightman, 3 Mer., 67, 79;) but this power does not extend to a mere friend, or to a person assuming, without the direct authority of law, the custody of the minor's person. (Robbins v. Weeks, 5 Mart. N. S., 379.) These rules are well explained by J. Voet, in his Commentaries on the Pandects, (Lib. V, tit. I, No. 100,) where he says, 'Ut enim haud difficiliter admittendum sit minorennem non magis posse domicilium mutare quam contrahendo se obligare; tamen quemadmodum contrahere auctore tutore permissum ei est, itaque et domicilium cum patre matreve, tanquam tutelae ejus aut saltem educationi praeposita, tutoribus caeteris non contradicentibus, mutare nihil vetat.' It is because the authority of the tutor supplies the defect of legal capacity or volition in the minor, that the latter acquires the domicil to which he accompanies the guardian; but as the authority of the delegated or appointed tutor ceases when he removes beyond the limits of the country, (Johnstone v. Beattie, 10 Cl. and Fin., 42, 87, 113, 148,) only the natural guardian—the parent of the minor, whose power remains unimpaired—can change the domicil of his ward to a new country. (School Directors v. James, 2 Watts and S., 568, 572.) These principles are substantially recognised in the case of Hardy v. De Leon. (5 Tex., 234-'8.) Sylvester De Leon resided in Texas at the date of the declaration of independence; in 1838, he was removed by the military authorities of the country to Louisiana, where his son, Francisco Santiago De Leon, was born; the wife of Sylvester died; the family then removed to Tamaulipas, and children were left in the care of their grandmother, while Sylvester returned to Texas; after a short visit, he again went to Tamaulipas, with the intention of returning to Texas with his children, but was killed on the road. Francisco, his youngest son, however, came to Texas, and lived at Goliad; and in a suit commenced in his name, it was pleaded by the defendants that he was an alien enemy. The Supreme Court of Texas held that the plaintiff's father, Sylvester De Leon, had never lost his citizenship in Texas; and if he had, or if his citizenship did not attach to his infant son, born in Louisiana, still the domicil of origin, acquired by the birth of Francisco in Louisiana, could not be forfeited by his removal, during minority, and without his own volition, to Mexico. The case made by the present plea in abatement is stronger than that of Hardy v. De Leon. Catherine McMasters was a child, less than five years of age, at the time of her removal from the domicil of her parents and of her own birth, in Texas, to a foreign country. Her parents were both dead; she had had no recognised tutor, nor has she been emancipated by marriage; she was removed by the family of Manuel Sabriego, with which she has continued to reside; and it does not appear that the family, which she thus accompanied, had any legal authority whatever to control her course in life, or decide on her domicil. It was incumbent on the plaintiff to have repelled the legal presumption arising from these facts, by a replication to the plea, and the demurrer should have been overruled. These views are confirmed by a recent decision of the Supreme Court of Texas, made at Tyler, in 1857, in the case of Wheeler v. Hollis. (See manuscript opinion.) In the course of this decision, after referring to the doubt as to the general authority of a guardian to change the domicil of his ward, the court states its conclusion to be, that a mother is not deprived, by her second marriage, of the natural right of controlling the person of her child, and determining its future home; but that this power does not extend to the mere legal guardian, after the death of both parents, nor authorize the mother, even as natural guardian, to change the domicil of the child, to the injury of its interests or the forfeiture of its property. 'When an infant has no parents, the law, it is true, remits him to his domicil of origin or to the last domicil of his parents. But when he has a surviving mother, it is difficult to perceive the justice or propriety there would be in not permitting her to make her domicil that of her children.' 'In other communities, it may not be unusual for children, who have parents, to have others appointed their guardians; and then it may be truly said that the ward is not naturally or necessarily a part of the guardian's family;' 'and so it may be said where the ward has no parent.' And the court cites the opinion of Ch. J. Gibson in School Directors v. James, 2 W. and S., 568, with approbation, and affirms the rule, that 'whatever may be the power of the guardian over the person and property of the ward, he cannot exercise it so as to injure the ward himself. The very end and purpose of his office is protection, and there is no imaginable case in which the law makes it an instrument of injury by implication.' It is evident, from this decision, that Sabriego had no power to remove the infant plaintiff from the domicil of origin for any reason, much less to make such removal when it would work a forfeiture of the minor's lands in Texas. This part of the case, however, can be put upon higher ground. The principles of the Spanish law, and not the law of nations or of nature, controlled the political rights of persons under both the Republics of Mexico and of Texas. The jurisprudence of Spain in relation to questions of citizenship was stirctly and perhaps too exclusively national in its spirit. It admitted of no divided allegiance; it suffered no expatriation from the native soil. The domicil of the origin fixed the political rights and duties of the subject and citizen forever. 'By law, no one can denaturalize himself.' (Part. II, 18, 29; Part IV, 24-'5.) And Aguila y Roxas, in his excel lent notes to his grandfather's treatise on the conflict of laws in relation to entailments, sums up the whole doctrine in this paragraph: 'Originarius hujus Regni, qui in aliud se transtulit, non amittit originem, quia quemadmodum patrem mutare non possumus, ita nec patriam: pro qua videndi qui hanc sententiam sequuntur, Bart. in L. Assumptio in princ. ff. ad Muncipal; Sozin. in cap. licet ratione ult. num. 52, de for. compet; Sanchez de Matrim lib. 3, disp. 23, num. 4; Barbos. in L. Haeres absens § Proinde n. 24 and 5, 26, 41, 87, 102, and 130, cum seq. 7, Judic.; Menoch. cons. 1076 a num. 3, and cons. 600, num. 7, and cons. 80, num. 10, and seq. and cons. 112, n. 61; Pasc. de vir. pat. potest. 3. cap. 2, n. 31; Peregrin. cons. 55; Manuel Barbos. ad Ordin. Portugal, lib. 2, tit. 56, in prine. num. 2; Ciarlin. Controv. for. cap. 149, ubi elegans ratio ibi: quia statim atque natus est patria, illi hypothecatus est; Vid. D. Amaya in L. 7 c. in col. num. 32 and seq.; Carleval. de Judic. tit. 1, disp. 2, num. 124; Surd. cons. 560, num. 5; Cald. Pereyra in Resp. pro D. Joan. de Tassis n. 9.' (See Aguila y Roxas, Additae Quaest, P. III, ch. 1, no. 8; Notes of Greg. Lopez to Part. IV, 24-'5.) The political existence of Catherine McMasters was attached to the soil, and, in the language of Ciarlina above cited, she was mortgaged to it as her country. She might lose her rights of property by absence, or her civil privileges by disuse; but the Republic of Texas could not suffer her to sacrifice the political duties which wedded her to the country of her birth—much less allow a self-appointed guardian to sever this infant, without power or freedom of choice, from her natural mother. Mr. Hughes: I. This plea shows that plaintiff below did not reside in Texas at the day of the declaration of independence, but was then residing in Matamoras, or elsewhere in Mexico. And we would say that this settles the question, for a prima facie case, to say the least, is made, showing that she was not a citizen of the Republic. The declaration of the Constitution of the Republic is, 'All persons (Africans excepted, &c.) who were residing in Texas on the day of the declaration of independence, shall be considered citizens of the Republic, and entitled to all the privileges of such.'—Const. of Rep., Gen. Prov., sec. 10, Hart. Dig., p. 38. But, to avoid the effect of this provision, it is contended that the word 'residing,' in the connection it is found, should be construed the same as 'domicil;' and to show that there might be a domicil, without a continued actual residence, numerous authorities will no doubt be referred to—all of which, as before stated, will be admitted to be good law; but they do not meet the case. For it is manifest that the Convention which framed the Constitution did not intend to indicate 'domicil' by the language used; and the error, if error there be, in the premises or conclusions of counsel, is in supposing that only by virtue of the provision of the Constitution cited, was it declared who were citizens of Texas and who were not. We suppose the provision inserted was so inserted for the purpose of providing for a class of persons who, upon general principles, might not be citizens of the new Republic. There were and could not have been otherwise than great numbers of persons, within the limits of Texas, who had not become citizens, and all such it was intended to make citizens. This will appear from an examination of the other provisions of the same 10th section and other sections of the Constitution. But, again, had the word 'domicil' been used instead of 'residing,' there would have been something in the argument. Domicil does not necessarily indicate residence, for the authorities show, that though domicil may be accompanied with residence, it is not always so; but there may be domicil without actual residence. Residence does not always indicate domicil. If it had been the intention to make a declaration which was to determine as to all persons who should be citizens of the Republic, some other term would have been used; but the use of the expression inserted shows that there might be other persons who were citizens, besides those provided for—those, for instance, who had been, and up to the day of the declaration of independence continued to be, citizens of the State of Coahuila and Texas, residing in Texas, but who might be temporarily absent from the State, on business of the country, &c. Transient persons, however, were not provided for, as they should not have been. The Mexican army in the west spoken of, who came to subjugate Texas, being all transient, could not come within the language 'residing.' This question will now be viewed in its true character, not as a mere question of domestic domicil, but in that more important, as a question of national character. The plea shows that Catherine McMasters was, from the time of her birth up to about the age of four years, domiciled in Goliad, the place of her birth, but removed therefrom by those under whose charge she was, to Matamoras, before the declaration of independence. She then was a native Mexican, owing allegiance to the Republic of Mexico. When she was removed, a revolution had commenced, and was subsequently perfected by the declaration of independence. It will not be questioned, it is presumed, that after the close of the revolution, those who had participated in the struggle on either side, by reason of their adherence to Texas or to Mexico, were either Mexicans or Texans, as they adhered to the one side or the other. But how was it with others, who by no act of adherence had made an election? It has been contended for plaintiff in error, that this was settled by the domicil of each individual: if within Texas, then they were Texans; if in Mexico, then they were Mexicans. And in this particular, Catherine McMasters, being a minor, and incapable of will, though removed beyond the limits of Texas before independence was declared, did not forfeit the domicil of her birth, that of her parents, and was a Texan. When reasoning as to domicil, this may all be well enough; but, as before intimated, we are speaking of national character, under particular circumstances; and this, in the circumstances in which Catherine McMasters stood, depended on election. If she had remained in Texas, she would have been regarded as a Texan citizen. But having been removed to Mexico, she thereby adhered to Mexico, though she had no will on the subject; but being a minor, not having power to make an election, she had time until majority to make such election; and when made, she would be a citizen of that State to which she adhered; but in the mean time she could be considered in no other light than a citizen of Mexico. These principles have been recognised in this court, and applied to a case occurring during our revolution. A native-born American, resident in New York, united himself to the English forces in possession of New York, and adhered throughout the struggle to the British side, and went off with the British forces, and died in the British dominions. His son, born in New York, was taken with him, and continued under his charge. This son afterwards claimed an estate by descent, and it was determined that he was an alien, and could not take by descent; and in delivering the judgment of the court, Mr. Justice Thompson says: to be so him at that time.' Again: 'The British doctrine therefore is, that the American ante nati, by remaining in America after the treaty of peace, lost their character of British subjects. And our doctrine is, that by withdrawing from the country and adhering to the British Government, they lost, or perhaps, more properly speaking, never acquired, the character of American citizens.'—Inglis v. The Sailors' Snug Harbor, 3 Peters, 122-'3. And this is the case which shows the distinction between mere questions of domestic domicil and the more important questions as to national character. In the former, the question of domicil of a minor is settled by that of his father, or the last of the father, when he is dead; while in the latter, the national character depends upon election, whether the party be adult or minor, though the act of the father making his election may operate an election for the son, if his dissent be not made in due time. But did Catherine McMasters either show a dissent or an election to become a Mexican, instead of a Texan? It will be seen, by an examination of the plea in question, that she was about four years of age when she was removed by Manuel Sabriego to Matamoras, before the declaration of independence, in March, 1836; she was therefore of age eighteen years afterwards, in the year 1853. We have no evidence of a dissent to the act of removal by Sabriego, or of an election to become a citizen of Texas; and upon the principles established in the case referred to in this court, it must be presumed that she ratified the act of her friend, and remained a citizen of Mexico, and was so by relation from the time of removal and the declaration. But the plea is contradictory in regard to the age of Catherine McMasters, for after the statement of her age before the declaration of independence, it is in another part alleged that she was a minor at the time of filing said plea in 1854. This matter of the age is material; and if the contradiction is to have effect at all, one averment destroys the other, and then there is no good plea, for the want of material averments.th-performance mean time, defence any one. (2 Cranch, 280; 4 ib., 209; 1 Dallas, 53; 20 Johns. R., 313; 3 Peters R., 99,. (3 Peters, 242; 2 J. Cas., 29.) Assuming that the plaintiff is an alien, and not a citizen of Texas, the next question is, whether or not she is under any disability that would prevent her from the assertion of her title to the premises in question; in otherwords, whether her absence and alienage worked a forfeiture of the estate. The general principle is undisputed, that the division of an empire works no forfeiture of a right of property previously acquired. Kelly v. Hamson. (2 J. Cases, 29;as R., 495. The defenceence, for saying that they were made without authority; and hence, altogether void. If voidable, for irregularity or other cause, the question was not one for a court of law in an action to recover possession, but for a court of equity to reform any error or mistake. (9 Peters, 632; 13 ib., 368-'9; 3 Wh., 212, 221; 7 How., 844.) We think a satisfactory answer might be given to the several objections taken to the survey and location; but we prefer to place it upon the ground above stated. The judgment of the court below affirmed.

4.12.2012 moving on. growing up. and the confidence to say it. i'll miss the corner cafe. the short trek to it. just one half of a block. the lattes that have become both ritual and story. i'll miss hector poking his head out from the kitchen to say hello in spanish. the granite bar and tiled floor, the ever-changing art adorning the walls. the quiet familiarity of the place. i'll miss the wine store across the street. the one so large it feels out of place in manhattan. painted in colors that bring to mind the open air, mountains, and a drier climate. i'll miss the way the light plays off the red-bricked building across the way. the building that each saturday men and boys enter into, through an unmarked door on the first floor. i'll miss the curiosity that parade elicits. i'll miss the river. especially on those days it's so quiet and still, the air so clear, that i feel i can reach my thumb and forefinger to the opposing bank and drag it towards me. tangible. i'll miss the way the spring air angles against the bluffs, and the trees reborn, swaddled in green. to be honest though, i've mostly stopped noticing it. the water. the green. the very thing i first fell in love with--i've mostly stopped seeing it. i didn't mean for that to happen. it just did. surely i'll miss the eccentricities of this very small and very specific corner of manhattan--washington heights, hudson heights. so close to water, right up against no longer used train tracks. i'll feel nostalgic for this suspended moment in time in which i stumbled into womanhood. but it's not enough. those things i love are simply not enough anymore.. Labels: building this life 16 comments: You are SUCH a talented writer, I enjoy your posts each morning :) xo, Amanda You're making me miss all that, and I've never even seen it. So, Brooklyn? This is one of my favorites so far. Beautifully expressed. There is a lot of joy to be found in growing up. Sheesh, this one hit home. Quoted some of you today on my own blog. You just described the past two years for me, conclusions it took me so long to get to, to resolve with. "Stumbled into womanhood"; what a beautiful line! Good luck with the move- can't wait to read about the new place! "no one tells you that one of the joys of getting older is the confidence in that phrase: not. good. enough." thank you thank you thank you for this. Holy Bananas that one made my heart flutter. You so eloquently described the grace I found (not very gracefully, may I add)in letting things go. Spending time where I want and not where everyone else wants me to. And my God does it feel good. And liberating. Love love love this one. Want to share it with so many of my lady friends that aren't blog-readers. I just love it. And one more love for good measure. Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. Love your blog! ~Tiffany i swear, your blog is like the big sister i never had. all the advice. all the wisdom. just what i need. The most important thing I learned the past year is that I can be grateful for what I have but still ask for more. It has been one of the most unexpected and liberating lessons. I hope it's one I never forget. Also, I can't wait to find out which neighborhood is your next one! excited to hear about your move! good luck :) yes, yes it does. love the ode to you neighborhood. my little place in nyc makes me feel the same way. i have a dear friend who is an older man, and he gave me the mantra, "big girl, brave girl". i say it to myself from time to time. looking forward to reading about your move! You make so much sense.always. thank you so much for your words of wisdom. i loved this. i'm in the throes of trying to decide if i should move to a new city or not, and struggling with emotional attachment to my current abode. i like this: "but it's not enough. those things i love are simply not enough anymore." ...and now i will listen to "beauty in walking away" by marie digby (acoustic version!) and do more pondering. Today is one of those days where I feel going back and reading your posts will make me feel better. I was right. I felt this post in my heart, as I do with many of your posts. Please don't ever stop writing!

ORANGE — Jefferson County’s population showed slight gains while Orange County lost of people, according to U.S. Census figures released Thursday. Statewide, Texas’ population is growing and the increase is most apparent among Hispanics which now accounts for 38 percent of the total population. The census figures pertaining to Texas were released Thursday. More specific data for counties and cities down to the block is expected to be made available to the public Friday morning. Preliminary results indicate Jefferson County’s population grew by about 200 while Orange County lost about 2,000 people because of Hurricanes Rita and Ike, Joe Deshotel, District 22 state representative, said Thursday in a telephone conversation. Jefferson County’s population in 2000 was 252,051, according to 2000 Census results. Orange County’s population was 85,000. Overall the state showed strong gains in population. Non-Hispanic whites dropped to 45.3 percent and blacks make up 11.5 percent of Texas’ population, the Associated Press reported Thursday. The detailed Census data will be used to redraw Congressional lines, and to figure federal funding which is distributed on a population basis. Based on new census numbers, Texas is getting four new Congressional seats, more than any state in the nation. Because the growth is largely due to an increase in Hispanic population, Hispanic leaders say more Latino-dominated seats should redrawn as part of the redistricting process. Deshotel said though he expects more Hispanic Congressman as a result, he is not sure the district lines will be drawn to reflect the growing Hispanic population. “I expect there will be some lawsuits coming out of this,” Deshotel said. “The Mexican-American Legislature caucus will be of the opinion that the four new Congressional seats should be in Hispanic impact districts because that is where the growth change is, but I doubt that is what the Republicans have in mind. There will be litigation eventually.” Republican House Speaker Joe Straus said he looked forward to passing “fair and legal maps that represent the make-up of Texas,” the AP reported. It was anticipated that Jefferson County would lose population, not gain, Jeff Branick, Jefferson County Judge, said Thursday. “I am glad the pundits forecasting we were going to lose population were proven wrong, but I’m still somewhat skeptical that we have a complete count. I’m still concerned we were undercounted,” Branick said. If the county had lost people as was anticipated, Branick said there were worries it would have negatively impacted Congressional district lines. Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux said county officials had anticipated a declining population. “We’ve had two major storms, so I figured we were going to lose some population, but I didn’t know how much,” Thibodeaux said. Orange County officials are awaiting final numbers and the impact the decline will have on the county. In addition to the storms, Thibodeaux said hard economic times have contributed to the loss of population. “People are moving out trying to find work. There are just a lot of issues, but the storms certainly did not help,” Thibodeaux said. Statewide, Asians and other racial groups went up the most on a percentage basis, increasing by 58 percent. The black population went up by over 20 percent and Hispanics saw their strength rise by more than 42 percent, the AP reported. In Harris County, new Census data indicates there are now 1.7 million Hispanics, accounting for 41 percent of the population. Non-Hispanic whites make up only a third of the county, while blacks account for 18.4 percent. Projections show Hispanics will be the majority in Texas within nine years. According to the latest Census data, Texas’ population of 25.1 million increased by more than 20 percent over the last decade. The number is more than twice the national rate of 9.7 percent. Local News U.S. Census numbers show Orange County down by 2,000 people ORANGE — Jefferson County’s population showed slight gains while Orange County lost of people, according to U.S. Census figures released Thursday. - Local News. - More Local News Headlines

Showing results 1 to 2 of 2 1 in Thérapie Familiale (2005), 26(1), 19-35 This paper is a modeling of the rigid community or clan which the organizing core is a «hidden antagonism». The family beliefs cluster the members around a joint project related to appearing and to having ... [more ▼] This paper is a modeling of the rigid community or clan which the organizing core is a «hidden antagonism». The family beliefs cluster the members around a joint project related to appearing and to having it. But a subsystem develops and reintroduces a difference in this monolith. This subsystem is based on elements related to being and feeling, but also to ambiance, spirituality, aesthetics, suffering and pathology. This « hidden opposing » force dissimulated in the family « underground » remains unknown but works with an equal power to sustain the community unity. However, it uses radically different means than the dominating subsystem. Although each subsystem thinks it supports the system unity, it is more the conjunction of the two of them (in a hidden antagonism) that is the organizing principle of the clan. Cet article présente une modélisation du clan dont le principe organisateur est un « antagonisme caché ». Les croyances familiales unissent l'ensemble des membres autour d'un projet commun lié au paraître et à l'avoir. Mais un sous-système se construit, qui réintroduit une différence dans ce monolithe, à partir de valeurs proches de l'être et de l'éprouvé, des valeurs liées à l'ambiance, à la spiritualité, à l'esthétique, à la souf¬france et à la pathologie. Ce sous-système appelé «contestant caché », dissimulé dans le maquis familial, n'est reconnu par personne, et pourtant il agit avec autant de puissance que l'autre sous-système appelé « dominant», pour soutenir l'unité de la communauté, mais par des moyens radicalement opposés à ceux du sous-système «dominant». <br />Le processus organisateur du clan est donc animé par un antagonisme caché entre deux sous-systèmes dont chacun tente d'imposer ses propres moyens de produire l'unité, alors que le clan se nourrit de leur lutte sous-jacente. [less ▲] in Thérapie Familiale (2005), 26(1), 37-53 Summary: Parentification – infantilization. The individuation process of Anne’s mother. – The research on the double bind context helps us understand the individuation process of mothers who are described ... [more ▼] Summary: Parentification – infantilization. The individuation process of Anne’s mother. – The research on the double bind context helps us understand the individuation process of mothers who are described as parentified and whose child seems to present borderline or psychotic problems. In a previous paper, we presented a study on double bind between those mothers and their child. This aim of this present paper is to develop the transgenerational aspects of those family patterns. The paper will describe the individuation process of the parentifed mother based on the position she had in her own family, the way she grew up and progressively developed. We will examine her functions towards each of her parents and as well as towards her sibling. We will focus on different elements such as contact style, patterns of interaction in the creation of an «experiencing world» that is so crucial in double bind process. This paper is the last of four. Their all tried to expand the area of double bind by clarifyinging the Bateson’s metaphor about the double bind as the only visible part of an iceberg. Further than a logical conceptual organization for double bind patterns, the aim of this paper is to provide therapists with a methodological tool they could use as a map which is co-created with the family to progressively reveal the good reasons for this pathological situation to be and question its pertinence in the family today. [less ▲] 1

Showing results 35721 to 35740 of 95134 1782 1783 1784 1785 1786 1787 1788 1789 1790 1791 1792 in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2011), 63(S10), 431-432 in Hirsch, Gerhard; Kappel, Bernd (Eds.) Hydraulic Engineering: Structural Applications, Numerical Modeling and Environmental Impacts (2010) Objective of this text is to rigorously develop a unified mathematical model to simulate a wide range of environmental flows. Particular emphasis is placed on flows relevant in civil and environmental ... [more ▼] Objective of this text is to rigorously develop a unified mathematical model to simulate a wide range of environmental flows. Particular emphasis is placed on flows relevant in civil and environmental engineering. [less ▲] in 3rd International Meeting of IEEES (2007) in Proc. 6 th Int. Meeting on Thermodiffusion (IMT6), Varenna, July 2004 (2004) in Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences (2011), 467 A thermodynamic description of transient heat conduction at small length and timescales is proposed. It is based on extended irreversible thermodynamics and the main feature of this formalism is to ... [more ▼]. [less ▲] in Acta Chirurgica Belgica (2008), 108(1), 102-6 BACKGROUND: Thymectomy is considered as an effective therapeutic option for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). This study reports the experience of our centre's investigation into the efficacy and the ... [more ▼] BACKGROUND: Thymectomy is considered as an effective therapeutic option for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). This study reports the experience of our centre's investigation into the efficacy and the safety of the procedure and the influence of different pre-operative factors on the surgical outcome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review/interview was made of 19 consecutive patients who underwent extended transsternal thymectomy for MG from 1992 to 2003. The severity of the disease was determined according to the Osserman Classification. Efficacy was measured by determining the change in clinical status, the rate of remission during follow-up, and the reduction in medication requirements after thymectomy. Complete remission (CR) was defined as asymptomatic off medication for 6 months. The CR rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meyer method. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at surgery was 34 years (range, 9-63) and 78.9% were female. Mean length of follow up was 86 months (range, 24-163). The overall complication rate was 10.6% (1 episode of atrial fibrillation and a left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy that resolved after the first postoperative month). There was no operative mortality. The mean hospital stay was 9.4 days (range, 5-23). The crude CR rate was 32% (n = 6). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of CR was 42% at 6 years. Age, gender, duration of symptoms, thymic histology, Osserman stage and the presence of thymoma were not identified as prognostic variables. The average daily dose of Medrol and Mestinon decreased significantly between the pre-operative period and the last follow-up (Medrol, p = 0.0081; Mestinon, p = 0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: Transsternal thymectomy for MG is safe and effective. It benefits patients with MG at all stages. Patients with thymoma are not associated with poorer remission rates. Complete responses are durable, as the CR rate remains stable over time. -i.e., 6 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 4 Escherichia coli, 1 Citrobacter freundii, and 1 Enterobacter cloacae strain-was beta beta-lactamases produced by the 12 tranconjugants turned out to be SHV-12 by DNA sequencing. Therefore, the ESBL SHV-12 is described for the first time in Cameroon. [less ▲] ▲] in Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services (2005), 12(4), 245-254 in Journal of Constructional Steel Research (1988), 11 IPOM '09 Proceedings (2009, October) We present the design of a distributed router platform aimed at consolidating multiple hardware routers. The goal of the approach is twofold: firstly decouple the logical routing and forwarding ... [more ▼]ix superfamilies exhibit different effector-binding domains (EBDs) fused to a DNA-binding domain with a common feature. In a previous study of the GntR superfamily, we demonstrated that classifying members into subfamilies according to the EBD heterogeneity highlighted unsuspected and accurate TF-binding site signatures. In this work, we present how such in silico analysis can provide prediction tools to discover new cis/trans relationships. The TF-binding site consensus of the HutC/GntR subfamily was used to (i) predict target sites within the Streptomyces coelicolor genome, (ii) discover a new HutC/GntR regulon and (iii) discover its specific TF. By scanning the S.coelicolor genome we identified a presumed new HutC regulon that comprises genes of the phosphotransferase system (PTS) specific for the uptake of N-acetylglucosamine (PTSNag). A weight matrix was derived from the compilation of the predicted cis-acting elements upstream of each gene of the presumed regulon. Under the assumption that TFs are often subject to autoregulation, we used this matrix to scan the upstream region of the 24 HutC-like members of S.coelicolor. orf SCO5231 (dasR) was selected as the best candidate according to the high score of a 16 bp sequence identified in its upstream region. Our prediction that DasR regulates the PTSNag regulon was confirmed by in vivo and in vitro experiments. In conclusion, our in silico approach permitted to highlight the specific TF of a regulon out of the 673 orfs annotated as 'regulatory proteins' within the genome of S.coelicolor. [less ▲] in Martin, Jean-Marie; Barth, Hartmut (Eds.) EROS 2000 (European River Ocean System) (1992) Conference (2009, May 16) in Biochemical Pharmacology (2006), 72(9), 1081-1089 The transcription factor NF-kappa B plays a key role in a wide variety of cellular processes such as innate and adaptive immunity, cellular proliferation, apoptosis and development. In unstimulated cells ... [more ▼] The transcription factor NF-kappa B plays a key role in a wide variety of cellular processes such as innate and adaptive immunity, cellular proliferation, apoptosis and development. In unstimulated cells, NF-kappa B is sequestered in the cytoplasm through its tight association with inhibitory proteins called I kappa BS, comprising notably I kappa B alpha. A key step in NF-kappa B activation is the phosphorylation Of I kappa B alpha by the so-called I kappa B kinase (IKK) complex, which targets the inhibitory protein for proteasomal degradation and allows the freed NF-kappa B to enter the nucleus where it can transactivate its target genes. The IKK complex is composed of two catalytic subunits called IKK alpha and IKK beta, and a regulatory subunit called NEMO/IKK gamma. Despite their key role in mediating I kappa B alpha phosphorylation in the cytoplasm, recent works have provided evidence that IKK subunits also translocate into the nucleus to regulate NF-kappa B-dependent and -independent gene expression, paving the way of a novel and exciting field of research. In this review, we will describe the current knowledge in that research area. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [less ▲] in Dubois, Daniel (Ed.) Computing anticipatory systems : Casys 4th international conference, Liège, Belgium, 7-12 August (2001) in Toussaint, Jean-Philippe (Ed.) La Mélancolie de Zidane (2006) En se penchant sur la finale de la Coupe du monde de football, Jean-Philippe Toussaint élargit le domaine de la littérature légitime. in Toussaint, Jean-Philippe (Ed.) La Mélancolie de Zidane (2009) En se penchant sur la finale de la Coupe du monde de foot, Jean-Philippe Toussaint élargit le domaine de la littérature légitime. 1782 1783 1784 1785 1786 1787 1788 1789 1790 1791 1792

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Introduction Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate) has many benefits and is one of the most interesting ingredients in skin care. Naturally found in the body, hyaluronic acid secures moisture and creates fullness—youthful skin naturally abounds with hyaluronic acid. In skin care, you can find hyaluronic acid creams, serums, injectables (aka: Restylane), and HA supplements. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (polysaccharides that are an important component of connective tissue). HA is distributed widely throughout connective, neural, and epithelial tissue. It is of the chief components of the extra-cellular matrix (the tissue that provides structural support to cells). In short, HA supports many important areas of the body, including beauty and skin. How Much Hyaluronic Acid Is In The Body?1,. Organic Moisturizer #2 Rejuvenating MSM Regular Price: $16.95 Special Price: $12.95 Organic Moisturizer #1 Intense Nutrients Regular Price: $16.95 Special Price: $12.95 2 organic moisturizers containing effective levels of hyaluronic acid for topical use. Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Skin Care As a Topical.. Amino Collagen C with Hyaluronic Acid Pure Fish Peptide Collagen Powder plus Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Starting at: $34.95 Dietary Supplement: provides 50mg of bio-available hyaluronic acid plus 5,000mg fish peptide collagen. 83% of users said they saw improvement in skin texture, skin moisture, and reduction in wrinkles. Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid as an Oral Supplement Hyaluronic acid, as it remains supple and resistant to wrinkles and fine lines. Effectiveness of oral Hyaluronic Acid supplementation has been somewhat controversial. There have been studies2,3 showing hyaluronic acid to be extremely effective with oral supplementation. Theories abound on if the Hyaluronic Acid is actually directly affecting the outcome, or if it is an indirect effect due to higher blood levels (proven due to the supplementation), serving as the raw material for the body to draw upon to increase extra-cellular hyaluronic levels. The Bottom Line Hyaluronic Acid supplementation was directly correlated to measured increases in skin moisture. Microscopic skin surface analysis shows increased skin smoothness, and amelioration of wrinkles. Elavonne's Amino Collagen C with Hyaluronic Acid provides 50mg of pure hyaluronic acid plus 5,000 mg of fish peptide collagen—an advanced anti-aging supplement for improved hair, skin, and nails. Based on our knowledge of the function of hyaluronic acid and mechanisms (and the growing research), it looks like hyaluronic acid will remain one of the most exciting and interesting nutrients for natural skin care for the foreseeable future..

In my last post I discussed two models of communication used within software communities, mailing lists and web forums. However, over the past few years, a new model has arisen: Stack Exchange. The name is a play on Stack Overflow, the first site to use the software which powers Stack Exchanges. The system was developed by Stack Exchange Inc. (SEI) who maintain and host the software, as well as running several Stack Exchanges themselves. While similar in aspects to web-based forums, a Stack Exchange is markedly different, bringing in elements from other Internet media. Discussion threads are replaced with simple question-and-answers on a well-defined topic. Users can up or down-vote questions and answers, and the user who asked the question can “accept” one answer to indicate which successfully answered their question. There’s no sign up required to view existing questions, and all Stack Exchange sites use OpenID, so you can probably log in with an existing account. Stack Exchanges are designed to be run by the community, and be largely self-moderating. Users who ask good questions and provide good answers are rewarded with reputation points. As a user accumulates points, they gain accessed to more privileged functionality. To help keep sites on-topic, each Stack Exchange also has a “meta” sub-site, for questions about the site itself. This unique combination of factors helps ensure that well worded and presented questions are highly visible, while vague or off-topic posts are less so. Similarly, the best answer to a question is quickly accessible, as it will appear first. Take to the Floor There have been some great examples of Open Source projects making use of Stack Exchanges. Android’s main support channel for developers is via questions tagged with “Android” on StackOverflow.com. Stack Overflow is an existing Stack Exchange website specifically for programming questions. Tags allow questions to be categorised, and a user can favourite or ignore certain tags, as well as subscribing to an RSS feed for each tag. By tapping in to this existing system, Android gains a great platform for developer support, as well as exposing its development questions to the wider community, creating the potential to draw others in. Roll Your Own Working within existing sites isn’t the only option. The Ubuntu community have set up their own site, AskUbuntu.com, to provide a place for questions and answers about the Ubuntu operating system. The site has been a big success, become the one of if not the largest site (it depends how you measure it) the in the Stack Exchange network that isn’t run by SEI. Marco Ceppi is a community-elected moderator at Ask Ubuntu. Ubuntu had several community support channels when Ask Ubuntu started, but the Stack Exchange model offered something different. From day one I knew that precise Q&A like that of Stack Overflow is needed in the Ubuntu Community. I’d hardly used Launchpad Answers [an existing site for Ubuntu Q&A] because of low search engine rankings, Ubuntu Forums were and are still great, but I remember some very late nights reading huge threads just trying out solutions every other page to find that they’re obsolete and a new solution was just a few pages away. Forums are great for people who use and track the forums constantly. Ask Ubuntu is more for those people who have a problem, go to a search engine, then click a link and expect a fix. On Ask Ubuntu questions are constantly being filtered by the community and answers are voted on, making sure the most relevant and accurate answers is the next thing you read after the question. Ask Ubuntu really benefits the 90% of the people who visit the site and just want an answer. Ask Ubuntu was first proposed by Evan Dandrea through the Stack Exchange Area 51 website, a system to take a community through the process of defining and committing to a new Q&A site, then running beta phases before it goes live. Marco says there was some resistance at first, but has since been fully accepted by the community. At first there was a lot of resistance by other Ubuntu support groups, where they feared Ask Ubuntu might just swing in and knock them out of commission, or something like that. It wasn’t really clear why there was this animosity towards Ask Ubuntu. Where we are today and where we were when we launched are two completely different sites. Now we’re accepted as a source of support by the community, you can even see bits and bobs of Ask Ubuntu “Ask a question” buttons on the Ubuntu project sites. We try to work with teams within Ubuntu to show them how they can monitor their software tag in AU and respond to enquiries. A few Ubuntu projects recommend Ask Ubuntu for community support. As far as success within Stack Exchange, we’re constantly butting up against the top three sites (Stack Overflow, Super User, Server Fault) in questions/day, traffic, and other site statistics. Ask Ubuntu is also the only support channel mentioned in the Ubuntu installer as the place for new users to get help, which Marco says is a pretty good indicator of the site’s standing within the Ubuntu project. What’s the Catch? There are of course drawbacks to consider. Stack Exchange isn’t software you can licence and install yourself, it’s a hosted solution. If SEI were to go away, so would your site. If they were to be acquired by another company with different views on how to monetise the system, the nature of Stack Exchanges might change. However, SEI made a smart decision to require all contributions to be licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence and provide a tool for extracting this data, so if the worst was to happen, you’d be fully within your rights to reproduce the content elsewhere. The OSS Watch team have experience working with communication tools in a number of Open Source communities. If you’re working in a UK college or university and need advice on the right tools to help build a community around your project, get in touch. Thanks to Marco Ceppi for taking the time to chat with me. Pingback: Ask Ubuntu update for September 2012 | The broken spectrum

. Turkey Shoots Itself in the Foot Over Nevruz March 18, 2012 § 3 Comments Nevruz, which is the Turkish name for the Persian New Year (traditionally celebrated the first day of spring) has caused all sorts of headaches for successive Turkish governments. It is a day that is celebrated by Kurds, leading to increased Kurdish nationalism and sometimes to PKK violence, both of which the Turkish government wants to avoid. In fact, Nevruz has been so controversial in the past that its celebration was actually banned in the mid-90s following demonstrations and police shooting and killing civilians in 1992. This year, controversy swirled again after the pro-Kurdish BDP announced that it would be celebrating Nevruz this year on March 18 rather than March 21 since Sunday festivities would get more people into the streets, and Turkish provincial governors responded by ordering celebrations to take place on March 21 as usual. The reasoning behind forbidding Nevruz celebrations today was to minimize excessive shows of Kurdish nationalism, but as was entirely predictable, the move backfired terribly. The BDP refused to back down, police in Diyarbakır and Istanbul ended up using tear gas and water cannons on crowds that gathered to celebrate/protest, and BDP member in Istanbul was killed during the clashes (rumored to be a Kurdish politician). Two quick thoughts on this, one specific to today’s events and one more general. First, having state officials attempt to dictate when a non-state holiday is to be celebrated is nothing more than foolish and guaranteed to lead to trouble. Ankara is understandably wary of PKK violence on Nevruz and of louder calls for Kurdish autonomy, but attempting to designate an official day on which festivities can be held is always going to be a losing proposition. There was no doubt that Kurds were going to fill the streets, and that police equipped with crowd control devices trying to stop them would lead to injuries and possibly fatalities. What was the potential upside to doing things this way? Now pro-Kurdish politicians get to loudly proclaim that Turkey’s actions make it a “fascist state” and Kurdish nationalism gets a larger boost than it otherwise would, obviating the very purpose of trying to eliminate a Sunday Nevruz observance. Second, this type of stuff is going to keep on happening until Turkey finds a genuine solution to its Kurdish problem. Kurdish nationalism is not going to disappear, and the 15-20% of Turkey’s population that is ethnically Kurdish is not going to all of a sudden embrace the Kemalist narrative of “we are all Turks.” Erdoğan’s brief Kurdish opening was a start, but he quickly reversed himself and now again has gone back to trying to sweep the issue of Kurdish nationalism and identity under the rug. Until the government has an open and honest conversation about what to do with its Kurdish population in the long term, Nevruz is going to continue to be a day of violence rather than an innocuous festival heralding the end of winter. I Wonder What Rick Perry Would Say March 16, 2012 § Leave a Comment The helicopter crash in Afghanistan that killed 12 Turkish soldiers is a sobering but important reminder that Turkey is not run by “Islamic terrorists” but is a member of NATO and an ally of the United States supporting the mission in Afghanistan. The fact that anyone with such a high level of ignorance about basic foreign affairs was deemed fit at one point to run for president is just staggering. Plenty of people take issue with aspects of Turkish foreign policy, but it is somehow overlooked by far too many casual observers that Turkey has been in NATO since 1952, hosts the 39th Air Base Wing of the U.S. Air Force at Incirlik, and is a linchpin of American strategy in the Middle East. A Turkish Buffer Zone March 15, 2012 § Leave a Comment This report is interesting, as it opens up a possibility that would have been entirely unlikely months ago. If Turkey actually goes through with establishing a buffer zone inside Syria, it will be welcomed by those who are advocating intervention as it will move Turkey away from rhetorical support of the Syrian opposition and refugee assistance to active military action against the Assad government. I would be a bit surprised if it happens though, as it will make it easier for PKK fighters to slip through the cracks since there will be a larger border area to cover, and recent Turkish airstrikes and cross-border raids into northern Iraq indicate that Turkey’s willingness to risk a larger PKK presence inside its borders is slim. Will Israel and Turkey Make Up, Cont. March 15, 2012 § Leave a Comment

Vancouver Here’s our Vancouver Gay Guide, with recommendations of gay bars, TOP restaurants, GLBT beaches and parks, and Gay-friendly hotels and Bed-and-breakfasts resources tourism vancouver: tourismvancouver.com qmunity LGBT community center: qmunity.ca aids vancouver: aidsvancouver.org glba – LGBT business association: glba.org xtra! – LGBT newspaper: xtra.ca/vancouver.aspx stay - $ = under $100 - $$ = $100-$175 - $$$ = $175-$350 - $$$$ = over $350 Ashby House$ Location: 989 Bute St Get Directions Phone Number: 604-669-5209 The four rooms of this economical 1899 B&B are named for famed artists and writers, including Oscar Wilde. Opulent Victorian decorative elements throughout the house—including gold-leaf wallpaper, oil paintings, and silver candelabras—evoke the ambience of a stately British home. Breakfasts use organic, fair-trade ingredients. Note that there’s a dog and a cat on premises. Barclay House B&B$$$ Location: 1351 Barclay St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-605-1351 Carefully appointed with antiques, this gay-owned 1904 Victorian cuts a dashing figure, with its primrose-yellow façade, pristine white trim, bay windows, and broad front porch. The five rooms carry a stylish, contemporary aesthetic, with their custom-crafted wood furnishings, earthy hues, and uncluttered layouts. It’s right in the heart of the residential West End—just blocks from beaches, bars, shopping, and Stanley Park. This one often fills up fast, so book early. Blue Horizon Hotel$$ Location: 1348 Robson Street Vancouver, BC, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-688-1411 Website: In the heart of Robson Street’s famous shopping and entertainment strip, this 31-story tower offers a lot considering its reasonable rates. All 214 rooms are large and have corner locations with private balconies—on higher floors, the views are amazing. Internet (though wired) is free, and there’s a decent-size fitness center with heated indoor lap pool. Stanley Park is just down the hill. Delta Vancouver Suites$$$ Location: 550 W Hastings St Vancouver, BC, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-689-8188 Website: Poised as it is between the city’s financial district and the convention center, this solid bet for longer-range business travelers contains 225 rooms spread over 23 floors. Units are all more than 400 square feet, and each has a separate sitting room. Both trendy Gastown and the SkyTrain’s Canada Line are just a block away, the latter providing cheap and direct airport access. Fairmont Pacific Rim$$$$ Location: 1038 Canada Pl Vancouver, BC, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-695-5300 Website: Occupying the lower 22 floors of a shiny 48-story tower completed just before the Olympic Winter Games, the Fairmont Pacific Rim ranks among city’s most desirable addresses. Cheap it ain’t, but you get what you pay for: the 377 rooms (most with great views) are large and luxuriously styled, with marble bathrooms and spa tubs. There’s an incredible 4,000-square-foot gym, a spa offering a full slate of sumptuous treatments, and a breathtaking rooftop pool with private cabanas. Granville Island Hotel$$$ Location: 1253 Johnston St Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-683-7373 Website: On the quieter eastern shore of what’s technically a peninsula, this comfy roost is perfect if you prefer to admire Vancouver’s downtown skyline rather than stay in the middle of it. Modern, gay-friendly, and peaceful, it’s set on the creekside beside a bristle of yachts’ masts. The famous market is only a few hundred feet away. Tiny “aquabuses” link the island with downtown. Loden Vancouver$$$$ Location: 1177 Melville St Vancouver, BC V6E 2S8, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-669-5060 Website: A super-swank, ultra-contemporary boutique hideaway near beautiful Coal Harbour and a short walk south of leafy Stanley Park, the Loden appeals strongly to romantics, who delight in the plush custom beds, deep soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, which afford breathtaking mountain and water views. Bring the outside in by booking one of the Garden Terrace rooms, each with lushly landscaped patios. Tableau bar and bistro serves ethereal classic French fare. Metropolitan Hotel$$$ Location: 645 Howe St Vancouver, BC V6C 2Y9, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-687-1122 Website: With tasteful Asian-inspired art and furnishings, solicitous service, and spacious rooms and bathrooms, this 18-story gem offers plenty of bang for the buck—you’d pay a lot more for similar digs at many better-known chain properties downtown. Across the street from the huge Pacific Centre shopping complex and just a 15-minute walk from Davie Street bars and Gastown restaurants, the Metropolitan makes a terrific base camp. There’s a great restaurant, Diva at the Met, beside the lobby. Moda Hotel$$$ Location: 900 Seymour St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-683-4251 This stylish, reasonably priced downtown property lies just blocks from Davie Village and occupies the historic Dufferin Hotel building, which has been transformed into a minimalist-chic boutique hotel with 67 well-proportioned rooms. The rehab incorporates the vintage crown moldings and hardwood floors, and walls are thick enough that you’ll never hear your neighbors. The excellent Cibo Trattoria serves rustic Italian cuisine, and you can start the morning with espresso—or the evening with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc—in Uva Wine Bar. O Canada House$$ Location: 1114 Barclay St Vancouver, BC V6E 1H2, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-688-0555 Website: This gay-owned inn takes its name from having been the home of the composer of Canada’s national anthem. The seven supremely inviting rooms here are done in late Victorian style—some have downtown views or skylights. Common spaces have been warmly refurbished with period furnishings and light fixtures. A decadent three-course gourmet breakfast starts your day; evening sherry, a 24-hour guest pantry, free Wi-Fi, and a book and video library round out the amenities. Opus Vancouver$$$ Location: 322 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6B 2G2, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-642-6787 Website: Anchoring Yaletown’s white-hot glow of modishness, this dapper, 97-room hotel meshes perfectly with the neighborhood’s lofts, boutiques, bistros, and beautiful people. A dream of a hotel for design aficionados, Opus offers rooms in five color schemes, all with the latest in gadgetry and thoughtful extras. Think iPad 2s, LCD flat-screen TVs, heated bathroom floors, and L’Occitaine amenities. The lobby bar scene sees clutches of confident, international movers-and-shakers schmoozing amid velvet couches and ethereal gauze drapes, and Cento Notti serves divine Italian cuisine. Pan Pacific Vancouver$$$$ Location: 999 Canada Place #300 Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-662-8111 Website: This 1986 Vancouver classic puts cruise passengers sailing to and from Canada Place literally at the pier, offering cruise-focused packages that transfer your luggage from shore to ship. Charles and Di, the Dalai Lama, and other luminaries have stayed here. The cushy, contemporary rooms are bathed in calming brown and ivory shades, and nearly all of them have knockout views of mountains, water, or the downtown skyline. Renaissance Vancouver$$$ Location: 1133 W Hastings St Vancouver, BC, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-689-9211 Website: Overlooking Coal Harbour and steps from the convention center and the cruise-ship-port, this upscale, 442-room property gets plenty of business travelers during the week, but rates often dip a bit during the quieter weekends. Despite having leviathan proportions, the Renaissance feels welcoming thanks to top-notch service and attractive rooms decorated with vibrant color schemes and sleek furniture. Rosewood Hotel Georgia$$$ Location: 801 W Georgia St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-682-5566 A Vancouver legend was reborn with the 2011 reopening of this swank city-center property with a star-studded history—Marlene Dietrich supposedly brought 40 suitcases during her memorable stay. An exquisite Canadian art collection tempts guests to linger in many public spaces. Rooms are masterpieces of classic sophistication. The translucent panels in the unique pool are actually the glass ceiling of an event room below. The restaurant Hawksworth has quickly cemented a place among Vancouver’s must-dine establishments. Sandman Suites$$$ Location: 1160 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6E 1N1, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-681-7263 Website: You really can’t get closer to Vancouver’s gay clubbing scene than this all-suites tower in Davie Village. Accommodations are all at least 432 square feet and come with fully equipped kitchens. A fitness room, spa, and heated outdoor pool (in season) provide plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Upper floors facing away from Davie Street overlook English Bay, which is just a 10-minute walk away. Shangri-La Hotel$$$$ Location: 1128 W Georgia St Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-689-1120 Website: Housed in Vancouver’s tallest (at 61 stories) building, this 119-room stunner is the first North American outpost of the exalted Asian brand. Here you’ll find some of the largest rooms in the city, with sleek marble baths, floor-to-ceiling windows, iPod docks, and bedside controls for the drapes and lighting. It’s in the heart of the downtown business and shopping district, steps from top restaurants, and has its very own culinary notable, Market—part of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s empire. A 5,000-square-foot fitness center and glamorous spa round out the impressive facilities. Sunset Inn & Suites$$$ Location: 1111 Burnaby St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-688-2474 Sure, it has an excellent location just a block from Davie Street (easy stumbling distance home after a big night on the town), but this gay-popular hotel has a lot more going for it: cavernous 500-square-foot (and up) suites with hardwood floors, designer rugs, full kitchens, and plush pillow-top king-size beds; a small fitness room; free Wi-Fi and Continental breakfast; and self-serve laundry (even the soap is free). And here’s a perk nearly unheard of in the city center: free gated parking. The Burrard$$ Location: 1100 Burrard St Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y9, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-681-2331 Website: Savvy proprietors Andrew and Lee Rennison snatched up an old motor inn and gave it a $3 million face-lift before relaunching it in 2011 as the Burrard. Perched above an unassuming 7-Eleven just a block from Davie Street, this 72-room study in midcentury modern practically screams hipster, but even the uncool can appreciate its myriad charms: free Wi-Fi, bottled water, North American calls, and bike rentals, plus espresso machines and 42-inch HDTVs in every room. The Listel$$$ Location: 1300 Robson St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-690-1852 Website: One of the Northwest’s most stylish boutique hotels, the 129-room Listel. On-site restaurant Forage serves exceptionally good farm-to-table cuisine. The Nelson House$$ Location: 977 Broughton St Vancouver, BC V6G 1J4, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-684-9793 Website: An airy Edwardian mansion a few blocks from Davie Street, this gay-owned B&B offers six distinctive rooms and suites and includes delicious hot breakfasts with the very reasonable rates. The century-old house reflects the travels and tastes of innkeepers David and O’Neal. Room themes runs the gamut from rustic cabin chic to Indian Raj. The clientele skews mostly gay and lesbian. Times Square Suites$$ Location: 1821 Robson St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-684-2223 Just a few blocks from Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, Robson Street shopping, and Denman Street dining, this intimate property offers eight self-contained suites with full kitchens. Situated on a corner above a Starbucks, this is an ideal address for those in town for more than a couple of days or who are traveling with kids, as there’s plenty of room to spread out, and cribs and high chairs are available. West End Guest House$$$ Location: 1362 Haro St Vancouver, BC V6G 2A1, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-681-2889 Website: This posh, magnificently restored early-20th-century mansion has been a favorite address of discerning travelers since it opened as an accommodation in the mid-’80s. The seven exquisitely furnished rooms, including one endearingly tiny room that’s a great budget option, contain many of the modern amenities you’d expect at a larger hotel, making this a favorite of business travelers.Back to Top Eat - $ = under $10 - $$ = $10-$20 - $$$ = $20-$30 - $$$$ = over $30 Alibi Room$$ Location: 157 Alexander Street Vancouver, BC V6A 1B8, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-623-338 Website: As much a bar as a restaurant, this handsome multilevel space with tall windows and sidewalk seating offers communal tables, weekend script readings, and occasional DJs. Beer fanatics can’t resist the casks, one-off kegs, flights, and artisan brews, such as Brother Thelonious Dark Abbey Ale. On the food side, expect ethically sourced and ocean-friendly entrées such as wild smoked salmon Benedicts and bison cheesesteaks. Au Petit Chavignol (closed)$$ Location: 843 E Hastings St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-255-4218 Serious cheese lovers are a dedicated lot, so much that they’ll brave downtown’s dreary east side to seek out this curd-tastic, Gruyère-oovy dairy mecca. Beside the renowned Les Amis du Fromage cheese shop, this cozy restaurant serves an impressive array of fondues and raclettes, plus charcuterie and cheese platters (with an emphasis on BC varieties) and a stellar cheeseburger that can be topped with anything from smoked caciocavallo to Emmentaler. There’s also a terrific wine list, bien sûr. BierCraft Tap & Tapas$$ Location: 1191 Commercial Dr Vancouver, BC V5L 3X2, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-254-2437 Website: A recent name change hasn’t stopped East Van folks from stopping into the former Stella’s to guzzle a few of the 120 Belgian and craft brews and snack on roasted-vegetable risotto balls and beer-and-chile-braised taquitos. This mid-Commercial destination has a super-popular side patio that brims with people all summer long. Bin 941$$$ Location: 941 Davie Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B9, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-683-1246 Website: Grab a bar seat overlooking the exhibition kitchen or at one of the small tables that line this trendy, lively tapas and wine bar, in which chef Gord Martin serves fusion-y global fare. Hearty, soul-warming favorites include braised short ribs with butternut squash puree and local mussels in garam masala–coconut curry. Blue Water Café$$$ Location: 1095 Hamilton St Vancouver, BC V6B 2W7, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-688-8078 Website: The seafood restaurant that’s made arguably the biggest splash on the Vancouver scene, this converted Yaletown warehouse boasts red-brick walls, a heated patio, and a lively raw bar. The shoals of exquisite fruits de mer served here are wild and sustainable, including about 20 types of oyster on the half shell (most from BC waters) and tempting main dishes like buttery West Coast sablefish and Qualicum Bay scallops. Boneta$$$ Location: 12 Water Street Vancouver BC V6B 1A5 Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-684-1844 Website: An industrial space with an industrious chef—Jason Liezert—serving pan-European comfort food, this hip Gastown bistro packs in a foodie-minded crowd. Also popular with cocktail aficionados, Boneta gets everything right from the first sip of a Green Eyed Devil (pear, sake, and green tea) to the last bite of that side of deep-fried octopus chips. Elbow Room$ Location: 560 Davie Street Vancouver, V6B, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-685-3628 Website: Even with its grouchy motto, “eggs and abuse,” this Davie Street institution has been drawing a steady stream of devotees (and the occasional visiting movie star) since 1983. Brash servers deliver plenty of attitude, along with huge plates of morning sustenance—consider the mammoth and meaty Lumberjack Breakfast or any of the eggs Benedict plates. Servers keep a keen eye out for uneaten edibles; you’ll be asked to make a donation to charity if you can’t finish your meal. Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen$$ Location: 1141 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-565-7965 Website: A welcome addition to Vancouver’s already impressive supply of Asian eateries, this Nepali restaurant is perched on the second floor of a Davie Village house, in a cozy room with smart modern decor accented by traditional artistic touches. Fresh local ingredients and Nepali herbs and spices are used to create clean, nuanced flavors. Daal-bhaat (lentils and rice), achaar (chutneys), momos (Tibetan steamed dumplings), and curries make up the backbone of a menu that incorporates vibrant Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan influences. Hamburger Mary’s$$ Location: 1202 Davie St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-687-1293 One of the original stalwarts of the Davie strip, Mary’s is a way-gay diner with straightforward sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast fare. The well-shaded patio runs the length of the restaurant—perfect for people-watching. Old-school ’70s décor and comfy booths create a retro look. Hapa Izakaya$$ Location: 1479 Robson St Vancouver, BC V6E 1C6, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-689-4272 Website: Hapa on Robson, one of Canada’s first izakaya, took Vancouver by storm back in 2003, and the ripples have yet to subside. Having spurred the opening of three other fine grills around the city, the original Hapa specializes in hot and cold Japanese tapas and larger plates, such as the Ishi-Yaki hot-stone rice bowl with minced pork, flower chives, and spicy miso. Havana Restaurant$$ Location: 1212 Commercial Dr Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-253-9119 Website: With a funky, artfully shabby interior and a huge heated patio, this venerable hangout on The Drive channels vintage Cuba with both its ambience and its food. Many regulars swear by the breakfasts, which feature an especially delicious chorizo hash topped with poached eggs. For lunch and dinner, consider a few tapas (tuna ceviche, jerk-chicken tacos) or a flavorful rendering of the Latin classic, ropa vieja. Kitsilano Daily Kitchen$$$ Location: 1809 W 1st Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1G5, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-569-2741 Website: Living up to its name, this Kits kitchen changes everything up nightly. Those who appreciate the element of surprise can opt for the six-course Culinary Adventure menu, leaving their experience in the creative hands of chef Brian Fowke. Recent offerings from the kitchen’s slow-food-inspired repertoire have included confit duckling miso and scallops with barley risotto and white-truffle lobster broth. La Brasserie$$$ Location: 1091 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6E 1M5, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-568-6499 Website: This upscale French-German bistro is a find in Davie Village. Passersby can see the kitchen through the windows and are inevitably lured in after glimpsing specialties like suckling pig and mussels and frites. The Alsatian onion tart is a wonderful starter. Prepare to be pampered with impeccable service and top-rate food. Brasserie’s downtown food cart serves a delish beer-brined chicken sandwich. Melriches Coffee House$ Location: 1244 Davie Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1N3, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-689-5282 Website: In a town overrun with coffee chains, Melriches is refreshingly local, with beans roasted by Vancouver’s Bean Around the World. To see and be seen, choose a seat in the window. The handcrafted chai, made with loose-leaf tea, is a worthy elixir, and breakfast items are served all day. Motomachi Shokudo$ Location: 740 Denman St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-609-0310 Expect a line to get into this tiny spot that may just serve the best ramen in the city. The bamboo-charcoal ramen, unusual in appearance, has no rival in depth of flavor and simple complexity. Raincity Grill$$$ Location: 1193 Denman St Vancouver, BC V6G 2N1, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-685-7337 Website: Several West End restaurants afford awesome views of English Bay, but one-of-a-kind Raincity Grill stands out for its romantic atmosphere and inventive West Coast cuisine, focused on locally sourced foods. Menus change seasonally—the 100-mile tasting menu provides a great opportunity to sample a variety of ingredients. Oenophiles appreciate the cellar’s long list of Pacific Northwest selections. Salt Tasting Room$$ Location: 45 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 0C4, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-633-1912 Website: A slice of country French sophistication tucked down a Gastown alleyway, Salt is a natty loved-by-locals spot that lets you sample superb artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fantastic wines. Put together your own mix-and-match tasting plate, then select an accompanying flight of wine or beer (or let the expert servers do it for you). Society$$ Location: 1257 Hamilton St., Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-629-8800 A fixture along Yaletown’s Hamilton Street restaurant row and a member of Vancouver’s glitzy, nightclub-inspired Glowbal Collection, Society takes a novel approach to traditional fare. There’s truffle in the mac and cheese, and there’s spiced-dill mascarpone on the salmon burger. Most famous are Society’s milkshakes, several of which are spiked, including the luscious Lucky Charm, an intoxicating blend of Guinness with vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Thai Basil$ Location: 1215 Thurlow Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1X4, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-685-6754 Website: This tiny space in Davie Village serves authentic, affordable Thai classics, including red curry with pumpkin and traditional pad kee mao noodles. Dinner combos are a steal and include your choice of entrée, plus salad, rice, and spring roll. With only about five tables, the space can feel cramped, but you can always order takeout and enjoy a picnic at nearby Sunset Beach. The Naam$ Location: 2727 W 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6K 3W2, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-738-7151 Website: A throwback to Kitsilano’s long-ago tie-dye days, this funky, 24-hour vegetarian eatery attracts an eclectic bunch, including yoga mums, impecunious students, and local New Agers. Substantial breakfasts, healthy lunches, and “dragon bowls” (with rice, veggies, and spicy sauces) feature on the menu. Homemade pies and decadent raspberry-chocolate cake make perfect endings. Twisted Fork$$ Location: 1147 Granville St Vancouver, BC V6B 2G6, Canada Get Directions Phone Number: 604-568-0749 Website: Steps from Davie gay bars, the diminutive, laid-back Twisted Fork tempts with unusual twists on French bistro fare. The menu changes frequently, with an emphasis on local BC ingredients. Tried-and-true dishes like succulent beef bourguignonne are featured alongside oxtail soup, cured local duck breast, and fall-off-the-bone lamb shank. An all-BC wine list and carefully selected microbrew list provide plenty of interesting choices. Vij’s$$$ Location: 1480 11th Ave W, Vancouver Get Directions Phone Number: 604-736-6664 Website: Vikram Vij’s innovative take on Indian cuisine has earned this dimly lighted restaurant just south of Granville Island considerable national acclaim. Wine-marinated lamb popsicles with fenugreek-curry glaze and roasted eggplant and butternut squash with black chickpeas are a couple of standouts, but if grilled sablefish graces the menu, don’t miss it. Reservations aren’t taken, but complimentary chai and snacks are served in the lounge until seats open up.Back to Top play Explore English Bay and Sunset BeachesFree Location: 1700 Beach Avenue Vancouver, BC V6E 1V3, Canada Get Directions Just south of Stanley Park’s beaches, which are also quite scenic and enjoyable, English Bay Beach runs from the foot of Denman Street south about a kilometer to Sunset Beach, and although it’s a short stroll from the Davie Street gay scene and thus hugely popular with LGBT sun-worshippers, it’s actually a favorite hangout of most Vancouverites. You’ll find lots to do here, from sand volleyball to cavorting on a huge waterslide. At Sunset Beach, you can drop by the Vancouver Aquatic Centre for a swim (the GLBT English Bay Swim Club meets here) or catch the water taxi to Granville Island. Beach Avenue from Denman to Burrard Streets. Wreck BeachFree Location: SW Marine Drive, just north of University Boulevard Get Directions Perched on the tip of Point Grey on the west edge of the University of British Columbia campus, Vancouver’s secluded clothing-optional strand is infamous for its “anything goes” vibe. Several trails lead down through the forest of pines, oaks, and cedars to Wreck Beach, with Trails 6 and 7 being the best for reaching the gay section, which is at the southern end of the beach toward the mouth of the Fraser River. Enterprising vendors selling everything from beer and sushi to various illicit substances are all around, especially near the base of Trail 6. SW Marine Drive, just north of University Boulevard.Back to Top

Sony Multi-coated Lens Filter (55mm) Zoom 55mm 55mm in carry case Photos Videos Item# 158VF55MP offer details Item# 158VF55MP Be the first to write a review Low Stock Free Shipping Scratch & Dent Loading... Call to order 1-888-955-6000 + Multi-coated Lens Filter by Ralph Graves Keep your Sony Alpha lens safe from dust, fingerprints, and scratches with this add-on filter protector. The multi-coated glass surface provides an optically clear, protective barrier when attached to the front of your lens. Advanced Carl Zeiss® T* coatings help suppress lens flare and reduce excess light reflection.ewarranty: 1 yearOur 60-day money-back guaranteeShop all Sony Lens Filters & Protectors Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?) What’s in the box? | In-depth notes Product Research Product Research What's in the box? Download owner's manual 55mm Multi-Coated protective lens filter Plastic storage with-55MPAM Multicoat Protector (55mm) is designed to protect your 55mm (diameter) Sony alpha DSLR camera lens from dust and scratches. Featuring a transparent and slim design to avoid vignetting, the VF-55MPAM multicoated protector with Carl Zeiss T* coating shields your Sony 55mm α (alpha) DSLR camera lens from dirt, fingerprints and scratches. A clear plastic case is included to keep your filter protected when not attached to your camera. Compatibility: The VF-55MPAM is built to fit the Sony alpha-series system zoom and fixed lenses with diameters of 55mm. Construction: The VF-55MPAM features a multi-coated glass lens protector and an aluminum bezel. Carl Zeiss Optical Filter Design: A world leader in advanced photo-optical design, Carl Zeiss high-quality filters ideally complement the precision optics of your Sony alpha-series lens. T* Coating: Pioneered by Carl Zeiss, this coated optical filter features T* coatings that are highly effective in minimizing reflections between filter and lens surfaces to suppress flares and ghosts. The VF-55MPAM is multi-coated on both side to reduce excess light or reflection. Circular Polarized (PL) Filter: The circular polarized (PL) filter is effective for removing light reflection from glass and water surfaces, as well as brightening the hue and enhancing the color contrast when filming outdoor scenery. Neutral Density) (ND) Filter: The neutral density (ND) filter (ND8) enhances the contrast of the image by restricting the amount of light through the lens when shooting in bright conditions. Low Profile Design: The slim low-profile design prevents vignetting when used with wide-angle lenses. Storage Case: The 55mm filter comes with a clear plastic case to protect the filter when not in Multi-coated Lens Filter, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-lWBPcfDjitT/p_158VF55MP/Sony-Multi-coated-Lens-Filter-55mm.html ). 55mm 55mm in carry case

Home » World Two Blasts at Iraqi Sunni Mosque Kill 43 May 18, 2013 BAQUBA, Iraq - Two bombs exploded outside a Sunni Muslim mosque in the Iraqi city of Baquba as worshippers left after Friday prayers, killing at least 43 people in one of the ... France Suggests EU Link Easing Syria Arms Embargo to Peace Talks May 16, 2013 BRUSSELS - France is floating a proposal that the European Union ease an arms embargo for Syrian rebels but delay acting on the decision to intensify pressure on Damascus to negotiate an end to ... Syrian Refugees in Turkey Exceed 193,000 May 15, 2013 ANKARA - A total of 193,767 Syrian refugees are currently taking shelter in Turkey, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) said ... EU Provides Additional Aid to Syria May 14, 2013 BRUSSELS - The European Commission announced on Sunday an additional 65 million euros (84.5 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid to war-torn ... Sharif Poised to Form Strong Government after Pakistan Poll May 13, 2013 ISLAMABAD - Toppled in a 1999 military coup, jailed and exiled, Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif has made a triumphant election comeback and looks set to form a stable government capable of implementing ... Assad Govt. “Usual Suspects” in Blasts: Turkish Deputy PM May 12, 2013 ISTANBUL - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government are the “usual suspects” behind car bombs in Turkey on Saturday that killed 40 people and wounded 100 more, Turkish Deputy Prime ... No New Plan to Sell Air Defense Systems to Syria: Russia May 11, 2013 WARSAW/MOSCOW - Russia’s foreign minister said on Friday Moscow had no new plans to sell an advanced air defense system to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but left open ... U.S., Russia Share Common Views over Syria: Kerry May 09, 2013 MOSCOW - The United States and Russia shared similar positions over the settlement of Syrian crisis, visiting U. S. Secretary of State John Kerry said ... Russia, China Express Alarm after Israel Hits Syria May 07, 2013 JERUSALEM/AMMAN - Russia and China expressed alarm on Monday over the regional repercussions of two Israeli air raids on Syria, while Israel played down strikes which its officials said targeted Iranian missiles ... Israeli Strike on Syria Targeted Weapons Shipment May 05, 2013 (WASHINGTON) — An Israeli airstrike against Syria was targeting a shipment of advanced missiles believed to be bound for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Israeli officials confirmed ... US and Britain Consider Arming Syrian Rebels May 04, 2013 Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel confirmed yesterday that the US was reexamining its consistent opposition to arming the Syrian rebels, though cautioned that considering action was not the same as taking ... ...

October means scary movies, pumpkin-flavored everything, decorative scarves, creative costumes, and most importantly, and obviously for this post, National Book Month. It’s the feel good month. The “Hey, it’s almost winter, but we’re not going to think about that right now” month. I’m excited for so many things, including this year’s costume, but alas that is for another post. Instead let’s talk about books. Here’s my list of most anticipated titles for October, in honor of National Book Month. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides: Eugenides is my sail in a sea of pages. He’s the writer who gets down deep and gets your soul. A wordsmith at the very least, he knows how to perfectly surmise the human condition. So of course, I am going to read his dissertation on marriage. Meet Madeline, a disenfranchised beatnik of the 80s falling in love and lust with two very different suitors who make her question everything she’s ever known. Eugenides calls on the likes of Updike, Cheever and even Austen to explain exactly why it is we fall in love. 10th Grade by Joe Weisberg: High school was in a word, painful. You learn more in those four years about yourself then you ever will anywhere else. It’s what I like to call the suffering years. For those of you who think you had a glorious, made-for-TV-movie existence, you didn’t. High school is where you feel everything for the first time and even the best moments change you forever, because no matter what, that intensity, that-end-of-the-world angst, fades over time. Revisit those suffering years with 15-year-old Jeremiah Reskin, who explains it the best way any kid can, with heartbreaking honesty. Damned by Chuck Palahniuk: Welcome to Hell. To your left you will find the Desert of Dandruff and after that be sure to note the Mountain of Toenail Clippings. It’s Palahniuk’s version of Hell, so I can safely assume he probably nailed it on the head. His narrator is 13, dead, and desperate to get the heck out. She makes friends with the most perfect collection of sinners: a cheerleader, a jock, a nerd and a punk rocker. It’s the “Breakfast Club” meets “The Prince of Darkness” with a doozy of an opening line: “Are you there Satan? It’s me, Madison.” Dearly Departed by Lia Habel: Alright, normally I don’t buy into the whole Young Adult romance series thing. I don’t get all fan-girl over anything; it requires too much energy. However, I might have posted on a forum in all caps about this particular series. A girl falls in love with a zombie! A zombie! It’s also set in the future in some Neo-Victorian period where everyone is prim, proper and corset-ed. Perfect. *Geographic rights may vary. Christina Bernecker is a training associate at OverDrive.

« April 2010 « Advertisements At Rest Anderson, Patsy Jane – b. June 16, 1928, Hood River, Ore.; d. Sept. 26, 2009, Ukiah, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Sue, Candice Gorbenko, Becky Reiswig; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Baca, Antoinette – b. April 26, 1916, Del Norte, Colo.; d. Dec. 20, 2009, Hanford, Calif. Survivors: sons, David, Fredrick; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren. Bollier, Earl W. – b. Dec. 18, 1927, Wash., D.C.; d. Sept. 15, 2009, Sacramento, Calif. Survivors: sons, Bill, Vance; daughters, Cindy Thomas, Mindy Russell, Karen Zembower, Brenda; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Brown, Doris – b. June 30, 1924, Kansas City, Mo.; d. Jan. 22, 2010, Turlock, Calif. Survivors: husband, Clifford; sons, Terry, Clifford Jr.; daughter, Marilyn Crowe; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Burke, Marge – b. Nov. 23, 1921, Philadelphia, Pa.; d. Jan. 24, 2010, Templeton, Calif. Survivors: husband, John; son, Thomas Gilmartin; stepsons, Anthony, Vincent, Chrisifor; daughter, Wendy Schrader; step-daughters, Mary Lynn Cordano; Karen Ann, Shawn Hawley. Cales, Lanitta Marue (Harden) – b. Sept. 3, 1941, Greybull, Wyo.; d. July 6, 2009, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: husband, Jerry; son, Robert Blanton; daughters, Armitta Witt, Elizabeth; four grandchildren. Chamberlain, Mark E. – b. April 15, 1949, Oceanside, N.Y.; d. Nov. 19, 2009, Placerville, Calif. Survivors: wife, Deborah; sons, John, Matthew, Justin; one grandchild. Champlin, Walter – b. March 12, 1919, Montrose, Colo.; d. Jan. 1, 2010, Placerville, Calif. Survivors: stepsons, Dale Harry, Jack Harry, Larry; stepdaughter, Sharon Dozier; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Clark, Grace Makiko Ogura – b. July 29, 1928, Tokyo, Japan; d. Dec. 21, 2009, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: husband, Winston; stepsons, Douglas, David. Worked 35 years as a clinical dietitian at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Clough, John, R. – b. Dec 7, 1919, Carrollton, Ill.; d. Dec. 18, 2009, Wagontire, Ore. Survivors: wife, Roberta Boswell; sons, Robert Arthur, John Kenneth; daughter, Barbara Larson; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Palmer. Served at La Sierra University and in the Marshall Islands. Cornwell, Luella (Toews) – b. Nov. 5, 1910, Woodworth, N.D.; d. Jan. 27, 2010, Sonoma, Calif. Survivors: sons, Frank, Jack; daughter, LouAnn Clemons; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Served 50 years in her local church children's ministries. Cowan, Ada (Atherton) – b. Feb. 28, 1913, N.Y.; d. Oct. 18, 2009, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: sons, Douglas, Glenn; daughter, Gaye Hutchinson. Crandall, Dorothy Rose (McCowan) – b. April 11, 1923, Phoenix, Ariz.; d. Jan. 7, 2010, National City, Calif. Survivors: husband, Ray; sons, Ronald, Darrell; one grandchild. Eckland, Rosemary V. – b. Sept. 8, 1918, in Omaha, Neb.; d. Jan. 6, 2010, in Grand Junction, Colo. Survivors: son, Richard; daughter, Donna Raye Priest; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren. Edwards, Ruth A. (Eldridge) – b. June 10, 1915, Meriden, Conn.; d. Oct. 21, 2009, Placerville, Calif. Survivors: sons, Roy, Stephen; daughter, Shirley Rice; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Franger, Kathleen – b. April 30, 1953, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Jan. 1, 2010, Fresno, Calif. Survivors: husband, William; sons, John, Eric; four grandchildren. Furman, Oliver H. – b. June 29, 1914, Pottsville, Pa.; d. Dec. 7, 2009, Cloverdale, Calif. Survivors: wife, Avis; son, Payton; daughters, Karen Starr, Vickie Nakabayashi; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Garza, Jimmy – b. Sept. 22, 1945, Corpus Christi, Texas; d. Jan. 24, 2010, Lompoc, Calif. Survivors: wife, Maria; sons, Jimmy, Baldemar, Joe, Alex; daughters, Laura Brewton, Maria, Hewett; four grandchildren. Gray, Thela Mae – b. Aug. 11, 1912, Gridley Township, Ill.; d. Feb. 12, 2010, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Beverly Haffner; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Griffith, Arthur W. – b. Aug. 25, 1920, Remer, Minn.; d. Jan. 16, 2010, French Camp, Calif. Survivors: wife, Alyce; sons, Alfred, Donald, Benjamin; daughter, Doris Regen. He was ordained as the Adventist Church's first Deaf minister in 1969. Griffith, Barbara Jeanette (Westerhout) – b. July 17, 1931, San Francisco, Calif.; d. Jan. 14, 2010, San Diego, Calif. Survivors: sons, Randy, Ron; daughters, Jan Widmann, Julie Porter; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother, Robert Westerhout; sisters, Dorothy Harris, Elizabeth Barclay, Joyce Hansen. Served with her pastor husband, C. Wayne Griffith, in the Pacific, Atlantic, Lake and Inca unions; and Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, Philippines. Hardesty, John Kinzie – b. May 22, 1931, Modesto, Calif.; d. Dec. 21, 2009, Glendale, Calif. Survivors: wife, Florence; sons, Robert, Jeffrey, Timothy; daughter, Candra Hardesty-Garcia; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter. Hare, Harold Hennessy – b. Jan. 14, 1920, Eagle Rock, Calif.; d. Feb. 3, 2010, San Jose, Calif. Survivors: wife, Marjorie; son, Robert; daughters, Dodie, Helen Perry; three grandchildren. Harris, Marilyn M. – b. June 23, 1930, Napa, Calif.; d. Nov. 20, 2009, Bexar, Texas. Heintz, Julius – b. March 4, 1920, Sanger, Calif.; d. Jan. 4, 2010, Fresno, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Jule Connolly, Bonnie. Hills, Matilda Anabelle "Mills" – b. June 4, 1916, Brazo, Mich.; d. Feb. 3, 2010, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Carol Huddle, Betty Woods, Cindy Ford; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Kathryn Mills, Alyce Fund, Madalyn Lathrop. Served on the faculty of Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Hivale, Samuel Benjamin – b. Feb. 14, 1928, India; d. Feb. 6, 2010, Paradise, Calif. Survivors: sons, Ronald, John; daughter, Ann Hivale-Mahabee; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Johns, Daniel – b. May 18, 1939, Mesa, Ariz.; d. Feb. 14, 2010, Modesto, Calif. Survivors: wife, Jackie; sons, Kevin, Kenneth, Keith; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Jones, Elva (Dunken) – b. Aug. 27, 1938, Lemore, Calif.; d. Sept. 1, 2009, Fortuna, Calif. Survivors: husband, Robert; son, David Ogle; stepsons, Robert Jones Jr., Michael Jones; daughters, Lee Ann Reeves, Mary Massei, Sherry Flock, Terry Strahan, Sandra Bigham; stepdaughter, Lynette Bilodeau; 29 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren. Klein, Gordon – b. Dec. 17, 1939, Arlington, S.D.; d. Dec. 28, 2009, Yucaipa, Calif. Survivors: wife, Dona; son, Michael; daughter, Karla Curtis; three grandchildren. Served as a pastor and evangelist with Kenneth Cox Ministries. Kulakov Sr., Mikhail P. – b. March 29, 1927, Leningrad, Russia; d. Feb. 10, Highland, Calif. Survivors: wife, Anna; sons, Pavel, Peter, Michael; daughters, Evangelina Romanov, Maria Zubkov, Elena Rudoy; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Served as the first president of the Euro-Asia Division; led in establishing Zaokski Adventist University; established the Bible Translation Institute at Zaokski and was its main editor. LeCompte, Doris Marjorie (Marsh) – b. Dec. 14, 1932, Madison, Wis.; d. Feb. 12, 2010, Riverside, Calif. Survivors: husband, H. Cary; sons, Mark, Russell, Darin; daughter, Cheryl Wren; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Served as a registered nurse for the Washington Sanitarium & Hospital in Takoma Park, Md. and at LLUMC. Little, Nannie – b. April 10, 1923, Fort Smith, Ark.; d. Jan. 10, 2010, Riverside, Calif. Survivors: son, Jim; daughter, Ruth Swan; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Lozano, Olimpo – b. June 26, 1933, Villa Rica, Tolima, Colombia; d. Feb. 16, 2010, Riverside, Calif. Survivors: son, Stewart; three grandsons. Worked for more than 35 years as a literature evangelist and lay minister. Meyer, Earl – b. Nov. 15, 1916, Beaumont, Calif.; d. Jan. 21, 2010, Ceres, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Martha Butcher; one grandchild. Miller, Lucille M. – b. Aug. 25, 1916, Ukiah, Calif.; d. Jan. 17, 2010, Ukiah, Calif. Survivors: sons, Wayne, Lee, Lynn; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Moran, Donald – b. July 5, 1927, Lansing, Minn.; d. Jan. 5, 2010, Fresno, Calif. Survivors: wife, Paula; son, Rodger; daughter, Noel (Cookie) Compere; three grandchildren. Worked in literature evangelism for two conferences for more than 25 years. Muth, Leland – b. Oct. 19, 1921, Walla Walla, Wash.; d. Jan. 20, 2010, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: wife, Alice; son, Stan; daughter, Judy Bunch; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Served on Golden Gate Academy board for many years. Nagel, Edith – b. March 4, 1917, Kansas City, Kan.; d. Nov. 14, 2009, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: husband, Sherman; sons, Lewis, Charles, James; daughter, Betty Steinke; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Served for 23 years with her husband as a missionary in Nigeria. Ngo, Wyman – b. Jan. 22, 1913, Singapore; d. Feb. 2, 2010, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Hannah; sons, Eric, Eddie, Earnest; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Nord, Linnea – b. April 20, 1905, Hogsby County, Sweden; d. Dec. 28, 2009, Calistoga, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Mary Tillay; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Oliver, Carol – b. Jan. 27, 1956, Ann Arbor, Mich.; d. Feb. 10, 2010, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: mother, Eva Mae; brother, Tim; sisters, Linda Christensen, Diane Bock, Bonnie Oliver. Parfitt, Melissa – b. Aug. 26, 1915, Sugar Bush, Wis.; d. Jan. 26, 2010, Visalia, Calif. Survivors: sons, John, Lawrence; daughter, Beverly Wilhelm; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren. Rasmussen, Tedford – b. Aug. 27, 1922, Rawlings, Wyo.; d. Sept. 20, 2009, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: sons, Michael, Timothy; daughters, Merri Beth Callender, Kathleen Williams; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Served as a pastor and singer in the Michigan, Florida and Northern California conferences. Reid, Pamela Lynn – b. June 2, 1962, San Jose, Calif.; d. March 28, 2009, Santa Clara, Calif. Survivors: son, Maxwell Helwig. Rosado, Maria (Silva) – b. Dec. 8, 1939, Aveiro, Portugal; d. Jan. 29, 2010, Napa, Calif. Survivors: husband, Otthoniel; daughters, Debra, Melissa; four grandchildren. Served as assistant dean of women at Pacific Union College. Rue, Grace (correction) – b. July 28, 1910, Anaheim, Calif.; d. July 13, 2009, Chico, Calif. Survivors: stepson, George; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Served for 20 years as a missionary with her husband, Dr. George Rue, in Seoul, Korea, where they opened a hospital, school and orphanage. Sharp, Doris Elaine (Venden) – b. Sept. 4, 1927, Portland, Ore.; d. Jan. 28, 2010, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: sons, Douglas, Walter; daughters, Barbara Melton, Nelda Woodin; 11 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Snider, Mildred – b. March 22, 1915, Johnson City, Mich.; d. Feb. 10, 2010, Hemet, Calif. Survivors: sons, Dennis, James; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Spainhower, Goldie – b. Aug. 12, 1910, Harrison County, Mo.; d. Jan. 6, 2010, College Place, Wash. Survivors: sons, Jerry, W. Carroll; daughter, Dona Klein; 15 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren. Tagalog, Marvel – b. Nov. 28, 1949, Davao City, Philippines; d. Jan. 6, 2010, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Melna; sons, Michael, Marvel Jr.; daughters, Mia, Mimzy. Turner, Ronald Eugene – b. July 16, 1946, Indianapolis, Ind.; d. Nov. 25, 2009, San Francisco, Calif. Survivors: wife, Belle; son, Tylaun; daughter, Yvette Scates. Vassar, Robert L. – b. March 12, 1930, Cloverdale, Calif.; d. Sept. 24, 2009, Santa Rosa, Calif. Survivors: wife, Lois; daughters, Debra Hufnagel, Kathy Brooks; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Venegas, Daniel Hernandez – b. April 17, 1930, Santa Barbara, Calif.; d. Oct. 9, 2009, St. Helena, Calif. Survivors: wife, Luz Ayala-Venegas; sons, David, Daniel; daughter, Alicia; two grandchildren. Weaver, Hilma Rauma – b. Aug. 1, 1915, Nivala, Finland; d. Sept. 15, 2009, Roseville, Calif. Survivors: daughters, JoAnne Brown, Lois Stupka; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Whittaker, Kathryn (Furber) – b. Feb. 25, 1918, Klamath Falls, Ore.; d. Nov. 24, 2009, Tonopah, Nev. Survivors: three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Winter, Betty – b. May 8, 1915, La Moille, Wis.; d. Jan. 30, 2010, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Robin Baldwin, Christie. Was a missionary to China 1939-1949. Yarnell, Evelyn – b. July 26, 1915, San Fernando, Calif.; d. Nov. 4, 2009, Paradise, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Shirley Warner; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

Our journey to excellence is a road that can take a variety of twists and turns, but in the end our eyes are always focused on patients first. With this in mind, there still is a primary challenge—health care reform payments. Why — Most businesses today are continuously seeking ideas about how to serve customers better with the ultimate goal of having such wonderful satisfaction from customers, they probably wouldn’t go anywhere else for that same service. PAHCS is truly no different as far as wanting to hear from our patients; however, we don’t have a choice of how we go about getting the information. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (federal program) has mandated that every patient who is hospitalized across this country will receive the same survey. In the past, there has been the opportunity to customize the survey by adding to the standard mandated questions a couple of additions such as “did you find parking conveniently” that were specific to that facility. Today, the same set of questions is being sent to every patient and reported nationally. Why? The federal government has decided that payment for services will be impacted based on the results of a facility’s surveys. We are being told that within the next year, poor performing hospitals will have dollars reduced from their payment for services provided if scores fall below certain target levels. At this time, we don’t know a dollar amount or if our organization will have some protection as a critical access hospital. Through several years of study, the federal government has determined that patients who are happy and satisfied with service have likely received better care and have better outcomes than those patients who describe their experience poorly. While we all could probably find arguments regarding this methodology, we are required to follow the same procedure as every other hospital across the country who provides services to individuals covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Conducting the surveys does come with a cost since we need to have the actual survey conducted by an outside vendor who then reports our scores to a national data base. More than ever before we need everyone who receives a survey to complete it; we need to hear what we have done well and where it is we have opportunity to improve. Our internal quality department can look at results continuously as the company receives completed surveys. This allows us to be able to address in a timely manner what it is we need to do to improve. Tami Stanger and Pam Boettcher team up to analyze our results, make recommendations for areas to improve and assist me in communicating the results to our Board of directors. These surveys are just one of several changes that are being made at the federal level related to reimbursement. Our commitment stays consistent and strong—doing the right thing, at the right time, at the right place and focused on each and every patient. If you are surveyed—we would appreciate you completing the form. We can’t improve on things we don’t know and we wouldn’t want to change anything you tell us that we are doing well. Your Name: Your Email/URL (Optional): Your Comment: Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.

Dream Girls and 50 Shades Coming to Cultural CenterTony Nicosia from the Broadway Theatre League stops by to talk about 2 big shows coming to the Scranton Cultural Center: Dream Girls and 50... Read More» Your Community Live!: "I Am A Visitor In Your World"In "Your community Live" Jason Cesari and Jonathan Walsh talk about the screening of "I Am A Visitor In Your World." Read More» Ralphie Report: May 9thRalphie from 97 BHT talks Ross "the intern" from the Tonight Show topping headlines in this week's edition of the Ralphie Report. Read More» Blackeslee Inn: Rasberry CrepesHere's a great way to greet mom Sunday morning, Blakeslee Inn Executive Chef Christopher Mullin shows us his raspberry crepes. Read More» Start of Show: May 9thBrittany Sweeney and Dave Kuharchik talk about Dennis Rodman's tweet to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a nun sentenced for vandalism, and a cheerleader... Read More» Marvelous Misadventures of Little Red Riding HoodWe get a sample of the Music Box Players show "The Misadventures of Little Red Riding Hood". Read More» Speed Painter Tim Decker Has Moves Like Jagger!Brodheadsville native Tim Decker shows off his speed painting skills by doing a quick portrait of Mick Jagger. His opening act Wacky Chad also talks... Read More» Your Community Live!: Y 106.5 Radio On May 8thOn "Your Community Live!" Y 106.5 radio's Kyle Blessing catches us up on this week's event in the Susquehanna Valley. Read More» Start of Show: May 8thBrittany Sweeney and Dave Kuharchik talk about a new study revealing people with shorter names make more money, giant African snails in Texas may be... Read More» Bargain Mom: Last Minute Mothers' Day GiftsThe PA Live! Bargain Mom Jenna Urban gives us some last minute Mothers' Day gift ideas. Read More» Page 4 of 240 Contact PA Live PA Live Business Showcase Eye Care Specialists: Laser Cataract Surgery Dr. Patrick McGraw with Eye Care Specialists talks about their laser cataract surgery. Read More» Commonwealth Health Representatives from Commonwealth Health talk About Home Health Care and Hospice. Read More» Eye Care Specialists Eye Care Specialists Dr. Robert Szulborski talks about the different procedures they offer. Read More» Maximize Your Health - November 20thDr. Dan Golaszewski from the Power Chiropractic Health Center in Wilkes-Barre talks about ways to stay healthy during the holidays. Read More» Dolly's Boutique - November 20thColeen Zwick of Dolly's Boutique in Scranton talks about their huge Black Friday sale. Read More» Northeast Window - November 19thJoe and Christi Rogo talk about how NE Window is a family owned and operated business. Read More» Dance NEPACheck out an awesome website that oganizes local dance performances. Read More» Holy Cross High School Presents The Wizard of OzThe Wizard of Oz is a theater favorite, now Holy Cross High School is adding their own personal touch to the classic. Read More» Northeast Window: November 15thJoe Rogo and Jason Gilroy from Northeast Window talk about their latest segment for windows. Read More» Spur of the Moment Tack - November 14thDiane Kreller from Spur of the Moment Tack on Rt. 309 in Dallas talks about the horse related items her shop carries. Read More» Page 16 of 39

(NSDQ: MSFT) has 50 handset partners. (NSDQ: PALM), Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Samsung, have sold a 10 million phones all combined. Full coverage at our Mobile World Congress channel >>> …The next conclusion to make is that the other 49 OEM partners, including >>> Palm, Motorola and Samsung, have sold a 10 million phones all combined. Well…HTC is an ODM for…ALL of those guys? (Certainly Palm). So what "they" sell is what HTC sells…might cause a little double counting to say the 40 million HTC sales AREN'T included in whatever, say, Palm sells. They are definitely a great partner that needs to be valued. Actually, raleigh, most of those companies make their own phones. HTC does not do OEM work for Motorola, and Palm has its own manufacturing partners. Samsung also manufacturers their own phones. You could find this out easily, if you looked. Why doesn't Microsoft just buy HTC and make Windows-branded phones? Or Zune-branded phones? Or Xbox-branded phones? Isn't it a lot of work to try and make Windows Mobile hardware-agnostic and then it ends up running on HTC 80% of the time anyway? I think Microsoft's old school idea about hardware and software being entirely separate is way, way out of date. The Web browser and the touch screen create "hardware buttons" on-the-fly out of software. In a sense, modern hardware is done half in hardware and half in software. The hardware company has to have half hardware engineers and half software engineers, all working on making hardware. The 40 million phones that Microsoft+HTC have created over the last decade (which is less than the iPhones Apple sold in the past 2 years) would have been much better if one hand had known what the other was doing. @Hamranhansenhansen: I think Microsoft likes the very high profit margins on software compared to hardware. For example, despite its relatively high mindshare, Xbox isn't a great profit-maker for Microsoft. At the time the precursor to Windows mobile was decided, the financial situation of Apple wasn't a great argument for vertical integration (it wasn't an argument either way, really, but that didn't matter at the time) and the explosive success of Win32 variants seemed like it would have an encore on mobile platforms. Now, I suspect Microsoft is really hampered by its mobile OS history. Windows mobile is poorly designed in general, but in particular it has been incrementally grown from a platform intended for much weaker architectures than current smartphones, which makes an originally poor design so much worse today. They might be technologically better off starting from the to-be-Windows-7 sources, but I'm sure that's got some baggage too, and it would alienate various partners (though that might be less of an issue as they flock to alternatives). (I don't think Apple has hit the 40-million-iPhones mark yet. They've done impressively well, but not _that_ well…) Windows Mobile is not that great. We are on target to sell 55Million phones before we ditch it for Windows Mobile 8 1/2 … it will be great. It may even get an Academy Award for Best Bad Actor in a drama. 'Apple's platform will grow stronger and maintain huge advantages over competitors as long as there continues to be one iPhone OS version for all handsets from all carriers. Apple did something quite extraordinary with the original iPhone that it launched in June 2007: It broke carriers' control over mobile operating system updates. Rather than there being multiple mobile OS versions, further fragmented by carrier distribution, Apple controls and distributes the updates." Apple is on target to surpass WinMo… it has no chance going forth. Umm, Ham — may I call you Ham? — I'm definitely sold on the iPhone koolaid, but in the interest of accuracy and fair play, per Apple's own quarterly reports last month, to date, they have sold just 17 million iphones as of 29 January 2009. And while most analysts agree they will further sell another 40-50 million iPhones in calendar 2009, it is doubtful that in under a month they have already sold the additional 23 million required to have overtaken lifetime sales of MS WinMobile. Still, the point is well taken that in just under two years, Apple has sold nearly 40% of what has taken MS more than a decade — moreover, that MS has repeatedly missed its own sales estimates (let alone targets) for WM, and doesn't stand a chance of equalling iPhone sales for at least this year, thus giving Apple an almost guarantee of outselling WM's lifetime sales by sometime in 2010. This, of course, assumes the global economic meltdown does not continue to abate sales overall; that the trend of people replacing old cellphones with smart phones continues, etc. Personally, I can't imagine that MS is really profitable with WinMobile, and, were it not MS, I would have expected t to fold by now. But their massive cash cow from Windows (for PC) and Office products allows them to stay in what Apple would see (relatively) as only a hobby market. Pride alone will keep Ballmer in this game; he has badmouthed Apple an iPhone too much and too often to concede any victory this early. And competition is good for everyone, so, God Bless MS for trying to stay in a game where they are so hopelessly behind, in both sales and technological evolution. WiMob 6.5 is laughable, considering it is yet to be due, and Apple will likely have released a third generation OS and iPhone before 6.5 even ships. The real star to watch is the return of Palm. WebOS looks EXTREMELY cool, and looks to have several advantages over iPhone — though iPhone arguably has several more in return. Apple will be hard-pressed not to steal/copy/leverage some examples Palm has laid forth, just as Palm has clearly taken from Apple's lead. I just hate that the inevitable course is that the two will both wind up in court trying to defend against the other, burning up company profits and reducing shareholder value and potential R&D monies. Cheers Rico WinMo is not that profitable for MS….. Microsoft makes about $8.00 per WinMo device. Microsoft would have to sell 300 Million licenses for WinMo to equal the revenue of 6.9 Million iPhones. Even when you consider net profit. Apple is reported to make about $250 – $300 per phone sold once you count carrier subsidies. Even on the lowend. Microsoft would have to sell 40 licenses just to equal the profit of one iPhone.- You guys are pretty deluded. Apple to sell 50 million iPhones this year? So this quarter they will sell 10 million? More than double what they managed over the holiday season last year? I guess you did not get the memo where Windows Mobile outsold the iphone in Q4 2008. Probably not. And btw, is RIM also shutting down, because at 50 million sales thats just about the same as RIM sold over about the same period. BTW – cut and paste. haha

wrapping up the 30 day challenge the first of next week. Female, 35, 5,6" - Started challenge at 231 lbs, ideal weight for me is about 155 lbs (which I haven't been in 14 yrs). Having two kids and 13 yrs married to a wonderful chef has taken it's toll. We have indulged in MANY good (=bad) food and wines over the years. So I started at 231 lbs and think next week I'll be about 215 lbs to round out the 30 days. I feel so much better. My Plantar fasciitis is still bothering me as well as heartburn but other than that all is good. I have not yet started working out daily as my knees and elbows have had issues brought on undoubtedly by my weight. So my thinking was lose as much as I could before I started exercising regularly. Also the weather lately has kept me from walking and enjoying the outdoors. I maintain a household and chase two special needs kids and 4 dogs around so I am not completely sedentary. I am SO impatient! I feel better and i I feel like I should be skinny! My husband only had 20 lbs to lose and it seems he is almost there after 30 days. I have SOOOO much farther to go. I realize it took me 14 yrs to get to this bad place - its not going to come off overnight,..but I want it to darn it! So I guess my question is - Should I start exercising more now? or do like the Atkins induction diet for awhile and lower my carbs even more for more weight loss to reduce the impact on my body and stress on my knees (any squat type exercises are very difficult). Or just Chill out and keep on eating healthy and the weight will come off as it should. In the past on other SAD Diets 15 lbs in a month would have been great, but my mind set has totally changed now. I know this is how we will eat for the rest of our days. I want this flabby body gone for good ASAP. First yes, congrats on the loss so far - 15 pounds is a big accomplishment! We are in very similar situations!! I had been losing very slowly on primal/paleo (started at about 210) and meanwhile the weight is just falling off of my husband. I am a big believer in the fact that diet is way more important than exercise when it comes strictly to weight loss (read Gary Taubes if you haven't already - exercise may hamper your goals more than help at this point). For me personally, the scale did not start moving past snail speed until I cut the carbs drastically - pretty much Atkins induction-style. No fruit, 2-3 servings of green veggies daily, allowing some cheese (dairy doesn't seem to bother me), the rest is meat, eggs, and fat. I'm seeing a big difference. Granted, I have heard other women say they need more carbs in their diet to lose, but sadly I think I'm one of those that can look at a carb and gain 3 pounds. But the results are very motivating so I'm not having a hard time sticking with it. So I guess my biggest piece of advice is, don't worry about the exercise so much right now, especially if you think it's taking on too much at once (for me, I have a hard time trying to accomplish so many goals - I'm better off really focusing on the diet at first and then adding in exercise later). And, maybe try a VLC approach for a week and see how you do. If you're like me, it may push you faster towards the results you're looking for. Good luck! Congratulations on your success. Be patient, you'll get where you want to go. Listen to your body and go at your own pace. It's not a race. Slow and steady is best in the long run. Our stories are similar. In March, 2010, I began eating better with the Diet Solution plan, then discovered Paleo and have been about 90% perfect since June. I started at 312 and am now 244. I am 61. I did not start exercising until January, when I started doing 90 seconds of squats or 90 seconds of wall pushbacks before I ate, which is a Tim Ferriss trick to push your food into muscles instead of fat. My limiting factor was my left hip, which was quite painful at times. I also have a history of back problems, so I wanted to be very careful with any kind of strength-training exercises. I recently purchased The Slowburn Fitness Revolution and have started doing the exercises. Using light weights, you do each exercise for 90 seconds in slow motion until you can not do any more. That engages all 3 types of muscle fibers and forces them to grow. 30 minutes, once every 5 days. I also leaned that this method is great for cardio and flexibility. After my first workout, I knew I had pushed my muscles as far as they could go, but I was not sore in the slightest. That's waht I was looking for - something super efficient, but safe. The book is concise and easy to understand and I highly recommend it. Here's an excerpt: Here's a link to Amazon: I know where you're coming from. I started out at 15 lbs per month average, but then I slowed down a lot. The slow-down was frustrating because I thought the rate would be consistent. I foolishly started planning dates of milestone markers, like -50, -100, etc. It will be ESPECIALLY frustrating when you start to hit plateaus. The moral of the story is, weight loss is a marathon and not a sprint. I am 5'2" and started out at 247, 6 years later I finally hit my goal weight of 136. Personally, I think taking it slow really helped with mentally adjusting to the new nutrition and exercise regimens. I lost the majority of the weight, almost 80lbs, the first two years. The third year, I thought I had it all figured out and I went up 20. When I finally hit my first goal weight of 150, my trainer had me learn to maintain that for a year. Then I finally got off the last 15 with Paleo eating. Personally, I would tell you to start adding exercise into your day if you can. When I first started I could only do 10/15 minutes on the bike or elliptical. If you could start with just some body weight exercises (squats/lunges/planks/etc) for even just 10 minutes, 3 days a week, I think it would help mentally and build your strength. Most of us don't get to be obese, or near obese, without some issues with food. I think taking it slowly and adjusting your mind along with your body is key to keeping the weight off for the rest of your life. It's an awesome and rewarding journey! Enjoy it. Wow! Congratulations on the weight loss. 15 lbs. is awesome! I don't really have much advice, I've just started this as well. I lost 10 lbs. in the first month, but only have another 20 to go. My husband only lost 8 lbs and he still has over a hundred to go. I know he doesn't want to start exercise just yet, and he's still having a hard time giving up the carbs (he loves his almond biscuits!). I think keeping up your motivation is key, so do what you feel is best for you and stay motivated. My advice right now would be, it aint' broke so what could you fix? YOu are losing weight fast, but losing weight too fast is not healthy either. Paleo is about maintaining a healthy weight but it's also about health in general. You don't want to do damage to yourself in your big hurry to lose weight. Find some patience! Believe me, I know the feeling about wanting to lose quickly, but long term, in order to truly succeed, you have to be concerned just as much about health as about vanity. As for exercise, I would suggest you ease slowly into a low impact exercise routine. Swimming and/or water exercises are a great way to do that as the water supports your body but at the same time, provides gentle resistance to each movement. Also got to fitday.com and make sure you are getting decent levels of all useful vitamins and minerals. I don't necesarily believe blindly in all the RDAs, but some of those nutrients truly are important. Since paleo is not a set diet but instead allows you to choose out of a variety of things to eat, it still is possible to end up picking a list of foods that may lack in a few important nutrients. And some nutrients that are important for joints, like magnesium, are not plentiful is many foods. People are tempted to assume many health problems are the result of age and ordinary wear and tear, but many health conscious eaters have been surprised to find that at least some of these problems suddenly go away once a more healthful and balanced diet is achieved. You might want to check out this Gary Taubes article from New York Magazine titled, "The Scientist and the Stairmaster: Why Most of Us Believe Exercise Makes Us Thinner - And Why We're Wrong." Taubes' basic argument is that exercise - especially so-called "cardio" - burns calories, but increases our appetite, causing us to eat as much or more than we burned off. I know that's been my experience. I recently listened to a Podcast with Taubes, and the interviewer asked whether he thinks resistance training works better. Taubes thinks it could, not due to calories it might burn. Rather, Taubes thinks it might switch the way the body partitions energy into fat or protein (muscle). He said the body might start to think, "every few days we expend energy [lifting weights], so I'm going to put more of this energy into muscle." (My paraphrase). Resistance training has always helped me take weight off. A lot of overweight people have aches and pains and it's common for these problems to be blamed on the obesity, the extra weight supposedly putting stress on the joints and the feet and what-not. But your weight of just over 200 pounds would be normal for a 6 ft tall guy, and he wouldn't have the aches and pains. Why? Because his body's adapted to the weight. Well, yours adapted to your weight also, unless you gained 100 pounds overnight. I'm more inclined to blame systemic inflammation for your pain, assuming you did not have that fast of a weight gain. I say this from my own experience, because I have found that simple dietary changes make a world of difference between whether my joints and feet hurt and whether they don't. Lots of carbs and veggie oils = pain, cutting them back significantly = much less pain or none at all. I know you have done a Paleo 30-day challenge and while you don't give specifics on what your diet is like now, from what I'm reading of what these challenges usually involve, I'll assume you still have some foods in your diet that it's possible to overdo. For instance, how's your intake of nuts and starchy tubers? Anything that's keeping your insulin elevated is going to contribute to inflammation, plus those nuts are heavy on the O-6s. If you're following a strain of Paleo that's more Cordain-ish and cuts out the saturated fats, that could be part of the problem too. If it's inflammation and you hit on something in your diet that's causing it, look for your pain symptoms to improve even before your weight loss accelerates, but I suspect that's going to happen as well, if insulin is the problem. It's not fast weight loss that's a problem per se so much as it's losing lean tissue instead of fat reserves. You could also try testing for autoimmune disorders if that tendency runs in your family. Women who've borne children are more likely to suffer from them. But the tests don't always tell you everything. Still, it's something to consider depending on what else is going on in your life. And FWIW, diet can affect how bad the symptoms get even if you do have lupus or similar. pleased to report at the 6 month mark (yesterday) I am 50 lbs gone and still losing. Haven't really worked out much, just have been naturally moving more. and have chilled out on fretting about weight and details,..tho I do weigh myself daily. Still have heartburn issues and occasional dizzy spells (mostly when working outside it seems) - but great other than that. Hubby has lost 35 lbs and looks absolutely awesome! Mine still seems to be coming off at good pace and I am 1 lb away from being in the 170's again -woooooohoooo! was 168 when I got married 13 yrs ago and that is next mini goal :-) Thanks so much for all the kind words and understanding! can't wait til the weather warms so I can start walking the dogs again! I feel so superior when I walk through the grocery store like I "get it" on a whole new level and feel sorry for people as I walk past their heaping shopping carts laden with terrible stuff. My next HUGE challenge is to convert the kids. We wanted to start ourselves and make sure we were motivated to make this a permanent life choice and set a good example for the kids. My son is autistic. We tried a GF/CF diet with him when he was 2 yrs old to see if it made a difference in his bad bowel issues. It didnt,..but I so wish we would have started paleo back then,....now they are older with a lot more fight in them lol It will be a battle at first. thanks again! PaleoHacks is a place to get answers about all aspects of Paleo Diet, Paleolithic Diet, exercise and lifestyle. No registration required. tagged asked 2 years ago viewed 694 times latest activity 1 year ago

PALESTINE — Making special memories during the holidays can last a lifetime. One of East Texas’ very few Christmas tree farms — MR and MS Trees in Tucker — offers memory-making opportunities as families can take a hayride around the tree farm to find the perfect tree to cut down and take home, enjoy the country-like atmosphere while roasting marshmallows, visit the gift shop or enjoy sitting in an Indian teepee. Officially opening for the holiday season today, MR and MS Trees is open from 9 a.m. to dark Wednesdays through Saturday and 1 p.m. to dark on Sundays. Santa Claus will be at the tree farm for pictures and visits with the children on opening day today (this Friday only) and on all Saturdays and Sundays. The tree farm is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for school tours. “It’s a great way to make memories and something the whole family can enjoy — taking a ride on the hay wagon, walking around to find the right tree and cutting it down — instead of picking it from a tree lot,” said MR and MS Trees co-owner Michaelene Sparks, who owns the tree farm with her husband, Rick. “We usually have a fire going in the fire pit or in the teepee, if you want to roast marshmallows. “They can visit with Santa first, have some hot chocolate, wassail or popcorn or get on the hay wagon to go to the field and choose their tree.” Currently, families can choose their Christmas tree from about 2,000 Virginia Pines in the field. The tree farm also has about 75 pre-cut Frazier firs from North Carolina available. Prices start at $6 a foot for Virginia Pines and $8 a foot for the Frazier firs. “We have a couple of families that meet here on the day after Thanksgiving and spend the day at the farm and then go their separate ways,” Sparks said. “One family comes from Galveston, the other from Athens and another from Dallas. They’ve been coming for years now. “We also have a lot of people from around the Palestine area as well as far away as Dallas who ride the Polar Express™ at the Texas State Railroad one day, then come to the farm the next day.” Uniquely, the tree farm also sells homemade wreaths and swags, as well as a variety of gift items in the gift shop. “We sell fried Indian bread, ornaments, gift baskets, wassail, iron work, crosses, stocking stands and all kinds of goodies,” Sparks said. “I make my own fresh greenery for the homemade wreaths.” Santa Claus also has a permanent mailbox at the farm for all the kids to drop off wish lists and letters for the times he is not able to be present. A play area also is available for children. MR and MS Trees has supplied Christmas trees for several known places over the years. One year, the farm donated the tree for the State Capitol and has also given every soldier family serving a tree. Locally, the tree farm offered non-profit organizations participating in the Dogwood Garden Club’s Festival of Trees event a free tree. So far, the tree farm has eight different school groups booked for tours this season with room for more. “We let them spend a little time in the teepee. They roast marshmallows, then ride the wagon where we explain how we plant the trees, trim them and how long it takes to grow them,” Sparks said. “Then they have lunch or play on the playground — whatever they like to do.” The tree farm is handicap accessible and Wifi is available. “We’ve been in business for over 10 years,” Sparks said. MR and MS Trees is located at 342 ACR 2908 in Tucker, 12 miles from Palestine. From Palestine going down U.S. 79 South, take FM 645 in Tucker at the blinking yellow light just past Walmart Warehouse. Go 2.2 miles, take CR 2907, which will be the second road on left after turning off of U.S. 79. Drive to the end of the road until you see the store and sign on the right. “Don’t use Google to find the farm — it may send you the wrong direction — make sure you are going toward Tucker,” Sparks warned. For more information, call MR and MS Trees at 903-538-0160 or online at Local Scene Making memories: MR and MS Trees brings tradition to the season PALESTINE — Making special memories during the holidays can last a lifetime. - Local Scene - Thomas on top in close Palestine mayor's race. - More Local Scene Headlines

Tuesday night, weary from a long day of teaching, I trudged into my bedroom, looking forward to nothing more than changing into my pajamas and curling up with a good book and a glass of wine. Instead, I found a strange man in my bed. I threw back the covers to get a better look. Yep, you guessed it. Meet Mr. Mandolin Man! Like most of my previous boyfriends, he is beginning to show his age. He is one string short of a set and has a screw loose here and there. But I will do what I can to help him be the best he can be. I adore him already. Thanks to my sons, Casey and Nathan, for bringing him into my life! 24 comments: LOL! Too funny, Pam! Thanks, Deb! (taking a bow) :-) That is so cool! As I always say, damnit, we need another expensive, time-consuming hobby to fall in love with! Enjoy! The perfect love story! Hey, you needed a hobby to occupy your time, something to master so you don't get bored with all the spare minutes you have. LOL Ah, Pam, you had me going there for a few minutes. LOL He's a cutie!!! and thank goodness, he doesn't eat much or leave wet towels on the bathroom floor. (grin) Julee, I am a sucker when it comes to musical instruments in general. But learning to play the mandolin is on my bucket list. I think it's cool that my kids are supporting me in this. They get little enough time with me as it is! With my background, I usually pick things up pretty quickly. I am going to have my first lesson with Nathan's guitar teacher tonight. Wish me luck! You are right on all counts, Carol! LOL! You are right, Sandy; he is the perfect boyfriend. Glad I was able to make you smile! So cute. Marilyn At least he can seranade you...with your help of course, you'll make beautiful music together. I hope you have a long, loving relationship. BTW: What's his name? Sia @Marilyn - Thank you! :-) @Sia - That's a good question. Let me get back to you! I love your boys. What great men/boyfriends/husbands they will be. He's cute and looks very supportive. I'm glad you two are happy! - Lindy I think this Mr. Right is definitely Mr. Wrong.:) Aw, thanks, Denise. They sure are creative; I never know what they'll come up with next! Thanks, Lindy. I'll have to introduce you the next time you come to my house! Just don't try to steal him away from me! ;-) Anonymous, I think you're just jealous... LOVE IT!!! Your kids are awesome. You had me, too. Of course, I was on a business trip with no way to see what the heck you meant... But it was a nice surprise to pop over here and read about your new love. Tami LOL! Loved the post, Pam! :) That is so funny!! Love Mandolin Man!! :-) Thanks Tami, Lisa and Christine. I had a lot of fun sharing my romantic tale! :-) I hope you come to know him well. Hi Pam, I have the same mandolin as you. I'm trying to lean more about it but mine is missing the manufacturer's label inside the body, behind the top f-hole. I'd appreciate to find out what yours says. Ty, we have Oscar Schmidt model OM-10's. That sticker also contains a serial number. Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Albertina and Walter Sisulu of the African National Congress of South Africa. Albertina, the former leader of the ANC Women's League and member of parliament, joined the ancestors on June 2, 2011., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr. Tribute to Albertina Sisulu Ginny Stein reported this story on Sunday, June 5, 2011 08:24:00 ELIZABETH JACKSON: Tributes have been flowing in for anti-apartheid activist Albertina Sisulu who died at her Johannesburg home. Sisulu and her late husband were key figures in the struggle against white minority rule in South Africa. Our Africa correspondent Ginny Stein reports. GINNY STEIN: Albertina Sisulu was one of the leading lights of the anti-apartheid movement. Her death at her home in a suburb in which once only white people were allowed to live, was sudden. One of her sons, Mlungisi says Mama Sisulu, as she was affectionately known by all who knew her, was with two of her grandchildren watching the news on television, when she died. MLUNGISI SISULU: We, it was really sudden. Because she was in good health, she was actually, it was only this afternoon, and at 92, she was fairly healthy. That's how it has happened, she has passed on. GINNY STEIN: Albertina Sisulu's first career was as a nurse, a profession which helped support her family during the more than 25 years her husband Walter was jailed alongside Nelson Mandela. While not from a political background, she quickly established herself as an anti-apartheid activist. In 1956, she was among those who led a march of more than 20,000 women protesting against carrying passbooks which prohibited people of different races moving between areas. She was the first woman to be held under the regime's 90-day detention order. The ANC's Valli Moosa. VALLI MOOSA: She was also - many people have not realised that she was at the time the only woman that led a truly national movement. She was not just leader of the woman's league or the woman's federation, but she presided over the united democratic front and the mass democratic movement which was truly a national movement. And she did this, I must say, with the gentleness of the nurse that she was. At the time when she became president, she still worked as a nurse in Soweto. But with the firmness and discipline that leadership in those difficult conditions needed and she commanded tremendous respect. GINNY STEIN: In the 1980s Mrs Sisulu became an envoy for the ANC, visiting leaders overseas to draw attention to the anti-apartheid struggle. In 1983, she led a delegation of activists, which included Azhar Cachalia, to the United States to meet US president George Bush. Today, Mr Cachalia was amongst those paying his respects to a woman who he says played a crucial role in South Africa's development as a democratic nation. AZHAR CACHALIA: She played the role of a unifying person in the 1980s and she was during that period without her husband, many of the members of her family were outside of the country, with one or two exceptions. And so she was wonderfully inspiring and in a sense was not only a leader but somebody you could get counsel from. GINNY STEIN: You knew her personally, what did she mean to you? AZHAR CACHALIA: Well you know, she was simultaneously a leader and kind of mother figure. She's a gentle person, you know, in fact, I never remembered her losing her temper. She had much reason to. GINNY STEIN: In 1984, Albertina Sisulu took her seat in South Africa's first democratically elected parliament. She was last seen in public in May when she cast her vote in local municipal elections. Two of her children have followed their parents into politics. Her daughter Lindiwe is defence minister, her son, Max is speaker of the parliament. A state funeral is expected to be held. This is Ginny Stein for Correspondents Report.

Debby in Commonwealth Land this October painted quite a pretty picture, claim onlookers. Thank you paparazzi, I appreciate it. Now that I am back at my cubicle in MKCL, having driven through some completely un-Delhi Pune lanes, all I can do is rewind and play. Here are Durga Puja highlights, freshly baked from reflections, in order of arbitrary preference: 1. Couture Culture: There’s nothing like going back to your wardrobe and finding it revamped. Ah you envious souls, that’s exactly what happened to me! There were blues and there were reds and rosy pinks and jade greens… if there is bliss it is this. 2. My Ground Floor Friend: We have a new friend – our tenant: mother of two, animated, enthusiastic little lady… oodles of fun! Though this was the first time I was meeting her, I felt as if have known her for years. She is a Godsend considering Mom has terrible mood swings with Dad and me both staying away. 3. Camera Camaraderie: Blame it on my days in Pune, but a camera and I together can be quite a menace. It’s great fun capturing every little moment in print, especially when you know it will become a memory in the very next. I got photos of every pandal we went to, of Ma cooking me parathas, of my cats cozily asleep, of my Dad in his stylish avatars, the works. I now have a fine flipbook to show to my great grandchildren. “Oh yes sweetheart, your pardadi was always a sweet creature!” 4. Sur Gunje Taal Baaje: That’s what they call our D-Block Puja Samity’s karaoke competition. Apart from rousing from sleep several delightful Bangla songs from my childhood and tapping my feet to some melodious voices, it also served immense comic relief. Not everyone is born with music in his vocal chords. Mr. Green Kurta vowed to prove otherwise. My apologies for being so smug but Mr. Green Kurta and his Atif renditions were barely pushing the limits of Giggle Control, when he arrived with an oh-so-soulful ‘Maula Mere le le meri jaan...’. His scale went left and the orchestra went right even as he sat down on his knees to counter the turbulence. I giggled and giggled some more before I found the phone a good excuse to escape out. 5. Kala Khatta: Flashback…Cut to School…Debby looks with puppy eyes at Aanchal Jain who indifferently devours one ice lolly after another, the Cola taking the highest priority. The steaming hot 2′oclock Delhi summer sun blazes mercilessly on. Mom didn’t give me pocket-money back then and I never asked for any. The only time I wished I had a few bucks on me was when I stood waiting for our drop home bus – my throat parched and my water bottle empty. Needless to say, I have several reasons for relishing a kala khatta whenever I get the chance. 6. Kitty Bonanza: Family planning measures aren’t that far-reaching after all or maybe our house cats are just too fond of kids. Every time I go home there are new kittens to fondle, this time being no exception. There was a white one – too impish for his own good and a brown one – quiet and mature. Few things compare to sitting out on the terrace with a couple of cuddly cats to hug. 7. Saddi Delhi and Dilliwale: I know, I know. The way I go on about Delhi makes it seem like the most charming little town where horses nuzzle your hands for sugar and children walk to school amidst sheep grazing in Swiss like Alps. The press seems to be in compliance lately – Delhi is fast becoming a world-class city and my most cherished little nooks and crannies just got more delightful. An hour-long drive around my hometown recharges my batteries enough to face at least week-long drudgery. (And no God, this isn’t by any means a challenge… you know how my feeble little soul craves peace) to say nothing of the people who make Delhi what it means to me. Though I say it myself, I am among the luckiest people alive to have a family whose world begins and ends with me. Cut to Present… So as I was saying, I am back after my week-long vacation. I won’t say I am rested as Durga Puja for a Bengali is more crazily strenuous than an ordinary day at work. But yes, I have November to look forward to – which promises Diwali and my Birthday (yippee!) among other events. So give me a bit to get Pune-cized again. Until then. @Sanjay: you lucky soul… you keep visiting so often. Indeed ya…there’s sumthing exceptionally special about the place you’ve spent your childhood in. I feel like I vistited delhi during the month of October

2012-13 Threads Basketball Century Greats: The Panini America Insert Set Inspection During the last five days, we’ve attempted to prepare you for the upcoming release of 2012-13 Threads Basketball by providing glimpses into many of the product’s most-colorful, modern-era insert sets, including Inside Presence, Talented Twosomes and High Flyers. Today, we depart from that pattern to showcase the history-soaked Century Greats insert. This 25-card tribute to the NBA’s greatest all-time performers features a superbly simple design — incorporating a whitish hardcourt backdrop that allows the larger-then-life legends featured to pop off the card. As its name suggests, Century Greats brings together basketball’s best and most-collected icons from the last 100 years, including the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen and more. You can admire the entire 25-card set in the gallery below. Enjoy, and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional previews of 2012-13 Threads Basketball in advance of its October 24 release date. Really like these…they would look even sweeter with a swatch of jersey behind the player like silhouettes in Crown Royale..maybe even signed. Once again, I am very impressed with the background of the card. Someone sure has great visual ideas for the layout behind the card recently. Makes it seem like the layout of the card is more than an afterthought to the picture. I guess that’s the photo nerd in me speaking! Love the mid-80s Dr J. He was one of my favorites growing up. Back then (early 80s) the 76ers had a “team hypnotist” who was a science teacher at my middle school. Every marking period, he gave a pair of courtside seats to the kid in his class who had the highest average. I never had him as a teacher, but it was sure cool. Can’t picture something like that happening today. Thanks for the gallery previews!!! This looks very promising. Would love yo collect this! This looks great. Its surely a century greats. Hopefully panini gets mj. Anyway would still love to have this awesome looking inserts. Thanks tracy ! THIS IS AMAZING!!!! WHEN DO THESE COME OUT!!??!! WOW!! REALLY LOOKING FROWARD TO THIS!!! 2012-13 Threads releases Oct. 24. Actually looking forward to this subset. I wish you did a SP of on card autographs for this set. Yet another insert set from Threads that I like looking at. So glad that I have a case of Threads on the way, every insert set so far is on my want list, let alone the rookie autos, ooh lala. Well done Panini. Only negative is that I cant wait any longer. Makes me sad. Products continue to decline. Where are the cards for active players? Bring back a Topps Total type product. Out of topic… When will the draw for theXRCs for the 2011 rookie held? October 29. Tracy, any chance for some previews on the actual cards that will be shipped after the draw has taken place? Also do you have some more info on how this draft is actually gonna work? Thanks! Daniel Hey, Daniel. As soon as I get some sneak peeks on those cards, I’ll show them off here. Also, as for how the live checklist draft will work, it will be be done live via our blog, Twitter and Facebook pages and also will be recorded and posted on YouTube. If our internal firewall cooperates, it also will be live on BlogTV (fingers crossed). I hope these inserts have an auto version of this as well! That would be sweet!

Pantech Heart Case One of the wide ranges of cell phone accessories is mobile phone cover. It is extremely useful gizmo to guard the device from various side effects i.e. scratches, dirt and abrasion. Moreover, it can help to carry the cell conveniently. However, make sure while purchasing a cover for your cell it is appropriate for the model, you possess. Pantech diamond cover Mobile phone covers are made of numerous materials for example leather, hydrocarbon polymer, synthetic leather, plastic, fiber, rubber and many more. Some are better protectors while some will be more beneficial to carry the portable phone with ease. You can select from an impressive selection, from an easy task to stylish and fancy cases. Here is a short description of numerous materials of cellphone cases. There are numerous forms of leather cases. From quite simple leather pouches to stylish good quality leather covers. They're made from real leather that is durable and strong. Leather is attractive and provides en eye-catching check out the cellular phone. Leather cases work best shells for HTC, iPhone and Blackberry type touchscreen display phones to keep them free from scratches and bumps. Leather is definitely an environmental friendly material, and it has no negative effects. Silicon is yet another material often used in manufacturing cell phone's skin. It's got characteristics of high pressure-resistant and non-toxic. Silicon covers protect the mobile from moist, scrapes and scratches. Silicon Crystal cover gives fine finish look to the cell phone and longevity. Plastic made cases can be purchased in various patterns, colors and attractive graphic designs. These cases attract the guests and wow them. You can select a plastic case of your choice from your wide range. Plastic cases give environmental protection against bumps, scrapes and dirt. They're durable and light weight, and cheap to purchase. Hydrocarbon Polymer materials are also used to make phone covers. These phone covers will be more popular in ladies. They add some beauty for the mobile phone and save it from various harmful influences. Iron or metal cases will also be used; they are with enough contentration to protect your cellular cellular phone. But you are less attractive as that relating to leather and plastic cases. Cork cases for mobile will also be found. Cork material appears like leather in appearance. They may be very durable and provide ultimate protection towards the phone. PC material and nylon cases, crystal and translucent well finished, available in various colors. They protect mobile phone on your own, damage and erosion. Pantech diamond cover Besides the above mentioned materials, phone covers are made from carbon fiber, rubber, fiberglass and much more. Different mobile covers their very own specific features, but mostly they're made to offer protection to the cellular phone from dirt, dust, abrasion, bumps and moist.

MONTREAL (AP) -After following in Tony Esposito's footsteps in Chicago, Ed Belfour was happy to catch up with the legendary goalie in Montreal. Belfour made 29 saves for his first shutout in nearly three years and Jay Bouwmeester scored late in the second period to lift the Florida Panthers to a 1-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night. The 41-year-old goalie's 76th career shutout drew him even for eighth on the NHL career list with Esposito, who had two shutouts with Montreal at the outset of his career before going forging a Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Blackhawks. "It's definitely an honor to be tied with Tony, one of my heroes," said Belfour, who began his career with Chicago in 1988, four years after Esposito retired. Belfour made a sprawling pad save on Steve Begin midway through the third and survived a late flurry to earn his first shutout in 37 games with Florida this season. It was his first blanking since April 3, 2004, at Ottawa with Toronto - a span of 86 games. "This guy's unbelievable as far as taking care of his body, as far as stretching and understanding his body and knowing what he has to do," Panthers coach Jacques Martin said. "It's nice to see him get some results." Bouwmeester scored his ninth goal 16:16 into the second for the Panthers, who won for the third time in four games against Montreal this season. Cristobal Huet stopped 24 shots for the Canadiens, who lost their fourth in a row. Montreal is 8-15-1 since its season-high, five-game winning streak from Dec. 12-21. "It's like walking in quicksand. You take one step forward and three steps back," Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau said. "You have to work twice as hard to get somewhere. It seems like that's what we're doing right now." Kamil Kreps had a goal disallowed midway through the third for Florida. Referee Kerry Fraser immediately waved off what would have been Kreps' first NHL goal, ruling that Juraj Kolnik interfered with Huet. Montreal defenseman Sheldon Souray hit the left post during a long two-man advantage for the Canadiens, which was cut short by 20 seconds when captain Saku Koivu was sent off for tripping. Bouwmeester's goal was the first scored in two games between the teams in Montreal this season, ending a scoreless streak that lasted 101 minutes, 16 seconds. Huet and Florida's Alex Auld both got credit for shutouts in Montreal's 1-0 shootout win on Nov. 28. "Somehow we play pretty good defense against this team," Panthers captain Olli Jokinen said. "Both goalies played well. The first two periods we probably had better chances than they did and we managed to score that one goal. The third period, they got some chances and we took some penalties but Eddie was outstanding." Alex Kovalev didn't dress for the Canadiens because of an upper body injury. The Russian right wing was benched for most of the third period in Saturday's 5-3 loss to Ottawa. The Panthers had a 12-5 shots advantage in the first and finally broke through on Huet late in the second. Bouwmeester jumped on a lose puck in front of the crease and flipped it over the Canadiens goalie, who was sprawled along the ice. Montreal had a magnificent opportunity to draw even when Stephen Weiss was given a delay of game penalty for flipping the puck over the glass at 14:12. Alexei Semenov had gone off for hooking six seconds earlier. Souray, Montreal's leading scorer, had the best chance for a goal on the ensuing 5-on-3 power play but his point shot struck the left post. Notes: Kreps has one assist in nine games this season. ... Canadiens D Craig Rivet missed his third straight game. He is recovering from pneumonia and is expected to also sit out on Wednesday in New Jersey.

Hello Papercrafter’s Corner Friends! It’s almost Springtime and you know what that means, right? ✿ It’s time for growth and renewal✿ That has been especially true here at PaperCrafter’s Corner. We’ve been quietly focusing on new beginnings behind the scenes! Big Changes at PCC Friend, you and the rest of the PaperCrafter’s Corner papercrafting community have been a huge part of my life for the past 3 1/2 years. Can you believe I started PaperCrafter’s Corner in June 2009? Wow. Since then, the ups, downs, changes, expansions and learning experiences have been life changing. THANK YOU for being part of me & my life. Thank you for helping me create such a dynamic, positive and important resource for papercrafters! And now? It’s time for a new “head PCC cheerleader” to take over! It’s time for a new leader to bring her energy, excitement, scrapbook industry experience & business savvy to PaperCrafter’s Corner. Introducing Stephanie! Stephanie Hackney, an industry columnist and passionate paper crafter, is taking over PaperCrafter’s Corner! Stephanie and I have known each other both professionally and personally for several years and I feel very comfortable handing over the care and feeding of my ‘baby” to her as I move on to a new life chapter. She has tons of ideas to enhance the site for you and to provide you with more of the papercrafting information, inspiration and entertainment you love. In fact, if you’ve been reading our Facebook posts and checking out our pins over the last couple weeks, you’ve seen her in action already. Stephanie is super excited to get to know all of you and to bring even more cool stuff to the PaperCrafter’s Corner community. Stephanie’s Thoughts “Since the very beginning, I have admired Susan’s dedication to building such a valuable resource for papercrafters. It has been so fun to see her take her idea and bring it to life! She has worked tirelessly to ensure that visitors to the PaperCrafter’s Corner site (and associated social media pages) were always presented with valuable content, a positive experience, and a reason to return again and again. I know she has informed and entertained me, a passionate papercrafting addict and long-time industry participant. I intend to expand the PaperCrafter’s Corner offering by making necessary behind-the-scenes changes and enhancements (check the faster load speed on our site pages!) and adding both new functionality and new information based largely on what the PaperCrafter’s Corner community tells me it wants (yes, this is YOUR chance to make your voice heard – let me know what YOU want to find at PCC!). For you, our paper crafters extraordinaire, there will be more information, more entertainment, more inspiration and, hopefully, even more fun than what you’ve already experienced as a PaperCrafter’s Corner supporter! It is my goal to build on what Susan started and make the PaperCrafters’ Corner offering even better!” As you can imagine, handing over something I’ve poured my heart and soul into was no easy decision. But it was time. And, I do believe PaperCrafter’s Corner is in good hands! I look forward to seeing PCC grow and prosper further. I can’t wait to see where Stephanie takes you! So, what will I be doing now? I have taken on a wonderful new challenge as the Director of Marketing for OfficeZilla.com, an office supplies etailer with great prices & a fun, quirky attitude! Yes, all of the things I learned over the years from running PaperCrafter’s Corner are proving invaluable in my new career at OfficeZilla. For example, just part of my new duties include managing the wacky OfficeZilla blog, the OZ facebook page, and orchestrating promotions with industry product companies. I’d say PCC equipped me pretty well for this and more, wouldn’t you? Just wait till I try to get my new co-workers to pose for pix so I can scrapbook about my career change! LOL Thank you! Thank you again for everything you guys have done for me. It has been an amazing experience. This industry has provided so much joy for me and for so many others and it’s all because of the amazing people involved in it, people like you. I know you will support Stephanie and PaperCrafter’s Corner going forward! She’s shared a few of her plans with me and I think you guys are gonna be thrilled! Be sure to stay tuned to see the great things she has up her sleeve… If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the PaperCrafter’s Corner blog updates here, like PCC on Facebook, follow the PCC Pinterest boards, and engage with PCC on Twitter. (Steph is much more active on Twitter than I am, so PCC Twitter peeps stay tuned!) As a parting gift, check out my special offer below just for you! See you soon! ♥ Susan

Canon Fodder/2009-07-10 From Paragon Wiki - What’s the deal with Malaise? -. - How does the Fortunata Mind Link work, from a story perspective? Can they use it to telephatically communicate with each other? - Fortunata’s have a wide range of psychic abilities but they tend to be most powerful in the area of precognition. Their Mind Link is more like a psychic slide show than true telepathy, flashing future images into another mind. - In Arachnos, do the Arbiters (as a position) pre-date Recluse's rise to power? If so, do they consider themselves truly answerable to him (as their duty is to serve Arachnos itself). I mean sure they do as matter of course, but if they felt he was a threat to Arachnos itself... - Although the position of Arbiter existed before the current regime, the Arbiters were empowered by Lord Recluse to prevent the day to day disputes that are inevitable in an organization like Arachnos from becoming completely counterproductive. Lord Recluse and the Arbiters have a symbiotic relationship. They know that their untouchable status is in large part provided by the threat of Lord Recluse. On the other hand, the Arbiters strengthen Recluse’s position by mitigating internal threats. No one in Arachnos would casually choose to oppose Lord Recluse, and indeed he has never given them reason, but if the Arbiters united against him it would certainly be a conflict that would shake the Rogue Isles to their foundation. - How successful were the twenty-six* other Rikti invasion fleets compared to the Paragon City Fleet, and could you name a few locations the Rikti invaded besides Paragon City? - The other Rikti invasion fleets were causing massive damage and loss of life before Dr. Science’s plan (and Omega Team’s sacrifice) caused a full scale retreat. The destruction of the U.N. buildings in New York and Geneva were only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the other fleets activities. Rome, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Moscow, Mumbai, Mexico City, Tokyo, Cairo and Sao Paulo were other Rikti targets. - Do Rikti have "families" in the same sense that humans do? - Although many Rikti customs are based on their human ancestry, few of them exactly mirror our own due to their radically different path. However the Rikti definitely have concepts of love, friendship, and family even if they aren’t exactly the same as ours.

- 08 Page: 1708 Ms BURKE (Chisholm—Deputy Speaker) (11:47): I rise today to speak about Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2011-2012 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2011-2012. I do so with some excitement because some of the measures in this bill will go a long way to assisting with the introduction of the clean energy bills package—something quite welcomed in my seat. While I do not dispute the member for Barker's desire to represent his electorate and to speak forcefully for it, I am sick and tired of my constituency—people who live in the suburbs—being held to ransom and being told that we can no longer spend money in the suburbs. I hate to point it out to everybody, but that is actually where most people live! If you look at proportion of spend, that is where it goes. I can attest that in my years in opposition—all nine of them—the Howard government put no money into my electorate beyond normal program funding. I did not get one spend beyond that—not once. Being in a marginal seat, I always found it quite interesting that they were not trying to attract some votes by funding something. I used to try to get them to fund something in my seat so that they could claim it and we could have it done. But in the nine years of the Howard government where I was in parliament not one additional spend was made—not one sports centre, not one additional road upgrade and no extra money into my hospitals, which are two of the largest in the country. Now, under a Labor government, we have seen spending based on requirements and not just on vote buying. I also want to point out, in discussing these appropriation bills, the quite outrageous hypocrisy and inconsistency of the amendment moved by the member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb, of putting these expenditures on hold. This is at the same time, in the last couple of days of parliament, as we have had those opposite moaning that we have now finally passed the changes to the private health legislation to cap and means test the private health rebate. On the one hand, the opposition is telling us we cannot afford to spend money, but on the other hand they are trying to prevent the government of the day securing better outcomes in health by taking back a proportion of the money going towards private health funds. That money was in no way, shape or form assisting the health system of this country. I want to spend a bit of time on these inequities in the opposition's argument and some of the inconsistencies around the private health insurance rebate. A lot of people in my electorate take out private health insurance, and I commend them for that. I myself have private health insurance and understand how expensive it is. But putting a rebate into the private health system did nothing to repair the health system. Let us look at this: it was money going to an insurance scheme. It was not going to private hospitals; it was not going to patients; it was not going to doctors. It was going to private health funds, to insurance schemes. I said at the time the bills were introduced into the House by the Howard government many moons ago that this was inequitable. It was bad policy. Ask any health economist, any health expert. It was bad and flawed policy because, over time, more and more revenue from the health budget was going to prop up private health funds, insurance schemes. Surely if the coalition had wanted more people to take up private health insurance they would have made their schemes better. I am sure that all of you in this place have had to deal with family members and individuals going to hospital. In the last couple of years my family and I have had to deal with both the private and public systems on many occasions. Tragically, 12 months ago my father died. He spent an enormous amount of time in the public health system. We could not have asked for better care than the care he got. Given the procedure that he needed and the fact that he was then going to spend an awfully long time in ICU, he could only have got that care in the public system. He spent a lot longer in ICU than any of us would have desired and several months ago he unfortunately died. But it was not because of the health care he got in the public system. No private system could have provided that care. A couple of months later my mother ended up in a private hospital, where she was told: 'We can't do that procedure. We're going to put you in an ambulance and send you to a public hospital and we're going to charge you $500 for the joy of being here for the last couple of hours while we assessed that we cannot look after you.' She got nothing back from her private health fund. The inequities in the system are about how the system works, not about throwing more money at it. We have never gone to the crux of it: actually repairing the system. My son has had to undergo surgery on numerous occasions because he was born with fused fingers. This was a very odd thing, a very simple little thing, but I wanted my son to have fingers that he could eventually use. All of this surgery was performed by a private practitioner whom we chose but it was done within the public hospital system. Why? Because the surgeon wanted to perform the surgery at the Children's Hospital because that is where all the care and equipment are that were going to be needed if, touch wood, anything ever went wrong. It never did. But that is where the surgery happened. He could have had all that surgery in the public system and we could have chosen to go as public patients but we elected not to because we could afford not to. It would have been the same surgeon and the same team but we chose not to. We were asked on that day whether we wanted to go public or private. It is about the inequities in the system, not just throwing more money at it and propping it up. Health is a big issue in my electorate. A great proportion of my constituents take out private health cover. A lot of my constituents work in the medical sector. I have in my electorate two of the largest hospitals in the country. Many people from outside the electorate come to these hospitals. Members opposite probably have constituents who have come to Box Hill Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. Monash Medical Centre is a very big hospital that also has a private hospital within it, so it has the two systems working together. I also have Epworth Eastern, a great private hospital that works really well in conjunction with the public hospital across the road. I have some smaller private hospitals that do great work. I have amazing medical researchers at both Monash Medical Centre and Monash University. Health is a big thing in my area. It would probably be the largest employer after Monash University. It is a big issue and it plays an important part. But it is about funding it appropriately. Where should we fund this? I say propping up an insurance system is not the right way to go. Carol Bennett, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia, wrote in an interesting opinion piece: Contemporary health policy discussions are generally about vested economic interests competing within an antagonistic political system. While these ‘policy’ discussions impact directly on health consumers, they are rarely referenced to real health outcomes. Real health is about how we look after ourselves, our family and friends, our workplaces, our communities and our environments. It is about regulation and safety (seat belts, random blood alcohol testing, OHS, etc.), access to quality food and water and hygienic sanitation, access to preventative health. It is about exercise, nutrition and well-being. It is about belonging. It is about us. Discussions about our health care systems are usually about money and there is a compelling case for adopting this approach. Around 1 in 8 Australians are employed in the health sector, making it the largest employment sector in Australia— On the record, I flag a vested interest because my husband, as many of you may know, works within the health sector as a MICA paramedic. He also lectures at Monash University within that sector and I know it quite well. My father-in-law is a physician. I know there are a lot of people who work in the healthcare sector; I am quite related to it. I will go on with the article: It is also a sector that is growing at a much greater rate than most others—healthcare needs are expanding, as are community expectations from our ageing population to have access to the best possible care. Health is a remarkably resilient economic powerhouse in Australia and around the world. Almost all health policy creates economic winners and losers among the existing players. If a particular drug becomes much cheaper to consumers by being listed on our subsidised Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the drug manufacturer makes more money through increased sales. A higher Medicare rebate for certain procedures allows doctors to charge more and increase their income. Any Health Minister proposing cost saving changes to the health system is going to have to run a gauntlet of opposition from those who will lose money if the policy change is implemented. The article goes on to cite the situation under the last parliament when the then Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, tried to reduce the Medicare rebate for cataract surgeries. The article further states: Cataract surgery rebates is one example cited by Dr Tony Webber, the former head of the Medicare watchdog, the Professional Services Review, in the current edition of the Medical Journal of Australia. Dr Webber argues that billions of dollars of savings can be achieved if the government is prepared to take on vested interests across the health system. He is right. ... ... ... Vested economic interests in health care systems will always oppose any change that potentially reduces their income. Oppositions will usually seek to gain political capital by joining any chorus of disenchantment. Unfortunately these two forces currently seem to be the major drivers of our health care system. That is right. It is about the politics, not the health. What we need to get back to are good health outcomes. Let us actually talk about where money should be going: into good health outcomes. The majority of the consumer watchdogs have welcomed the changes to the private health rebate, and there are great needs within that. Many of the players within the sector have welcomed the change because it will put money back into the system, where it is needed, not propping up the rebate. Back in February 2009, the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association wrote: The $3.5 billion private health insurance (PHI) rebate needs further scrutiny in the light of advice from the Federal Treasury that it does not deliver value for money, according to the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). The AHHA is the peak national body representing public hospitals, area health services, community health centres and public aged care providers. AHHA has previously called for the PHI rebate to be evaluated to assess whether or not it represents the best use of scarce health resources ... Since the program was introduced by the Howard Government it has never been assessed against its objectives. This is despite the fact that many economists and other health experts have expressed serious concerns that it is an inefficient use of tax-payer funds. That is who is paying for this: the taxpayers. I am not talking about winners and losers or rich and poor. I think that is a spurious argument. I do not think it is about people subsidising others; it is about the best use of the money. It is about assessing where the health dollar can go. Again from the AHHA, yesterday: Means testing the rebate will result in a fairer use of public health funding and not impose any additional burden on public hospitals. AHHA has done extensive modelling on the impact of the proposal and found that only 15% of the insured population or about 1.53 million people will be affected by the changes. For this small group - the wealthiest in the community - their rebate will fall by between 10% and 20%. We know from past experience that price has relatively little effect on private insurance membership. For example, when the rebate was first introduced in 1999, membership grew by only 2% for every 10% reduction in price. The proposed reforms will simply reverse that for higher income people. At an average 14% increase in price, only 31,000 would now be expected to drop their private insurance. This estimation is almost identical to that reached independently by Treasury. Only a small proportion of those who drop it will ever appear in a public hospital setting. So it is about where the best bang for your buck can be found within health. In the short time remaining I would also like to put on the record what benefits my electorate has received from the changes the government has introduced. We have actually seen some infrastructure spending within Chisholm. I have been delighted to go to all of my school openings for the BER and the National School Pride program. I am going to go along very soon to Box Hill High School, where they have had a community partnership working together, to open the SATERN science block, which is a federally funded initiative. I had the delight of going to Ashwood College in my electorate, which was promised money by the Baillieu government. Tragically, Ashwood College has now been hit twice by arsonists and it has not been repaired after either of those fires. Whilst the state member for Burwood went to the election promising that the high school would be rebuilt, nothing has happened. Those children are being educated in an environment that is just appalling. The previous state government had committed the funds to build an entire new school on the site. That has now been scrapped. No money has been given. The only new building that has been opened on the site of Ashwood College is a new science wing built under the BER funding arrangement. It is a testament to what you can do in those schools. It will lift that school and it will help the community greatly. I have had the joy of going to all of my Catholic and private primary schools, who have welcomed, embraced and are incredibly grateful for this funding. It has allowed them to do things they would never have done. Particularly in the Catholic sector there is great appreciation for what has gone on and most of them say, 'We spent the money wisely. We don't know what all the fuss is about.' I have had money go to all of my state, private and independent schools. I have had money go into the two universities and the TAFE within my seat. This will help us into the future in this education space. I commend the bills to the chamber.

- Parliamentary Business - Senators & Williams, Sen John Pratt, Sen Louise (The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT) Carr, Sen Kim - Page 2074 - Party LP - Presenter - Status Final - Question No. - Questioner - Responder - Speaker Boyce, Sen Sue - Stage Second Reading - Type - Context BILLS - System Id chamber/hansards/2f8a0da6-da94-4ca8-a831-75ddcb7c554e/000874 Page: 2074 Senator BOYCE (Queensland) (11:07): After that contribution from Senator Sterle we cannot claim that the government is not singing from the same song sheet. They are singing the song of the politics of envy nonstop. That was perhaps one of the most malicious and revolting contributions I think I have heard in this chamber. In case Senator Sterle was not aware, most large businesses started out as small businesses. Let us look at the transport industry and Lindsay Fox's business and Sir Peter Abeles' business. They were people who started out and used their own intelligence and their own sheer hard physical labour to create something big and worthwhile and profitable. And guess what? They used those profits to pay wages and to build their companies—to invest in more products, more technology and more research. That is what small businesses do in this country, but they certainly will not be able to under this disgusting government. I was rather hoping that after the fracas, the latest little effort of Ms Gillard and Mr Rudd, had settled down and we finally worked out who the Prime Minister was it would mean the government would get on with government. But it has not. The same song of mismanagement and envy just goes on and on. Today I have been reviewing the report done by the Senate Economics Committee on the minerals resource rent tax and two other reports that are going to come down today—one on the personally controlled e-health records and one on the MySuper legislation. With each of them, you do not have to read our dissenting reports to realise how poorly managed they are, what a mishmash there is with the lack of negotiation and 'Oops, we got that wrong; we'd better change that.' A litany of mistakes applies to every one of these reports. You can read the government report. The only thing that is missing at the end of every one of the government's reports—with this long litany of a lack of consultation, a lack of understanding, poor timing and poor leadership—is 'and so we need to fix it'. This government limps along trying to put bandaids on whenever they discover 'Oh goodness, we can't even try to pretend that we'll put that through!' These bills relating to the minerals resource rent tax are a classic example of what this government do not know about business and will never know about business—and one hopes they will be out of government before they destroy any opportunities there are for business. Let us look, for example, at Senator Sterle's laughable comment that 'there aren't small miners'. Just because you have six zeros on the company balance sheet does not mean you are big; it means that you are in an industry that requires very deep and long-term investment to make a profit. And that is what the people in the mining industry in Australia have done over centuries. We are very lucky in Australia. This government is extraordinarily lucky that the mining industry and the profits from the mining industry are currently masking their extraordinary ineptitude. It beggars belief that this government cannot even recognise that what they are doing is destroying their own golden goose. The only thing that will keep them in government is good profits from the mining industry—because they are just useless at anything else. Let us look, for example, at the profit mark of $75 million. I first made these comments in relation to the BAS. We have this wonderful view that, if someone makes a $1 billion profit, we have to get in there and rip it from them. A $1 billion profit can be a huge profit or it can be quite a small profit. We should not be talking about the profit, we should be talking about the return on investment. If you have invested $1 billion and made $1 million you have not really done very well, it is not a large return on investment. To have set an actual figure of $75 million is the most bizarre, fiscally irresponsible and completely ignorant way to approach this legislation. Why $75 million? As Senator Sterle said, if is $74.9 million you are all right. It will not matter whether you have invested $150 million or $10 billion to make that $75 million, you will still pay the tax. How bizarre, how completely outside any reality, any assessment. One of the biggest issues, of course, is that mining expenditure is the cost a miner incurs in bringing the taxable resources to the valuation point—and the government still has not quite worked out how they are going to deal with the market issues they have developed there. In my own state of Queensland we are very lucky to have a strong flow of royalties from the mining industry—not just coal but particularly in the coal area with the Surat and Bowen basins. Nine per cent of Queensland government revenue currently comes from state royalties. But this is the boom, this is as good as it gets with getting money out of the mining industry. Everyone assumes that it will steady and then, over the next 50 or 60 years, begin to taper. Queensland is getting its cut, particularly out of the coal industry and many other industries, and they get nine per cent in royalties. So, Senator Sterle, while we are looking at how well Labor governments perform, you might want to ask: is the Queensland government in surplus? No, they are not in surplus. Have they had a downgrade of their credit rating in the last three years? Senator Williams: Yes, yes! Senator BOYCE: Yes, they have. So here we have an example yet again of how well Labor governments can perform if they have got good— Senator Sterle interjecting— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Pratt ): Senator Sterle, come to order so that Senator Boyce may continue. Senator Boyce, you have the call. Senator BOYCE: I am not quite sure what Senator Sterle is talking about. The coal seam gas industry will be a major contributor to Queensland's economy and has been a steady contributor to Queensland's economy for 50 years, Senator Sterle. Certainly there needs to be a balance, and thank goodness from next Saturday there will be an economically responsible government in Queensland under the premiership of Campbell Newman that will actually get the balance right between the development of coal seam gas and the protection of farm and food production areas. That may well be beyond the wit of Senator Sterle and his colleagues, but it is not beyond the wit of the LNP government that will be installed in Queensland next Saturday. It is hard to think of a worse way to have gone about developing this legislation than the way this government has. We had the old super resource tax under former Prime Minister Rudd. A bizarre 287 pages of new tax law is what we have got out of this. As I said earlier, the introduction of the market valuation scheme to calculate applicable deductions gives the big three companies a significant tax shield that is not available to small- and mid-tier mining companies. There are small- and mid-tier mining companies. Every industry is relative. Certainly, if we are talking about milk bars, there are small milk bars and large milk bars, Senator Sterle, in the same way there are small mining companies and large mining companies. You would think that this government would be pleased that every one of those small mining companies is working assiduously to try to turn into a large mining company. That is what Australia's prosperity and the availability of jobs is based on. It is based on individuals who have worked furiously to go from being sole traders in many cases through to being national and multinational companies and there is nothing wrong with doing that. I must admit I was somewhat appalled by Senator Sterle's suggestion that apparently Ms Rinehart cannot have friends. The fact that both Senator Joyce and Mr Schultz have written to her children is on the public record. Senator Sterle interjecting— Senator BOYCE: It would have been better, you are dead right Senator Sterle, if all those family problems had stayed out of the spotlight and I think your contribution to keeping them out of the spotlight was hypocritical to say the very least. But what is the suggestion? Is it that Ms Rinehart cannot have friends? What is the suggestion? Is it that Mr Forrest and Mr Palmer cannot make the same attempts to— Senator Sterle interjecting— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Pratt ): Order, Senator Sterle, Senator Boyce has the call. Senator BOYCE: Every individual in Australia is entitled to do what they can to affect government policies, especially when they think it is wrong—every individual. I know Mr Craig Thomson and his mates certainly tried very hard. If you look at the Your Rights at Work campaign, I think we are talking here about a little more than some of the donations that Mr Palmer has made to the LNP. To suggest that making a donation is somehow equivalent to bribing people is a disgusting, dishonest comment to make, particularly given that we are talking here about individuals. These donations are well known and any results thereof are well documented so that you have a transparent and accountable system not like the insidious, incestuous relationship between the Labor Party and the unions where there is no accountability and Fair Work Australia apparently has to learn to read before they can work out how to produce a report sometime hopefully before the next election, although the likelihood of that, I would think, is very small. I want to go back and mention the superannuation legislation and the so-called company tax cut that the government has tried to attach to the mining tax. They are not tax cuts; they are tax cons. In fact, if you look at some of the figures that have been produced recently over the weekend, you would have noticed an analysis that shows that, in the end, both the super changes and the company tax cuts will cost money because employers will end up in a negative situation. I would like to just remind the Senate what the Henry tax review said about the superannuation guarantee rate. It said:. This is the government's own review, the Henry review of taxation, which said 'Leave it at nine per cent; don't change it.' We could ask Senator Sterle perhaps what Machiavellian movement went on behind the scenes because, when you think about it, who wanted a 12 per cent superannuation rate? Gee, who was that? Was that the union movement that was pushing for that, especially funded by people outside the wages system. 'Let's go find someone rich and get some money out of them' so that we can increase the superannuation guarantee above the rate that that Henry tax review says it needs to be to give people adequate incomes. The coalition supports a reduction in the company tax rate. We do not support the mishmash, piecemeal approach yet again that this government is taking. 'What does it matter? We've distorted so many markets now' is the Labor government's mantra. 'What does it matter if we distort a few more? Let's go for a tax cut for small business and just ignore everybody else for a bit longer.' It beggars belief and causes me great distress that this government might be in power for another 12 months. It is really worrying what else they can damage or destroy in that time. As I have said, the mining industry—and Treasurer Swan loves looking at averages—is the only thing that is masking the serious problems in manufacturing, in retail, in services, in building in Australia. Senator Sterle interjecting— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Pratt ): Senator Boyce has the call. Senator Sterle, come to order. Senator BOYCE: I am not sure which ideal little world Senator Sterle lives in, but most consumers when faced with a $50 Australian-made product and a $30 made-in-China product—Senator Sterle, do you know what happens? In most cases, they buy the made-in-China products, Senator Sterle. I think you need to go back to the bottom of this before you start worrying about where the wages come from. I know from personal experience that vast numbers of manufacturers are now importing some of their product. It was that or go out of business. Would that have been preferable in Senator Sterle's view? Because when he finds the consumers who are prepared to pay between 30 and 80 per cent more for a product so that they can buy an Australian-made product that will be fantastic. Vast numbers of products have to be imported because of the competition in the industry, and perhaps Senator Sterle should even look at the truck manufacturing business: Senator Sterle, how many of those are made here right now and used? Senator Kim Carr: Quite a lot! Senator BOYCE: Quite a lot, Yes, we must be over 15 per cent, are we, Senator Carr? It beggars belief that this government would continue in area after area to not give a damn about business and growing business to simply say, 'Wow, $75 million!' Irrespective of what that means as a return on investment, it does not matter. It does not matter if it is a one per cent return on investment or a 100 per cent return on investment, but 'Wow, if it's $75 million, you must be rich. You must be a really rich company, so we'll go and rip some money off you. We'll continue to distort the market even more.' Never mind that mining companies already pay high rates of corporate tax and pay the royalties to the states. Never mind that there is a legal question over whether the federal government can even tax what is state property: the coal and iron ore profits. The Gillard government mining tax is divisive, complex, unfair, fiscally irresponsible and distorting. It reduces our international competitiveness and was developed through a highly flawed and improper process. It will damage our economy. It will in the long term be the sort of retrograde and extraordinarily inept process that we have come to expect from this government.

“The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could yet be an unlikely foundation for peace” (pontificates idiotically The Economist’s “Old battles, new Middle East“). More prosaically, anti-missile systems were tested. Iron Dome intercepted 425+ Gaza missiles. There cannot be peace in the Middle East, as long as Islam is the dominant system of mood. Islam started as an anti-Jewish machine: Muhammad turned against his hosts, who had inspired him, and massacred an entire tribe in mostly Jewish Yathrib (thereafter to be called Medina, the second most sacred city in Islam). Faithfully following Roman and Roman Catholic genocidal fascism, Islam put its foot on Jerusalem’s bloodied face, insulting it as the third most sacred city in Islam: In 1217 CE, Spanish Rabbi Judah al-Harizi found the sight of the Muslim fortifications on the Jewish Temple Mount profoundly disturbing. “What torment to see our holy courts converted into an alien temple!” Jerusalem had been the capital of various Jewish states for about 2,000 years. 2,000 years prior to the invention of Islam. Islam has no less than two mosques on top of the most sacred place of Judaism. Those mosques were built (late 8th C), 13 (yes, thirteen) centuries after the destruction of the first Jewish temple by the Babylonians. It’s worse than rising mosques on top of a razed Notre Dame, while calling Paris the fourth most sacred city in Islam. Muhammad is supposed to have taken flight from there, the Jewish Temple mount, in an apparent imitation of the thoroughly undocumented Christ (many turkeys fly from the same spot). The vampire gorged on blood takes flight from the neck of its victim. Islam was also an anti-Western war machine, and, as long as it functions as a dominant mode of thinking of Middle Earth, and the West has not been defeated, there will be war. We have plenty of (sacred) statements in the Hadith about attacking the West deliberately. Bukhari is the second most authoritative source in Islam after the Qur’an: “He heard the Prophet saying, ‘Paradise is granted to the first batch of my followers who will undertake a naval expedition.’ The Prophet then said, ‘The first army amongst my followers who will invade Caesar’s City will be forgiven their sins.’” [Bukhari:V4B52N175] So much for Islam being a religion of peace. Muslims sieged Constantinople three times: 674-678 CE, 717-718 CE, and 1453 CE. On August 28, 846 CE an Arab army invaded Rome by surprise, and took over the Vatican. Yes, the Muslims succeeded where Hannibal had failed. One never talks about it, prefering to call attention to Hannibal and the Crusades, always (an obvious bias in context building!). This attack on Rome was no joke: the Frankish army holding north-west Rome and the Vatican was killed to the last man. The Muslims in and around Rome were repelled after hard fighting over several months, by Frankish relief armies. Arab invasions rolled over Europe for 1,000 years, coming not far from Paris more than once, sieging Vienna, twice, occupying Saint Tropez, much of Provence, Switzerland, Greece, much of Italy, for decades, sometimes centuries… Exerting their obnoxious oppression all along (non Muslims were strongly discriminated against, in many ways, and had to submit, lest they would be summarily executed; marks on clothing akin to the Nazis’ yellow star had to be worn by the non Muslims; Muslim warriors could grab maidens and decide that was a “battlefield marriage” [institutionalized rape] but non Muslims men could not marry a Muslim, something true to this day, etc.). .’“ [Bukhari:V4B52N267] “Umar [the Second Caliph].’” [Bukhari:V4B53N386] It’s all about the luxurious life: be a martyr, and luxury is yours, you greedy murderous ones! It’s not me parodying Islam saying this. It’s the most sacred texts of Islam defining Islam thus. Notice the quotes are long, their contexts clear. But we have to be careful: nowadays, just describing the Prophet, as he is described in the Qur’an and the Hadith, is viewed as a grave insult against the prophet, even if all and any Muslim scholars know these very things are the basics of the Islamist faith. In other words, Islamist “scholars” view Islam as an insult against islam, as long as it is described by non Muslims. For all the pillow talk about peace in the Middle East, Islam is the pachyderm from hell breathing over the bed in the room above the whispering lovers. The Middle East has not yet been separated from its local, plutocratic friendly, superstition, Islam. Islam, as it is, truly, not as it is hoped to be by pseudo-progressives who have made a business model from mouthing wishful thinking, as a form of soft intellectual fascism. Let’s all read the Qur’an, line by line. It’s only 80,000 words, everybody, even pseudo-progressives, with their tiny brains, could do it. Maybe too busy self caressing pseudo-progressives are? What do we see in the Qur’an? A repetitive litany of lethal or abusive orders (from God, no less!) many victimizing people who are accused of misinterpreting God, such as the Jews, Christians, ill defined “unbelievers”, etc. Apparently unsatisfied with murderously intolerant fanaticism, the Qur’an is clearly not friendly to democracy. Allah wants the faithful to obey whoever detains power: “O Ye Who Believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger and OBEY THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE IN POWER.” (Sura 4; verse 59).” Thus the Qur’an makes fascism part of worship. No wonder all leaders in Islamist countries become dictators (even Erdogan in Turkey is trying his best). Thus Islam or democracy and peace? That is the question in the Middle East, still stuck in theocracy, 13 centuries and going strong. *** WHEN EUROPE WAS UNDER THE SPELL OF WOULD BE CHILD ASSASSIN ABRAHAM, IT WAS NOT PRETTY EITHER: Superstition going crazy is not confined to the Middle East. Europe has know two phases of murderous insane superstitionism. The first religious madness put an end to Romanitas, an ill fated, all too restrictive society that could survive only by ever augmenting its fascism, while fragmenting into mini tyrannies from local plutocrats. Diseased Romanitas was replaced by the more advanced Frankish philosophy which included in the power structure of society Jews, Pagans, women, all sorts of Germans, Romans, and even the ex-slaves. The ugly oppression of the Abrahamic religion went into an eclipse that lasted six centuries. (Nothing symbolized it better than the nationalization of the church by Charles Martel around 730 CE!) However, the Crusades allowed Abraham to rise its ugly snout again. The cult of a child molester does the plutocratic mood wonders. One Crusade, in France, killed one million. One million French. Or more. For five or six centuries plutocrats, hiding behind Abraham’s throat cutting ways, were at each others’ throats. The Europe was torn by terrible religious wars over a century centered on 1600 CE. France had no less than eight religious wars at the end of the 16th Century. Some of these wars caused the death of more than 30% of the population. Before weapons of mass destruction. Finally central governments won the struggle, and took over, re-birthing (re-naissance) the Roman style command and control. The religious murderous madness was stopped when religion got defanged, and rigorously separated from the state, while the Republic became the ruling religion. Not yet the case in the Middle East… Except for Israel (paradoxically). *** CLASH OF A SUPERSTITION WITH CIVILIZATION: Make no mistake: between Israel and the Arabs, at this point, it is still a religious war. No peace is possible as long as temple based terrorism lurks above. The Economist, in an orgasm of naivety, urges Obama to do something about Israel and Palestine. But what to do against superstition and fanaticism? It’s a philosopher’s task. The best one can expect from Obama is Machiavellism. And we are getting some. Obama is right to not squander his time splitting superstitious hair in a finer way than the fanatical participants already do. Obama got involved, sure. Obama very wisely decided that the USA would finance most of the Iron Dome (in exchange for a technology transfer!). It was wise. Iron Dome, and the coming David Sling will do more to calm down fascism, than soothing words of debasing appeasement. Once democracy, the people, rules, there will be peace. But the people has existed for a million years, and the Republic is its basic religion, its basic atavism. No objective observer can say it is compatible with burning people for all the litany of reasons found in the Qur’an. Seven centuries ago, in Egypt, interpreting the Qur’an literally was punished with imprisonment. Time to reboot that, if peace is really what one is after. *** QUR’AN BAD, BIBLE WORSE: SO? The Economist published my comment above. The anonymous L6QjhvJGVk in reply to Tyranosopher Nov 23rd, came up with a number of interesting quotes of the Bible. Said he: “Although I am not religious (as an agnostic), the Koran is very mild compared to the Bible.” Right, L6QjhvJGVk, but the Bible does not have more than a billion fanatical followers, today. Literal Bible reading is mostly a problem confined to places in Russia, the USA and Israel. One can spit all day long on the Bible, and burn it with gusto. All that will happen is that one will not be taken seriously. But in Muslim lands, it’s quite the opposite, one is taken all too seriously. Doing symbolic violence to the Qur’an hate book may get you executed. Once somebody was condemned to death, in a Muslim country, for having said something unbecoming about Jesus (!), a prophet of Islam. Even in countries such as France, supposedly philosophically enlightened, there is a dangerous confusion between criticizing a religion, and racial hatred (are the somewhat Christianophobic, such as me, hating the Christian race?). This legal confusion has had very practical, very disastrous consequences. It enabled the growth of Muslim Fundamentalism of the lethal type, because criticizing the Qur’an, arguably a hate book if there ever has been one, has been equated to racism. Thus Quranic violence was made into something sacred. It is a bit of a paradox that it is honorable to kill bin Laden, but not to trash his ideas! In contrast, I believe that the best way to kill inferior ideas is with superior ideas. L6QjhvJGVk Bible and Jewish quotes are reproduced in the comments (however, within them L6QjhvJGVk exhibits plain anti-Judaism, Nazi style, as he evokes a word Hitler used, “genetic” in derogatory relation to the Jews, showing an emotional anti-Jew slant). *** Left and Right. in reply to L6QjhvJGVk Nov 23rd, 09:23 observed: “There is no comparison [between following the Bible and being submitted to the Qur'an]. The Bible is advisory and there are no penalties to deny or question it. Islam requires a total belief in the whole of the Koran as directly written by Allah. To question it or to deny it is apostasy the penalty for which is death. This can tend to remove the chance to discuss things rationally. The poor performance, educationally, socially and economically of Muslims is, I believe hindered by the absolving of personal responsibility with the need to suffix every statement with Inshallah, if God wills it, in my experience he seldom does. My Muslin dentist tells me the world in 6000 years old, as stated in the Koran – well this could explain the dearth of Nobel Scientific awards to Muslims. Oh for the enlightenment!” I agree 100% with Left and Right. Except that the Roman emperors, even before Theodosius, imposed Catholic terror (loosely based on the New Testament). The reason for constant Muslim civil wars of the worst type is precisely that to question the other believer’s interpretation of the Qur’an or to deny it is apostasy, as far as the other believer is concerned, the penalty for which is death. Hence the total intolerance of Muslim: just draw a guy with a turban, call it Muhammad, see what happens. You may not have time to put it below foot. Thus the Dome of the Rock’s location is a well understood insult. *** Attendant Lord in reply to L6QjhvJGVk Nov 23rd: “You overlook that the portions of these religious books that reflect values from another time are dead as a doornail in Judaism and in Israel, a modern state with modern values, and alive and well under Islamist states, whose leadership believes that it should all be kept alive, just as it was written.” *** Thank you L6QjhvJGVk, for rolling out barbarity from the Bible, there are never enough rivers of obnoxious data flowing to nourish the humanistic, progressive ocean! The Abrahamic religion has to be crushed always. A state came up with the following law: “The safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God.” Those who disagree are to be sent to jail 12 months. That’s the law since before 2006, when the Supreme Court of that state refused to consider its constitutionality. So it is in Kentucky, USA. If the Abrahamists, with their psycho god, are not crushed there, they will grow under the sign of the beast, and eat civilization up, as they did in the East. As when Bush brandished Qur’an and Bible to bring the true faith to Iraq (in his self described “crusade“). Islamism is just a variant, an heresy of Judaism, somewhat desertified, somewhat Christianized, somewhat modernized. So if the Bible is really bad, it’s only natural that the Qur’an would be so too. Since the latter mostly apes the former. (The holly Qur’an can be innovative, though: Apparently Muhammad conceived of stem cells, demonstrating how wise he was! Qur’an Surah 4, Verse 56: “Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses – We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment again. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.”) As a self declared follower of the Abrahamic religion, the Prophet venerated the Bible, and his beef with the Jews was that they did not follow the Bible rigorously enough. That the Bible was grotesquely dangerous, and immoral, interpreted literally has been known since the birth of Christianity. Wrote Augustine: Title of Book III, Chapter 5 of his famous City of God”. “It Is A Wretched Slavery Which Takes The Figurative Expressions of Scripture in A Literal Sense.” In spite of this, Augustine was the first theoretician of the dispersal of the Jews out of Israel, thus causing their departure, followed by their subsequent return… Of course Augustine (around 400 CE) was following emperor Hadrian’s decrees against the Jews, like the dog follows his master. After the second Jewish revolt, in 132 CE, the Romans defeated the Jewish army in 135 CE. Thereupon, Jerusalem, the capital of he Jews, was turned into a Greco-Roman city called Aelia Capitolina. A temple of Jupiter was built on top of the Jewish Temple, razed by the Romans. Thus the idea of putting the enormous Dome of the Rock in place of the Temple is a Roman fascist idea that has become sacred to Muslims! In other words, of Rome, Muslims worship the worst. Another troubling fact, is that the Temple Mount is also considered to be Mount Zion. does that mean that, by worshipping the Dome of the Rock (roughly the oldest mosque), Muslims are Zionists? In some sense? Emperor Hadrian forbid to the Jews to live in Jerusalem. Hadrian changed the country’s name from Judea to Syria Palestina. United Nations, version 135 CE. However, these atrocious facts over which the otherwise much esteemed Hadrian presided, got to be known, and taken for what they were, in the fullness of time: genocide. By 1948 CE, the United Nations, a sort of modernized Rome (before the Roman Republic became an outright imperium), decided to undo the horror visited by Hadrian, and more or less enforced ever since. Actually the UN followed a Roman precedent. Emperor Julian, philosopher and critique of the monstrosity of the rule of Catholicism, had ordered the RECONSTRUCTION of the Jewish Temple in 360 CE (earthquakes, and Christian fanaticism, including the assassination of Julian, prevented the work to proceed!) So here we are. In the last seven years, the Palestinians have fired nearly 7,000 rockets at Israel, killing 51 Israelis, and losing nearly 3,200 of their own. “Israel is gaining time… cutting the grass“, as Israelis put it. The time Israel did not have in 132-135 CE. History never dies. Only armies do. Why don’t Muslims eat pigs? The first order explanation, like for most things Muslim is that, so it was in the Bible, and Muslims follow the Bible, when in doubt. More sophisticated was Maimonides, the Jewish philosopher under the Caliphate, physician to Saladin in the Twelfth Century. He understood the dietary laws chiefly as keeping the body healthy. The meat of the forbidden animals, birds, and fish was indigestible, according to Maimonides. However this does not apply to pork, he observed. But pigs are more dirty than human latrines, so had to be avoided, he obviated. A beauty of Islam is that it has no centralized authority as far as what it truly says. As the Qur’an is very small, it has been supplemented by all sorts of books and gossip, the Sunnah and Hadith being the most prominent. Muslims tend to kill each other, because they differ about the authors of Hadith who are viewed as reputable. Or by how seriously they take this and that gossip (= “reputable authority“, a frequently used notion in Islam scholarship). On top of that, local traditions have their own little stories. Once I asked a knowledgeable woman in Africa, a Muslim religious authority, why Muslims did not eat pigs. She told me a story I have never come across again. She told me that once Muhammad and his army, in a forest, got very thirsty. Then they saw a pig. They followed it until it reached water. Thereafter, a grateful Muhammad ordered his followers to give pigs a chance. The surrealism of it all left me speechless. So some black Africans hold that Muslims follow the one who followed the pig? It’s unlikely that blindly following the One who followed the pig will give peace a chance, because he gave pigs a chance. The fascist instinct, that is, following The One, in this case a long dead analphabet raider, blindly, is exactly the opposite of peace, pigs or no pigs. Yesterday’s god, like yesterday’s history, is senile, incoherent, repetitive, and dangerous. Time to break the cycle. Otherwise, there is an Iron Dome to show you. *** Patrice Ayme

Smores Mini Cupcakes. I love s’mores - especially on a summer night at a beach bonfire surrounded by old friends. Theres just something about the delectable combination of melted chocolate and marshmallow with a graham cracker. When the opportunity arose to bake something for a holiday party, I immediately thought of s’mores mini cupcakes: Adapted from Martha Stewart. Makes 3 1/2 dozen mini cupcakes For the Chocolate - Graham Cracker Cupcake: Ingredients: 1 cup + 1/8 cup sugar 1 cup all purpose flour 3/8 cup cocoa powder 3/4 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 large egg 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup boiling water 10 squares graham crackers, crumbed 1/4 cup butter, melted Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini cupcake pan with mini cupcake liners and set aside. 2. Sift 1 cup sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer. Fitted with the paddle attachement, mix together. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture on low speed and mix just until combined, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and continue to mix for another 2 minutes. Add boiling water and whisk by hand to avoid any splashing. 4. In a separate bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/8 sugar. Using a tsp., spoon one tsp. into each cupcake liner and push down lightly with the back of the teaspoon. 5. Bake graham cracker lined cupcakes in oven for about 5 minutes. 6. Remove from oven and add chocolate cupcake batter 3/4 full in each cupcake. Sprinkle cupcakes with remaining graham cracker crumbs. Bake for 15 minutes, until a toothpick tester comes out clean. For the Marshmallow Frosting: Ingredients: 2 egg whites, at room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: 1. Place egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in the heatproof mixing bowl of an electric stand mixer. Hold over a saucepan with simmering water and whisk by hand for about 3 minutes until sugar melts and is no longer grainy between the fingertips. 2. With electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachement, whisk starting at low speed and gradually increase to high. Whisk until stiff peaks form. This will take about 7 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix just until combined. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star or french tip. Assembly: Using a piping bag, ice the marshmallow onto cooled cupcakes. Using a blow torch, torch the top to mimik lightly melted marshmallow. Add a mini marshmallow to garnish and serve! Don’t be fooled by the seemingly long list of ingredients. This is actually an easy recipe and if you have a large measuring cup, you can mix the wet ingredients all in that measuring cup so this whole recipe is actually like a one bowl cupcake. This is sure to impress.

A few minutes ago, one of my Twitter friends asked a really great question. My answer actually surprised me. A lot. Having grown up in extreme poverty, I’ve always almost worn it on my sleeve with a profound sense of pride. Mostly because I was able to do things everyone said I couldn’t. I was/am proud of my accomplishments. I overcame a lot to get to a place of comfort. Not riches, mind you, just comfort. Because of many other things that happened in my life, I never pursued money. I pursued knowledge. And the price of big paychecks never appealed to me. I’ve never respected people with money. In fact, I have a lot of disdain for them–which has both served me and gotten in my way. A few years back, after thinking I’d left that old life behind–that I was finally stable and could breathe–I had some major financial setbacks. It was every worst nightmare I’d ever had since crawling out of all of it. I didn’t think I’d survive it. It tore up my entire sense of identity. But, in a strange way, it also rebuilt it and made me a lot better at working and staying true to me. I was really fortunate to get back on my feet, and I found a new confidence I never thought I had. I became unshakably convinced that I could survive anything. And it also made me rethink the things I used to think about work and money. ### For me, money has always been a necessary evil. I’ve often wished for more so life would be less complicated. I have conflicting views about work and its connection to money. For my parents, and my grandparents, money was a means to an end. It meant we survived or we didn’t. Lacking money meant suffering indignities and working harder than most people could imagine. Work was the way to get money. It didn’t matter what you did–just that you did something that brought in enough to pay the bills. On-time. That’s it. Work was not your life. It was not something you did into the wee hours. It was not worthy of overtime or mental anguish. It was getting up every day at 6 am, leaving at 7 am, and coming home at 5 pm. You didn’t make friends with your co-workers. You endured it. That’s it. And when you left, that’s when your real life began. Simple. I was never of that school. For me, money meant I got what I needed. It meant I could learn. It meant I was exposed to people and places and things I’d never see if I didn’t have money. You worked to get money, sure–but working hard was also payment…in an odd way. Work meant approval. It meant exploring ideas and seeing what your talents were. It meant being seen. I’ve never really liked work, but masochist that I am–I really like working once I’m stuck there. I find myself having a good time, in spite of all of it. It doesn’t really matter what it is. I like challenges. Mostly, I like doing things. No one has to tell me what to do. If I’m there, I’ll work hard. It’s who I am. If I’m loyal to you–if you’ve been kind–I will run myself into the ground to help you. If you’ve disrespected me, I’ll work as hard as a normal person–but trust that it’s not my normal–and you could get a lot more if you just said thank you. My mother used to say I care too much. About what others think of me. About what I’m doing and what it all means. About the things things aren’t. I don’t like doing just anything. I like to know why. If I can connect to it, I’m happy. If I feel like a robot, I’m not. I’ve struggled most of my life to find my calling. That right thing that would fill me up. That thing that wouldn’t feel hard. That thing that would pay my bills without stealing my life. I’ve made mistakes in this. I’ve compromised too much, only to believe too much in things that weren’t mine. Only to stumble into things that made sense. And then compromise for the meantime because there is always more work to do before I’m at the top of the stairs. A girl’s gotta eat. And not die. I don’t know what the answers are for me. I’d like to think I do, and that I’m doing them. I am not ashamed of my past poverty–or even afraid of it anymore–though it took me a very long time to be able to say that. And that poverty? Well, it still lives inside me and can cut me sometimes if I’m not careful. Poverty can trick you into thinking you’re something you’re not. And it can make others believe it too. I’m still amazed by how insidious it is. It is not noble to be poor. Sometimes, I think I thought that. That I was somehow a better person just for that reason. But, I’ve learned there are some nice rich folk with morals who aren’t so bad. Though I probably will judge them when I first meet them. There is nothing wrong with money or having enough. There is nothing wrong with admitting being poor is terrifying, and you’d rather have money. Because it opens doors and gives you choices. I will admit that. I’d never exchange my life for some rich person’s. I gained so much knowledge of human nature and myself. But I wish it would have been easier for my Mama. I wish all of it wasn’t so hard and didn’t linger like moldy cheese. I wish I could help people who are in the situation I used to be in. I don’t believe in either/or anymore. I don’t believe that work is everything or nothing. I believe, maybe foolishly, that I can work hard and still take a lunch break. And it will be okay. Though a past me probably objects. Vehemently. I don’t believe I have to hate my job to earn a living if it’s not my purpose. I think you can do things just because you need to, and it’ll be okay. But if you set yourself up to hate it, you absolutely will. I believe that–if something really does matter to you–but pays you nothing and doesn’t take care of you–it’s probably not what you’re meant to do. And if it really is something you’re meant to do–you will find a way to use it to meet your needs. Sometimes, it takes time and creativity. And working 14 hour days. But you can change what your life is like. You just have to figure out what the needs are and ask the Universe to meet them. ### I say all of this at the end of one of the worst weeks of my professional life. I’m working a job to get me somewhere else. And I don’t mind it–or, at least, I haven’t minded it for the better part of a couple years. But life changes, and you find yourself elsewhere–and you have to change, too. All of this stuff lands on you when you’re not standing up inside yourself. And, for many reasons, I haven’t been. But I did yesterday and today. And I changed things inside myself and rethought this in between. And let’s just say more change is coming. And it may actually surprise me. And it may make the rest of it make sense. I had the urge earlier today to write something in tribute to my Mama. To tell you about her. But haven’t I been doing that every single day since she left me? I had the urge to write a letter to her. But what more can I say–what can I say that I haven’t said already? And how, exactly, do you convey how important someone’s existence was to you? I don’t know. For me, there is not intentional anything here. Every moment of my life, I simply live it: a humble–yet healthy–dose of gratitude for that woman who fought for me every single day of my life–even before she knew I could exist. I could tell you all these stories about her–stories that would make you love her in some weaker way than I do. Because who could love her more than me? I could describe all the million things I loved about her. But, some ways, that would diminish her. My life, truth be told, is just one big conversation with–about–for–her. I guess that’s all I really need to say. The weekend is slowly inching away, and I’m already feeling Monday’s unwanted arrival. I’m a little exhausted. Yesterday was my first real “outing” since my surgery–other than medical appointments. We ended up in my old neighborhood–for a breakfast of banh mi and mango boba. Then, to one of the local Asian markets for boba I can make myself, at home (since I’ve been craving them so much lately). I can’t really walk long distances or stand for long periods of time right now, so I ended up eating my food in the parking lot–people-watching–while J went in. I’ve been missing home for a while now. It’s been worse since my surgery. That feeling of familiarity and comfort is what seems to motivate it. It was nice to sit in the parking lot–watching a little boy doing tai chi…an old man–all bent over–conversing with his daughter in Vietnamese…and the people driving insane hoopties through the parking lot. Such a departure from the life I have been living–where everyone is so generic and mannered. It was nice to feel the breeze on my face–even if I couldn’t browse the huge tea aisle or spend hours trying to identify obscure products. We then went up to Boulder, for the farmer’s market, and got stuck in traffic. At first, we thought it was the construction on 36–or maybe graduation weekend–but then noticed the traffic got better after we passed a bunch of cows. We joked that everyone was slowing down to look at all the cows. Welp–as it turns out–these were fugitive cows on the lam. Boulder was crowded. Even with many of the students gone. It was a gorgeous day. I got a tie-dye bandana. Because: Boulder. We stopped at Pekoe for more boba–jasmine milk tea this time–my current fave. And then, we went to Estes–stopping at the pie store for cherry pie–as always–hoping the sky would stop with the rain. It rained a lot yesterday–but mostly off and on, with rainbows. Despite Trail Ridge’s closure, we had a pretty good time–touring some burn areas and seeing quite a few magpies, elk, and deer. It made me want to go camping and reminded me of the close association between life/death–and how beautiful the tragic can be. Around mid-day, I was pretty much a zombie, so we cut it all short and came home. Which was also interesting because whatever dam I’ve built up these past few weeks seemed to break a bit. I rounded out the night by watching the original Great Gatsby, asleep before it was even over. At 4 am, my phone starting buzzing–practically nonstop. Forty bizarre texts and two missed calls later, I was pretty annoyed–called the person in question–talked to him to see if he was okay and was convinced he was high or unbelievably drunk. He assured me he was okay. I was pretty pissed about the whole thing. Especially since sunrise happened a few minutes later, and I was definitely not going back to sleep. Hours later, we started unraveling the puzzle of his last night and can only think he was roofied at a local bar. He had random scrapes on him and looked like he’d been punched in the face. He also couldn’t seem to string thoughts together–hours later–and is missing most of last night from his memory. Scary shit. Oh, and our power went out, too–which also pissed me off because some construction peeps caused it again. This pretty much happens every weekend, so I wasn’t’ really amused. SO, I’m a bit tired and unnerved. And, then–of course–it’s Mama’s Day. Which isn’t exactly easy. For Mama’s Day, I wanted to share some photos from yesterday. There’s too many to post all of them, so there will be more in a few days. It’s been a while since I’ve taken photos with my DSLR. (I actually almost forgot how to change lenses!). Here’s hoping your day is going a bit better than mine, and you can actually hug your Mama today. If you can’t, consider this a big ole hug from someone who gets it. <3 __________________________________________ Boulder sky, on the way home. New kicks. RMNP. People milling about after gawking at elk. New Saigon has added a quick casual version of its longtime sit-down restaurant. A big gentrified, but still good. Great bread. Doggy at the Boulder Farmer’s Market. Renegade cows in Boulder’s Open Space, just off 36. Child’s memorial on Alameda. Man walking down Federal, a fairly common sight. Even in winter. A pedestrian was hit and killed about two miles north of here later in the day. My father’s favorite bar used to be near here. Federal is full of billboards–at least, now, they’re advertising higher ed and not liquor. The sit-down part of New Saigon. Remodeled since I’ve been here last. Nice to see they’re making some money. Adorable doggy on Broadway. Lady walking across Broadway. We left right when all the yoga classes let out. More later! ! ! ! Okay, I wish I could figure out how to make all of the above bigger and sparkly, but my brain is completely fried. Why? I’ve been on the phone all day today, and I’m still going strong. A week’s worth of work in one day? Heck yes. Outpacing my whole team in one day? Heck yes. But it’s Friday, and HOLY HELL did I need it to be Friday. So, that’s all you’re getting from me. A big fat smile. Just squint and then stretch your eyeballs really big and it’ll almost be as big as the smile on my face. And, yes, I AM silently cackling. Like a ninja. Or a hermit crab. With a cape. I might drink an actual beer today (yay, peche lambic!) and I’m definitely eating a beautiful grilled cheeseburger with sriracha and bacon aioli. And, perhaps–if I feel fancy–some PIE. This will be my first beer of this year. I am slightly scared. Tomorrow: Boulder and the farmer’s market. And pictures. Whee. I get to leave the apartment!! Take that, surgical scars. I’m back. It happened in December of 2004. She died–passed. All those words that mean she is just not here. Over the years, I’ve had many conversations with people who have survived the loss of their parents. All of us walk around this planet with war wounds, trying desperately to figure out what our lives are about now–who we are now–who we can be now…how we can continue without them. For me, my Mama was everything. My best friend. My constant ally and cheerleader. A big pain in my ass, too. But someone who witnessed every part of who I was–good, bad, amazing, ugly, perfect. She was there for every moment that meant something, and most of the ones that didn’t too. Until a few days before my Mama actually got sick, the idea of her being human–vulnerable, truly sick–never ever crossed my mind. I was a naive 26 year old, still wet behind the ears (as she often said), and I had enough knowledge to navigate many different places. But, in the end, I relied on my Mama for so many things. Her leaving left a massive hole, and–nearly nine years later (wow)–I’m still grasping. I tell people it will never be okay. It won’t get better or easier. I will miss her every day of my life–notice that she’s not here–want to share something with her. Not even one day. Missing her accompanies every shitty moment and every amazing moment. It doesn’t matter. I tell people it gets different. Every day, every year–Hell, sometimes every hour. I have no idea how I’ll feel about things that were okay a year ago or even yesterday. The grief surges and reclines at its own whim. It doesn’t matter how long ago it was. In fact, often, the more time that passes, the worse it feels. I am better at coping with it, though. I am (usually) able to feel it coming. On those days when I feel off and don’t know why, I hibernate–if I can. I have tools that make the feelings easier to swallow. But sometimes, it still gets me when I don’t expect it. When I have no idea it’s coming. When I went to bed last night, I wasn’t really thinking of Mama. Or anything except decompressing from one helluva shitty day. I was exhausted. I vaguely remembered Mama’s Day was coming this Sunday–but only because I started getting Mama’s Day emails several days ago from retailers (and eff you to the people who write those emails–seriously–so insensitive). It didn’t bother me. I might have bristled about the unwanted email before hitting unsubscribe, but other than that–unlike many other years–it didn’t sit with me. And yet, I dreamt about her–something bizarre. The bizarre dreams are rare nowadays and having her in my dream–face-to-face for a long time…the star…welp…that’s also rare. Of course, I woke up a second before my alarm. Then, the roomie came in to make sure I heard my alarm. And I growled about sleeping 15 more minutes. Only no one would let me get those 15. I wanted so much to see her again–to go back to sleep for 15 minutes and see her. I finally gave up, realizing that 15 minutes of some projected fantasy produced in my brain wouldn’t make her any less dead. I was too awake for that. But it stuck with me today–through yet another aggravating day…and I realized that I dreamt about her because I’m starved for that relationship–for feeling that close to someone. Not much I can do about it, but there it is: another reason to grieve. 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Old Things I like old things. Consequently, I have a lot of old things in my house. Many belonged to my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Everything in this post is at least sixty years old—or much older. One of the oldest things I have is this rocking chair made by my great-great-grandfather, John C. Nace. It's been painted many colors, but I think the original was green. Last year I painted it green again. The cushion on the seat belonged to my grandmother. I remember that cushion from when I was a kid. The little rocking chair sits in front of the window in my study. Sometimes a cat naps in it. This glass jar was the Mama's cookie jar when I was a kid. I remember it sat on her dish cabinet. The flowers on it are decals. Now it sits on my kitchen counter. This little green gizmo is an orange juicer. I remember Mama making my orange juice with it when I was little. That was way before you could buy juice from concentrate. I haven't used the juicer for a couple of decades. The items below were Grandma's. She once told me that she got the blue carnation vase at a "Christmas tree" at church when she was young. The candleholder is one of a pair. I can remember seeing them at Grandma's house but the candles were never ever lit. I don't know if there's a story behind the smaller vase, but it's also one of a pair. The glass is from a set. I remember seeing the pink pitcher and glasses displayed in Grandma's dining room. As far as I know, they were never used. They haven't been used since I've owned them, either. I do remember eating off the plates behind them, though. This teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer used to sit on the library table in Grandma's parlor. It has "Made in Japan" stamped on the bottom. I have no idea how old it is, but it's older than I am. It has never been used. I think Mama acquired the milk glass rooster and hen when I was a kid. The ceramic stage coach and the Indian couple used to sit on the what-not stand. I think they're older than I am. The white vase is old. Mama used it many times when I was a kid. The teapot, sugar, and creamer were given to her by a next-door neighbor when I was nine or ten. Mama never used them. They were for decorative display purposes only. These canning jars belonged to my great grandmother, and they now hold a collection of old buttons. When clothing was cut up for quilts—or was too worn out for further use—the buttons would be cut off and saved for possible re-use. I inherited several boxes of buttons. I figured I'd display them in the jars. This little glass vase was Grandma's. It sat on the library table in her parlor . . . . . . as did this little double vase that's carved out of something. Soapstone? It looks similar to this one, but it has no identifying marks on it at all. Both sit near the button jars on top of a bookcase in my living room. I've never used some of these old things, but I like to look at them and remember where they used to be. ~ 1 Comments: All those things are beautiful! You're so lucky to have them. Love the green glass. I collect that. I think the Japanese set is lustreware. The teapot set with the flower could be majolica--not sure but at any rate, I think it's special. The white vase is art pottery and very collectible today. The last piece might be jade. I know it comes in different colors. Loved seeing your old things. It's nice that you value them! Links to this post: Create a Link

For the third time in slightly more than a month, an Alaskan has died while taking part in outdoor recreation, only this time it was in the Caribou Hills. "It can end real fast when people aren't prepared for the worst," said Ryan Browning, an Alaska State Trooper posted in Anchor Point. The first of the spring mortalities was Royce Herbert Morgan, 18, of Anchorage, who died of hypothermia due to environmental exposure on Feb. 25 when he became separated from his brother while snowboarding in Hatcher Pass. The second was Yancy Flair, 35 of Anchorage, who died when he was buried in an avalanche while snowmachining in Johnson Pass on March 28. The most recent accidental death involved Bryan W. Farrow, 47, of Homer, who was last seen alive on April 3, when leaving a Greer Road residence at around noon. Riding on a 1989 Yamaha Phazer snowmachine, his intention reportedly was to visit a friend living near Caribou Lake, about 20 miles away. He never made it. A neighbor reported Farrow missing to Alaska State Troopers on the evening of April 7. An extensive search of the Caribou Hills trail system was launched. Helo 1, a trooper helicopter, and two fixed-wing aircraft, one from the troopers and another from the Civil Air Patrol, conducted air searches of the area. Meanwhile, friends and neighbors joined searchers from the Central Emergency Services in Soldotna and Snowmads, a snowmachine club from Homer, to comb the area trails on snowmachines and on foot. On Friday at approximately 3:40 p.m., Farrow's body was located by Civil Air Patrol search flight members. It was found about 1.5 miles west of Caribou Lake. "The body has been recovered. We went out in Helo 1 and got him. We wanted to get him out of there and back to his family," Browning said. Farrow was described as an experienced outdoorsman and snowmachiner, who was dressed for cold weather. "He had on Carhartts, and a hat and gloves, and he had a Leatherman. He was dressed warm, but not with anything waterproof," Browning said. Farrow also did not have proper gear to overnight in Caribou Hills. Due to closing extreme weather, searchers did not locate Farrow's snowmachine, so the circumstances that led to him being on foot are still unclear. "It's possible he may have wrecked or gotten stuck and was trying to walk out," Browning said. There was no evidence of foul play, he added, and a search for the snowmachine will continue. Browning said many outdoor fatalities are avoidable if proper precautions are in place. "People need to always have a contingency plan, and overnight or emergency equipment in case the weather turns bad or something goes wrong. It's also never a good idea to be alone in the outdoors," he said. Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.

Agenda 21 And Executive Orders August 29, 2012 by Special To Personal Liberty As of July 26, President Barack Obama has issued 133 executive orders. The definition of the executive order (EO) is: “noun. (often initial capital letters) an order having the force of law issued by the President of the U.S. to the army, navy, or other part of the executive branch of the government.” Some of the 133 EOs relate to, or aim at, the implementation of Agenda 21. Per Wikipedia: ‘21’ in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century. It has been affirmed and modified at subsequent UN conferences.” President George H.W. Bush signed the agreement in 1992; the total number of signers was 178. In 1995, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 12858 to create the President’s Council on Sustainable Development in order to harmonize U.S. environmental policy with U.N. directives as outlined in Agenda 21. According to its authors, the objective of sustainable development is to integrate economic, social and environmental policies in order to achieve reduced consumption, social equity and the preservation and restoration of biodiversity. Sustainability advocates insist that every societal decision be based on environmental impact, focusing on three components: global land use, global education, and global population control and reduction. Social equity (social justice) is described as the right and opportunity of all people “to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment.” The objectives are lofty. At the first reading, the titles of the different chapters and subsections are appealing. But there is a Constitutional problem. According to eco-logic, [41] signing Agenda 21 at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio [de Janeiro].” JR Nyquist quotes Wikipedia as stating: “Within the executive branch of the U.S. government, President H.W. Bush, President Clinton, and President Obama have all signed executive orders that broadly support the tenets of Agenda 21 but do not make reference to Agenda 21 by name.” Some of the objectives of the Agenda 21 are against American traditions and even laws. Redistribution of wealth, if it is forced from above, violates the principle of protection of private property. Another tenet is the need to substantially reduce the world population; one overzealous estimate mentions by 85 percent. Those two requirements aim at “enhancing” the sustainability and equitable sharing the global wealth among all nations. The obvious questions are: - Who will decide what is an equitable share for a resident in the United States versus one in Bangladesh or Sweden? - Who is going to decide how many people each country must abort or exterminate to reach their allotment of the world population quota? - How will progress toward these goals be assured? The experiences of my childhood and youth spent in Nazi and Communist dictatorships have taught me that Agenda 21 is not achievable, short of a harsh dictatorship. For example, even repeating the Holocaust by killing another 6 million people would reduce the present global population by less than 0.1 percent. Redistribution of wealth is equal to make all equally poor. The paths leading to Agenda 21 are the economy, the environment and education. The pursuit of each has produced some recent detrimental results, like turning down the Keystone pipeline project, refusing to implement the economic recommendations of the bipartisan “supercommittee” and the continuous dumbing down of the educational requirements. The objectives of Agenda 21 appear to first promote local (national) dictatorships, culminating in a global dictatorship. In human history many rulers have tried the latter, from the Chinese emperors and the pharaohs to the various 20th century dictators. Not one was able to establish a lasting legacy. Agenda 21, just like the Communist nirvana, is totally incompatible with human nature. –Tom Pattantyus

Activities & Pursuits Demographics Technology & Media Expert Bios Feb 3, 2010Amanda Lenhart, Kristen Purcell, Aaron Smith, Kathryn Zickuhr Social media and mobile internet use among teens and young adults. Read More » More in: Teens, Social Networking, Mobile Blogs, or online journals, are a way for internet users to express themselves creatively or to document their experiences. About one in ten internet users contribute to a blog; one in three internet users read blogs. Verne G. Kopytoff, The New York Times Feb 20, 2011 Lee Rainie, director of the Internet and American Life Project, says that blogging is not so much dying as shifting with the times. Entrepreneurs have taken some of the features popularized by blogging and weaved them into other kinds of services. ... More in: Blogs, Social Networking Alexandra Silver, TIME Dec 17, 2010 A new report says blogging has decreased among younger generations. Social media may be to blame. While more and more people are emailing and making travel reservations online, not everyone is blogging like they used to. According to the Pew “G... More in: Blogs Ryan Singel, Wired.com Dec 16, 2010 ... Dec 16, 2010Kathryn Zickuhr Major trends in how different generations of Americans use the internet More in: Generations, Teens, Seniors, Email, Blogs, Podcasting, Religion, Banking Feb 4, 2010Amanda Lenhart This presentation covers recent findings on wireless, mobile internet use, social networks, content creation, blogging, Twitter and sexting among teens and young adults. More in: Teens, Mobile, Blogs, Social Networking, Web 2.0 Suzanne Choney, msnbc.com Feb 3, 2010 Fourth-fifths of young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are wireless Internet users, and while many of them are getting to the Web using their laptops, they're also using netbooks, cell phones, game consoles and e-readers, according to a new repo... More in: Blogs, Social Networking, Mobile Martha Irvine, Associated Press Could it be that blogs have become online fodder for the — gasp! — more mature reader? A new study has found that young people are losing interest in long-form blogging, as their communication habits have become increasingly brief, and mobile. Tec... More in: Blogs, Teens, Social Networking Hari Sreenivasan, PBS Amanda Lenhart dropped by The Rundown to outline the highlight of their latest report examining social media use among teens and young adults. Watch the video at PBS.org Social media and mobile internet use among teens and young adults. More in: Teens, Social Networking, Mobile, Generations, Blogs, Web 2.0 First Search survey questions about this topic. » View Questions - Blogs Amanda Lenhartthe Department of Commerce's Online Safety & Technology Working Group Sydney Jones, Susannah FoxPew Research Center More Recent Presentations View All Topics Search the Pew Internet database of questions Subscribe by RSS of internet users use Pinterest.

Filed underCBS, Heard On, Local, News, Seen on, Syndicated Local, Watch + Listen By Steve Beck and Jenn Bernstein MIDDLETOWN, Pa. (CBS) – A bank robbery suspect that eluded police and drove on the wrong side of the road slammed into two cars in Bucks County Friday, seriously injuring at least one person. The incident began shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday, when police received a call that an armed suspect had robbed the First Federal of Bucks County bank on Highland Park Way in Levittown. Police say he parked across the street at a shopping center, left on foot, then got into his vehicle. “At some point, the driver took off at a high rate of speed onto Oxford Valley Road heading north, and he turned onto South Bucks Town Road…we had reports of him fishtailing. At some point on South Bucks Town Road, he crossed into a grassy medium…and probably lost control and went into oncoming traffic,” explains Lt. John Michniewicz, of the Middletown Township Police Department. Police were immediately on the scene and found the alleged bank robber crawling out of his vehicle. He did have a firearm in his possession, and cash, presumably from the bank, was recovered at the scene. At this time, the bank is calculating how much the suspect stole. “It was a pretty horrific scene. It appeared to me to be a head on collision between his car and the other vehicles,” Lt. Michniewicz says. John Kerrigan (Credit:) Kerrigan’s office is right near the crash scene. His administrative assistant, Nichola Laich, said he just left work. “It was only five to ten minutes since he had left when we got the message that he had been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident,” said Laich. “Very difficult to hear.” Kerrigan has been practicing law for forty years. He’s a well known criminal defense attorney. Kerrigan has a wife, two children, and a grandson. Laich did visit him in the hospital since the accident Friday afternoon. “He was in good spirits and was quiet aware of everything that was going,” said Laich. She tells Eyewitness News they were still assessing his injuries. Saint Mary’s Hospital reports him in serious condition. The other driver is also said to be in the hospital. Police say the bank robber was likewise taken to St. Mary, where he is undergoing surgery. Officers did not release word on his condition and said they are working to confirm his identity and determine whether or not he had prior convictions. “There’s an officer at the hospital now standing by, waiting to get the updated information on him. At this point, it depends on whether he is medically released or admitted to the hospital. If he’s medically released, he’ll be taken into custody,” Lt. Michniewicz says. If the suspect remains in the hospital, officers say they will get a warrant for his arrest and will wait until he’s released to make an arrest. MOST VIEWED GALLERIES - PHOTOS: Best Female Musicians Of The 2000s - PHOTOS: Celebrity Infidelity Scandals - PHOTOS: Celebrity Birthdays: May - PHOTOS: Top 20 Most Hated Hollywood Celebrities - PHOTOS: Spring Fashion Trends As Told By Celebrities

For La Russa, it's all about this season Manager begins 31st campaign as skipper, 14th with Cards LAS VEGAS -- With only one year left on his contract, the questions have already begun for Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. And he answered them patiently and with equanimity on Wednesday at baseball's annual Winter Meetings. Just don't call him a lame duck. "[Like a] spry chicken is how I feel," La Russa laughed. Still, he understands the speculation. Entering his 14th season at the helm of the Cardinals and his 31st as a Major League manager, La Russa has a grasp of reality. But he's not ready to hang it up just yet. His contract situation is a minor consideration at most -- as it has long been for him in St. Louis. "I feel so much the same," he said. "I've said it, but I really mean it. I don't feel any different right now in almost every respect than I did at the first of two years [of this contract] or the first of three years or the second of three. You know what I mean? "It's all [about] even think about it beyond that." La Russa and the club have for some time had an understanding that if he wants to return, he's welcome, and when he decides he's had enough, he can leave. A new contract is reached every two or three years, but it has rarely dictated his status from season to season. He said Wednesday that he's doing well with the new Cardinals front office, a year after Walt Jocketty's removal as general manager. The regime will not be a factor, he said, in when he decides to hang it up. "We already went through one year," he said. "Mo [general manager John Mozeliak] was part of Walt's immediate staff, so we've worked well all year long. I'm not going to get to the end of the year and think, 'Well, I don't want to be a part of this organization.' I think it's going to be more, 'When is it time to stop managing?' But I don't even think about it because I'm ready for 2009." So he's begun looking at the team he's going to manage in the coming season, and he likes most of what he sees. Like the front office, he'd love to add a ninth-inning reliever, and he wouldn't mind some starting-pitching depth -- or his long-time object of desire, a big-name cleanup hitter. But the team as constituted has La Russa getting excited. "It's better than last year's club because you have a whole year of at-bats for [Rick] Ankiel, [Ryan] Ludwick and [Skip] Schumaker. You also have [Kyle] Lohse that we know is with us. I think [Joel] Pineiro will be improved this year. You got [Todd] Wellemeyer with a year of experience and health. I think Khalil [Greene] is a good fit for our club. "So on paper we're better, and if we can just make a move or two, it will be significant." One area that hasn't changed for the Cards is second base, where it appears Adam Kennedy will return for a third season and will go to Spring Training as the favorite for the starting job. "All I know is that the difference between Adam last year and his first year was significant," La Russa said. "His first year, for whatever reason, you know, he wasn't the same player he's been. And then he might have gotten upset, but, I mean, really, I probably played him more than I should have, showing patience because of what he had done in his career. Last year he was more himself, so then it comes down to, is he going to work as hard and be as ready this spring, which I think he will." As for Kennedy's trade request late in 2008, La Russa indicated it would not be an issue. "We talked about it at the end of the season," the manager said. "He just wants to play, and I think it was a mutual respect thing. I thought he handled himself really well the times he didn't play. He ended up on a plus note. I think he's been quoted as saying, or maybe he said it over the radio or something, that he just wants to play, and if he has a chance to play in St. Louis, he has no problem playing here." Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, posted 10/6/08 Cabrini College junior attacker Casey Grugan says Nick Colleluori continues to be an inspiration to those who played with him at Ridley High. “I remember how long he fought and how hard he fought,” said Grugan, a United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association third-team Division III All-American last year. “It was unbelievable how hard he worked. “It’s a shame that something that bad can happen to such a good person. It makes you want to fight that mu ch ha rder.” On Saturday, Grugan and the Cavaliers will get the chance to honor the memory of a man whose fight against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has led to a foundation and lacrosse tournament that has captured the imagination of the entire lacrosse world. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Ridley High Athletic Complex in Folsom, Pa., 13 Division I and III teams will play in the 2nd Annual Nick Colleluori Classic. Over 7,000 people are expected to attend a special Fall Ball tournament that has already helped the HEADstrong Foundation raise over $200,000 for blood cancer research. Admission is $10. Nick was a standout lacrosse player at Ridley who was diagnosed with lymphoma as a freshman playing at Hofstra three years ago. Nicknamed “Head,” Colleluori himself created the idea of the HEADstrong Foundation as part of his dream to raise awareness and, ultimately, to cure blood cancer. His fight to live may have ended after 14 months when he died on Nov. 28, 2006, but his cause has grown at a rate perhaps even he would not have predicted. Nick’s mother, Cheryl Colleluori, the Foundation President, said the goal is to raise $250,000 at this year’s Classic. She noted that the tournament will be manned by 150 volunteers. “It’s just an honor to play for his name and go back to Ridley High,” said Cabrini senior midfielder Pat Grenier, also a Ridley grad. “He (Nick) was the captain my junior year and he treated every practice like it was a state championship game.” Grugan, the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Player of the Year last season, said Colleluori intensity set him above the rest. “He had so much leadership,” Grugan said. “He was such an inspiring person, everything he did he gave 110 percent.” Cabrini coach Steve Colfer agreed with his players, saying the Colleluori Classic is much more than just another Fall Ball Tournament. “It truly is one of the greatest honors that has been bestowed on our program in my 9 years as head coach,” he said. “We take our participation and affiliation with Headstrong very seriously. The guys look forward to everything to do with the tournament. We are trying to cover our campus in lime green t-shirts” Aside from Grugan and Grenier, there are five other Ridley grads on the Cabrini roster: senior midfielder Chris Cavaliere, sophomore midfielder Dan Terenick and freshmen John McSorly (defense), Steve Gregg (long-stick midfielder) and Brian Hill (attacker). Cabrini, located 15 miles north of Ridley in the Philadelphia suburbs, features 31 of its 48 players from the Philadelphia area. “Our players from Ridley HS know Nick’s story very well,” said Colfer, whose Cavaliers have won the past eight PAC championships and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals last year. “And I ask them to share their stories and memories with their current teammates to educate them about Nick’s courageous battle and so that each of us when faced with adversity can draw on Nick’s courage. “It motivates all of us to do the very best we can each day in lacrosse and life.”. For more information about the tournament and the HEADstrong Foundation, please visit Tags: Cabrini, Headstrong

More samples added We are pleased to say that we have added more music samples and will be adding many more in the coming days. You will now find samples of every track on Conspiracy Theories. Sonic Curiosity June 2007 The band is: Phil Miller (from Matching Mole, Hatfield & the North, and National Health) on guitar and synth guitar, Pete Lemer on keyboards, Fred Baker on bass, Mark Fletcher on drums, Simon Picard on saxophone, Simon Finch on trumpet and flugelhorn, Annie Whitehead on trombone, Didier Malherbe (from Gong) on saxophone, flute, doudouk and ocarina, Doug Boyle on guitar, Dave Stewart (from Egg, Hatfield & the North, and National Health) on tuned percussion, Barbara Gaskin on vocals, and Richard Sinclair (from Caravan) on bass. With a line-up of seasoned pros like the above, one must expect the music is going to be excruciatingly tight and slippery slick. It is. The horns waft and sway with amiable emotion. Maintaining a very jazzy disposition, the horn section delivers tasty riffs with delightful expertise. Comfortable melodies are imbued with molten passion. The saxophones wail with cheerful melancholy. The trumpet warbles with earnest fervor. Enchanting riffs spill from the guitar with glorious agility. Each note is meticulously placed to elevate the entire instrumental gestalt. And when the guitar gets the chance to elbow its way into the spotlight, the glory becomes ecstatic and amazing. The keyboards provide delicate embellishment to the melodies with often dramatic sweeps. Nimble-fingered chords slide into wondrous melodies that serve to connect the other instruments’ riffs. The percussion is skillful and knows exactly how to drive from a submerged vantage. Never too strong, never too elusive, the rhythms fit perfectly between the rest of the notes. The basslines are intricate, fluid, and lend particular nectar to the tunes. These compositions are dazzling and engaging. Their ability to immediately put the listener at ease is eminent. While steeped in Canterbury roots, this music is very straight-ahead jazz, merging old school traditions with modern delivery. The result is mesmerizing and rewarding, with wide appeal.. Let it Rock – June 2007 Whatever you might make of the Canterbury scene these days, it’s not the same anymore, there’s not much progressiveness in it now, which is not to say it’s worse than it was before – but Phil Miller‘s band were latecomers anyway. With a new album to mark the group’s 25th year in the business, they bring on the top-notch fusion, the title track wrapping round the listener’s ears like a cosy‘s piano sings so poignant. It’s clearly the effortless endeavour. From Let it Rock – DME music site All About Jazz – June—perhaps.

Do all of the links still open in a new window? Phoronix: Phoronix Premium (Ad-Free) Reminder This is just a reminder that if you'd like to browse Phoronix and the Phoronix Forums without any advertisements on the pages, while still supporting our operations, you can do so by subscribing to Phoronix Premium. For as little as $4 USD per month you can be accessing the ad-free version of Phoronix which has zero advertisements and also loads noticeably faster... Do all of the links still open in a new window? Which links are you referring to? All of the links in articles have target="_blank" I got adblock plus installed and told firefox to ignore the target="_blank" line. I hate it to be forced to pay for something - just put a paypal button somewhere and ask for donations from time to time, just like wikipedia does... I just keep using firefox ADBLOCK and no problems, I would use it anyways for other crap sites. USA JEWS common donate, u fucking scumbags! Thanks Micheal. One of the things that's dawned on me while using BitTorrent is the importance of feedback to the community. I probably wouldn't use BitTorrent if there was no share ratio, if they just said, “Just do whatever you think is OK.”, which is what most community projects do. I think BitTorrent would not be what it is today if there was no feedback or share ratio. Granted, it's not what it could be, but it is working. I could contribute $10 bucks or $1000, and what difference would it make? It's a shot in the dark either way because I have no idea what the numbers are. The project could be rolling in cash. I think defining the problem is job one. Once you define it, you empower the community to get involved and do more, which could be contributions or just keeping you in mind and promoting the website. I couldn't be more excited about Bit Torrent, and it's really all about the feedback, seeing my humble part defined in some real way makes me feel like part of the community. I think the more you define the problem, the more you empower people to get involved. Asking the community to get involved but giving them no real way to define the problem could be compared to a form of torture, putting a bag over someone's head and demanding they do something. Does that promote community involvement? Seems like sometimes, that's the point, the community is expected to do nothing so a minority population can justify a spirit of entitlement or exploitation. Third party verification of the protion that can be verified would probalby also be helfuf. The idea is not global change, but simply growth, positive change. That's where global change starts. Thanks for the opprutnity to speak on this! Bill I'm smrt and got AdBlock too, but if you want to keep the articles coming, get the premium... it won't break your bank. @sgarrity you can press middle mouse button, then they are opened in a new tab.

Czarek Sokolowski / AP. Small town, big Jesus Explore related topics: jesus, poland, statue, swiebodzin Jesus Christ! One question please........ aside from cost of this statue - why do atheists feel it necessary to mock and make nasty comments concerning Christians. Truly, I have never heard a Christian call you down, make fun of your non-belief or doubts. We might silently pray for you, but wonder why you have to be downright nasty and ugly. Have you ever heard of Respect? Live and let live? I bet all you atheists have family members, friends, co-workers connected to a religion and worship in churches, temples, synagogues....do you express your feelings to them in person? Laugh at their 'stupidity', call them 'ignorant'? No! Why? because you need your family, you need your friends, and as for co-workers - your boss would probably fire you if you acted that way on the job. So it comes down to most of you being hypocrits - you can only vent your feelings annonymously in letters or postings. So put on your big boy or big girl panties - if you can't say it in person, don't put it in writing. Have a great day! Nice Ellie! Well spoken.... Jesus loves all people weather you love Him or not/ no matter what you have done, He wants to wash you and make you clean, wouldnt that be nice...But, He wont strive with us forever which means... there is "a cut off time" that no one knows...Get with the program people, blow off the dust from your bible and BE like Jesus. Dont look at the stupid mistakes people make as an excuse not to believe, it wont work on Judgement Day :) If you dont have a bible, just ask one of us "Jesus freaks" and they will give you one, free. I don't have any problem with them erecting a statue of Jesus Christ. If I have any problem at all with anything and I suppose I'm the only one that does, it is this: Why is Jesus Christ wearing a gold crown? Only crown I recall him ever wearing was made of thorns. @Ellie Oh please. You haven't lived the shoes of an atheist. We get discriminated against ALL THE TIME! We are the last minority where it is considered okay to discriminate against. Yes, I have family and friends that are theists and I try to express my views to them all the time, but I get the cold shoulder because apparently Christians are afraid to talk about their beliefs to non-Christians. And if my boss fired me because I was not Christian, then you bet your @ss that I would sue. The fact that atheists have to vent their feelings anonymously only goes to show how intolerant Christians are. Christianity is a sick and immoral cult. This statue is a huge waste of money and resources that could have gone to feeding a starving child but instead you Christians have to go and flaunt your messiah. I'm not an athiest, I'm agnostic. But I've been treated like dirt by Christians many many times. One holiday, I was chastised by the people with whom I work for taking down the Christmas decorations before the Epiphany. Though the supervisors asked me to do it, I was treated like the anti-christ for not giving a damn about Christmas in mid-January. And the horror when they realized I didn't decorate my home for Easter. I don't have a problem with Christians. I even voted -- several times -- to keep a local cross on a hill, though it's federal land. You have faith, great. I have tried. I don't believe in blind adherance to any ideology and I like to think for myself. So let's just agree to disagree. Dear Lola3, I do truly hope you are not gambling with your eternity on the stupidity of "people". The kindest person in the world will let you down dear. Get past the people thing, get your eyes OFF people and put them on The Lord Jesus. You Wont be let down or disappointed is what His words and actions say. And you said blind adherence, there is "nothing" blind about Him or faith. You said you tried, why did you give up? Dont worry about what people say, read you bible first and dont worry about church goers, you dont need to worry about them or impress them. Just DO what your bible tells you to and you cant go wrong. It sounds like you were hurt by someone or just gave in to your desires (sin) but God did not give up on you :) Get back on the horse, thats what life is all about. This time, REALLY study the word and dont push yourself too much. Enjoy it/ get away from those who would discourage you. Find a "good" bible "teacher" not just a preacher and you will be AMAZED at how fun it is and how captivating it is. God knows we are just made of dirt, He can deal with our faults through His perfect Son Jesus. Just dont give up :) ever!! No matter what! Thats what will get Gods attention. We know that from the bible. May He bless you and heal you sister. No thank you. I have made my choice and I'm happy with my lack of faith in any god. You have fun though. @ThunderProof: "Why is Jesus Christ wearing a gold crown? Only crown I recall him ever wearing was made of thorns." Here in Poland Jesus has been crowned and named "king of Poland". So its some kind of symbol what people belive in. Jesus isn't sooo tall in Bible too ;) Read your bible just a bit more my friend, you will know why. Its all good :) Think future.....Hummm The New Jerusalem....Hummmm Thanks for the info too. I love His new name :) What a stupid waste of money - a shrine to an imaginary god. Prove He is imaginary :) You would have to claim to have all knowledge of everything there is to know about everything to say "Im an atheist". You are saying that in all the things you dont know, God does not exist. The top scientist say that visible matter is only about 10% of "reality" as we know it. Talk about faith and religion, now thats a fairytale religion. No factual basis for that kind of belief. You cant claim ignorance, you have been warned by the watchman on the tower. Jesus is coming back and we will all stand before Him and have to give an account. You cant earn the right to be in Gods family. His son paid the price with His life and all you have to do is accept the redemption He offers, free of charge. We will NEVER be "good enough", just say thank you and serve your KING. The burden of proof is on you to prove that your definition of god exists, not on the atheist. Atheism is simply the lack of belief in a theistic deity. Atheism is the rational position to take in light of insufficient evidence for a theistic deity. Prove he exists ? Can you give us a date when he is likely to show up ? Ellie 123... I think you need to read a lot more (try the non fiction area of the library) Atheist are the least liked people in the US: Lack of non belief and younger critical thinkers are the biggest threat to religion. In the old days we were just slaughtered, last days we were educated to make us respect people that pray to fresh air. These days we tell it like it is a bunch of BS. You would be surprised how much your beleifs in a invisible god tries to dictate society. You were saying? As surprised to see how many self-proclaimed 'athiests' look towards their denied deity when the ground starts to shake? @ kubush84 Still, you have to claim to have all knowledge of everything to say Im an atheist. You have "no proof". I know for a fact, If you read your bible and took the time to "Seriously investigate" its authenticity, you would come to only ONE conclusion. Maybe you are just lazy, there is nothing to be afraid of. There is no burden on "me". I cant give you answers for something you dont understand.... I want to join a nuclear physics class but before I sign up, I want all the answers, PFFT! Come on! Analysis = You would not understand the answers even if you were given the answers. DIY + pray to your maker and ask Him to make Himself known to you with an honest heart and you wont be denied. Its His promise to you as stated in "His word". :) @HIS child-2382068 Nonsense. I am an atheist because I do not accept the theistic claim of a deity. Atheism is the lack of belief, it is not a belief in it of itself. Would you have to have 100% knowledge of everything in order for you to say "Santa clause does not exist"? No, of course not. The burden of proof is on the person making the claim that X exists. "I know for a fact, If you read your bible and took the time to..." Apparently you don't realize how ignorant it is to claim knowledge without any evidence whatsoever. I have read and studied the bible, as have many ex-christians atheists and have come to the only logical and rational conclusion that your bible is wrong and that your god does not exist. I am saying this as a positive claim because if the existence of your god being real is defined and contingent upon the bible being 100% correct, then I can show you why it is not. Get off your high horse and don't talk down to me simply because I don't buy your bronze age superstitious myth. Pretending that you can't answer serious critical questions about your religion because I won't understand them, is just an excuse because you know in your heart that you can't defend the nonsense that you accept. "pray to your maker and ask Him to make Himself known to you with an honest heart and you wont be denied. Its His promise to you as stated in "His word". :)" I have and so have many other atheists but nothing happened. So apparently his "word" was wrong. :) Jesus Christ, that's a big statue. Hell yes, biggest graven image I ever did see! What a waste of resources. Who wants to see a 167 foot statue of anyone? Looks like it belongs in Jesus Disneyland. Just more crap cluttering up the landscape. [sarcasm] Go see the new 24 million Kc clock on the town square of Brno, Czech Republic instead. It doesn't show the time (seriously), but it does dispense a glass ball at 11:00 every day. (What will those former Communists think of next?) Build the biggest statue of your god, and he'll shower you with rewards! Just look at how well that worked out for the ancient Greeks...and Romans...and Egyptians, Phoenicians, etc etc All of which were pagans, and non-believers. not much of a point now, is it. If you define "pagan" as "any religion that is not Christian" then what is the point of pointing that out? They most definitely were believers of their gods. His point still stands. PS - So, this community in Poland has NO starving people, NO need for government assisted medical programs, NO alcoholics, NO prostitutes, NO children in need of a state-funded education ... because if they DID, they SURELY wouldn't waste the resources to build a 167 foot tall statue of jebus.... right? wow, what a waste of money, this show the stupidity of people and they damed religions, shame. And the point is? The One and only King! All the scoffing wont make it not so, give up now or later, He loves you no matter what you have done or said....but be caaaareful time is running out :) Sure, He doesnt like idols but He judges the hearts intention......What do you use your money for??? DOH!! Serve your King! I use money to feed my family. I do not have any "soul" and your Jesus was a charlatan preacher who died two thousand years ago after making money by "curing" diseases by speaking Hebrew to "spirits". And believe me, each of his patients would have prefered Mayo Clinic to "talking to spirits" if they had the opportunity. They used their money to get You to "think" about Jesus. Food goes away, your soul Does Not...Ever, in a place where time does not exist. @Alex-1488986 Your opinion pretty much matches the one I used to hold, though I did tend to blame much of the mythologizing on people who came well after Jesus' lifetime. However, after having not giving it much thought since around my early thirties (I'm currently 54) I ran into an article that caused me to doubt whether Jesus actually existed at all. Anywhosits, long story short, the piece piqued my interest enough to pursue the topic and so I read a good deal more, both pro and con, on the subject. Now, as a result of that reading, I am quite convinced that the person of Jesus is an utter fiction. (Bad news for those Christians who enjoy disparaging Muslims: The "Prophet" Muhammad was, in contrast to Jesus, a person in easily ascertainable history. (Though of course he was, and is, no more "divine' or a "prophet" than my pet goldfish.)) Most children stop believing in fairy tales by age 10 -- these people apparently didn't get the memo. Well, then why have so many Expert big bangers, atheist and evolutionary "scientists" bent on debunking "The word" become believers? In their thorough investigation using Science, archeology, ancient documents back up 100% what "The Word" says. Believing Nothing came to be from Nothing without a designer ( God ) is believing in a fairy tale. Have you ever hear of the flagella motor? Look it up. Speaking about something you obviously know Nothing about is what my mommy taught me was called ignorant. Willingly ignorant must be a tough realm to live in. Hope you get a clue soon. He is waiting for you to give up fighting Him, He created you to love you. What utter nonsense! The Big Bang Theory and Evolution are scientific models of reality and are not dependent on atheism or vice-a-versa. The fact that you reject evidence based science just goes to show how dangerous religion really is. It promotes ignorants. Your assumption that most scientists that try to debunk Christianity become Christians is utterly false. You make up facts for your own comfort. Atheism says nothing about origins. It is a lack of belief. But let me tell you that the current scientific thought of the universe is that it was eternal, at least in some form. I guess that means that your god is out of a job. The flagella motor? Is that a reference to intelligent design? The flagella is a perfect example of evolution in action. Try again. @ kubush 84 Evolution is the biggest religion there is...something from nothing! PFFT! Where did the matter come from to make "anything". Something from nothing and thats not to even mention "design". The probability factor of JUST the eye to "evolve" is IMPOSSIBLE, do the math. GET a clue, things dont "evolve better" , they deteriorate. Dont you know anything about your religion? Dont you know the FIRST law of thermodynamics? God is calling you out of your professed ignorance. You will be pleasantly surprised when you give up and give your life to your maker. He made you to live with Him, He knows you are just made of dirt. Give Him a break and stop rebelling child. You have just made so many childish statements, not to offend you, sorry. As a scientist - and an atheist - I am curious about the rationalization behind accepting a 'GOD' as an explanation for the existence of the universe. Whence the 'GOD'? Why does the 'existence' of 'God' not require a source? Why is the eternal nature of 'God' without explanation acceptable? The wonders of the universe are many, which is why science is fun. The fact that we do not yet have a complete understanding is not a reason to suggest that it is time to give up and evoke 'god'. To suggest that your - or my - incomplete knowledge means that such knowledge is unattainable is the ultimate hubris. @ nedhead, Finally, a "half" decent response here. Well, I see you profess to be a scientist. May I suggest to you to find the Top scientist to study with. The Top leading scientist are Christians now a days, not to insult your intelligence. You are obviously pondering the wonders of the universe, good, most people do. If God gave you all the answers for those kinds of things, you would then be God wouldnt you...? You trusted your mommy and daddy when they said its safe to do this and that, didnt you? Well, why would God (Jesus) ask you to believe in a Lie or give you a red herring, He wouldnt. I would not start with the big questions until you learned the smaller ones first since you love science. We dont just walk into the top classes of science, do we? Start at the bottom, ask the right questions and dont write God out of your equation yet since you obviously cant deny He does not exists, right? Aaaaand No one has what you so called "evoked" anything on you. You are a scientist right, only facts please...no stretching the truth with Evoke, come on, God (and I ) expects a little bit more from a smart scientist person....not like some of these ranters and ravers here above and below. Just out of curiosity, If everything "we" make here on earth has a designer, why would anyone think there is NO design involved in our beautiful expanses in space, earth, all its life and US? No designer Hu? Just accident? You should know as a scientist, thats a mathematical impossibility...even if some funny people do "believe" our solar system and everything in it is billions and billions of years old. Kinda like they say, the grand canyon took millions of years to create. We now know that this happened very quickly, like a couple of days probably. Wouldnt all that sediment be in the gulf of Mexico...DOH! Anyway, hope that give you something to think about and dont forget, No "one" is evoking anything on you, Jesus is inviting you to be with Him....although He asks for your whole heart and thats it. While I appreciate the depth of your irrational conviction, in concert with the shallowness of your arguments, I fail to perceive even a hint of an attempt to answer my civil question. Perhaps if you were to try and craft a paragraph or two that did not include bumper sticker slogans, factual errors, and insults, a constructive dialog might ensue. My Nedhead friend, I thought I made myself clear, sorry bout that. I will say it like I did to that above person. Hi, I want to sign up for nuclear physics class but before I sign up, I want all the answers. Thats not very smart hu? I know you know the answer to that.....How can you understand the answer to something you dont understand? Like I was saying, you presume to be smarter than me which is your first mistake because I dont use fancy words to entertain ears. Dont ever do that if you really want to proceed in science and the pursuit of truth can be blinded by your presuppositions. Ive learned some of the most remarkable things from some very "dumb" folks. No insult intended. Sometimes we get into what I call the "fishbowl" effect. Get out of the fishbowl and go live in the rest of the world and learn of it, you cant learn of it in a classroom or lab only. Is that too bumper stickerish for you sir? Im usually the one who says I dont like bumper sticker phrases I never meant to be insulting, this is the problem with not being face to face in conversation. Miscommunication is rampant because we dont see facial expressions nor do we hear tone of voice....sorry if I seemed insulting. God has revealed Himself to the poor, sick and stupid and thumbed his nose and the "know it alls". All knowledge must exalt God who "gave" it to us. OK, I didn't want to get to this point but here we go. First off, as I approach retirement age (although I have no plans to retire), I have had a very successful career in science (and business). The very essence of science is seeking to understand the answers (and new questions) to that which we don't know already. And finally, you still have not attempted to answer the very clear and simple question which I posed earlier; most likely because you have no answer. You speak (write) words that resemble sentences, but they have no content, no substance (not to mention no comprehension of grammar or spelling). I end this thread with you now, because I get no satisfaction from engaging in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. @ nedhead, Oh my friend, I expected much more from you than giving your resume and insulting me...since you are so smart. The Lord expects a lot more from you also since He gave you this intelligence. He will require an account form you. What did you do with what I gave you...rebel against Me? Here, I will try to say it again differently and this will be the last from me. You are an expert in Chinese characters. (your resume) You go up to the Egyptian hieroglyphics teacher and try to joust with him on his understanding of what he knows. You say, ok, I dont want to join your class, also you must give me all the answers to the questions I have for you in your field of expertise. This is what you are doing. I expected much more from you as a seasoned scientist and educated person. Seek Him, pray to Him, call out to Him and you wont be disappointed. This life is so full of disappointments. He wont disappoint you, You have everything to gain and Nothing that matters to lose...... @HIS child-2382068 Don't presume that you can educate people, especially on the subject of science when you proclaim such utter ignorance by asking, "how did something come from nothing?" when it comes to evolution. Any first year biology student can tell you why this is such a silly question but I'll let you try to figure that out on your own. You fail to see that something that looks designed isn't necessarily so. You seem to be throwing out all the most common Creationist canards like candy to kids. ALL have been easily debunked by logic and evidence. The earth is not thousands of years old. It is around 4.55 billion years old. The Grand Canyon was carved out over millions of years and that is backed by real evidence and not just a collection of 2000 year old writings from some ignorant old superstitious men. You need to go get yourself a real education outside of your bible and creationist videos on youtube. It's not the statue, it's the Man. And if you dont believe in the Man, it's His ideas. And if you dont believe in His ideas then there are one of two possibilities... 1. you have never read them or 2. you are too stupid to understand them there is a third possibility... 3. you are to selfish to accept them. Jesus is not a fairy tale, or an imaginary figure. What is a fairy tale is the belief that you can continue in your self absorbed lives and find any peace and happiness. At least the Poles have a clue. Well worded Hal, its kinda like what I said.... Oh? The man that invented an eternal torture chamber should be revered? The guy who taught how to properly beat your slave? Sorry, I don't accept your supposed messiah and his message. Your cult is dangerous and a waste of resources. @kubush84 Dont even get started on trying to go into MY area (the bible) please. You are embarrassing yourself already. Your questioning God, for one....Two, you just made a statement about slaves and morphed into something that has nothing to do with fact. See what your Darwin god evolved you into...A fairytale artist just writing make believe :) Your god Darwin even admitted it in his later writings that his theory was not possible but it was better that believing in God. Why dont you go look up and find that paper....I did :) Did you know he called the human cell, just plasma like glue that holds us together that has no real function....PFT! Primordial ooze, fairytale :) No facts to back up your hocus-pocus. You know you are wrong thats why you TRY and attack the bible to your own demise. You are the dangerous cult imposing your laws on us and silence us. Stick to facts. Your heart will be hardened if you keep this up, and you wont be able to know Him. I suggest you stop while you still have the chance. These are not my opinions, these are biblical facts well documented by eye witness accounts....I hope you believe in eye witness accounts, our judicial system does. Who is the cult follower? God will happily forgive you of anything you have done and will heal you of the wrongs done TO you that made you this Hard-hearted. Ask Jesus to make Himself known to you and ask him to forgive you and tell him you want to give up and surrender your whole life to Him :) He loves YOU :) First off, yes, I have a brain, hence I can question ANYTHING, even your made-up god. Second, I did not morph anything. I took it right out of your bible. You couldn't even defend it and rightfully so because it is indefensible. I can bet that I know more about your religion and your bible than you do. "Your god Darwin even admitted it in his later writings that his theory was not possible but it was better that believing in God." Doesn't your god say "Thou shalt not bear false witness"? Because that is exactly what you did here. Darwin NEVER said anything of the sort. Finding made up quotes from Creationist websites is not considered real research. Darwin knew that we had heritable traits but did not know about genetics. Darwin set the foundation of Evolutionary Theory but we have learned a lot since and it is a lot more accurate and refined than it was 150 years ago. It is called the progress of science. How the hell am I imposing my laws and silencing you?!?!?!?!? "No facts to back up your hocus-pocus." LOL. Oh the irony, it hurts! Let's see what you have to believe in be a YEC: a magical father figure in the sky created everything from nothing and then magically transformed dirt into the first man, and then transformed a rib into a woman (because she was created to serve Adam, of course), then a talking snake convinced the woman to eat from a magical tree which then caused all of their descendent's to be cursed (by hocus-pocus) and the only way to be saved from an eternal torture chamber is to believe and love some guy that lived in the middle east 2k years ago that walked on water, magically made water into wine, and raised from the dead. ROTFL!!! And you call incremental changes in species over a vast amount of time to be "hocus-pocus"?!? Eye-witness accounts are not sufficient even in the courtroom. The credibility of the eye witness must be established. Also, the fact that the eye witness needs to have their story in line with all the other evidence, otherwise the testimony is called into question. The bible's accounts are hear-say to say the least. And if you truly believe in eye-witness testimony then why don't you accept the testimony of the Prophet Mohammed? "Religion easily has the best bull@!$%#." ~George Carlin RIP The subject of Jesus has never and will NEVER "go away". Why are you all so offended by Jesus? Why is everyone talking about Jesus? Why does the core of every subject now a days come down to Jesus? He has put it in our hearts, thats why...says the bible. Check it out, dont believe me :) "Why is everyone talking about Jesus?" Maybe, just maybe it's because the article is about a giant jesus statue? [sarcasm] Would you like to see another fine example of your European Union taxes [straight from your pocket] hard at work? Follow this link to see a statue of Jan Perner, the founder of Czech railroads, newly installed in Ceska Trebova: (If Perner looked anything like his statue, he was probably used for the first rails . . . ) I think its totally awesome - Im not bothered either way that its supposed to be Jesus though. I would love to see the one in Rio. Now if they built two of them either side of a river like they did in the lord of the rings I would definitely go see them, that would be awesome! What an ugly monstrosity That sends a clear message Polish people believe in myths from the dusty old book called the bible They think it will put them on the map !! Yes for stupidity Batman, Spider man, Superman, Alice in Wonderland, Goldie locks. Was there a list to choose from. I'm Polish and I'm an atheist. Great !! Have you read "The greatest show on Earth" By Richard Darkins Best seller in some parts of the world where knowledge is permitted @ Kubush Again ! You CANT be an atheist. No such thing, sorry. Nothing tops the religion of self-righteous arrogance practicing it's trade quite like ... @ Barbara Y You seem like a nice, logical person who can tell the future like the bible can...I think I will believe in what you believe now ......NOT! :) "Again ! You CANT be an atheist. No such thing, sorry" *facepalm* What a stupid thing to say. Yes, atheism and atheists exist! None of those people in Poland were put on this earth to live up to my expectations anymore than you were. So - With that in mind... Why can't everyone simply learn to accept each others differences without all the damn senseless bickering about a community that chose to erect a statue of Jesus Christ in their own town? It's not exactly like they trying to force their will upon you. If you don't like it... Don't go there to look at it! How much simpler can that be!? Sorry! You think a statue that is 167ft tall is not forcing their beleif on every person in the village. What say 12% of the village don't beleive in the jesus and every morning its in their face, did they have a say, or they just kept silence as that was safer. Religion always wants to force their beleif that is why they start with the children, scare the hell out of them, muddle their thinking. You live your life your way, I'll live mine..... No one forces anything on me that I do not allow. Period Good to hear !! I don't consider it that big of a deal but honestly that money could have been spent much better, like for instance the roads....have you ever been to Poland? No I haven't I have travelled in other parts of Europe Would like to do some more I want to go to Russia/ Moscow and travel in the metro @ kubush84 You keep saying your "opinion" about things you know nothing about dear. If you were in charge of Rio de Janeiro...What!? You are going to presume to tell someone whos job it is to run that place and those people "how" they should do THEIR job!? In a culture and a place you know NOTHING about...please. You gotta be kidding me?! Have you ever lived anywhere outside the states? Monday morning quarterback, go over there and do something about it, go volunteer over there and get involved. "If you were in charge of Rio...are going to presume to tell someone whos job it is to run that place" I don't get it. Is that a trick question? If I am in charge, then presumably I run that place. lol. "ave you ever lived anywhere outside the states?" Apparently you didn't even read the comment that you replied to. I was born in Poland, I immigrated to the U.S. And I have lived abroad in places like Ecuador which also has a big statue of Jesus on a mountain side. If it is private money and on private land then I don't really care too much but I still hold that the money could have been better spent on say...feeding the poor? WWJD? LOL. You might want to proof read your commentary before posting. they vs their and damed vs damn It is a sad epithet that Poles who were the subjects of a murderous dictatorial communal failure now enjoy more rights expressing their Religious Freedoms than the nation founded explicitly on that right. I'm seeing such bitterness in these comments. Praying that my God will put someone in your lives that will show you what love really is. The statue is incredible. Thank you to the people who designed and built it. It's not an idol, it's a way of honoring the one true God. May God continue to bless you. Thank you Poppy :) well said. I must be getting tired, Im outa here......I hope. God bless your civility and Love. And your would be definition of what love truly is, is your god? The guy who coerces people to love and worship him for his own vanity otherwise he will torture them for eternity? The guy who allows children to get raped and other such horrific evils? That is NOT love! John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Think about it: Would you allow your son to die to save anyone else? God is a perfect example of love and sacrifice. Sin causes "children to be raped and other such horrific evils". I questioned this myself for a long time, but have come to truly believe that we must understand what life is like in the depths of valleys to realize just how wonderful it will be on the mountaintop. I am not coerced to love and worship God by any means. I am truly in awe of Him, and worship him because I see how worthy He is of my praise. God does not torture people, people torture people. As far as being tortured for eternity, I pray you find the love that God offers each person before you have to experience what hell really is - eternity apart from God. There are 3 types of believers in this world. There are unbelievers, believers, and make believers. Speaking to the unbelievers: Once you truly believe, not make believe but actually "believe" you can feel something that is not of this world and it is not just in your mind it will come as a physical feeling and you will know something touched you. This is such a wonderful touch and it is "physical". At least a person that is a none believer is being honest. Our churches are full of make believers, people who are there to be a part of society, a club, for entertainment or who are just lonely. But if any of us that truly seek the truth will find what I type about. @ Bill Bowen Amen brother !! Been to church /raised a xian / now a non theist I think I can just be a nice person and help others in my day to day life without having any kind of belief. I understand that some of us raised in church get disappointed because we don't see any proof and the Bible looses it authenticity because of what we are taught in society. With me I went along and was a make believer and then I heard something I had never heard and it shocked me and then I thought if this is correct then maybe there really is a God. I then started reading and seeking what I had heard, not letting anything stand in my way. And in spite of myself thinking all of my negative thoughts I came to know what I speak. Going over to Mcdonalds now be back in an hour. i was born in poland city name czestochowa non for black madonna shrine another catolic bs, living in the usa now for many years............and i am ambarased by this extrawagant nonsence of the catolic churche there and enerywere what i consider the bigest organize cult ...with " former nazzi ? on the top", what they want to pruwe they in power, how much money they have stolen from aneducated peaple who they brain wash or the holly water is radioactive there lol..........before was comunizm now you must be catolic or at list act like one to by any body, i do not see any diference ! i am sorry for polish peaple and poland...........and i am glad to be in usa, not perfect like any country on the earth but ok. The Bible says we are tried at every moment we watch all the corruption and we want to fight back but if we do Satan has another one to take that ones place. Your right about the U.S. It is the most blessed country in the world. But I hope we will do what God ask when he says If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. "It is the most blessed country in the world." Prove it. Doesn't this seem odd? That when people ask about suffering, Christians say god gave us free will, therefor he wont interfere with our suffering but then they will say that god produced this miracle or that, or that he blessed this or that. So apparently god CAN interfere without infringing on our free will but couldn't care less about our suffering. Oh and to imply that a supreme cosmic deity cares about our artificial borders is belittling to your notion of god.

theCafe > Photography > Discuss Photography > Ordered a new lens :) PDA View Full Version : Ordered a new lens :) cfire 06-15-2007, 05:59 PM Woohoo!! Just got an email that my new lens shipped today. It's the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5~5.6G DX VR Zoom and I am really excited! :) Pakalika 06-15-2007, 08:22 PM Thats the one I want how much was it? cfire 06-15-2007, 08:53 PM I got it from Tri-State for $799. A few places had it for $749 but it was heavily back-ordered whereas Tri-State had it. I ordered it yesterday and shipped it today. In stores (if you can find it), its about $900 cfire 06-15-2007, 08:58 PM Here's a link: [Edited on 6/15/2007 by cfire] fotodog 06-15-2007, 09:54 PM Happy shootin' there Tex!! That's a nice range to have. Tamron makes an 18-250 for about $500. I was impressed by it's quality. cfire 06-18-2007, 02:34 PM Thanks Greg, yeah the range is one of the big reasons why I bought it. For traveling it's great, one lens, no gadget bag just a holster. I didn't find that Tamron when I was looking but everywhere I looked someone was raving about that Nikon. The sales rep at B&H (I always start there) said he couldn't even guess when he'd have it in stock they're so heavily back ordered on it. fotodog 06-18-2007, 05:02 PM That 18-200 will be nice on your fishing trip I can't wait to see the photos from that. cfire 06-18-2007, 05:47 PM Yeah, the fishing trip was the catalyst in going from wanting to buying. I knew I was going to buy it at some point so I bit the bullet and ordered it so I'd have it for Alaska. :) mkeefe 06-18-2007, 07:47 PM Nice lens, gonna wanna see some photos from that :) Politik 06-18-2007, 11:47 PM wow nice, i hear all about this lens im sure you will enjoy. maybe when im out of college (4 years) i can pick one up for 300 =-). TheDoc 06-19-2007, 01:29 AM Very nice lens indeed! Unfortunately, it's one of the VR's that we don't have at work, so I don't get to play with it. The 70-300 Nikon VR is amazing though, so I'm sure the 18-200 VR will be superb. Have fun with it and don't stop shooting! fotodog 06-19-2007, 03:50 AM Normally, I'm not a 'one-lens' guy, but if I was, this is one I would consider. The only issue for me is speed. I've been spoiled by a 2.8 the last few years and giving up 1-1 1/2 stops can be harsh. The 18-200 is incredibly sharp though. I've heard nothing but great things about this lens. And if you've got a good noise reduction filter for PS then the speed is a non-issue. I'm happy for you Frank! Enjoy the fishin' and the shootin'! :cool: cfire 06-19-2007, 01:42 PM Thanks all. Hopefully I'll get some really good shots in Alaska. One of me holding a 100 lb king salmon (the record is 97) would be extra nice. :lol Cappy 06-19-2007, 05:29 PM You go boy! You should find lots of material up there to shoot if you can keep your hands off the pole, that is. We will all be looking for shots. Don't forget to look for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) That lens should be awesome for that! Do you eat your fish or are you strictly "catch and release". I am one that hopes that you would enjoy one of Gods great gifts to man and that is fresh fish eaten by the hand that caught it. Especially out of a somewhat unspoiled wilderness like Alaska! Have fun. When do you return? cfire 06-19-2007, 08:37 PM Thanks Cappy! I will definately be eating some fresh fish immediately after catching any. In fact my buddy that I'm going with was laughing because I told him I was bringing some wasabi and soy sauce. :lol I wondered about the Aurora Borealis but wasn't sure if they'd be visible this time of year. I hope so though. :) I'm going from the 19th of July to the 27th. I plan to shoot a lot of pics. :) kiwicolin 06-19-2007, 10:09 PM Congrats on the lens 100lb of salmon is too much for 2 people to eat *wondering if FedEx delivers fresh fish to Irvine* fotodog 06-20-2007, 01:33 AM Northern Lights?? Dude, that would be killer. remember your tripod and cable release. If not a tripod then at least a small bean bag. Salmon?? Dude that spells grillin' doesn't it?? cfire 06-22-2007, 07:21 PM Colin, I've got your addy. :) Greg, thanks, got 'em and yes...grillin' and chillin' in a large way! We're going for trout one or two days and halibut another day as well. :) Cappy 06-28-2007, 07:18 PM I did a little research on the northern lights and it looks like being that far North- March and Sept.- October are the best months. The problem with the time that you are going is the skies don't get dark enough for a good viewing although the further south you are in Alaska the better chance you have. I live in Northern Wisconsin and have viewed them in July and August, needless to say there is a huge difference between the two. Depending on where you are in Alaska, you might be far enough south and past the equinox that the evening sky would get dark enough to show them off. While it won't be the best time, it would still be worth a look to the sky. I would think you would be looking up to the sky once in a while anyway. :) What a trip that will be! Be safe and good luck! cfire 07-11-2007, 06:06 PM Thanks Cappy! Sorry for the delayed reply and for being extra scarce of late. Floods, deadlines and general madness have been eating my lunch of late..........eight days and counting, no phone, no computers..........aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh:) Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.0 Copyright © 2013 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

(PhysOrg.com) -- In a recent study published in Biology Letters, a page of science fiction comes to life in a real-life zombie scenario between the ladybug and a parasitical wasp called Dinocampus coccinellae. The study, led by Fanny Maure, a University of Montreal graduate student, looked at exactly what role the ladybug played in the birth and growth of the D. coccinellae. The female D. coccinellae stings the ladybug and lays her egg within the ladybug host. The larva then hatches and eats its way out of the ladybug and within three weeks has hatched out of the ladybugs abdomen. The ladybug, however, is not dead and still very much alive. The grub then spins its orange cocoon within the ladybugs legs until it grows into an adult. It was believed that the ladybug served as protection to the cocoon as its colors and erratic twitching scares off predators. However Maure decided to test this theory and exposed the wasp cocoons to lacewings. What she discovered was that the unprotected cocoons were devoured but so were 85 percent of the ones protected by a dead ladybug. However, when the cocoon was protected by a still alive ladybug in its zombie state, only about one third of them were eaten. It is still unclear how the ladybug survives and still twitches after the larva has left, but Maure believes that the larva may leave behind some type of venom that enables the twitching within the ladybug. Maure also discovered that the longer the ladybug remains alive, the less beneficial it is for the fertility of the growing wasp. It is believed that this is because the tiny grub is limited to the amount it can eat. If it consumes the ladybug to the point of death, it eats but is less likely to reach maturity without protection. By eating less and allowing the adult ladybug to survive, the grub keeps its protection and reaches maturity, but its development is affected by the lack of food needed for proper development. Explore further: Front-row seats to climate change More information: The cost of a bodyguard, Biol. Lett. Published online before print June 22, 2011, doi:10.1098/rsbl.2011.0415 Abstract Host manipulation by parasites not only captures the imagination but has important epidemiological implications. The conventional view is that parasites face a trade-off between the benefits of host manipulation and their costs to fitness-related traits, such as longevity and fecundity. However, this trade-off hypothesis remains to be tested. Dinocampus coccinellae is a common parasitic wasp of the spotted lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata. Females deposit a single egg in the haemocoel of the host, and during larval development the parasitoid feeds on host tissues. At the prepupal stage, the parasitoid egresses from its host by forcing its way through the coccinellid's abdominal segments and begins spinning a cocoon between the ladybird's legs. Remarkably, D. coccinellae does not kill its host during its development, an atypical feature for parasitoids. We first showed under laboratory conditions that parasitoid cocoons that were attended by a living and manipulated ladybird suffered less predation than did cocoons alone or cocoons under dead ladybirds. We then demonstrated that the length of the manipulation period is negatively correlated with parasitoid fecundity but not with longevity. In addition to documenting an original case of bodyguard manipulation, our study provides the first evidence of a cost required for manipulating host behaviour.

(PhysOrg.com) -- Astronomers at The Australian National University have found evidence for the textile that forms the fabric of the Universe. In findings published in the October Astrophysical Journal, the researchers discovered proof of a vast filament of material that connects our Milky Way galaxy to nearby clusters of galaxies, which are similarly interconnected to the rest of the Universe. The team included Dr. Stefan Keller, Dr. Dougal Mackey and Professor Gary Da Costa from the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at ANU. By examining the positions of ancient groupings of stars, called globular clusters, we found that the clusters form a narrow plane around the Milky Way rather than being scattered across the sky, Dr. Keller said. Furthermore, the Milky Ways said, he said.. In our picture, most of these star clusters are the central cores of small galaxies that have been drawn along the filament by gravity. Once these small galaxies got too close the Milky Way the majority of stars were stripped away and added to our galaxy, leaving only their cores. It is thought that the Milky Way has grown to its current size by the consumption of hundreds of such smaller galaxies over cosmic time. Explore further: South Africa's new radio telescope reveals giant outbursts from binary star system Isaacsname So that picture represents the conduits that gravitational forces propagate through the universe with, they're formed by overlapping gravitational fields of the matter they contain ? Dane SteveL rawa1 Cosmic strings are originally very thin, but hyperdimensional objects, but when observed from low dimensional perspective, they may appear fuzzy. They exhibit Rayleigh-Plateau and Gregory-Laflamme instabilities typical for hyperdimensional non-Newtonian fluids (they're covered with galaxies like fibbers of slime are covered with droplets). In aether theory the gravitational waves correspond the indeterministic CMBR noise (i.e. not harmonic waves) - but these fibers can behave like SOFAR channel in underwater and they could enable the spreading of weak harmonic ripples with superluminal speed at limited distance - at least in principle. NotAsleep ShotmanMaslo Gravitationally bound structures do contract even in an expanding universe. These cosmic filaments may be the largest such structures possible, larger ones were torn apart by the expansion. Pyle Zephyr: Nonsense. but I 5'd you for "fibbers". Probably unintentional, but it made me chuckle. SteveL: Good point. Normal because we are made of it and most familiar with it. If we ever really observe DM directly, or at least figure out what it is, then it won't be considered not normal any more. Finally, I love the dark matter filaments illustrations. They look cool. Still think DM is a plug, for now, but it makes for some neat drawings. Shootist rawa1 dtyarbrough HannesAlfven Well then, it seems that this is grounds for agreement between plasma-based cosmology and the Big Bang. Keep in mind that the interstellar "clouds" are also filamentary. Birkeland Current magnetic rope structures are also observed regularly connecting the Sun with the Earth. We see filamentation at all scales, and yet we are frequently told that these filaments occur through chance mechanisms. If we do not seek out unifying theories, we certainly will never find them. HannesAlfven Well then, it seems that there are grounds for agreement between plasma-based cosmology and the more conventional framework. We see filaments connecting galaxies. We see filaments in galaxies. We see filaments all around us in interstellar space (the interstellar "clouds"). We see filaments regularly connecting the Sun with the Earth. At what point do we reconsider the notion that all of these filaments are there by chance? If filaments are common, then there is arguably a mechanism holding them together. In the electric universe, we call it Marklund convection. And it's the same thing that happens to charged particles around transmission lines. The transmission lines act as ion pumps. Callippo IMO they were formed in the following mechanism during cosmic inflation Callippo brant Crazy_council quite a few of there predictions are simila to what we see, i am not a mad supporter of the EU theory, it just a lot of there predictions make sence, why do we need dark energy and dark matter. typicalguy Mayday Maybe our universe is expanding because we're moving through a greater medium(multiverse) toward an area of lower pressure, so the "bubbles" expand. I just hope no one puts our "bread" in the oven! Pirouette But I must say that this article does make me think of the parallels between these cosmic filaments and the neurons in a brain that enable messages to travel from one part of said brain to one or more part(s) in other areas of said brain. The neurons are an information superhighway and I'm wondering if these cosmic filaments spoken of could possibly be something similar to neurons. I need to study the brain further because this possibility is highly intriguing. For some reason, the term in "firing synapses" comes to mind. I must have read it somewhere and it stuck with me. Pirouette also: Words below in parentheses indicate the comparison of the cosmic filaments to the brain's firing synapses. In this Wikipedia illustration, the neuron sends a message via axon (filament) utilizing "electrical impulses" toward other neurons who, in turn send messages back and forth to other neurons. In this cosmic filaments article, I think there may be a parallel with stars (neurons), the axon moving electrical impulses through the axon firing synapses (cosmic filaments), and the space between neurons being gray matter could parallel tbe space between stars and galaxies (dark matter). This possibility is giving me a slight chill. Crazy_council the evidence ( lenzin ) could point to other things rather than dark matter/energy. If the fabric of the universe is spinning, this could account for a lot of the evidence we find for dark matter/force. Pirouette But the main concern for some people, I think, would be that if these cosmic filaments do, in reality, electronically and gravitationally connect stars and galaxies to each other throughout the Universe, might it not indicate a designer (created) Universe, and not one well organized by mere chance? Rawa1 said "IMO these dark matter fibbers conceptually corresponds the worm holes and dark strings. They're not worm holes in strict sense, but they still enable to spread information faster with the rest of Universe, than along another directions." I agree. It's either a Communications line, OR similar to a spider's web for catching and holding stars. I am considering Fibonacci numbers and other beautiful works of nature, including the brain. I can see these miracles of Nature increased exponentially in cosmic terms. Should I say it? CHollman82 Gravity acts over unlimited distance regardless... MorituriMax Probably because we can see it and study it, and are made of it, hence, normal. FroguetteMiNote And a great mathematician figured it all in the XVIIth century: "But to show him another prodigy equally astonishing, let him examine the most delicate things he knows." Blaise Pascal, Pensées, #72 TheGhostofOtto1923 TheGhostofOtto1923 Pirouette I have a feeling that your quote was meant for me. If so, thank you. There are vast similarities between the macro and micro. Many years ago, I think it was in the1980s, my then young son had an amazing program on his computer that showed Fractals, whereby no matter where you clicked on the large pattern on the screen, it zoomed in to show the same pattern again, but in micro. I found it fascinating but I still don't know how it was done. Regarding my brain analogy, the firing synapses does remind me of the electromagnetic current of the "rope" connection between all of these "globes" in the Universe. Truly fascinating, I want more!!

(Phys.org) -- University of California, San Diego computer scientists explored a new approach to secure browser design in a paper presented in August 2012 at the 21st USENIX Security Symposium, the foremost research conference on computer network security. The authors are computer science professor Sorin Lerner and computer science Ph.D. students Dongseok Jang and Zachary Tatlock. Over the past 15 years, Web-based applications have become commonplace. They are used for a wide variety of activities, from interacting with a bank or healthcare provider to managing business functions or spending leisure time interacting on a social network. As a result of this ubiquity, hackers have learned to exploit security flaws in order to access the wealth of private information tracked and accessed by Web browsers. Indeed, security breaches have become so frequent that there are now annual competitions where security experts show off their hacking chops by breaking into the latest versions of browsers, and companies such as Google pay cash prizes to people who report bugs that pose a security threat. Because users generally want a browser that is trustworthy, secure browsing is a high priority for software developers. Yet current browsers are in fact very fragile. They are complex pieces of software with rich features that allow for flexibility and programmability, and even small bugs can make the browser vulnerable to attack. Indeed, browser vulnerabilities have been used to infiltrate the internal networks of American defense contractors and leading tech firms. Attempts to improve browser security are often ad-hoc engineering efforts; and even when formal guarantees are provided, they come in the form of proofs over a model or idealization of the browser, not the browser itself. A buggy implementation can invalidate intended guarantees and still leave users open to attack. Jang and Tatlock, the computer science Ph.D. students, also previewed their work in a presentation to the first Center for Networked Systems (CNS) Security Day in May 2012. They explained that previous verification techniques for browser security operate on a model or abstraction of the browser, and not on its actual implementation. This has created what Tatlock calls a ‘formality gap’, a discrepancy between what is verified and what is implemented. It is through this gap that hackers can infiltrate a browser even if it has been verified using strong formal methods. There is one known way to bridge this formality gap: implement the software in a proof assistant and use the proof assistant’s interactive environment to formally prove, in full formal detail, that the software implementation is correct. More specifically, the programmer defines a specification stating what the code should do, and then uses the proof assistant to formally prove that the code in fact satisfies this specification, beginning with the most basic axioms and then building on them. Because of the precise way in which the program has been constructed, and the foundational nature of the proof, this kind of formal verification provides extremely strong guarantees. In the past, however, this kind of verification has faced a number of practical barriers. One of the main challenges is that building formal proofs for applications with millions of lines of code is extremely time consuming, if not completely impossible. As a result, programmers using proof assistants have either restricted themselves to verifying stripped-down versions of their applications, or have had to expand heroic effort to perform the proofs, spending much more time and programmer-power than would be practical. Jang, Tatlock and Lerner speculated: What if there were ways to make the proofs easier by restricting the code that must be verified to a few hundred lines (as opposed to a few million)? The research team devised a technique, dubbed ‘formal shim verification’, for doing just this. Formal shim verification says Lerner, consists of “creating a small browser kernel which mediates access to resources for all other browser components, and then formally verifying that this browser kernel is correct in a proof assistant.” In other words, only a small part of the application that is vulnerable to outside scrutiny and attack will be verified using a proof assistant. Following these design parameters, the team created Quark, a Web browser that uses a kernel-based architecture similar to Google Chrome. In particular, the heart of Quark is a small kernel responsible for mediating access to the rest of the application. Unlike Chrome’s kernel, however, the Quark kernel has been verified in full formal detail using a proof assistant, allowing it to make strong guarantees about the security of the browser. As Jang explains, Quark “exploits formal shim verification and enables us to verify security properties for a million lines of code while reasoning about only a few hundred lines of code in the kernel.” This critical distinction between a verified kernel and the non-verified components allowed the researchers to incorporate a number of state-of-the-art implementations into the non-verified parts of Quark, while still maintaining strong security guarantees. For example, Quark is able to use the WebKit open-source layout engine, the same layout engine used in Safari and Chrome. Using such realistic components has made Quark into a practical and usable browser, which can successfully run complex pages like Gmail, Google Maps, Facebook and Amazon. During the prototyping phase of Quark, one thing became clear: “When forced to choose between adding complexity to the browser kernel,” says Jang, “it was always better to keep the kernel as simple as possible.” As a result, the current version of Quark is in some cases too simplistic. For example, it does not support some standard features of the Web, such as third-party cookies, and in some cases it enforces non-standard security policies. Despite these current limitations, Quark is still capable of running many complex Web applications, including Facebook and Gmail. Tatlock, Jang and Lerner are determined that this is only the first implementation of Quark. They already have some ideas about how to include a number of standard browser features without severely complicating their kernel or having to work through a fundamental redesign. Concludes Tatlock: “Our approach will handle more standard policies given design changes to our prototype and further engineering effort.” “Establishing Browser Security Guarantees through Formal Shim Verification,” by Dongseok Jang, Zachary Tatlock and Sorin Lerner at University of California, San Diego. Published in Proc. 21st USENIX Security Symposium, August 2012. Explore further: Computer scientist publishes new algorithm cluster to data mine health records

There." Dietary intake of fish oil can also decrease the risk of atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, heart attack, sudden cardiac death and even health failure. Dr. Lavie adds that although there is a smaller benefit in reducing heart failure death—9 percent mortality benefit in a major recent randomized controlled trial—this is still very impressive given patients' grave prognosis. "If we translate this finding, it means that we only need to treat 56 patients for four years to prevent one death," he said. "And we are talking about a very safe and relatively inexpensive therapy." Most of the evidence for the cardioprotective benefits supports the use of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the long-chain fatty acids in the omega-3 family. According to Dr. Lavie, EPA and DHA work by getting into the membranes of cells and, in doing so, may help to improve the heart's electrical activity, vascular tone, plaque stabilization and blood pressure, among other benefits. Studies show that the reduction in CV events is inversely related to the tissue level EPA and, even more so, DHA. Based on these findings, and because the body does not produce its own essential fatty acids, the authors recommend that healthy individuals should "Patients should talk with their doctors about whether a fish oil supplement is needed to get the right amount and, in turn, benefit from the associated cardiovascular protection." Dr. Lavie and his team came across only a few negative studies, including a recent one that showed no benefit in post-MI patients, but it has raised the possibility that omega-3 fatty acids may not provide as much additional protective benefits in low-risk patients already receiving extensive and rigorous post-MI therapies. "It was a one-year study that enrolled fewer than 4,000 patients and the majority were using aspirin, clopidogrel, statins, beta-blockers and ACE-inhibitors—the best of modern medicine," he said. "It may be that their risk was so low to start, that a larger study with longer follow-up would be required to better assess the true efficacy of omega-3 in such relatively low-risk patients." Authors say further studies are needed to investigate and determine optimal dosages, as well as the relative ration of DHA and EPA that provides maximal heart protection in those at risk of cardiovascular disease, and in the treatment of atherosclerosis, arrhythmias and heart attacks. Interestingly, culture has historically played a role; sometimes dubbed the "Eskimo factor," research shows cultures that have traditionally supported a diet rich in fish oil (Asian and Alaskan American populations) had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease and mortality, including a reduced prevalence of atherosclerosis and heart disease, compared to European and United States populations where consumption of fish is lower. Ironically, the introduction of Western dietary practices into Asian and Native American cultures may be diluting the cardioprotective benefits enjoyed by these populations by both reducing the overall intake of fish oils, as well as overwhelming its benefits with other deleterious dietary practices, including high intakes of saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. Source: American College of Cardiology (news : web) Explore further: Youth who have their first drink during puberty have higher levels of later drinking

Climate change is a topic that impacts the weather not only globally, but also locally. While some people may be concerned about the melting ice sheets at the far corners of the Earth, what most really want to know is "how will global warming affect me?" -- and they often turn to their local weatherperson to find out. A study released today study by the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication in Fairfax, Va., showed that 27 percent of broadcast meteorologists -- who are, according to the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, "often the most visible representatives of science in U.S. households" -- believe that global warming is a scam. According to the National Science Foundation’s 2010 Science and Engineering Indicators, television is the number one source the public turns to for information about science and technology. Broadcast meteorologists are often the only people at TV news stations with a science background. But the education and experience of those who deliver news about the weather varies dramatically. "In television, when it comes to weather, there is an extremely wide range of education sets," said Jim Gandy, chief meteorologist at WLTX-TV in Columbia, S.C. "Some have bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and Ph.D.'s, but you also have some without." When a topic such as climate change comes up in the news, broadcast meteorologists -- no matter what their educational background -- are often thrust into the spotlight. Some embrace the opportunity and try to educate their audiences on the science, while others avoid it at all costs. "People are uninformed and believe climate change is a hoax," said Gandy. "I occasionally respond to comments posted on our station's website, but you better know your science and get your facts straight before you post on my website." Some meteorologists surveyed said that there is a lot of conflicting information about climate change. "Science is about questioning things and I think we should all be in the middle, question the information," said Brad Sowder, First Alert Meteorologist at KOAA-TV in Colorado Springs, Colo. "I have been more on the side of a skeptic." Another weathercaster who wanted to remain anonymous felt that the topic of climate change is less about the science and more about politics. "Personally, I think that global warming is a political issue, and I feel like it is safer to stay out of it," he said. The survey also found that 62 percent of broadcast meteorologists want to report more on climate change. "We have a good comprehensive look at television weathercasters from this survey," said Kris Wilson, a senior lecturer with the School of Journalism at University of Texas at Austin and one of the lead investigators of the survey. Beginning in July, the next phase of the National Science Foundation-funded study will begin. A test case at Gandy’s station will include 30-second segments in some of the weathercasts to educate viewers about climate change. "It will be a year-long effort using our resources on-air and on the Internet in an effort to educate the public about climate change past, present, and future," said Gandy. "I wish the public knew how difficult it is to have knowledge of climate science. Simply being a meteorologist is not enough, and this is a mistake that some television meteorologists make." Explore further: Chinese, Indian airlines face EU pollution fines Gonzaga Secondary analysis of data reported at All years Mean SD N 57.1594 .4385 129 Midpoint Mean SD N (data for 2009 not included) Note. MEANF = ((jtod/100)* (1.8)) + 57.1. Why can't folks whose business it is to inform the public give us data like those in the table? deatopmg THe Earth has warmed and cooled and warmed since the little ice age ended ca. 1800. GW is a very complicated issue but if the so called expert scientists don't operate w/ total transparency so that their work can be replicated (this is how real science works - "consensus" is for layman) then we will never get to the bottom of this AND we will be scammed by the politicians and charlatans. omatumr So they changed their story to "anthropologic climate change". Meanwhile, they continue to ignore precise space-age measurements that show why Earth's climate and Earth's heat source are always changing ["Earth's heat source - The Sun", Energy & Environment 20 (2009) 131-144]. With kind regards, Oliver K. Manuel Former NASA Principal Investigator for Apollo kivahut Sleepership I have ever seen such lushness to trees and gardens here so early the warmth, C02 and heavy precipitation have helped. To the climate change deniers- we can only hope that the almost perfect correlation between CO2 levels over the last 15 million years and global climate/temperatures is a hoax - cuz if it is not- we are in deep trouble as a species. deatopmg marjon "The Weather Channel's most prominent climatologist is advocating that broadcast meteorologists be stripped of their scientific certification if they express skepticism about predictions of manmade catastrophic global warming." Ronan Bearing that in mind...again, what are you getting at? Unless you can show me a situation in the past where temperatures rose dramatically and then stopped rising (for whatever reason) once carbon dioxide began to go up (showing that carbon dioxide really doesn't affect temperature, and that CO2 levels are only an effect of temperature shifts, not a cause), then your argument doesn't seem to hold much water. frenchie thermodynamics marjon What is the uncertainty associated with this 'effect'? thermodynamics marjon These conclusions are contrary to the IPCC [2007] statement: �[M]ost of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.�" Here is a scientific paper discussing uncertainty. thermodynamics marjon Applying GUM to bad data and a bad theory is a waste of time. Skeptic_Heretic Cue the morons who'll toss out several weather personalities that have science degrees showing exception to the majority rule.

PC.Com featuring Piktochart 10 January 2012 | Pikto | Piktochart News We have been working closely with PC.Com on the following interactive post. Check out their write up about us here and take a look at the animated infographic we did for them. They were interested to showcase 4 cases of Top 10 searches for 2011 and we built something for them which was like a [...] Pitch at Chinaccelerator Demo Day 19 December 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News An excerpt of our pitch to transform data into memorable stories on Chinaccelerator’s Demo Day. How much Piktochart has grown since! Our Mention in Kwong Wah 5 December 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News Recently, we met with a couple of journalists in Kwong Wah, Penang, who were interested to learn more about what Piktochart does. As infographics and online savvy presentations are quite an alien subject, we spent most of our time explaining what infographics do and a little on startup accelerators/incubators’ business model. [...] Google Analytics Experiment 29 November 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News Can you make sense of Google Analytics? There might be some of us who are data scientists. We are poking an issue by simplifying Google Analytics. How many stickmen there are in the visualization, represents how many visitors you have in that particular section of your website. You can then allow pre-set weights to say [...] Hiring for Startups 18 November 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News As Piktochart is growing, one of the main things the investor wants to see (apart from traction and revenue), is the ability to scale the company by hiring the right people. We have hired 2, so there’s just one more to go! As we are going through the process, we have noted several things: 1) [...] Piktochart Website Revamp 15 October 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News Hello [...] Our secret beta stash 3 October 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News Do… – [...] DIY Infographic Creator 2 October 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News Tell a story out of data. Make content more memorable. 30 sec introduction to Piktochart Silent Demo of the product. Take a look at the short video clip we have created on Piktochart. Do you understand what it means? Tweet us @piktochart or email us at info[at]piktochart[dot]com Thanks! Pikto Name Cards 1 October 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News Take a look at the name cards we got printed for Piktochart. We should have done without the phone numbers and gone straight to Twitter, Skype, Facebook and email. After all, who powers communication with phones these days? Vote your way up or down! Guest Posts: Are you interested? 1 October 2011 | Pikto | Piktochart News If you are a data junkie, or someone who is interested in making stories out of data, we would really like you to get in touch with us! As we are setting up the blog for up and beyond, it would be great to get some more input about how you have leveraged free/paid tools [...] All Categories BusinessData Collection & ResearchDesign for InfographicsHeaderInfographMarketing for InfographicsPiktochart NewsStory-TellingUncategorized

Massive Attack Album Reviews Tracks News Thom Yorke Scores Documentary About Tax Avoidance With Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja and Elbow's Guy Garvey May 16, 2013 at 02:43 p.m. The Avalanches, Justice, Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja Contribute to King Kong Musical Score Musical premiere set for June 2013 in Melbourne October 7, 2012 at 08:20 p.m. Listen: Scarlett Johansson, Massive Attack Team Up Covering George Gershwin for the film Days of Grace April 11, 2012 at 11:15 a.m. Watch Thom Yorke and Massive Attack's 3D Discuss the Occupy Movement Yorke: "If the British government is not prepared to make amends to the people by penalizing the banks the way they should, we should do ... December 9, 2011 at 12:11 p.m. Thom Yorke, Massive Attack, Tim Goldsworthy Play Occupy London Party Music to be released tomorrow? December 6, 2011 at 05:51 p.m. Occupy Wall Street: Massive Attack, Yo La Tengo, Members of TV on the Radio and Oneida, More Join the Movement A series of mixes and two benefit albums December 1, 2011 at 12:40 p.m. Listen: Massive Attack vs. Burial: "Paradise Circus" Reworking of Massive Attack's Heligoland track October 18, 2011 at 09:48 a.m. Listen: Massive Attack and Burial Collaborate: "4 Walls" Hear the new track "4 Walls" October 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. News in Brief: Portishead, Wooden Shjips, Nick Lowe, ELLNORA September 2, 2011 at 09:45 a.m. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, Massive Attack With Scarlett Johansson Contribute Music to New Film May 23, 2011 at 12:50 p.m. Video: Massive Attack: "Atlas Air" October 18, 2010 at 10:50 a.m. Massive Attack Ready New EP, Tour September 9, 2010 at 09:20 a.m. Video: Massive Attack: "Psyche" May 24, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. Video: Massive Attack [ft. Damon Albarn]: "Saturday Come Slow" March 15, 2010 at 12:45 p.m. Massive Attack Plan Spring Tour February 25, 2010 at 01:15 p.m. Director's Cut: Massive Attack: "Splitting the Atom" Filmmaker Edouard Salier talks about his apocalyptic clip. February 16, 2010 at 08:00 a.m. Video: Damon Albarn Joins Massive Attack Onstage in London February 12, 2010 at 04:40 p.m. Premiere: New Massive Attack Video: "Splitting the Atom" February 2, 2010 at 05:00 p.m. Listen: New Massive Attack Song Featuring Damon Albarn January 26, 2010 at 02:00 p.m. New NSFW Massive Attack Video: "Paradise Circus" December 11, 2009 at 05:25 p.m. Massive Attack Announce New Album Guests include Damon Albarn, TVOTR's Tunde Adebimpe. November 24, 2009 at 09:50 a.m. Massive Attack Plan Burial Remix LP Also enlist Damon Albarn, Hope Sandoval, and Elbow's Guy Garvey for upcoming LP. October 7, 2009 at 12:25 p.m. Hear Massive Attack's Collaboration With Tunde From TV on the Radio Listen to "Pray for Rain" now. September 3, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. Tunde Adebimpe to Guest on Massive Attack EP Splitting the Atom also features Horace Andy, Martina Topley-Bird, Elbow's Guy Garvey. August 25, 2009 at 04:00 p.m. News in Brief: Massive Attack, Mr. Oizo, Willie Nelson, Kanye West January 21, 2009 at 04:30 p.m. Features. Interviews Interviews: TV on the Radio Chris Dahlen; October. Grime / Dubstep Grime / Dubstep: The Month in Grime / Dubstep Martin Clark | Photos ; August 17, 2005 It's been a month of big events for grime. First, last week's Rinse FM station party. Open to ... Staff Lists Staff Lists: Top 100 Albums of the 1990s Pitchfork Staff; November 17, 2003 It's been just over four years since Pitchfork published ...

Experience PCC In addition to preparing people for success through academic endeavors, Pitt Community College features an intercollegiate athletics department that is educating and empowering student-athletes for success in life, higher education and the workforce by emphasizing teamwork, character and sportsmanship. The college fields four intercollegiate teams—men’s baseball, men’s basketball, women’s fast-pitch softball and women’s volleyball—that compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Region X Conference. PCC athletic teams have been extremely competitive over the years and have won consistently at the regional and district levels. In addition to capturing conference titles, several. Baseball Started in 1995, PCC’s baseball program has emerged as a perennial national contender that has produced a number of athletes who have continued their playing careers at four-year institutions and professionally. Two former Bulldogs, Freddie Bynum and Lonnie Chisenhall, have reached the Major Leagues with the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians, respectively. Since 2006, the baseball program has competed under the direction of Tommy Eason, a former East Carolina University standout and minor leaguer. In his first seven seasons, Eason guided the Bulldogs to a 240-110 record, three Region X Conference Tournament championships, and the college’s first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Division I World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. Basketball In a state rich in basketball history, PCC took its first turn on the hardwood in 1969, struggling at first –even disappearing entirely for a season—before finding momentum and success with Charles Coburn as coach. Coburn, a former PCC basketball player and the college’s first athletic director, compiled a 169-151 record at Pitt before stepping down in December 1993 due to illness. Though PCC discontinued basketball after Coburn’s retirement, the program was resurrected15 years later and returned to NJCAA play at the start of the 2008-09 season. The Bulldogs are now led by Pitt County native Darrick Mullins, who took over midway through the 2010-11 season. After posting a 7-9 mark with a team that had gone 0-7 before his arrival, Mullins went 20-12 in his first full season as coach. Softball Like baseball, PCC’s fast-pitch softball program has also flourished on the diamond and in generating players who transfer to four-year colleges and universities to continue their academic and playing careers. In addition to producing numerous All-Region X Conference performers, the program made back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA Division I Fast-Pitch Softball Championship in St. George, Utah, in 2010 and 2011. Since Junior Bailey took the helm in 2006, the PCC softball program had recorded a 217-115-1 mark entering the 2013 season. Volleyball Tom Marsh, a PCC psychology instructor, is responsible for getting Pitt’s volleyball program off the ground in 2000 and leading the Bulldogs to three regional championships and a pair of national tournament appearances. William Way took the reins when Marsh first retired from coaching in 2005 and led PCC to an 85-50 record but never could achieve post-season success. Marsh returned to the sidelines in 2009 and guided the Bulldogs to a 92-44 mark before retiring once again at the end of the 2012 campaign. PCC hired Caitlin Wooten to lead its volleyball program in February. The Maryland native has previous experience as an assistant volleyball coach with N.C. Wesleyan College (three seasons) and as an East Carolina Junior Volleyball Club coach.

As a human who keeps his reproductive organs on the outside, I feel I am ill equipped to discuss this. But as it’s probably the most important issue in gaming since, well, ever, I feel it’s my duty to chime in on the subject. The kraken of misogyny has risen out of the murky waters of online gaming in what seems, to me, to be very recent times. As a white, heterosexual male who prides himself on not acting like a complete cockshine, I wasn’t aware it existed. A few months ago, I requested to add a fellow Twitter user to my PS3 friends list, as she enjoyed a game of Modern Warfare 3 now and then. Her response was “Only if you promise not to get abusive if you get beaten by a girl.” I thought she was joking, but I soon discovered that she wasn’t. I was shocked, disgusted, and most predominantly baffled by what I discovered as I discussed the matter with other female gamers. Don’t take my word for it. One only has to look at Fat, Ugly, or Slutty to see what female gamers have to put up with on a daily basis. Or look at the completely uncalled for abuse directed at Anita Sarkeesian and Felicia Day. As I implied earlier, this doesn’t directly affect me, but you can be as sure as shit that it indirectly affects me. I happen to quite like women. I have many female friends. Online, offline, and in JPEG format. My wife’s a woman. My daughter will be one eventually. I’d quite like to share the experience of multiplayer video games with these people, but these misogynist dickslaps are ruining it for me and everyone like me. When I ask a woman to play games online with me and her first response is to ask me not to abuse her, things be fucked. So where does it come from and why does it happen? Women have been poorly represented in video games for decades, but I don’t remember any hatred towards them like we’re experiencing now. I remember that the editor of Your Sinclair was famously a woman. Danielle Bunten was a transgendered game developer, but nobody cared. She made M.U.L.E. for fuck’s sake, why would it matter? My humble opinion is that it comes down to two simple facts: 1) Gaming has truly opened up to the mainstream now. It is no longer reserved for nerds. 2) Xbox Live, the PSN, and online PC gaming has given all the honking great fuckwits both a voice and anonymity. Given those two enabling technologies, misogynist gamers can now yell at women what would once be muttered towards their shoes. That doesn’t answer the why though. I have no idea why it happens. Do these people have something to fear from women playing “their” games? Are they intimidated by the presence of women? Do they just truly dislike them for no discernible reason? I have no idea. I’d like to round this off with a helpful answer and a joke, but I don’t have an answer and it really isn’t a laughing matter. Real people who I like and respect are being threatened with death and rape on a daily basis. Real women are being driven away from something I care about by the most obnoxious of arseholes. The only thing we can do is confront it when we see it. Don’t let it go without comment. Report it to the gaming service provider. They generally do give a shit. Make it unacceptable. As another female, gaming friend of mine once brilliantly said, “Politely point at the ‘No Douchebags’ sign on the wall.”

.. ABC targeted the $1.8 million in consulting fees Gingrich received from federally backed mortgage company Freddie Mac: Through Gingrich Group, the former House speaker consulted for reportedly $1.8 million for eight years for Freddie Mac, the federally backed mortgage giant that most conservatives say should be eliminated. While Gingrich has denied lobbying for them, he hasn’t provided a viable explanation of what kind of services he provided to an organization that he himself recently said should be abolished.: The connections with Washington insiders and multi-million dollar corporations makes it hard for Gingrich to cast himself as an outsider and clouds his “new Newt” campaign, experts say. “Even if there’s no ethical or legal impropriety, the optics are bad,” said John Pitney Jr., politics professor at Claremont McKenna College who worked for Gingrich.. Attention! Hear ye American Political Shoppers! Before ye pass through ye Election Doors, heed ye this above cited exemplary definition of contemporary “Hypocrisy”. Hear Ye, Verily. Newt’s team should go over the list of records Obama has concealed, pull Newt’s counterparts, and begin publishing. Newt is in for some very tough times. Our ultra-left, captive media will begin investigating Newt’s background. They’ll want key info like who gave what as presents at Newt’s first wedding. And, they’ll want to know why Newt only got a “B” in the undergraduate course. The same media will be able to hypothesize the REAL reason why Newt can’t provide details, today. Honest observers must be able to contrast Newt’s candor with Hussein’s mendacity! Ooo, it’s the big bad Boogeyman! Boogey, boogey, boogey! Look at the list of recipients of F&F political campaign contributions. Sort by total amount. You do not see a Republican name until way down the list. I do not think Gingrich’s name is on the list. Obama’s name was #2 by 2008. Gingrich has ties to F&F? Really? How about Obama’s ties to F&F?!? The eventual winner for the Republican side will not only stand up to the press but challenge them at every turn. Challenge every word they utter and call them liars to their face on their own networks. Challenge them on not only the reasons for some of their questions but any facts that are included in the questions. Always answer each and every question with one of your own directed at the moderator as to why they would ask that question of you and not Obama, which when you look back would almost always be the case. Always redirect questions to the treatment of Obama compared to yourself or the Republican Party. Especially throw back in their faces Saul Alinsky and the other Marxist creeps lurking in the halls of the White House. Throw back in their faces the low life behavior of Edwards that the press didn’t covered until the last and the ethics of blow job Billy and the under the desk escapades with a barely out of her teens intern. Your opponent isn’t Obama, it’s the press. Hammer them and challenge them the likes of which has never been seen before. – lips to their ears, we can only hope! And Newt is likely the only person now running that can do it – and do it well at that. Chris Christie is about the only other Republican I can think of that is capable as Newt in this regard. Mr. “I’m presidential” Romney can’t or won’t do it but that is how Obama will be defeated. Defeat the MSM – then Obama. He’ll be truly naked without them. “Experts say …” Ah, yes. This is how they do it. Claim whatever the hell you want to say about a candidate, or a policy, or a scientific theory, or WHATtever — the truth, or relative truth, of the claim is irrelevant, so long as EXPERTS SAY. And the great thing for the Obama Media is that they can ascribe “experts say” to any person or group who poses a threat to The One. Amazing, isn’t it? So, for how long has this been going on? Unfortunately, I don’t know. I’ve only been aware of it for the past decade or so, prior to that I naively believed that our major papers and nightly news outlets were interested in being as objective as possible. Ha! What an idiot I was. Then came the atrocity of 9/11, and I started paying more attention to the communiques of college-trained journalists. I needed to know what was going on out there. I craved news information as never before. And in the process I made a great personal discovery. It began with the European Press — more particularly, the British Press. I began to get the sense that, gosh, these people who I thought were our friends and appreciative allies actually kinda had it out for us. Especially after President Bush, with the full backing of the U.S. Congress and national public opinion, decided to take down the Big Dog, Saddam Hussein. I started to notice that the media had no interest whatsoever in interviewing anti-Saddam voices. No no. It was, rather, always the same guy whose “narratives” they wanted to hear: Abu the one-legged carwash attendant. And he could always be counted upon to say the god-awful things about American policies and American troop conduct that Eurotrash leftists SO wanted to hear. That was a real learning experience for me. And then this rabid anti-U.S. bias migrated to our own shores, and soon we had the New York Times sending out its top reporters to interview this same Abu fella, and fixating on the aberration of Abu Grahib, ad nauseum, and giving free advice to Islamic terror organizations on how to stay a step ahead of American (and cooperative Western) stratagems to roll up al Qaeda & Co. I asked myself: Isn’t there some law against aiding and abetting the enemy in time of war? How can America’s “newspaper of record” get away with this crap? And why are the people so numb to the outrage? Where the hell am I? So, anyway, to make a long story short, I now know EXACTLY what we traditional, patriotic Americans are up against. The American Left is a wing of the International Left. The MSM are almost to the man, card-carrying members of this leftist mindset and agenda. We are so screwed! And now they are systematically targeting every GOP presidential hopeful that comes down the pike. It began, by the most vicious of means, with the smearing of Sarah Palin and, yes, her family, including her newborn. Since then the Obama Media (which had no interest whatsoever in Rev. Wright or the Ayers terrorists), with support from feckless, so-called “conservative” talking-head elites (like Bill Kristol, Karl Rove, Charles Krauthhammer [when he's off his meds], etc.) knee-capped early front-runners Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, and Herman Cain. Now they’re whipping up a nice vat of slime for Newt Gingrich. And after that, it will be a simple matter of pulling out every last peg — no matter how sleazy or bigoted — to destroy Mitt Romney. And we will have plenty of Obama stalking horses, Ronpaulians, and assorted self-immolating candidate groupies here on PJMedia (and elsewhere in the rightwing blogosphere) HELPING the MSM leftists to put America’s worst president ever back in office for another four years of sheer audio-visual misery that no amount of prayer and alcohol will assuage. And when that happens, I will truly no longer care. I will cancel my cable (yeah, like that’ll be a huge loss). I will delete ALL of my news-media bookmarks. I will … I will join a monastery. No. My wife wouldn’t allow it. But I will TUNE OUT completely. And gladly. I will turn to stocking up on ammo, novels. and freeze-dried food. I have enough music, old movies, and T.V. series on backup drives to see me through to my dying days. Because if Obama gets another four years, he will truly ruin everything that this country once stood for. And it will be every man for himself. Please, while Newt did not lobby in the precise legalese of federal law, he did lobby in the language of a sane person. Selling your influence to drive policy decisions in the favor of your clients is lobbying. It’s a sad statement to the state of our party that a snake like Newt is even in the running. He respects America as much as his wives. Who is Huntsman? I imagine the following riposte from Gingrich: “Fellow Americans, you may have heard or read recently that, in my years as a private citizen, I earned approximately $2 million by providing advice to Freddie Mac, one of the two federally-organized and subsidized mortgage giants. Also, I’ve organized a health-care-oriented think tank, the Center for Health Transformation, of which a number of large health-care companies are dues-paying members. “A number of papers, including the Washington Post, and a larger number of Websites, including that of the American Broadcasting Corporation, are trying to make these enterprises sound like crimes. Yet no one has even hinted that I’ve done anything criminal, or even ethically questionable. It’s all about appearances: Newt Gingrich has made some money by providing advice to people and companies he knows, so something shady has to be behind it! “Well, my friends, I invite anyone to find a shady dealing in those efforts, by myself or anyone else connected with either of them. And note this: The source of all the information about either of them is my campaign. I’ve not only released the financials of those undertakings; I’ve also released the Center for Health Transformation’s donor list, which I was not legally required to do. You see, I believe that a man who seeks the highest office in the world has an obligation — an ethical obligation — to be forthcoming about his doings, past and present. They’re the best possible guide to how he’ll act in the future. “Compare my degree of transparency about my affairs to that of Barack Hussein Obama and the organizations that have promoted and supported him. Do we know anything but the bare bones about President Obama’s past? How did he go from an obscure community organizer in Chicago to the top of the poliltical world? Have we seen his transcripts from Occidental University? Do we know anything about his years at Columbia University, where he studied law? What professors remember him at either school? What do they have to say about him? “What about his earlier life? He had a mentor named Frank, mentioned in his autobiography, who was apparently extremely important to him. What was Frank’s full name? Could it have been Frank Marshall Davis, the revolutionary Communist organizer of the Sixties and Seventies? “His Chicago years are just as much a mystery. Just how deeply influenced was he by Reverend Jeremiah Wright? How deeply involved was he with terrorists Bill Ayres and Bernardine Dohrn? What about his involvements with Tony Rezko and Alex Giannoulias? Did he or did he not get a shady “sweetheart deal” with which to finance the purchase of his mansion in Chicago? And did he collaborate with former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich in the attempt to sell his seat in the United States Senate? “Friends, I believe in full disclosure. I’ve made it a principle of my campaign. Now it’s time for you to compare my record, on that subject and all related ones, to that of President Obama. Decide for yourself whom you’ll believe — and come November 6, 2012, whom you’ll support. Thank you for your time and attention.” (Exit stage right to wild sustained cheers from the crowd.) Well done! *applause* As usual from the left we see the politics of lies and personal destruction. I have to admit, one thing I definitely like about Newt is that he doesn’t take any BS from the MSM. He knows how to fight back. He has also been very good about not joining in on MSM efforts to get the repub candidates to spend all their time trashing each other, instead of Obama. Please note that Newt made about 200K as a “consultant” for two Fed outfits which incompetently lost hundreds of billions. Was it his advice which led to the losses? This clown is bought and paid for by the International Bankers, including the Federal Reserve, aka Rothschild West.His personal life betrays his amorality. He is a Rino- John Edwards puppet; a Herman Cain with brains. Mothers, don’t let your boys grow up to be Newts. My God! Has it come to the point that our defense of a presidential candidate (Newt) is that he’s done nothing criminal. The MSM is not friendly, to be sure, but conservatives will not win the White House by running against them. Newt is a duplicitous clown at best, and a deceptive seller of influence at worst. The Newtster carries more baggage than an Amtrak porter. Obama must pray each night for him to be the GOP nominee. It’ll be like shooting fish in a barrel. Republican Senators and Congress members must be quaking at being pulled down by an Obama landslide. Wake up, folks! We’re looking foolish to the rest of the country in entertaining thoughts of this clown..) Hello my family member! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I?d like to peer extra posts like this .

Brokaw: 'They saved the world, nothing less' Tom Brokaw returned to his alma mater Friday to participate in the W.O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership, a conference in which members of the World War III generation addressed issues of citizenship, leadership and character with their Baby Boomer counterparts. Brokaw, author of the best-selling The Greatest Generation, a book on the sacrifices of the World War II generation, spoke early Friday afternoon in Slagle Auditorium. by M. Jill Sundstrom As a new millennium bears down upon us, Tom Brokaw says today�s generation must focus beyond narrow self interest, building strength out of community and common destiny, much like what Brokaw calls the �greatest generation� of the Great Depression and World War II. Speaking at The University of South Dakota April 16 to an audience who came to hear him address the World War II Conference hosted by the W.O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership, the NBC Nightly News anchorman praised the greatest generation, the subject of his best-selling book. �They saved the world. Nothing less than that,� he said. �Each of us here today is a beneficiary of the sacrifices of those times, but most of all that idea that we have a common purpose, whatever individual ideas there may be. �Individual freedom. When we think of what the world was like at the beginning of the 20th century and now what it�s like at the end of that century, the most powerful idea is that of freedom,� Brokaw continued. �And the generation about which I wrote provided the underpinnings for that idea and it only flourished and expanded in the 50 years after the end of the war.� Brokaw added that �we should be proud patrons of the idea of freedom as the new millennium is upon us.� But this is a challenging time for America. �We�re back to sailing uncharted seas because the changes of the world are so profound,� Brokaw said. �The future is so uncertain. The challenge we face now is who we are and what we want for our place in the world. It is a testing time for America.� Brokaw is concerned that there is �almost no regard for common ground� in these times of narrow focus on self interest. There is no civil rights movement, no Vietnam, no Watergate, Ronald Reagan or John F. Kennedy to capture America�s attention, he said. The Clinton/Lewinsky scandal was one without anyone to cheer for, Brokaw added, �from Clinton�s reckless behavior, compounded by lies, to Kenneth Starr�s zealotry and the Republican fervor to air every detail whether it fit the scenario or not. And the media was caught up in a giant game of ?gotcha.� � Still, Brokaw calls this an exciting, dynamic time for America, a country which must build upon its distinctions of cultural diversity and industrial achievements. �Wherever we live, whatever our faith or economic interest in this great melting pot of a nation, we have a common destiny,� Brokaw said. �That is the legacy of the greatest generation. We should not shirk from sharing what we�ve earned and learned with the rest of the world. �We�ve been tested before with what we hoped was the last great war,� he continued. �We�ve survived other wars and constitutional crises, and we�ve emerged whole and strong from the impeachment process of the past year. We are a robust nation that has the best the world has to offer. �We owe it to ourselves and the greatest generation to seize this moment and raise our standards to the next level so that 50 years from now, another University of South Dakota graduate can write a book and say that, too, was another greatest generation.�

French clubs set to stay in the HEC Related links Also see French clubs will not quit Europe's leading cup competitions to play in an alternative tournament just with English clubs. The vice-president of the French National Rugby League (LNR) Patrick Wolff said his organisation wanted to continue playing the Heineken Heineken Cup's current format is weighted in favour of the Celtic nations as Leinster and Munster have won five of the last seven editions between them. Leinster have won three of the last four Heineken Cups and their rivals in England and France claim that is partly a result of a qualification system that allows them to rest their players during told AFP. . crunchfit says... @ APV1 No worries man, one of the nicer / more genuine posters here even if we have some very different point of views. Posted 19:08 26th September 2012 Toulousain says... funny, i'm still waiting for an answer from you crunchfit. you may not be an anglophobe, but you seem to be happy to ignore we french. and then complain on another page that APV is ignoring you. (do you have a man crush?) what's the word i'm looking for? double standards or hypocrite. can't decide. you choose. btw, i'm afraid the anglo-french arguments are very simple, and are being made by the powers that be, i.e. not any of us. i think it is time to just agree to disagree and see how the cookie crumbles. it's out of our hands. being polite is not. let's focus on that instead. Posted 18:08 26th September 2012 APV1 says... @ crunchfit - please accept my genuine apology for non-response. I'm so sick and tired of the nonsensical anti-English rubbish, that I'm probably missing bits. Let me have them again and I'll do my best. The comments I picked out were from a variety of people, although some more than others. They were generalist comments, which is why I selected them, although they were all related to the HC debate. Posted 17:37 26th September 2012 crunchfit says... @ APV1 My questions are direct and simple. Surely, if your argument is actually valid it would have been easier to answer the questions then spend time picking out parts of comments. Not to mention, a bunch of those comments are from one poster and many are about those involved in the decision making, not the English people. Anyway, I'm not an anglophobe and you posted some of that comment before to get me to respond. Now I have and you won't answer my questions. It seems to me like you don't have a good answer, to be honest. Maybe you do though and in that case, maybe you could provide an answer. Posted 15:54 26th September 2012 APV1 says... @ crunchfit - here's why I can't be bothered anymore. The Anglophobes have got their wish - another opportunity to have a go and not discuss rugby. The labelling of a whole nation and / or all of its supporters is shameful: typically English and arrogant Arrogant English as usual! WOW the Enger-lish are looking pretty stupid now aren't they??? hahahaha BOOM The greedy English amateurs the utter arrogance and insubordination of your moronic bartering English rugby is a laughing stock not only due to your endless stupidity You're greedy and inherently dishonest the greedy English the English made fools of themselves AGAIN your greasy tills and greed-inspired calculations We all know about you English folks... what's yours is yours and what belongs to someone else is yours also. just because they want more tv money for there own coffers just pathetic whinging throwing their toys out of the pram Typical bitter Anglo/French behaviour this boils down to financial greed Whinge whinge moan moan - typical English Pathetic The English and French leagues are full of mercenaries playing for big fat greedy pay cheques if ever there was proof of English whinging, this is surely it. whing, whinge, and more bloody whinge... shameful bullying the Arrogance of the these people knows no bounds its really pathetic trying to get there grubby little hands on every penny they can Unbelievable arrogance leaving them drown in the greed they so crave the destroyers of a great game in Europe I say sod the arrogant English it is just arrogance nothing more than pure greed greedy English Your arrogance is astounding the English money-grubbing nation of shop-keepers 800 years of crimes against humanity whining victimisation Just like the English The English are now toxic. endless greed and disregard for the law the centuries of crimes in your wake Posted 13:23 26th September 2012 Toulousain says... @crunchfit. you're kidding right? you try to have a go at APV1 for not responding when the open questions are at your door? we have answered your questions. there is no lack of logic in our position. i really can't spell it out in any more basic terms. i guess APV1 has just thrown in the towel. what is that english expression? "there's none blinder than those who won't see" hmmm. Posted 22:28 24th September 2012 crunchfit says... @APV1 Any response to my questions? If you don't want to answer, no problem. I just thought that you would seeing as this is the second time you made that point to me (i've just seen that old post in the Loose Pass story that you mentioned) so I assume you were interested enough in my response to read it. I'm just trying to see the logic behind English fans', such as yourself's, issues with the Pro12. They don't seem logical to me and when I point out flaws in your arguments in response to your comments, which just seem a little too obvious, I have yet to get a response or get answers to questions I ask. If your arguments are so convincing, why is there such a lack of response to the questions or pointing out of what seem to be obvious flaws in the logic of your arguments? Posted 17:55 24th September 2012 rugby_rockstar says... Hahahah! AWESOME!!!!! Northern Hemisphere rugby is the winner, almost! There's a risk that Italy will get sold down the river by a compromise that allows say 8 pro 12 teams to qualify. which is plain selfish but it will ensure celtic stars get the rest all rugby players need to stay fit and in form. Personally, I think the PRO12 are in a great position. They have a strong argument for resting players and so should stick to their guns and the onus should be on england and france to pull themselves up to the benchmark set by the likes of Leinster, Ulster and Munster. We should be improving the rugby, thats the primary goal that every rugby fans wants. England and France focus on the business side to the detriment of the rugby so the balance is blatently wrong. This whole eurocup PRL farce has been a public relations disarster for the english clubs. I'm English and I've just got utter contempt for them. Heads should roll. They want to act like businessmen then resign and take the consequenses of their incompetence like businessmen. How is this different to the incompetance shown by the RFU last year? Its not. PRL have messed up big time and their reputation is in tatters. Posted 12:20 21st September 2012 Toulousain says... @crunchfit - don't worry if you don't feel you want to reply. i am learning your non-responsive style from other pages, especially when you don't want to accept things!! Posted 10:42 21st September 2012 7ton says... OK we have the Edinburgh and Zebre cases but isn't it a bit petty to begrudge these 2 teams as we should want to see rugby expand in Scotland and Italy Posted 10:37 21st September 2012 Toulousain says... @crunchfit: You say "...resting players for a single game where they know they can't make the play-offs, for a much bigger game, in a bigger tournament means that teams in the Pro12 in general, not specifically Edinburgh, don't try?...." I think everyone can agree that simply because Edinburgh rested players, it doesn't follow that all Pro12 sides rest players, and/or don't care. Maybe some do. But not all. Fair point. What I find interesting is that you define the HCup as "a much bigger game, in a bigger tournament". That's the point. For most French teams, the HCup is not the "bigger game". T14 is the bigger game. We rest players for HCup games. We don't care much about losing to Celtic sides. It's not a big deal to us. Because we know we could beat them, if it was a level playing field. But it's not. So we don't try. Take a look at Biarritz last season if you need any example of how motivation and prioritisation affects the outcome of games. They knew from about mid-February they were doomed in T14. So they "focussed" on the Amlin. And they won the damn thing, beating sides like Toulon along the way!! Imagine if all French sides could "focus" on the HCup. It would at least make us worth beating. Posted 10:29 21st September 2012 porridge_time says... So what if Edinburgh rested players and focused on the HC last season. The professional game in Scotland consists of two teams and it needs entry into a European competition in order to grow. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are gradually improving and who knows where they will be this season, but if the rich English clubs are appeased here then the professional game in Scotland and Italy will be sunk. This is about money and about English Clubs not winning the European Cup all the other stuff is subderfuge. Posted 02:16 21st September 2012 crunchfit says... @APV1 There's a difference between resting players a week prior to the Toulouse match, and completely abandoning the Pro12 (or something to that effect), as has been suggested recently. Besides, people point to Edinburgh as an example and suggest all teams abandon the league. So, people on your side of the argument think that resting players for a single game where they know they can't make the play-offs, for a much bigger game, in a bigger tournament means that teams in the Pro12 in general, not specifically Edinburgh, don't try? And you think that that demeans and devalues the competition? That doesn't really make sense to me. Sorry. If you're in two competitions, your fate is sealed in one, and you have a chance to win in the other, clearly you prioritise the latter. And prioritise is a bit of an exaggeration. It was really just resting players for a single game, not prioritising. Posted 23:37 20th September 2012 Sincero says... Cheers, porridge! APV, I'd actually agree with all of that. I sent in a query at the end of the season to a rugby program that airs in Ireland precisely on that topic. What Edinburgh did wasn't respectable, but they exploited the system. It's certainly part of the reason why we're having this debate now. (However I do see a fair bit of jealousy at the successes of the provinces as being the larger part of this being brought up) My suggested solution was to keep the 10 berths (to which I feel we're entitled as a European league representing 4 Unions, rather than a domestic league representing one- the two simply do not equate), but do away with automatic qualification for the Scots and Italians. All of the lower teams in the league are well capable of qualifying on merit, perhaps with the exception of Zebre, who have disappointed so far. It'd be fairer on 1/2-funded Connacht, and to also to degree on the fully-funded Dragons. Treviso deserve their European Cup place- they're no push over, and have taken a few scalps. Even Aironi managed that. But if you pluck Zebre now in the pool stages it throws the whole Cup out of whack. Far better to have a superior team there on merit, and allow Zebre time to grow in the Challenge. Plus the lower end of the league becomes far more competitive. And there would be no more taking the peas like Edinburgh did last year. Posted 16:18 20th September 2012 APV1 says... @ Sincero - as I posted on the Loose Pass thread and on other HC threads, Edinburgh, imo, had little respect for the Pro12 and decided to rest players: That's why people are suggesting that some teams don't try. Because they prioritise. I understand why, I just don't like it and think it demeans and devalues the competition. And, as a Bath fan, I too was disppointed with the result and (especially) the performance at the Rec (just see my comments). We have the talent, especially in the back 3, to play some fantastic rugby. Bendy's try proved that. But we're lacking a play-maker at 10 and Barkley's filling in. He's an ok 10, but not a Beaver (with his experience and rugby-vision) or a Heathcote (with his youthful flair and exuberance). @ 7ton - as you say, teams will always miss out unless every team plays every other team. But that's where the Amlin comes in. I think we're trying to get to a sensible place and I hope that the Unions, ERC, PRL, etc can get there too. My personal two bug-bears are automatic qualification for teams, regardless of their standard (e.g. Zebre) and teams which are almost encouraged to "do an Edinburgh". And, as I see it, that's what most French and English fans object to as well. A pan-Eropean salary cap wouldn't go amiss either, but I think that's a bit of a pipe dream, along with foreign player restrictions being unified. Posted 10:07 20th September 2012 porridge_time says... You know us English take these things very seriously. We all know about you English folks... what's yours is yours and what belongs to someone else is yours also. Sincero has hit the nail firmly on the head in his summary. Posted 07:55 20th September 2012 porridge_time says... Anybody else see a pattern emerging? Yes! Posted 05:44 20th September 2012 7ton says... APV1 Giving consideration to your suggestion that the top 6 teams from each league go into the HC it may well be that the 7th finisher in the Rabo could be on many occasions better than the 6th finishers in the AP or T14. Now that goes completely against your your view that the HC should be for the best teams in Europe only regardless whether all 6n countries are included or not. Who can ever say that all the top finishers in the AP or T14 are going to be better than the 7th or even 8th finisher of the Rabo? Even as the format is now an Irish or Welsh team missing out may claim they are better than the 6th placed AP/T14 team. The only way we could have it by your principle is if every team in Europe were to all play each other home and away. For obvious time and other factors this would not be possible unless we just have one big European league and forget the rest. In regards to making the Rabo more competitive one possibility may be to reduce the amount of Rabo teams that qualify from 10 to 8 or even 7 then have 1 team each from Italy and Scotland and 2 or even just 1 each from Ireland and Wales that have a guaranteed place and then let the rest fight it out. To make up the full HC numbers bring in more from the Amlin and/or include the runner up from the previous years HC. Another idea could be to reduce the amount of Auto qualifiers from the AP/T14 as well and have some sort of play off between the "just losers" of all 3 leagues but time may be a factor. There are many possibilities and I just hope that the powers that be can get there heads together and have a reasoned debate which does take into consideration the greater good of rugby Posted 21:37 19th September 2012 Sincero says... And what the bugger makes you think teams are hardly trying in the Pro 12? That's really very presumptuous of you, and also very much not the case. I watched Ulster host Munster at Ravenhill last weekend, and also watched Saints visit the Rec. I had a little combination bet on, you see? Now, without many of the internationals back, the pace, execution, the power and the passion of the game that was on show in Belfast would completely eclipse anything you have on show in England. Utter dross at the Rec. And then Leicester - Sarries the other day? The big teams? This is the mad thing- instead of thinking about why you can't produce rugby of any decent standard you immediately try to hamstring duplicitously your neighbours in an attempt to drag the game back to your level. It's really quite abhorrent. We've got our own problems with the game in Italy, Scotland and Wales, and your solution is to make the first two extinct and the last endangered? Instead of trying to murder the sport until nobody else is left, as per your tradition, why not give rugby up altogether and concentrate on something you love doing that nobody else can be bothered with? Enter a 'boring conversations about weather international championship', or a 'treating animals as if the are people cup'... or a 'general knowledge quiz on the Duchess of Cambridge's knickers'... something you're guaranteed to win as a nation. And leave the rugby alone, folks. Better for everyone. Posted 17:47 19th September 2012 Sincero says... TVaddict says... 'Leinster finishing in the top six is irrelevant when the teams they're playing against are hardly trying. That is one of the many points you seem unable to grasp. You are as diplomatic and intelligent as the people running the premiership!' I'm not trying to be diplomatic, mate. And clearly neither are you lot. What led you to call me unintelligent. A little ad hominem, no? I'm not trying to insult anyone, pal. I'm fairly confident in my level of intelligence too, so not offended, just puzzled. I'm not slagging you off. I specifically said I like your fans. It's just this kind of carry-on makes you... less popular, shall we say? '@ Sincero - therein lies the problem. When we were invited back in and offered a cup of tea, it was rubbish. It wasn't brewed correctly. The milk went in the cup first (an absolute No! No!). There was no lemon as an alternative. The list goes on.' Honestly wouldn't be surprised if it contained more saliva than tea after all that, though. So you're saying you think you should have seen a far higher % of the Sky money, or are you just extending the analogy? I must say, in the past you used to kick off after any success, but this time that's not the case. Your national team is trousers, your clubs can't hold their own at all, and your brand of rugby could be sold in D.I.Y. shops as a paint drying aid. Your position is laughably weak. So what now? A 'PREMIER EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD AND UNIVERSE CUP' with teams just from England? I'll pay you 20 quid in advance now not to bother boring me with the details of who wins it. Posted 17:36 19th September 2012

Notes to Kant's Account of Reason 1. We might also note Kant's view of logical reasoning. In the Introduction to the Transcendental Dialectic, Kant distinguishes “logical” from “real” or “pure” uses of reason. The logical use of reason represents a “subordinate faculty” (A305/B362) of drawing inferences (syllogisms), and Kant says relatively little about it in the Critique. It is the “pure” use, whereby reason “itself contains the origin of certain concepts and principles” (A299/B355), that demands critique: hence, of course, the book's title. For extended discussion of this distinction, see Patrone 2008: Ch. 3. 2. This neglect is perhaps less surprising if we recall Kant's very disparaging remarks about attempts to answer the general question, “What is truth?” at B82/A58ff. 3. Cf. O'Neill 1984, which draws on Jean Piaget's studies of young children's knowledge of the world. When asked whether the number of beads will stay the same when they are spread out over a longer distance, for instance, children below a certain age will assume that the number of beads has increased. As O'Neill says, it is difficult to say just what the child believes in this case; in Kant's terms, his or her beliefs do not meet the formal conditions of truth. 4. Cf. also Kant's discussion in the Prolegomena: “The difference between truth and dream… is not decided through the quality of the representations that are referred to objects, for they are the same in both, but through their connection according to rules that determine the combination of representations in the concept of an object, and how far they can or cannot stand together in one experience.” (4:290) 5. It is easy to miss the role that others' judgments play when reading the first Critique, since Kant's concern is largely with the transcendental conditions of experience in general, and hence with an individual knower. However, as Gelfert 2006 has persuasively argued, testimony (and hence communication: cf sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the main entry) are fundamental to Kant's analysis of knowledge among actual human beings. For example, Kant's lectures on logic refer to 'the criterion of truth: to compare one's opinions with those of other people... The principle of indifference etc. to the judgments of others in comparison with my own is [by contrast] the principle of logical egoism' (24.2:740, as quoted/translated by Gelfert 2006: 644). See also Mikalsen 2010 for a recent application of these insights. 6. Cf. “the systematic unity of the understanding's cognitions… is the touchstone of truth of rules” (A647/B675); “it can never be permitted to ascribe such a faculty [i.e., freedom] to substances in the world itself, because then the connection of appearances necessarily determining one another in accordance with universal laws, which one calls nature, and with it the mark of empirical truth, which distinguishes experience from dreaming, would largely disappear” (A451/B479); “What is connected with a perception according to empirical laws, is actual” (A376). Cf. Bxli, A492/B520f. 7. Genesis, ch. 11—the literal meaning of “Babel” being “confusion.” 8. O'Neill 1989: Ch. 1 especially emphasises this passage, as well as the epigraph that Kant added to the second edition of the Critique from Francis Bacon's Great Instauration. Bacon deploys the same imagery of making trial, secure founding, planning, construction, modesty and limits that Kant now uses. 9. Kant often uses the disparaging verb “vernünfteln,” akin to “rationalise” (Vernunft being the German word for reason). 10. Cf. Kant's comment in the Prolegomena: “High towers and the metaphysically-great men who resemble them, around both of which there is usually so much wind, are not for me.” (4:373n) 11. Kant states this very clearly in “What Does it Mean to Orient Oneself in Thinking?”: “if reason will not subject itself to the laws it gives itself, it has to bow under the yoke of laws given by another; for without any law, nothing—not even nonsense—can play its game for long” (8:145). 12. “But who would even want to introduce a new principle of morality and, as it were, first invent it? Just as if, before him, the world had been ignorant of what duty is or in thoroughgoing error about it.” (Critique of Practical Reason, 5:8n) 13. Kant was already clear about this in the so-called “Prize essay,” an “Inquiry concerning the distinctness of the principles of natural theology and morality” (1764). He expands on the point in the first Critique's Doctrine of Method, in the section entitled, “The Discipline of Pure Reason”; cf. Bx ff. 14. Thus a number of writers have stressed the more modest, defensive idea of vindication at work in Kant: not a positive proof that permits no doubt, but a defence that address the specific worries of specific audiences. Cf. Ameriks 2003, or this passage from Łuków (1993, 221): “It is neither sufficient nor possible to prove law and freedom, but it is sufficient and possible to defend them by identifying the practical constraint which testifies to their instantiation in actual lives.” 15. Passages at A310/B358 and A316/B373 are very close to the central principle of legal order explored in the Doctrine of Right, the first part of the Metaphysics of Morals—but this is not yet the underlying idea of the Categorical Imperative. 16. Please see the note at the beginning of the bibliography for an explanation of these references to Kant's moral writings. 17. We might add a third reason. We also have an interest in the unity of philosophy, that might be frustrated if practical and theoretical reason did not stand in a definite hierarchy. Cf. Guyer 1989. 18. Of these ideas, we have already seen the special status of freedom in Kant's system (just as it had a somewhat anomalous position within the “Antinomies” of the first Critique). In fact, the postulates only appear after Kant thinks he has demonstrated the practical reality of freedom, which is known to us by the second Critique's famous (and, as we have seen, nearly as controversial) “fact of reason.” 19. Kant is not totally pessimistic about the results of good action—in his Lectures on Ethics, he comments, “if only all men together were unanimously willing to promote their happiness, we might make a paradise of Novaya Zemlya” (Collins, 27:285f). Novaya Zemlya is a Russian arctic archipelago—ironically enough, one later used as a nuclear test site. (My thanks to Jens Timmermann for this reference and information.) 20. A terminological note: Kant sometimes also refers to this as the highest “derived” good, as compared with God's existence as the highest “original” or “independent” good—5:125, 132; “What Does it Mean to Orient Oneself in Thinking?” 8:139. 21. One might also cite the fact that Kant links autonomy not only to practical but also theoretical reason: “the power to judge autonomously—that is, freely (according to principles of thought in general)—is called reason.” (Conflict of the Faculties, 7:27) 22. But the maxims are formulated much earlier, before the publication of the first Critique: see the unpublished notes R1486, 15:715f (1775-77) and R1508, 15:820, 822 (1780-84); they also appear in the Lectures on Logic, 9:57, as “general rules and conditions for avoiding error.” 23. Kant's words repay close reading: To think for oneself “is the maxim of reason that is never passive. The tendency [to passivity], hence to heteronomy of reason, is called prejudice; and the greatest prejudice of all is representing reason as if it were not subject to the rules of nature, i.e. superstition. Liberation from superstition is called enlightenment, since, although this term is also applied to liberation from prejudices in general, it is superstition above all… that deserves to be called a prejudice, since the blindness to which superstition leads… is what makes most evident the need to be led by others, hence the condition of a passive reason.” (5:294f) 24. “What Does it Mean to Orient Oneself in Thinking?” 8:144. Cf.: “…if this freedom [of the pen] is denied, we are deprived at the same time of a great means of testing the correctness of our own judgments, and we are exposed to error” (Anthropology, 7:129). Universal communicability is also central to Kant's account of aesthetic judgment, following his discussion of the three maxims in the third Critique (5:295-7). 25. For a rather different, but perhaps complementary, attempt to reconstruct key Kantian insights about reason, while preserving aspects of the instrumental and communitarian approaches, see Robert Brandom 2001 and 2002: Ch. 1.

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Phil Blizzard reports on the summit which focused on some of the key issues facing the travel and tourism industry. You may watch the video version of this report in our video section. Sun, Apr 07, 2013 05:58 AM Dubai World Central announce date of first passenger flights Audio: Dubai World Central has announced it will commence general passenger operations as of October 27th 2013. In this report Phil Blizzard talks to Jamal Al Hai, Snr VP, International Affairs & Communications, Dubai Airports about their facilities and also talks with Jozsef Varadi, CEO, Wizz who are based in Central Europe and will start services into Dubai from four cities - Budapest, Kiev, Bucharest & Sofia. 02:53 AM Dubai World Central passenger flights to commence with Wizz Air pt 2 Audio: Launch airline for Passengers flights into Dubai World Central (DWC)includes European based Wizz Air and in this part Phil Blizzard speaks to Jozsef Varadi, CEO, Wizz Air their decision to use DWC rather than Dubai International Airport. He also talks about their ticketing structure, the advantages of booking early and despite being a point to point carrier they can connect UAE travellers to a substantial number of European destinations. Wed, Apr 03, 2013 07:31 AM Dubai World Central passenger flights to commence with Wizz Air pt 1 Audio: Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central is to open to passenger flights on October 27, 2013. Launch carrier will be Wizz Air, based in Central Europe and in this part Phil Blizzard speaks to Jozsef Varadi, CEO, Wizz Air about the airline and its operations, the tough European market and their 'bold' approach with four services to Dubai. Tue, Apr 02, 2013 03:43 AM Deloitte - Middle East trends for e-commerce Audio: Tends in the uptake of e-commerce across the Middle East are highlighted by Emmanuel Durou, Director, Consulting - Strategy, Deloitte Middle East. In this podcast with Phil Blizzard he also talks about the ways e-commerce will evolve in this region. Mon, Apr 01, 2013 07:03 AM Iraq Parliamentarian talks on oil squabbles between Kurdistan and Federal Government Audio: "The oil squabbles between Kurdistan and Federal Government have been going on for more than two years" says H.E. Adnan Al-Janabi, Chairman, Oil & Energy Committee, Parliament, Republic of Iraq. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he makes the call for the implementation of the Oil & Gas Law, talks about their vast reserves of oil, said to be more than 300 billion barrels and their strategy for production. Sun, Mar 31, 2013 04:48 AM Dubai International now second busiest airport in the world Audio: The latest figures published by Airports Council International confirms that Dubai International Airport (DXB) is now the second busiest international airport in the world. Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, in this report by Phil Blizzard, says that London's Heathrow Airport is firmly in their sights now that DXB has overtaken Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Mon, Mar 25, 2013 01:15 AM Erwin Bamps, COO, Gulf Craft Pt 2 - significant growth in demand for smaller craft Audio: Whilst the impressive looking superyachts catch the eye and media attention it is the smaller craft which is the main business of UAE manufacturer Gulf Craft. Phil Blizzard talks to Erwin Bamps, COO, Gulf Craft about the significant growth for the much smaller craft, which is the mainstay of the company which is now into its 31st year of operations. Sun, Mar 24, 2013 06:24 AM TravelNews - Emirates await Qantas, Dreamliner battery rebuild, new routes for Qatar Airways Audio: Phil Blizzard with a round-up of the key stories from around the region and beyond, including the announcement by Boeing of a redesign for the batteries of the troubled and grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The news of the new international airport in Qatar, new routes for Qatar Airways, innovations on-board from passengers of Flydubai and Emirates awaiting the arrival of the first flight by Qantas into Dubai. 02:41 AM Erwin Bamps, COO, Gulf Craft Pt 1 - Growth of the superyacht market Audio: Phil Blizzard talks to Erwin Bamps, COO, Gulf Craft about the global demand for superyachts and how the regional market is maturing and even looking for even larger boats. He also talks about the construction of their largest yacht to date - the Majesty 155. Tue, Mar 19, 2013 07:21 AM HP brings ElitePad to MidEast & Emirates cabin crew HP's new business tablet has landed in the Middle East and will soon take off again with Dubai's Emirates airline. Steven Bond spoke to HP and Emirates execs about the device and this special partnership. Write-up below Mon, Mar 18, 2013 01:51 AM Mohamed Youss. 01:51 AM Mohamed Yous. Thu, Mar 14, 2013 08:38 AM Mobile wallets are around the corner - can we trust RFID? Audio: Our debit card could soon go the way of the chequebook and become a relic in terms of how we make purchases. RFID (radio-frequency identification technology) will allow us to tap and swipe our way to simple transactions - but is it secure? Nicolai Solling, Director of Technology Services at HelpAG Middle East, speaks to Steven Bond about the RFID trend and potential security issues. More Podcasts From AMEinfo.com Podcast

The Ranger School is a location whereby individuals aspire to become either Rangers, Mechanics and Operators in training, featured in Shadows of Almia. Hidden in Ascension Square is a diary which was used by the three founding fathers of the Ranger Union: Erma, Professor Hastings and Lamont. OverviewEdit At the Ranger School, individuals are taught skills pertaining to the lives of Pokémon Rangers, in order to succeed as either a Ranger, a Mechanic or an Operator. It is here where Erma, Professor Hastings and Lamont vowed to bring peace to the Pokémon world, thus forging what would later become the institution of the Ranger Union. Lamont created the Ranger School to allow children to learn about the responsibilities of being a Pokémon Ranger. For demonstration purposes, the Ranger School implements a safer, less powerful variant of the Capture Styler called the School Styler. - Pokémon Ranger - A Pokémon Ranger's role is to uphold the peace within the Almia region and protect nature. Their role is pivotal in the day-to-day running of the Ranger Union. - Operator - These people are assigned to communicate directly with Pokémon Rangers in the field via voicemail, and can grant additional PokéAssists to Rangers who successfully complete a mission. Though the role of Operator is slightly subservient to the Ranger, it is a crucial aspect of the Ranger Union. - Mechanic - The Mechanic's role in the series is to repair machinery. Not much else about this class is known. TeachersEdit Within the Ranger School, there are a variety of teachers whom are capable of teaching students about the role of Pokémon Rangers in everyday life. The teachers present are as follows: - Mr. Lamont - The Headmaster of the Ranger School and its founder, Lamont is a person dedicated to the ideals of peace within the world. - Mr. Kincaid - Kincaid is a teacher at the Ranger School, who later reveals himself as a member of the sinister Team Dim Sun. - Ms. April - April is the teacher of the protagonist's classroom. - Ms. Claire - Claire is a teacher at the Ranger School, whose specialty lies in Target Clear. - Janice - Janice serves as the person who looks after the Ranger School. - Mr. Kaplan - Kaplan is a teacher at the Ranger School, who specialises in the teaching of Capturing Pokémon through the use of School Stylers. LocationsEdit FieldEdit This place is located in front of the Ranger School building. There are crates here, and some Pokémon roaming around the field. There is a classroom on the left side of the building. To the right is where Ascension Square is located. HallwayEdit Located in the first floor of the Ranger School, with two classrooms, a library, staircase and the Staff Room. Pichu and Bidoof are found here. Second FloorEdit This is the place to eat and where dormitories are located. Ascension SquareEdit This is where the Pledge Stone is located. There is a port on the east side. This is where Team Dim Sun's Cargo Ship will eventually crash here. BasementEdit This is where Mr. Kincaid's laboratory located. The location also has a Zubat blocking it so the player must find his/her own way. EntranceEdit It is found in front of the Field, to the west, it leads to School Road.

(C. "I don't know who made it," Greene told CNN. But that doesn't mean he isn't listening. "It sounds good," he said. "Make sure everybody hears it." It appears the video was created by a San Francisco hip-hop producer calling himself "Satellite High" and uploaded to YouTube by a user called "virgiltexas." Both men promoted the video on their Twitter feeds yesterday, with Satellite High proclaiming: "when i say 'alvin' you say 'dammit you people will believe anything.'" The producer did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. UPDATE: Jay Friedman, the San Francisco-based producer behind the song, is amused at the attention the video has gotten. The entire concept, he said, was developed among a group of friends "goofing off" on Twitter who had been following the Alvin Greene phenomenon. "I just like making funny music, and a friend of mine on Twitter approached me asking, 'You wanna do this'," Friedman said in phone conversation. "It was kind of inside jokey thing." Friedman said the song took about an hour to complete, with some extra time needed to convince his wife to perform back-up vocals. The video, which was posted on YouTube Thursday, was produced by his friend. He said he was taken aback when the video was billed as an "official" Greene campaign video. "When we were making it, we were trying to make sure there was enough comedy and parody in it so that people would be sure that it didnt come from the Alvin Greene campaign," Friedman said. "People are willing to believe very strange things when they come from the internet." It would be really funny if, after putting this D stooge in place, the R opponent loses. Nothing personal against Mr Greene, don't know much about the man What I have seen of him, has suggested that this man currently has no qualifications to in the US Senate Now the conspiracy theorist that suggest he might be a Republican funded plant, could scarily be correct. They go on to laugh at the Republicans for such an underhanded trick, as well laugh at the possibility that Demint is so corrupt, that Mr Greene might actually become the next Senator of S.C. Don't laugh too hard people, if your theories are correct, and a Democrat beats the Republican in S.C., who do you think Mr Greene is going to be loyal to If your theories are correct, what I see, is that the joke might just be on you ... two Republicans are running for the same seat Mr Greene might simply end up being a Republican in Democratic clothing ... sounds like the Democrats lose no matter what He will fit right in in Washington. His credentials will stand with the rest. Can anyone get this so called "Greene"out of the site. Remember out of the site out of the mind. He is just there and pretending he is something while he is not. No one knew Greene before, now he is talking while not showing that he is something. Please stop playing with peoples mind. We have more pressing issue to deal with than wasting our precious time in this empty suit Greene from no where! Even the bridge to no where, was known it was in Alaska! Why not vote for Alvin Greene??? He is as intelligent as any Gov. S.C. has ever had....I'd bet a whole lot more honest!!! The democrats must be so proud of their candidate.... This guy is the most decent, honest Democrat to run for office in the last 40 years. It is no wonder that the libs are attacking him, he isn't enough of a hater for the Democrat hate party. We need, at least, 50 % of people like Alvin Greene in US Congress. People who have struggled to pay rent, to pay telephone bill, to pay electrical bill, to go to restaurant, and so on. People who could afford vacation, to pay their credit card bill on time, or to have a decent car. For American people, it is more important than a good speech Therefore, Mr. Alvin Greene has my vote and my money. Also. I am not sure what people mean when they say that he is an idiot. How many people, in this country, with Mr. Alvin Greene conditions could manage to be a US Senator nominee in South Carolina? An idiot could not do it. I am not an idiot, bu I couldn't.. So, somewhere, he is very smart. Please, South Caroline, don't put this dumb in Senate. Turning Alvin Greene into a rappin candidate in South Carolina will virtually hand the election to Jim DeMint. All you liberal political thugs out there have been slamming this guy from the get go. I ,on the other hand, have defended his right as a winner of a free election. Of course you libs don't believe in free elections (Bush-Gore, Bush-Kerry). But back to the subject, this guy Greene is the brightest star I've seen in the democratic camp in a few years. I'll predict he will be a very popular representative and alot of talk show hosts will be eating crow. Mr. Greene should smile more. He has earned the right o smile. He has the Democrats scratching heir heads in dismay. I haven't heard anything about the "probe" into his primary election. If there was something found it wold have made the news. So Good Luck Mr. Greene. Heaven help us. This guy is a perfect example of a Democrat... The fine DNC should be overwhelmed with Pride! Good luck Sir... fantastic job in the primary... we are all behind you South Carolina is so screwed! A lying corporate apologist or gumby. Is this the best that the State can come up with? Pathetic. Mr. Greene will get my vote. He's better then DeMint. Has anyone ever figured out how Mr. Green came to win the primary in South Carolina? While he seems like a very pleasant and easy-going man, he doesn't strike me as someone prepared for this important position. Who was he running against? This story seems to have died in the media. In any event if his primary win is legitimate, I wish him all the luck in the world. He will need every ounce of it.

President Obama IS a Constituional scholar. I wonder what made the newly elected Teatards think they could challenge the constitutionality of Healthcare Reform when one of their very own felt that familiarity with the Constitution was an UNNECESSARY prerequisite for a Senator? Did they also think that the insertion of a Latina,and a gay Supreme Court Justice was just a "checkers" move on the President's part? As long as taxpayers are expected to pay for treatment for people who have no health insurance, we should be able to require everyone who is capable of purchasing health insurance to do so – just like uninsured motorist insurance! Of course, Tim Pawlenty's solution is for emergency rooms to turn patients away who cannot pay and have no insurance. That's the GOP health care plan and I suppose that's the "Death Panel" that they spoke of – just send them away to die in the street. Until then, taxpayers shouldn't have to pick up the tab for those who can afford health insurance but simply won't pay for it. President Obama IS a Constituional scholar. ================================================ HAhAHAHA!!!! RIGHT! And he thinks it is outdated and irrelevant, just as all Progressives think. The American people told him otherwise on Nov. 2nd. He's just too stupid to realize it. Amazing how arrogance and elitism blinds people to reality. This law will be ruled unconstitutional in 2011 or 2012 by a 5-4 vote. Get over it libtards. Mama, part of the solution is also making people work and give up watching Oprah. Here is the real deal, we are already paying for these people through the innumeralble entitlement programs that a fraught with waste and corruption and a lot of the cost is the liberal trial lawyer suing that Obama has refused to control. He also refused to allow the companies to sell across state lines and took out the doc tax, so it wasn't included in the original cost and could be added later. So as far as the eye can see we are paying for the failure of the NEA to educate our children because they want more Viagra, the greedy trial lawyers and the millions of drug using, Oprah watchers who don't want to work. So what does this do for me except raise my premiums which your president promised it would not do. So much for the tea bag agenda. All they have left is the goofy impeachment strategy. To the Nancy Pelosi hater: It is the republicans who want to remove those constitutional amendments that are not pro white. Arrogance is a multi millionaire like Mitch McConnell thinking he is speaking for main stream America. That also goes for the town drunk who will become speaker of the house in January. Why do we even need health insurance companies? Seems to me that they're just greedy middlemen who add nothing to the delivery of healthcare besides another level of burocracy. The more claims they deny, the more profit they make. They are the real death panels. If we had universal healthcare like the rest of the world, all of this would be a "mute" point. (I know it's moot, but ya gotta write so the teabaggers little pea brains can understand.) Have a nice day! To the guy laughing about the President being a constitutional scholar: I'm a progressive, and I believe firmly in the Constitution. All of it; not just the parts the teabaggers like. I believe in the separation of church and state. I believe in the 14th Amendment, too. What gave you the idea that progressives don't believe in the Constitution? As for the President being stupid, I'd like to see your degree from Harvard, or anywhere, for that matter. No, I don't mean your GED. I'll be glad to show you my Associate, Bachelors, and Masters. If you think progressives are lazy, I'll be glad to show you my job history for the past 45 years, including 3 1/2 years in the regular army during Vietnam. Your insults only show your ignorance, which is the lesson we all learned about teabaggers during this last election cycle. For a good close up look at arrogance, try a mirror. Nancy Pelosi, the wicked witch of the west, the DemocRAT gift that just keeps on giving President Obama IS a Constituional scholar. ================================================ HAhAHAHA!!!! RIGHT! And he thinks it is outdated and irrelevant, -------------------------------------------------– EXACTLY what has he done to violate the Constitution that would make you say that? Let me answer that for you: NOTHING. Your boys in Congress would've been ALL OVER THAT if he was in fact violating our sacred Constitution. Perhaps if you'd studied a little harder in school you wouldn't feel so threatened by intelligence. The RepubliCAN'Ts knew this – they just want to MAKE SOME NOISE!!! Everyone who voted for them because they thought the Health Care Reform was going to be repealed – WASTED A VOTE!!! There is a LOT more the RepubliCAN'Ts ARE NOT going to get – like those TAX CUTS for the RICH – the middle class will prevail in that too – RAISE the THRESHOLD – END TAX CUTS for those making over that threshold!!! Yes We Can!! The RepubliCAN'Ts put a lot of fear in voters and it will all surface over the next couple of days, months and years and most Americans are going to say – "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED"?! President Obama – and I agree with Dominican Mama – is a very intelligent man and this is what make those people that live in those 'small pockets of America' ANGRY! This is T'sah – OUT of Campaign – N2 MOVING AMERICAN FORWARD with all of the Reforms THIS President achieved – President Barack Obama!!! Obama is a constitutional scholar and Bush graduated from Yale. I will judge them more by the destruction they have or are wreaking on our country. And the lies they told or are telling. Are we done with the DemoPublicanRebOcrats yet? I wonder how the rethugs are going to tell people who are already being helped by the healthcare reform bill that, oops, we don't like it but because we have health insurance and we have a lot of money that doesn't mean we want YOU to have it. At least the insurance part. RETHUGS ARE THE DEATH PANELS!! Typical republikan hypocritical system. I don't care what SCOTUS "normally" does. This is a gross deriliction of their sworn duties. Requiring any amoerican to purchase any product where there is no alternative behaviour is not in the spirit of Constitution, is not enumrated in the powers of Congress or the Executive for any reason in the Constitution. For the sake of our country this needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. Requiring Auto Insurance isn't the same thing–we can all choose to walk or ride a horse. The constitution is a lot like the bible. Open to all sorts of interpretation. Couldn't one argue that promoting the general welfare, as they say, could include requiring everyone to have health insurance so that we all don't wind up paying for all of the emergency room visits by the uninsured? Have a nice day! @ keepstufingthis Mama, part of the solution is also making people work and give up watching Oprah. -------------------------------------------------– I agree. Yet you'd have to also agree that as it stands (or stood) we (those of us that work for a living and have health insurance) had been paying all along through fees and higher premiums for those without insurance. Why would you want Obama, YOUR PRESIDENT TOO, to curb lawyers suing anybody? Isn't that an infringement on free American enterprise? Lawyers sue. That's what they do. And what the hell was that you said about the NEA not educating kids because they want more Viagra?!? You're rambling babe. I agree with you about getting people back to work and away from their meth labs on college campuses, and in the heartland of America. The influx of this drug primarily produced by White America is killing off the youth we have left. I agree with Dennis, the liability auto insurance requirement is completely different. Take a look at what the CBO says. Recent report shows that Prescription cost have already begun to climb. This is just the beginning. As base costs go up, insurance costs will have to follow, or there won't be an insurance industry, maybe this was the engame they had in mind anyway.

A recent presidential poll shows former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney still has a lot of work to do to win the support of women in Virginia. Enter Virginia’s “Women for Romney” – a newly formed group attempting to channel Fittingly the group held an event Thursday at a women’s boutique in a newly-built shopping mall in Hanover County — the predominantly Republican Richmond suburb where Romney is scheduled to stop Saturday as part of his bus tour of swing states leading up to the GOP convention in Tampa Florida Aug. 27. Del. Barbara Comstock, R-Fairfax, said women have lost more than 400,000 jobs since Barack Obama became president. “Obama isn’t working, and we need to make a change,’ she told a group of roughly two dozen women gathered at the Ruby Slipper Boutique. Roughly half of the attendees had some direct connection to the Hanover Republican Party or the campaigns of Romney and GOP U.S. Senate candidate George Allen, or Rep. Eric Cantor, R-7th. The group also heard from Jean Ann Bolling, wife of Lt. Gov. Bill Bollling, the 2013 gubernatorial candidate and chairman of Romney’s campaign in Virginia. “Women are going to be crucial to getting Mitt Romney elected,” she said. Right now, Republicans could use more of them. Romney trails Obama among women voters in Virginia 54-40 percent, according to a new Quinnipiac University/New York Times/CBS News poll released earlier this week. Overall the president holds a 49-45 edge over Romney. Previous polls indicate Romney fares better among white women in the commonwealth, and much of the appeal behind Thursday’s event was geared toward getting the suburban gathering to network with their friends and neighbors, make calls, and affix bumper stickers to their minivans. “The most important network is the YOU network,” said Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who participated in the Virginia Women for Romney events, which featured an earlier stop in Charlottesville. The Obama campaign, meanwhile, has been running ads in the commonwealth and other swing states charging that a Romney presidency would mark a step backward for women in areas like reproductive rights and contraception. “The Obama campaign and those ads don’t speak for all Virginia women,” Jean Ann Bolling said. One middle-aged Mechanicsville woman in the store told the gathering that she has been called a racist for not supporting the president. She said she is not a racist and that when she is pushed on the issue, she responds by saying “I’m voting against the white half” of Obama, a reference to the president’s mother, who was white. The public officials at the event quickly tried to talk the woman out of engaging with others along that line of political argument, calling it a distraction from the real. Later, after being approached by reporters, and in the presence of a GOP staffer, the woman declined to give her name, saying of the remark, “I just say it as a joke.” To Susan Allen, Romney should appeal to women for the same reason he should appeal to men – the economy. Whether they are business CEO’s or homemakers concerned about their husband holding onto a job or their children being able to find one, the wife of the former governor and U.S. Senator said women “know that this country is not where it should be.” “The pulse on the ground is way different because of the economy,” she said.

Brooklyns Aladdin Theater hosts Japan earthquake-relief concert $215,000 RAISED For two special shows on March 27, Brooklyn's Aladdin Theater was packed - standing-room-only - as people flocked to enjoy a most eclectic mix of music acts at the 'From Oregon with Love' concert. Having sold out the evening concert just hours after it was announced, organizers added a second show earlier the same day - both of them to raise money for Mercy Corps Oregon's Japan Relief Fund, in aid of Japanese victims of the recent massive earthquake there. Acts ranging from the internationally-popular show band Pink Martini, to the Oregon Ballet Theater, to singer Storm Large, didn't disappoint ticketholders - providing a colorful, memorable musical program. Near the beginning of the second show, at the theater located just south of Powell Boulevard on S.E. Milwaukie Avenue, the audience cheered when the master of ceremonies introduced Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, who had stopped by to speak for a few moments. Kitzhaber began by thanking the event's organizers, and recognizing dignitaries in the audience, including Japan's Consul General. 'Let me start by saying, first and foremost, that Cylvia [Hayes] and I, on behalf of all Oregonians, send our hearts out to the people of Japan; our friends across the Pacific who've lost their homes, lost their communities, and lost their loved ones. 'The level of destruction has been so great that no nation could possibly meet all the needs of their own people in the aftermath of an event of the magnitude that we witnessed several weeks ago. That's why we're here.' From the historical perspective, Kitzhaber observed that the Japanese-American Society of Oregon was started here in 1907. 'Oregon and Japan have a long history of a mutually-beneficial relationship. Many Oregon businesses trade products and services in Japanese markets.' The governor concluded, 'With events like the concert in this auditorium tonight, we're going to continue to gather the resources necessary to provide help to the affected communities which so desperately need it. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you for helping this important cause. Oregonians are generous people; very generous people. Our friends at Japan have asked for help, and we will answer the call.' Asked why he donated the use of the venue, lights, and sound, for the concert, Aladdin Theater manager Tom Sessa said, 'It's our way of giving back to the community.' With that, the concert began. The two benefit concerts at the Aladdin that day raised $215,000 for the assistance of Japanese earthquake victims.

In Brief Events and recognition Food Web hosts showing of movie 'FRESH' A community screening of 'FRESH,' the movie, a film by Ana Sofia Joanes, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 at the Forest Grove Grange, 1917 B St. This is the second program in the Food Film Festival sponsored by the Dairy Creek Community Food Web to promote awareness of issues and encourage involvement in our local food community in western Washington County, said Robin Lindsley of the Food Web. After the screening, a local food activist will lead a discussion to connect the film to our local community situation. Astronaut speaks Thursday at Cornell Estates As part of Cornell Estates Educational lecture series, the public is invited to hear astronaut Bonnie J. Dunbar on Thursday, July 21 at 1:15 p.m. Dr. Dunbar recently retired as president and CEO of the Museum of Flight and as executive director of Wings Over Washington, an affiliate organization of The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Wash. Prior to that, Dunbar retired from NASA's Johnson Space Center in 2005, where she had a 27 year career as a space flight controller, an astronaut and a member of the senior executive service. She grew up in the Yakima Valley of Washington state on a cattle ranch homesteaded by her parents in 1948. The lecture is free and open to the public. Cornell Estates is located at 1005 NE 17th Ave., Hillsboro. Seating is limited, so call 503-640-2884 to reserve your spot. Fair hosts barn dance Put on your overalls and boots and head to the Washington County Fair Complex on Friday, July 29. Shake a leg to 'Contra' style dance movements, the precursor to modern square dancing, as two live bands and a dance caller entertain you starting at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages. No dancing experience is required. Additional information is available at. Group gets $10K from Intel The Vernonia Volunteer Ambulance Association has received $10,000 from Intel Corp. through its Intel Involved Matching Grant program, which makes a $10 contribution for every hour of reported volunteer time by an Intel employee. Loren Loomis, Mike Demeter and Tom Moss of Intel all volunteer with the VVAA, which recorded 1,188 hours of volunteer time by the three employees. The funds will help fund the association's purchase of communication equipment for its volunteers, said VVAA president Jeff Mathia. Donations needed for Forest Grove gift basket The Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce is once again seeking items to include in a Forest Grove gift basket for the annual Oregon Mayors' Association conference. Mayor Pete Truax will travel to Madras the first week of August to represent Forest Grove at the meeting. Contact the Chamber office, 503-357-3006, or drop your items off there (2417 Pacific Avenue) to be included in the basket. The baskets provided by cities throughout the state will be auctioned off at the conference, with proceeds donated to a local organization or cause. 'Cut-A-Thon' benefits Family Resource Center Bliss! Hair Studio will sponsor a Cut-A-Thon haircut fundraiser on Aug. 14. The event will benefit the Forest Grove School District's Family Resource Center, said Tracey Weaver of the salon. Bliss! is located at the corner of Douglas Street and Pacific Avenue in Forest Grove. Call 503-357-3300 for more information. 'Meet the Artist' extends Forest Grove series July 29 The next Forest Grove Public Arts Commission 'Meet the Artist' event will be held on Friday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. The seventh in a series of events to promote the arts in Forest Grove, this month's get-together features the work of Fran Richards and will be hosted by Laura and Jerry Frye. Seating is limited for the wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, so make your reservations now. Contact Linda Taylor, 503-359-4690 for more information. Notary Public seminar coming to town The Oregon Secretary of State's office has announced a new series of free Notary Public education seminars, scheduled for various locations throughout the state. A seminar will be held in the Forest Grove Community Auditorium on Aug. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more details or to register for the Forest Grove event, visit.

Scene: Dropping Little Bit off at daycare DH says, "Son, you need to leave your toys in the car. (points to front door of daycare) Miss Donna* put up a sign that says everyone has to leave their toys at home." Little Bit considers this. "Let's pretend it says 'yes'!" DH quickly says, "OK. Then we'll pretend we took the toys inside." Little Bit considers this...hrmmmm...then, he leaves his toys in the car. *We live in the South, ya'll. All the daycare teachers are addressed as Miss Donna, Miss Kate, etc. Little Bit is also taught to say "Yes, ma'am" or "Yes, sir" as appropriate. --------------------- I'm way behind on reading/commenting on the usual blogs I read, and of course I haven't posted much lately. There's only so much "free" time in the day; lately I've been reading personal finance blogs and getting lots of good ideas about being frugal and tricks to keep on budget, and so on. Either that or trying to catch up on the DVR'ed shows recorded while we watch the evening cartoons with Little Bit. Little Bit is staying up later than he probably should. We let him watch his favorite cartoons on Noggin, which end at 8pm. By the time we get him to sleep, it can be past 8:30pm. That doesn't leave much evening. Last night we actually got him into bed and asleep by 7:30pm. He had quite a day though. He woke up feeling out of sorts, wanting to gather all his toys and things around himself on the couch. He really didn't want to go to daycare; he seemed like he might have a bit of a bug. So, he got to stay home with DH for some extra attention. When he felt better in the afternoon, they played outside for awhile. Unfortunately, Little Bit got really overheated very quickly. He has my fair skin, but he also has a high normal body temperature, and his face broke out in a heat rash. This morning, Little Bit broke my heart protesting getting dressed to go to daycare. He kept crying for me to come hold him, while DH tried to put on a fresh pull-up. Little Bit yelled, "No pull-up! I baby!" :-( It broke my heart. He's been feeling insecure I think. I would imagine it's rough trying to dance along that line between wanting to get out and explore and wanting to be held close and safe by mom and dad. In another 10 years or so, we'll get to go through his puberty. Wheeeeee. DH and I are thinking about taking Little Bit out of daycare part-time. That way he can get more one-on-one attention from his dad. Socialization is good, but he's only almost three. He's just a little feller. Friday, April 24, 2009 He's just a little feller Scene: Dropping Little Bit off at daycare 1 comment: As a follow-up: we talked to the daycare folks, getting their advice on how best to give Little Bit what he needs. After all, they've raised thousands of kids, and we value their opinions (even though ultimately we make the choices about what to do with our own child). We considered leaving things as they are (5 days of full-time daycare); going to a 3- or 2-day schedule of daycare (home the other days); going to a half-day schedule; or pulling him from daycare. Starting on Monday we'll be switching Little Bit to half-days at daycare, 5 days a week. That way he will continue to get the socialization and learning that they can give him; he'll get a regular schedule that isn't changing so much he can't keep track of it; and he'll get a whole afternoon of one-on-one Daddy Time, five days a week. Hopefully it will be the best of both worlds, and give him what he needs. We're planning to do this at least through the summer, or until I get full time work again, whichever comes first. The neighborhood park is just 3 blocks away, with wonderful swing sets, slides, and such. And in a few weeks the pool will be open. I'll be able to teach him to swim. (Yes, I'm trained to do that.) It should be a glorious summer, lots of good memories for us both, and hopefully less stress and more reassurance in Little Bit's life. We'll see. Wish us luck. :-)

Part on-screen adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s book series puts a twist on the massively conflicted romantic drama commonly found in vampire movies, blending lovesick teens with fast-paced plot development into a very uncommon package. The result is an intoxicatingly addictive series of cinematic adventures that has taken the world by storm, bringing in a combined total of more than $240 million on their opening weekends. Let’s take a stab at some of my personal favorite vampire flicks, shall we? Bram Stoker’s Dracula This adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel by Francis Ford Coppola is a fantastic piece of excess in every way. While favoring a more vindictive Count Dracula instead of the novel’s bloodthirsty version, Coppola’s approach remains deliciously gritty. This classic, but timeless take on vampire lore features a star studded cast including Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, Gary Oldman, Tom Waits, Monica Bellucci and Keanu Reeves. Bringing in nearly $90 million in total gross sales at the box office, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the number seven highest-grossing vampire movie since 1978 and won three Academy Awards. Fantastic acting coupled with incredibly engaging storytelling makes this one of my all-time vampire favorites. The Blade Trilogy Easily one of my favorites growing up, the Blade series is one of the better on-screen adaptions to come from the Marvel Comics camp. Wesley Snipes plays an ass kicking, daylight walking vampire-human hybrid who, to quote the movie, “… has all their strengths but none of their weaknesses.” All three movies are a fantastically endless cavalcade of excessively gory fight scenes and not much else, but it’s not like you notice or care. I found myself sad at the end of each, as watching Snipes brutally slice and shoot anything not quite alive in his path was incredibly entrancing. Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel join Snipes in the final installment of the series, bringing with them plenty of cool gadgetry and eloquent sarcasm which contrasts nicely with Blades’ quiet and completely unfunny demeanor. The trilogy comes in the top 20 top grossing vampire movies since 1978 at roughly $250 million total gross. This movie is everything you want in a vampire action movie: cool gear, good soundtrack and gratuitous amounts of gore. The Lost Boys Aw yeah, you know you loved it too. Even though it came out before I was born, this was another favorite of mine growing up. A veritable pop culture phenomenon, even though it only squeaked out $32 million in total gross box office sales, The Lost Boys was an instant cult classic. Recognizing that internal strife between small groups of people makes for great drama, director Joel Schumacher shows a pair of brothers being unwillingly dragged into one increasingly tense and dangerously cool situation after another. Fantastic marketing, great music and superb acting had teens across the country thinking that all you needed to be cool was a pair of Wayfarer sunglasses and a rebel attitude. What are your favorite vampire movies? Did you see these movies in the theater? Feel free to share your comments and experiences in the comment section below!

- Wed. 11 comments: ok for those of you who know a little bit about fats's 'situation'...it's not seemingly getting any better. i'm speaking to a woman tonight who may be able to help as she is the first person who has seen anything like the photos that i sent her. she along with another 'advisor' are suggesting papilloma. if it's that then surgery or an oral treatment may be possible. i'll know more soon, but at this point he is facing a biopsy which would be a surgical removal of one his growths to try to determine what it is exactly or a wait and see what develops if he goes off all meds for a week while i try to get some money together for more treatments. i've started my etsy account FINALLY and for whatever it's worth glass pieces should be available tomorrow if not this afternoon. think holiday gifts people, and of course i'll be offering the bunny [rints on there as well. for those of you who donated to his cause and wanted a print and have yet to receive it i'm finally getting settled enough to start that mailing process so please please puh leeeeeeze remind who you all are and i will get right on that very very soon. if you don't remind me i will be forced to go through my paypal account, hunt you down, and force a rabbit photo on you. so beware. Fats - you are an excellent dancer! Very graceful and happy :) I had the picture of you and your favourite fluffy white bunny in a field as my desktop background that I lost in a reinstall.. Any chance of a link to it once more? *Sad Canadian Puppy look* I'm on Etsy too!! Do you have anything up for sale right now? 'cause if you do I'd like to see it, and maybe buy something. :) And I hope that lady will be able to help figure out what's wrong with Fats. Get well soon, Fats!! Shannon Part kaleidoscope, part carousel, 100% Fats. oh Fats you look such a happy carefree bunny, sorry you're still ill, hope the lady can help... Fats running circles and Fats snoring videos make my day - excellent replacement for sunshine in the mornings, thanks for sharing :) We're still crossing all long limbs and ears for Fats, we want to hear he's healed for good...and...we haven't forgotten our promise. Can you email us at yowlyy@... to confirm your mailing address, please? Alice - that is true bunny LOVE!!! was he making those delightful rabbit noises? I have my fingers crossed for him xxx Annette, Arabella and Wesley I love the bunny foot circle dance. :) Fats loves you! Tid used to do that with me a lot. Cadbury, not so much. :( I like Fats videos and pics. I like em a lot. Happy Fats Dance. Best thing ever. (I still LOVE my glass:)

Early Morning Power Outage in Indianapolis IPL says Power has been restored to nearly than 2-Thousand customers after an early morning power outage, after a possible blown transformer, on the city’s east side, at 21st and Post. Because of that outage ALL Warren Township Schools are STILL on a two-hour delay today. IUPD Chief Dies Suddenly The chief of the IU Bloomington Police Department died suddenly last night. 50 year old, Chief Keith Cash, died at the hospital of natural causes believed to be related to his heart. Cash, a native of Jeffersonville, Ind., joined the department in 1984 and became chief in October 2010. Man Connected to Hovey Street Murders, Back Behind Bars A fleeing felon is back behind bars, but he says he ran because someone is out to kill him. 30 Year-Old-Thomas Tommy Warren, was serving time in connection with the Hovey Street murders. Warren was on work release when he took off. His sentence would have been complete in August. Warren was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery in the 2008 Hovey Street case that ended with two young mothers and their children murdered inside their home. Warren says he ran because people from Hovey Street were out to kill him. Pet Shop Owner Goes To Court The owner of an Indianapolis pet shop appeared in court yesterday on charges after almost 400 animals were confiscated at the pet shop after an inspection revealed dead animals, and filthy conditions. The Owner Bill Houston has three days to pay a 33 Thousand Dollar bond, or the animals are forfeited to the city. Houston is also facing $1.4 million in fines and is scheduled for a trial on April 10. Central Indiana Counties Among Indiana’s Healthiest A new report says, Hamilton, Hendricks and Boone counties are among Indiana’s top healthiest counties, according to a report by County Health Rankings. The report took several factors into consideration when ranking counties including education, jobs, income and the environment. According to the report, Marion County ranked 79th healthiest out of Indiana’s 92 counties. Arsonist: Fire “It Calms Me” A man arrested on arson charges told police that setting things on fire calms and relaxes him. Officers found 25 year old Justin Montgomery near the scene of a small in Pike Township. Firefighters were standing with Montgomery and several items that had been burned. According to the police report, Montgomery admitted to arson investigators that he had set the fire saying, “It calms me….I have a problem with fire.” Montgomery was taken into custody and charged with arson.

Volunteer The body of Christ is made up of many members and everyone has a part to play. Ephesians 4:16 says that under the direction of Christ, “the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” The vision, “Taking the World by Prayer,” that the Lord has given to The Prayer Institute cannot be accomplished without faithful believers putting their hands to the plow and helping to till the ground. We have a number of volunteer opportunities and hope you will pray about connecting with us and giving of your time and talents. We would love for you to serve in one of the following ministry areas. The Prayer Explosion Conference is a great volunteer opportunity. There are various positions to serve in leading up to and during the Conference. You can use your gifts and talents to assist with Miracles & Healing, Intercessors, Registration, Product Sales, Flex Team and Youth Explosion. No experience is necessary; training will be provided. A brief description of each component is listed below. Conference Registration Assist the registrar with the overall registration process such as inserting nametags, helping with the Conference bags, off-site registrations at other local conferences; managing The Prayer Institute booths and organizing registration materials and other duties as directed by the Conference Registrar. - FLEX Available to assist in various volunteer service areas as needed. - Customer Service Responsible for nurturing and cultivating the value-based customer-service strategy. Represents the ‘Aroma of Christ’ customer relations with an emphasis on the motto: “Excellence in customer service by delighting the customers above and beyond the call of duty.” The customer service areas are: Catchers (male volunteers), Room Assistants, Greeters and Hostesses and Volunteer Check-In Hostesses. - Logistics/Programming Team Responsible for assisting with the installation (set-up) and dismantling (tear-down) of all Prayer Explosion Conference activities and events before and after the Conference. During the Conference, assist in the setup of rooms, signage, etc. as directed by the Logistics Team Lead. Serves to ensure that setup of signage, Conference rooms, etc. takes place in a timely and efficient manner. - Product Sales Assist cCnference attendees with product purchases, answering questions and serving as a product information resource. Assist inside of the bookstore or at product sales tables. - Hospitality Assist in the coordination of volunteer hospitality during the Conference if needed. Responsibilities may include initial set-up of the volunteer hospitality area and ongoing replenishment of beverages items throughout the day and evening. Assist in periodic maintenance of the appearance of speaker hospitality areas needed. Coordinate meal arrangements for Madison High School Band. - Transportation Responsible for transport of guest speakers from Houston area airports to designated hotels and to/from the Conference venue(s). Transportation volunteers must be available when needed. Must have a pleasant attitude, patience and be flexible. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance. Males preferred. - Altar Workers - Intercessors Strategically pray during the months preceding the Conference and facilitate intercessory prayer during the Conference. - Altar Workers - Miracles & Healing To minister Miracles and Healing during the Conference and when called upon. The Joshua’s Foot Prayer Walkers gather once a quarter for approximately two hours to pray for various neighborhoods, communities and businesses. This group of volunteers also participates in a soft evangelism push as they make their way through the neighborhoods and offer one-on-one prayer for those in need. This is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ and fulfill the great commission. The Praying to Change Your Life Prayer Classes are primarily held twice a year, once in the Spring and again in the Fall, for ten weeks. Assistance is needed in the following areas: registration, set-up, tear down, product sales and resource library. These volunteer positions require flexibility in order to accommodate the evening, weekend and soon coming day classes. Some Prayer Classes are held at various locations throughout the Houston Metropolitan area and would require limited travel. Office Assistants help The Prayer Institute staff members with the day-to-day operations of the ministry. Tasks include but are not limited to: data entry, Internet research, bulk mail-outs, processing of product orders, inventory, and binder assembly. This volunteer position is primarily during working hours, Monday-Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you are available to assist in the office, please complete the Office Volunteer Application. The Prayer Power Lines are open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and/or Fridays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Prayer Partners answer incoming phone calls and pray with individuals over the phone. They also return phone calls to those that have left prayer request messages during off hours. Prayer Partners must be knowledgeable in the Word of God as well as familiar with praying the Model Prayer format. Training is available.

Nate Mendoza has guided the Dos Pueblos football team into Friday night’s Channel League championship game against Santa Barbara, but Mendoza is no stranger to playing against the Dons with a title … [Read more...] Friday Night Lights: Mendoza familiar with playing Dons for league title Bornand’s big plays lift DP to 27-21 win at Ventura VENTURA — Two years ago at Ventura's Larrabee Stadium, then-sophomore Nico Bornand kicked a game-winning field goal to beat the Cougars and give the Dos Pueblos football team the Channel League … [Read more...] Spiritosanto, Chargers run down Royals Anthony Spiritosanto rushed for two touchdowns and 174 yards in Dos Pueblos' 54-0 Channel League victory over San Marcos on Friday night. Spiritosanto reached the endzone on long runs … [Read more...] Chargers give No. 2-ranked Lompoc a battle before falling 31-14 Dos Pueblos was holding its own against two-time defending CIF champion Lompoc in a battle of unbeaten football teams Friday night at Scott O'Leary Stadium. A 1-yard touchdown run by junior … [Read more...] FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: DP’s Mendoza to coach against his friend, alma mater It’s only the fourth game in Nate Mendoza’s career as a varsity head football coach but it’s a game that has generated quite a buzz in the area. Mendoza’s undefeated Dos Pueblos … [Read more...] PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Dos Pueblos Chargers When Nate Mendoza was the Dos Pueblos football team’s defensive coordinator two years ago, the Chargers had a style of flying all over the field and delivering big hits. That aggressive defense … [Read more...] Mendoza steps down as baseball coach at DP Nate Mendoza has resigned as head baseball coach at Dos Pueblos, Athletic Director Dan Feldhaus announced on Thursday. Mendoza in May was named the head football coach at DP. A special education … [Read more...] Local teams face tough challenges in pre-league games High school football season kicks off in just six weeks and all five South Coast schools will be playing Week Zero games on Aug. 24. Carpinteria, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara will open … [Read more...] FOOTBALL POLL: Which new high school coach will win the most games in first year? With all three Channel League schools in Santa Barbara naming new head coaches this offseason, it will be interesting to see what happens in the fall. Below you will find video interviews with each … [Read more...] Mendoza returns to football as head coach at Dos Pueblos Nate Mendoza was back on the baseball field Tuesday at Dos Pueblos High, but the coach wasn’t hitting ground balls or going over signs with his ballplayers. Instead he was running the football team … [Read more...] Dos Pueblos makes an early playoff exit Two dribblers and a blast helped knock Dos Pueblos out of the CIF baseball playoffs on Thursday. Trabuco Hills found the holes in the DP defense and scored three runs in the top of the fourth … [Read more...] Chargers, Loggins impose will on Dons Luke Loggins settled in after a spotty first inning on Tuesday, keeping the Dons at bay for the rest of the way as Dos Pueblos' baseball team rallied for a 7-2 Channel League victory at Scott O'Leary … [Read more...]

by Daniel Bullard-Bates Having finished Braid this week in the Monthly Game Club, we're left with many questions about the meaning of the game. One thing is certain, however: Braid stands as a profound example of the quality and polish possible in the world of independent games, and the level of intelligence possible in all video games, independent or otherwise. Jonathan Blow, the developer and designer of the game, was kind enough to answer a few questions for us on being an independent game developer, the role of interactivity in games, and the inspiration for Braid. _________________________________________________ Your game was independently made, but first released on Xbox Live Arcade. Would you share a few thoughts with us on being an independent game designer working with a huge corporation like Microsoft? Whenever dealing with a company like this, you usually work with a (relatively) small division. I don't really know what kinds of politics goes on there, because for the most part Microsoft is good at isolating developers from that. Usually I would be dealing with just 1 or 2 people, and spending most of my time making the game. Because they had done a lot of Arcade titles before Braid, they did a pretty good job of ushering games through the approval and certification process with minimal BS. I did have one episode late in development where someone on the Microsoft side who I had never talked to decided to monkey with the game at the last minute in an unexpected way, and that was a very negative experience, but ultimately I decided to go ahead and release the game on XBLA anyway. Largely, though, it was a hands-off experience: my job was to make a good game, and the job of the guys I talked to at Microsoft was to help me get that game onto their service. How do you think services like Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network, and WiiWare are affecting the independent gaming world? It's definitely a positive thing that independent game developers have these places to sell games where they can find a large audience and where the piracy rate is relatively low -- it means that it's much more feasible now to make a living as an independent developer than it was 10 years ago. Braid has been cited as an example in the continued debate about whether video games can be art. What do video games need to do to be taken seriously as an artistic medium? All that needs to happen is for game developers to do more-serious work. The appreciation will come from that, naturally. Right now, the work isn't there. Most of what we do as an industry is about pandering and infantilism. If enough of us just stop doing that, we will find that there is an audience out there that takes us seriously. How does interactivity change the ways ideas or stories are explored? It just leads to the contemplation of a different field of ideas than something like film or music does. I can't say how that is "changed" from another medium because they aren't necessarily related that closely. There are connections, sure, but each one is in its own right a wide and deep body of stuff that can't be easily summarized. That's why we use these media to explore these things! If I can just say what the point is, then we don't need games in the first place. Braid uses a number of innovative game mechanics; did the story inspire the gameplay, or vice versa? The whole thing came to mind at roughly the same time. I would say that maybe the gameplay idea came first, by a very thin hair, but it was a very general idea -- that the way time behaves would change from world to world, though I didn't know what those behaviors would be, and in fact had very different ideas about these time behaviors initially than what ended up in the game. But as soon as I had that concept, I knew that I wanted the game to be done in the tradition of Italo Calvino's book Invisible Cities and Alan Lightman's book Einstein's Dreams, and that there would be textual pieces introducing each world. One thing a number of people have said, when being critical of the game, is that they wish that the story parts happened in cut-scenes or were otherwise integrated into the gameplay. When they say this, I detect some kind of sentiment that, hey, now that we *can* have cut-scenes or pieces of story dribbled to us during the primary gameplay (as in Bioshock), that these are the only valid way to do things, that somehow text is obsolete. But that is a bit silly. The book has not gone away, and the way subjects are explored in literature are different than how they happen in dialogue or in pictures. It's a different medium, it has a different grain, and it's perfectly valid to use that grain if you want to. (And if a designer does not know this fact, then he is going to work with an incomplete toolbox!) From the very first day, Braid was conceived as a videogame with its story presented in the tradition of a few books that I respect, and maybe a film or two. Do you have any advice for aspiring independent game developers? The most important thing is to make games and get them done. The second most important thing is to ensure that those games are the best things that you can make, whatever that means to you. Unfortunately these two goals are in conflict. Would you like to share with us what you're working on now? Every time I answer this question, it's something different. I have four different games that I have taken to the prototype stage since finishing Braid. I keep changing my mind about which game is really my next project, so I would just be misleading you if I gave a concrete answer here! Friday, June 26, 2009 Reflections with Jonathan Blow Oh, I want to hang out with him. He mentioned Alan Lightman! Also he made this game, which is pretty neat. Invisible Cities as a game inspiration!? Damnit, I guess I should catch up and check out this game... As a sidenote, a couple games that might be interesting to check out, whenever there is an open slot in the Monthly Game Club, are the works of Jason Rorher (Passage, Gravitation, and Between) and possibly Zeno Clash (let me look into the game more before I solidly recommend it) this was an interesting piece. If anyone is interested in Blow's work or hearing him talk about games, I would also recommend the NYU game center podcasts he has a discussion of his game background and also a a sit-down with Frank Lantz. It's good stuff. From what I can glean of his words around the Internet in interviews and blogs and such, he always comes off as more than a little... high-and-mighty, I suppose. Still, I can't deny that I did absolutely love Braid, after all. It seems to me that if you've made a game as good and successful as Braid, you sort of have the right to speak with authority on these subjects. I certainly would like to see more of the games industry heed his advice.

Fort Bragg Staff Sgt faces attempted murder charges in police stand-off FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Jan 16 2012 A Fort Bragg soldier is facing 30 charges after exchanging gunfire with police and barricading himself in his apartment for hours Friday night and Saturday morning. Staff Sgt. Joshua P. Eisenhauer is charged with 15 counts of attempted first-degree murder, six counts of felony assault on a law enforcement official and nine counts of felony assault on a government official. Eisenhauer was listed in critical condition after the gunfire exchange. Two Fayetteville Police officers were also injured during the standoff with the soldier at an apartment complex, according to a police spokesman. Ft. Bragg Saturday morning identified the soldier as Staff Sgt. Joshua P. Eisenhauer. He was assigned to Fort Bragg’s Warrior Transition Battalion. That’s a unit for wounded soldiers or soldiers transitioning out of the military, according to a Ft. Bragg spokesman. Fayettevile police spokesman Gavin MacRoberts said Eisenhauer was in critical but stable condition at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. In a 4 a.m. news conference spokesman MacRoberts said the injuries to the officers were “minor.” One officer has a cut to the head and the other has shrapnel in an arm. The injuries are the result of a four-hour standoff that started with firefighters responding to a fire. Firefighters arrived to the Austin Creek Apartment complex on 71st School Road around 10 p.m. While there was not a major fire at the complex, firefighters were not able to get into any of the apartments they were trying to respond to, so they called police for help. Police said a man started shooting at them around 10:30 p.m. and that officers fired back. The man then went back into his apartment on the third floor. Police cleared out people from nearby apartments and took them to the fire station across the street. “It is definitely nerve-racking when you know loved ones are in a situation and no ones giving you information, you just know someone has been shooting,” said Trevor Jones. As a result, members of the Emergency Response Team used explosives to take out the front door of the suspect’s apartment. They sent in a robot. They found Eisenhauer on the kitchen floor and he was taken into custody around 2:10 a.m. One of the officers was also taken to the hospital. The other was treated on the scene. Because this was an officer-involved shooting, the State Bureau of Investigation will be investigating. The officers involved will be placed on administrative duty during the SBI investigation. The names of the officers will be released after “proper notifications” have been made, according to MacRoberts. Police shut down 71st School Road around the apartment complex for several hours. “They wouldn’t tell me anything. They wouldn’t tell me anything. They wouldn’t tell me if my apartment’s OK or what’s going on,” said a woman named Karen who lives in the complex, but declined to give her last name. Jonathan Saucier also lives in the complex. He left work early when he found out about the situation. His wife was home alone. “I’m actually very worried. I can’t get to her, but what can I do?,” he said. While he couldn’t get to his wife because of the police barricades, his wife was giving him updates by phone. “She first told me she’d been hearing gunshots. Everyone was hanging out of the balcony looking what’s was going on,” he said. Saucier said his wife heard the explosion when police blew open the suspect’s door. “She said it was the loudest noise she’s heard since and it set off car alarms.” The road re-opened to traffic just before 3 a.m. “I am truly proud of the valiant conduct displayed by our safety and security personnel in response to this challenging situation,” said City Manager Dale Iman in a written statement Saturday. “I am grateful to the fire fighters who attempted to make the citizens who were displaced to our fire station as comfortable as possible. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Jones lives directly below the suspect and said he was worried about his girlfriend. He also said Eisenhauer seemed like a quiet person. Crisis Team negotiators tried unsuccessfully to contact Eisenhauer for several hours. Source:NBC17

Hello. quote Hey man, can you move the topic I last posted? I posted it in the wrong section.. Dang man, 5383 day ban? Haha I got drunk and forgot. I take it somebody else tool care of it. roamingbard13 wrote on Aug 27th, 2009 at 6:44pm :He was a multi, eh? I win. Saw your PMs. I'm out right now but I'll take care of him when I get home. Can't use the BB on my cell phone. I'm quite well. Just started teaching at a university for the summer... in teh fall I start on my PhD work (physics) and I get married. Come January I'm spending a honeymoon week in Ireland... so overall pretty damn peachy. roamingbard13 wrote on Jul 7th, 2009 at 1:58pm :Though you sent the message like...4 months ago...and probably did think I perished, I am alive. Logged on for the first time in months, in fact. I was hoping against the perishing sir. How is thou life? You alive? thanks Jon About the same, 21 hours, 3 jobs, applying to graduate schools. Basically taking it in the ass. I see they still don't like you enough to give you a "UG Team" tag for your profile. How you been? Congratulations p?t=773931 Hey, I have a different poem up; check it out if you can. You said you'd crit something for me, as for some reason, you wouldn't do the last one. Thanks. ll/blog/15957/ Hi I waa gonna send you a pm bout the bass, but it wont work for some reason. Feel free to delete this after you read it. Pics of the bass and amp are on my profile. I got them because I was interested im playing bass at my church, but i never really got into it. Now it just sits across my room. No scratches at all. The pic doesnt do justice to the shine (cheap Camera) but it looks a little better in person. Not a big beauty by all means, though. I bought them together with cord and stand etc. for 250, so you name your price and we can talk, Im open for trades, too. Thanks for your interest! Thanks for the advice. Dear Roamingbard13. I would like to make use of your recording equipment access/skills sometime this fall/winter. Drop me a PM. -Edgar About RSS Feeds Link To Us Advertising Info Job Opportunities DMCA

It sounds like Revis Island could be closed this weekend. Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports that that “feeling around the Jets” is that Revis will miss at least one game. The injury isn’t believed to be overly serious, but the Jets surely want Revis fully healthy before testing him again. The Jets head to Miami on Sunday night in a game New York needs to win to avoid a two game deficit in the AFC East. Brandon Marshall does not seem like a fun guy to cover with a balky hamstring. If Revis sits out, the Jets could tempted to also rest him the following week against the Bills. The way miami’s O is looking right now ,let him sit and get 100%..we dont need him in this one.. How cute that he hurt it chasing down Moss after he burned him. Maybe if you go to training camp you would be looser its an interesting way to look at it. Favre misses camp is noticeably uncomfortable. Revis gets burned must be a hamstring. He’ll be back this week he just couldnt be seen after Moss facialized him and Cro amazingly covered him even better than Revis! Hamstring is the biggest BS Ive heard since whatever comes out Favres mouth As a Dolphins fan I actually want Revis to play. It is not a true test for your team if you’re not playing your rivals at full strength. If he can’t go in the Dolphins game, I would definitely keep him out of the Bills game too. Hamstring injuries linger and are the kind of injury that can worsen if not rested. They don’t need him to shut down half the field against the Bills. Edwards will shut down the whole field all by himself. If Revis sits out, the Jets could tempted to also rest him the following week against the Bills. COULD BE No need to proof read.. How do I get a job working for this site? I feel like every Rosenthal article is an Easter Egg hunt to find the obligatory spelling/grammar error(s). See if you can find the F-up in this one! Yeah, who needs training camp? Gregg, I am guessing you don’t know much about the AFC East. You can’t take anyone lightly when it’s an AFC East battle. That goes for the Bills also. They will play us harder at their home, than against anyone else. This isn’t baseball where you can sit your stars for a game to recharge, because you think it’s an easy game. Brandon Marshall sucks anyway. Revis should be the lucky one… he don’t want it with Marshall Just throw to Marshall every play with or without Revis FIRST. Marshall will have a field day against either Revis with a bum hammy/or Kyle Wilson. I think Dolphins will pummel Sanchez at their home opener Sunday Night now that they have some confidence after handing Favre and ass whooping and Vontae emerging as a stud. Dolphins Victory 20-10, and they finally will be recognized by the rest of the league as a true contender Revis is the lucky one. Now he doesnt have to get bulldozed and take a beating from Marhsall and get shown up for being the overrated hype machine he is. He’s not even the best corner in the division. Vontae Davis is. I’m not sure Moss or Welker were particularly lucky in the second half of last nights game with the Teddy P look-a-like sidelined…. Noooo, Marshall wants to face Revis. Dolphins have won 3 straight against the Jets with Revis playing, and the Patriots played worse when Revis left the game. Wish he would play. Marshall would help all the clueless jests fan realize gilligan’s island is average at best. Overhyped and overrated. What do you expect from the stinking, lousy nyj??? That sucks, Def wanted towatch Marshall manhandle Mr. Revis. Cro will do just fine against Marshall. Go ahead and say Marshall owned him back in the AFC West, but truth is anyone who plays a base Zone coverage against Marshall will be doomed. Marshall will get his usual for this season so far, but the rest of Dolphins offense will play considerably worse( if thats at all possible). Henne will be pressured, Ronnie/Ricky will be bottled up. This will be a low scoring game, as Miami’s D is serious. I have to give credit when its due, Vontae is a heck of football player. Throw in Wake, Dansby, Starks, and you got yourself a Top 5 D, very impressive. The key to this game will be if Sanchez can build off his nearly flawless performance against the Pats. I doubt he will but still think the Jets will pull this one out in a VERY close one. Can’t wait for this one!! Didn’t Vontae Davis injure himself celebrating yesterday?! LOL yeah totally afraid of that guy Boy , you’d think by reading this fanbases B.S rants on here Miami was scoring 30 points a game these 1st 2 games, NE could only muster up 14 points ,what you think we’ll hold your amenic offense too.. Dolphins will win either way. Marshall will make some plays, but it is the Miami running game that the Jets can’t stop. Miami 13 Jets 6 Wow that should be fun to watch! Kravon Revis or not, the fins will run over the jests. Fins will run right at JT and his boo boo elbow. The beast will get his catches. By the end of the season the corner everyone will be talking about is Vontae Davis. Way to over pay Jets! Why would Brandon Marshall be considered lucky? Randy Moss was completely shut down AFTER Revis left the game. “If Revis sits out, the Jets could tempted to also rest him the following week against the Bills.” Let him play and play badly…. ALL we hear are excuses from gag green anyway. Marshall will eat him up or crow which should be funny to watch. Miami will run ALL over the hapless wets per usual. 3-0 bank it! Nyjets31 says: September 20, 2010 12:18 PM The way miami’s O is looking right now ,let him sit and get 100%..we dont need him in this one.. Actually a good point. The biggest hole on the Jets will be the NT, which the Dolphins will much rather exploit that Marshall having massive day. JetFan in Miami says: September 20, 2010 1:08 PM Didn’t Vontae Davis injure himself celebrating yesterday?! LOL yeah totally afraid of that guy He did, but he’s fine, played well after that. He isn’t on Revis’s level but he’s no “slouch”. JetFaninMiami – was that a hilarious grammatica moment or what? dbess – what kind of loser posts “FIRST” in a comments thread? a miami doll-fan. GO GANG GREEN I guess you blow hole fans havent figured out that Mr. Marshall is no good if the ball doesnt get to him. If your offense is that one dimensional you need not worry about Revis…you got bigger fish to fry..(no pun intended)…and your gonna have to put up more than 14-17 points. You dont have a Wes Welker either. Cromarti can handle it……When Revis is healthy Marshall isnt going to burn him deep,nor is anyone else for that matter. See you on the field,until then,you havent earned any braggin rights. Jet fans are crazy if you think u don’t need revis. The dolphins weren’t showing anything offensivly the first two games because they are saving it for this week. The jets have nothing on game film to prepare for, so when Sunday night comes the jets are going to get hit right in the mouth. Good luck against the blitz sanchez cam wake is coming for you @JetFan in Miami Vontae Davis is more of a complete CB that anyone on your team… As far as him injuring himself, I’ll take a stinger after laying a big hit on a TE than pulling a hamstring getting burned for 6 any day means cromartie will cover him which is wut ended moss’s day n they will blitz less zone more henne will have to check down more to fasano wildcat will be in trouble this week Dolphins suck anyways. Can’t believe these chumps are saying they are “true contenders’ and Vontae Davis is the best cb in the afc east. Give me a break. Your team is a joke. Cromartie will be fine on Marshall. See you on Sunday. Cromartie is built for guys likie moss and marshall big tall lanky wrs who can’t run a solid route except a streak down the sidline.hense why welker blew him up and then cro shut moss down for the rest of the game forcing a pick and having his own. By the way cro is on course for 16 picks this season lol. Were gonna stuff you guys like we stuffed both these teams in the run and were gonna shut down ur one reciever, then force your joke QB to throw because if it wasn’t for one long pass on sheppard ( who sucks believe me I watched him all last season) your offense was pitiful you could barely win with favre trying to hand the game to you guys. Sanchez to keller all day next week and there’s nothing you can do about it. Chad Henne would have to be capable of throwing for more than 115 yds in a game for Marshall to have a big day. Fizz says: The dolphins weren’t showing anything offensivly the first two games because they are saving it for this week. this could be the single stupidest comment i’ve seen today. congratulations Fizz. GGG 17-14 Jets Dolphins shut down Favre and AP in Minnesota. I bet Sanchize an Greene give them chills. RAMROD says: COULD BE No need to proof read..How do I get a job working for this site? Proofread is one word. You’re Fired! Jets should expect trouble this week against Marshall. but lets stop the conspiracy theory that Revis is faking injury. This is a guy looking to already line up another huge payday. He is as confident as it gets and would have no fear going against Marshall if he was crazy enough to call out Moss, whos much better than Marshall is. The problem is this guy has a hamstring problem because he missed all of training camp due to being a greedy D-bag. He isnt in football shape and the hint for everyone should have been the Jets lining him up away from Boldin at the end of the Ravens game. This is what happens when you dont come to camp. The Jets probably have enough on defense anyway to win the game, but coming from a guy who has Brandon Marshall on my fantasy team, I would expect a big week out of the guy. way to go Revis. Next time spend your offseason getting ready to play instead of waiting around for a raise I wish he would play. I don’t want the Jersey Jets to have any excuses for the beatdown coming !!! Did anyone take a close look at what Revis did when Moss burned him for that TD? As he’s running into the end zone he grabs his “right” hamstring for just a second, and then as if by some crazy twist of fate, he then goes for the left one. I guess in the heat of the moment (the embarrassing one) he forgot which hammy was supposed to be injured. And the Oscar goes to… I’d be worried about the Dolphins if they had a QB that was any good. Henne sucks and Marshall will have little impact. The Dolphins are the worst 2-0 in the NFL right now. They played down to the level of the Bills in week One and the Vikings blew 3 great chances to score TD’s. Sanchez is CLEARLY the 2nd best QB in the division. Jets will spank the finns….MN beat them all over the place but the turnovers killed them again…. Who cares, what was Miami’s record vs New York last year and how many of those games did Revis miss. Doesn’t seem like he makes that big a difference to me. SSSSWWWWEEEEPPPPP! The Dolphins offense has not looked very good these first two weeks. The Jets are not the team to try to turn things around offensively on. That said, this is a division game and they are always tough no matter who plays. The defenses look very good and one of them will probably score…and that could be the difference in a low scoring game. Yes, the lack of training camp is responsible for Revis’s hammy and Favre’s looking uncomfortable in the offense, because no one who went to training camp pulled anything or is having trouble getting into a rhythm. Idiots. to all you mn fans in denial. the dolphns spanked you guys. we only needed to throw the ball 15 times to do it too. talkin about how henne sucks. what qb can put up great stats with only 15 attempts? you guys “blew it” 3 times? no our D spanked you 3 times (when your O has to go for it on 4th down 3 times in a game and doesnt convert, thats not you guys blowing it, thats you guys getting served) give me a break, anyone that watched that game knows the fins were handling it from drive one, they are the ones that almost blew it. soft serve sanchez is gonna look like a deer in headlights sunday night. 5 sacks. he may or may not nurse his knee and sit out a couple plays, or an entire half, or the entire season too Marshalll when covered by Cro last 2 years in AFC West= 9 targets, 7 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD in 4 games. He may have owned the Chargers, but not Cro. All this talk about Marshall is funny to even mention, the Jets D just dominated the most prolific offense in the history of the NFL circa 2007 that has only added talent to it since then(minus holdout Mankins), not even to mention the fact that the Jets themselves were minus Revis, Jenkins & Pace! BTW, Pace will be on the field this weekend so hold onto that ball tight Ronnie/Ricky! Even a busted clock is right twice a day. Last week was sanchez first time to be right this season. So he has one more chance. Gotta agree with Finfan68 on this one. Oh, one more thing, let’s see if Sanchez can make those throws when you actually have a pass rush to worry about. I think it will be a good game. We didn’t have a Moss or Welker or Marshall last year and it didn’t stop us from beating you do those comments are just garbage. Fireman Ed loves hog Bleedsgreen: they haven’t had to show anything. They have never trailed and they were on the road. At home it will be a different story. Henne had 3, 300 yard games last year. All when they were trailing. Just wait. It’s hard to prepare for an offense when all you have seen this year is vinilla. P.s. Henne’s record vs. The yets 2-0 “The Beast” will RULE Beavis….let him play! The Jets are not worried about Miami well how did Revis fare last year against us, not very good. Even Ted Ginn burned him and he was not even a real receiver. Imagine what Marshall is going to do to that terrible secondary, just watch the Ravens tape. Last year Miami physically beat up the Jets on that Sunday night, they went down the field and pushed the Jets around to win the game. Anyone that watched Hard Knocks saw that the Jets are an undisciplined team from their overeating coach to their no character players. Please put Cromartie (and even his 10 kids) out there on Marshall and blitz we will put up 40 points on you. Hey NewYorkSachexchange2010, Pace was on the field last year for both your loses to us wasn’t he??? Sanchez is a joke of a QB especially when he has pressure and he will see pressure on Sunday. Favre has seen everything and he threw 3 picks imagine what deer in the headlights Sanchez will do against our pressure and secondary. Cromartie is terrible, nice pickup there, hope your owner is not supporting all her illegitimate kids. The only thing Cromartie can cover is women. LOL. “Cromartie is built for guys likie moss and marshall big tall lanky wrs who can’t run a solid route except a streak down the sidline.” Obviously a loud-mouthed Jet fan who doesn’t have a real opinion on Marshall but would still like to throw out a generalization. If you think Marshall is someone who streaks down the sideline — and you’ve actually seen him play — then you don’t know how to make sense out of what you’re watching. Jets are now on the hook for a $16million + average cb for the rest of the year. Hamstring injuries only heal with weeks of rest…many weeks. “The Jets probably have enough on defense anyway to win the game” They were the #1 defense a year ago and couldn’t pull out a win. What changed? Oh yeah, the Phins replaced Ginn with Marshall. I’ll take that change any day. Forget it. Fish aren’t nearly as good as the Patriots and the Jets b*&%tch slapped them all over the Meadowlands. Fish got no offense. Realistically, there is no way Fish score over 10 pts vs. stout Jets defense and Henne may not live thru the entire game. How great will it be when Jason Taylor sacks henne on Sunday Night! Then we will hear ALL OF THE EXCUSES why the Fish lost the game. Rex predicts SWEEP of the Fish in 2010, lets get it started in our 2nd home in South Beach. wouldnt revis island be open instead of closed? I have to admit I was upset when Jason Allen was named a starter over Smith…but he has been awesome. Nolan’s defensive schemes have placed Miami players in position to make big plays…they already have 3 picks (should be 5 but two were called back via penalties away from the ball) they have forced 3 fumbles and recoverd 1 for a touchdown. They also DROPPED 2 pick-6s. The defense has put pressure on the QB also. Smith has talent but has never been seen as the sharpest knife in the drawer. I don’t care for Sapp (how does a DB get an offsides penalty to DQ an INT) and I hope Smith can play nickel on keller (height needed there). Both defenses have played very well. Miami has not thrown that much and I expect they will throw more often on Sunday…home field (finally) should help a little. One thing that I see coming against the Jets aggressive defense…Ronnie Brown will throw from the wildcat and catch them off guard for a big play or two. Great rivalry with some of the greatest games…hopefully there will be another epic battle with the Dolphins getting the win and finally getting some well earned respect. Missed you all last week bleedinggay, gang gay, and jcyets! Welcome back! It’s great to see all the delusional, inbred Jests fans out again! Now take your stupid asses back into hiding after the Fins show you how it’s done. You guys all jump up and talk trash this week about how the Fins are going to need more than 14 points to beat the YETS, but it seems to me that you only scored 9 points against a defense that wasn’t born in the 90′s! The Ravens shut you down, and the Dolphins are going to do the same. You think SanCHEESE’s game against the Ravens was ANEMIC (that’s for you nyYets31 – write it down) against Ray Lewis and the Ravens, wait until Dansby, Wake, MISI, and Odrick (if he’s healthy) get a hold of you! I can’t wait until the average IQ of this site goes back up when the Fins spank your sorry asses and all the Yets fans shut up and go back to masturbating with old Broadway Joe photos. Yeah, the same Broadway Joe that isn’t even drinking the local kool-aid on that chump filled OTHER team from NY. J – E – T – S SUCK SUCK SUCK!!!!!!! “By the way cro is on course for 16 picks this season lol.” And the Miami D is on pace to average 3 sacks and 3+ turnovers per game. “The dolphins weren’t showing anything offensivly the first two games because they are saving it for this week. this could be the single stupidest comment i’ve seen today. congratulations Fizz.” Yeah, it’s not like Miami did exactly that 2 years ago against NE or anything… (Don’t think it’s an accurate comment but certainly your comment is stupider than the parent.) I would think Jets fans would be prepared for the unexpected after last year. Miami hadn’t been racking up the points last year either but then Henne had a field day, Ginn had like his only successful bomb for a TD, the TEs and Bess moved the chains all night, and Ronnie slammed the Wildcat down your throat to end Monday night. Then when you stopped the Fins offensively and defensively, Sanchez played up to his true capabilities and gave us the game with a bit of help from that 3rd, nonexistent phase of the game known as special teams. The Fins can be a low scoring grinder, they can keep pace with a high flyer, they can let a team march up and down the field but never get in the end zone, they can be a front runner or come from behind. Wouldn’t make much of what you seen in two games. “See you on the field,until then,you havent earned any braggin rights.” Looks at last years Miami-Jets record, looks at this season’s records for both teams, wonders what the Jets have to be bragging about… Oh, and welcome back to you GayAsAss. Nice to see you’re still alive, and completely stupid. Where were you last week after that loss? All piled in a room with the rest of the self sucking Yets fan base I assume? It’s too bad the Jets section of this website doesn’t have as many readers as the Dolphin’s seems to. It’s just like living here in South Florida New Yorkers, you talk like you own the place, but you don’t really belong here. That’s why 95 runs North as well as South. “MN beat them all over the place but the turnovers killed them again….” Did you watch the game? The only thing that made it close was Miami’s fumbles in horrible field position. In the first half and into the 3rd, Miami would frequently get into good enough field position on 2nd and short so they would try to pound the middle because that’s what they like to do (demoralize and soften up a defense). They had already had success running to the edges and passing and their defense was in control, so they could elect to pound it and play field position. Even without much offense in the second half, all they had to do to win the game was regain the field position battle that the 2 fumbles very briefly put them behind on. At no point yesterday, could anyone sense any urgency from the Fins to put up 35 points … because they aren’t the Patriots. Miami fans are the lowest common denominator “You know damn well that the vikes were the best team on the field yesterday…” A team that gets inside the 25 yard line of the opponent 7 times and never scores a TD, a team that’s stopped twice on 4th and short to take control of the game, a team that needs to be given the ball on the 2.5 yard line to get into the end zone… such a team is never the best team on the field. How has nobody mentioned this juicy little nugget? Cromartie once gave up 18 catches to Brandon Marshall in one game. Yeah, Marshall will be just as lucky as Moss was in the second half yesterday. He must be on his knees thanking the Lord for his good fortune. Trash talk never put a W in the win collumn. Dolphins are going to win. At around 11:30 Sunday Night a reporter will ask JT what Henne looks like and Taylor will reply, “I have no idea”. i am going to laugh my ass off when the dolphins come out on the first series sunday night with henne in the shotgun and 4 wr on the field, and then just start airing it out every play. the look on rex ryans fat face with his horse teeth will be priceless. i love how all the jet fans talk about our offense where had 1 lucky game by sanchez and no running game this year also vontae jason and yeremiah will dominate sanchez who had 1 lucky game and henne will unleash like he did last year towards the end like 4 straghit 300yd games and ow many has sanchez had and also ive never seen henne throw for 70yds against a bad secondary so a fuc off pussies maybe marshall has been average with cromartie but he had a 18catch 160+yds and a TD but he who got sweeped last year did i see revis get burned by GINN i think so and now marshall good luck fagits This guy is averaging 6 catches, 62 yards and 0 TDs per game……and that includes one 46 yard catch…. I don’t see why the Jets should be concerned. dolfanSS thats great but the only time he saw henne was when he killed the jets on monday night 2 playoff appearances in 10 years….both losses and you dolfags keep running your mouths…..thats what is hilarious Hate to say it but the jets will win this game! the dolphins barely beat the horrid vikes after favre gift wrapped 4 TOs. for them. NO chance for fins to win. I hope the Jets and all their fans pass away. It doesn’t matter! We saw how Bouldin and Moss peed on that “Island”. So his hammy got bad!!! To the rest – keep saying that Fins will loose. Everybody was saying we can win with Vikes. @myrek2008 – Boldin (who’s last name has no u in it) wasn’t covered by Revis for a single snap in the Baltimore game, so I really don’t think you know what you’re talking about. Boldin went off because he was covered mainly by the rookie Kyle Wilson. Moss played well against Revis, but Revis already had his injured hammy going into last week, made it worse on that Moss TD, and now isn’t playing for two weeks. If that was a BS injury someone was trying to use for an excuse as to how he played, why would he simply not play against the other two division rivals? further, Randy Moss is a top 3 WR in the league right now, with a top 3 QB throwing to him. Miami doesn’t have either luxury. Cromartie shut down Moss in the second half, and he’ll do the same to Marshall. The Dolphins will lose because they won’t be able to put up numbers on offense. Sanchez is coming off a great week in which he threw 3 TD’s. and he STILL has no interceptions (while I know that Henne hasn’t thrown one either, he has only 1 TD between two games). The Dolphins defense has seen the Bills, who I wouldn’t expect to score more than 10 points against anybody, and the Vikings, who have terrible offensive line play and a QB who’s still shaking out some cobwebs. They also don’t have their #1 receiver (or a decent receiver to fill in for him). Am I impressed with their defense? Nope. The Offense? Definitely not. They don’t even have their bail-out package, Ted Ginn Jr, who single-handedly won the game for them in the Meadowlands last year, when the Jets were kicking the Dolphins @sses up and down the field on offense and defense. LT is averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Dustin Keller averages 14.2 yards per catch. Cromartie has 2 picks in 2 games. The Jets are ready to go. Everyone is saying “oh, the dolphins have their number,” well you think the Jets are gonna walk into a game against the team whose fans talk the MOST sh*t about the Jets of anybody in the NFL? Come on now. Both teams are gonna be amped, it’ll be fun to watch, and the Jets are coming out on top.

People Poll More News Local Weather Current Conditions: Cloudy, 78 F Forecast: Sat - AM Clouds/PM Sun. High: 93 Low: 75 Sun - AM Clouds/PM Sun. High: 93 Low: 75 Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather (provided by The Weather Channel) MISSION — The Mission City Council approved a measure for a road expansion project on the city’s west side into Palmview. On Monday, leaders approved the cost of engineering services for the Mile 2 West project to create a four-lane road, with a fifth lane at intersections, between Conway Avenue in Mission and La Homa Road in Palmview in the amount of $1,257,229. L&G Engineering will do the work. Engineer Jacinto Garza said the total cost of the project is $4,032,000, which will come from federal and state funds. The money for the project will be administered through the Metropolitan Planning Organization, as the project involves more than one city. The project will be funded in the 2012 fiscal year’s budget, which means work will start the latter part of 2012. Garza said the road would be similar to the expansion of Mile 2 East, which is due for completion in a couple of months. In other action, the council held a public hearing on use of the Community Block Development grant funds. The city is being funded $765,469, which is $148,748 less than the city received last year. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommended $50,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance, $500,000 for housing reconstruction assistance, $90,000 for housing administration, and $115,000 for CD Housing Program Administration. The only public services they wanted to fund were Amigos Del Valle at $5,000 and Children’s Advocacy at $3,500. Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas recommended funding Dentists Who Care at $10,000, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council-Area Agency on Aging at $10,000, Amigos Del Valle at $10,000, and Children’s Advocacy at $10,000. Tony Cadena, director of the Meals on Wheels Program, run by Amigos Del Valle, asked the council to reconsider the cut in funding set by the CAC at $5,000. The department serves one meal a day to 900 elderly residents and had a waiting list of 142 people. Cadena asked for the full $15,000. After hearing the request, Salinas said it should be funded for $15,000. Belinda Garcia and Dr. Noe Cardenas of Dentists Who Care asked for $10,000 in funding for their project that serves low-income children in Mission who have dental problems needing immediate dental treatment. Salinas also recommended funding Dentists Who Care at $10,000 instead of the requested $20,000. To cover these additional costs, Salinas recommended having the city supplement the housing administrative costs to allow the additional funding for the public service agencies. The items will be approved at the next meeting. The council also approved two memorandums of understanding with the Mission and Sharyland school districts allowing use of the Shary Municipal Golf Course for students for the coming school year. The Mission Police Department was given authorization to apply for the 2012 Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws black Grant to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The grant, if received, is $15,000. The police department will also submit a grant application for the 2012 Tobacco Compliance Grant Application to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Authorization to solicit bids for four new police cars and the special equipment needed to outfit them via the state approved contracts was approved. Authorization to request for qualifications for the enhancement of the Mesh Network Hardware to add five additional cameras to the system was approved. Police Chief Leo Longoria, Jr. said long-range plans are to add a total of 15 additional cameras for safety in the city. The police department was also authorized to solicit bids via the state buy board for two police dogs to replace to older dogs in the canine force. The council approved the recommendation of S.S.P. Design, LLC to do the schematic and irrigation designs for the irrigation system at Jaycee and Birdwell Parks. The firm was also selected to do landscape and irrigation designs for the irrigation system at the Northwest (Hollis Rutledge, Sr.) Park at a cost of $2,850. The Monday, May 23, council meeting has been changed to Wednesday, May 25, due to a conflict of the mayor and city.

Bissonnette says he’d take a salary rollback Nov 21, 2012, 11:00 PM EDT For. - jimw81 - Nov 21, 2012 at 11:49 PM Bissonnette nailed it. there will be no real progress unless a owner like jacobs is involved on the other side. You don’t see an reasonable person like shananhan or a yzerman in the room on the owners side and there is reason for it. Look at the last lockout, lou lamoriello was the voice of reason for both sides and they were able to get it resolved. - - valoisvipers - Nov 22, 2012 at 12:04 AM For all those of you out there that feel the owners that signed players to big contracts knowing that they would roll them back, therefore cheating the players out of money. I ask this then, how would the players feel if the owners signed them to their regular sized overpaid contracts then went for a roll back? Now that would be more like cheating them out of money wouldn’t it? - - stakex - Nov 22, 2012 at 2:16 AM The thing is, people who attack the owners for giving out big contracts right before fighting to roll back said cotnracts have a narrow minded view of the situation. First of all, it wasn’t just the owners giving out these deals like candy during the summer… it was also players demanding these deals. Why? Becuase the players knew damn well that a salary rollback was a very real possibility going into the CBA talks, and that other changes might be made to contracts (like length limits). So yeah, you can say its hypocritical for owners to give out these deals and then demand a rollabck. However in a lot of cases the owners were pretty much forced to give out such deals or risk losing valuable players. Theres really no one to blame in all that and no fingers should be pointed. Its business. The players wanted to get the best deal possible, and the owners didn’t want to miss out on or lose good players due to CBA uncertainty… and both sides were well aware of the pending CBA talks. - - antkowiak666 - Nov 22, 2012 at 12:43 AM i imagine Cole will be posting any second now saying that he is pissed off at Biz as well. - - stakex - Nov 22, 2012 at 2:03 AM These are probably the most all around level-headed comments I’ve seen from either side in a long time. He not only accepts that this is just business…. but also accepts the reality of the situation. - - id4joey - Nov 22, 2012 at 4:45 AM At this point one has to wonder if the players will take a page out of the NBA labor negotiations from last year. Will the players make a move to decertify the PA to force the hand of the owners, or will they push for a mediator. Certainly viable options as dissention will continue to increase within the membership. - - pastabelly - Nov 22, 2012 at 9:04 AM He’s right about Jacobs. He is a selfish POS. The Bruins are very profitable and now spend to the cap. He’d love to spend much less and make obscene profits. Thanks for doubling ticket prices over three tears, you selfish prick. He is why I side with the players. - - gallyhatch - Nov 22, 2012 at 9:29 AM Glad to know I’m not the only person who subscribes to the completely insane idea that Bettman is an extension/ employee of the owners and not the other way around. Do people really think he would still have a job if the owners didn’t like what he was doing? It’s their league, not his. Thumbs down all you want, but this lockout is between the players & owners, not Fehr & Bettman; blaming the representatives of the two parties is ridiculous. - - shotzongoal - Nov 22, 2012 at 11:57 AM The player’s salaries are based on the CBA percentages of gross revenues or total sales. The owners know this, the players know this, the player’s agents know this and the union knows this. Before the old CBA expired, when all the multi-million dollar, multi-year contracts were, sought out by the agents, offered by the owners and gleefully accepted by the players, everyone involved knew these would be contingent on the new CBA. There should be no surprises. The owners may have to cram a 57% salary into a 50% limit. Again everyone, player, agents, union officials and owners knew this could be a possibility. Both the players and owners are at fault for this mess but in reality it think everyone involved went into this with eyes wide open. - - id4joey - Nov 22, 2012 at 12:28 PM shotzongoal, It was reported that the NHL would like the next CBA to be retroactive. That is, all previously awarded front loaded contracts would be subject to the new CBA terms. We’re not talking about only contracts signed over the summer of 2012, not that it matters because one would think that anything signed before the expiration of the last CBA would not be affected by the next CBA, of course exception is made for the players share of HRR which should be a percentage anyways. In other words, the structure of a contract should be honored based on the CBA in existence when the contract was signed. Again, the PA would like front loaded contracts like Luongo’s and Hossa’s to be honored. However, the owners don’t want to honor them. So, this could lead to the players making a request to decertify the union, which will give them other legal avenues to pursue the owners to have current contract structures)

“You’re living in the best possible time to create. In your hand, you hold devices that far exceed the technology that countries depended on thirty years ago for their intel. Think about that” ~ D.Request The other day I was colouring with my youngest niece, I used all the tools I had learned to display a beautiful portrait. Outlining. Colouring within the lines. Use of many different colours. I really let my creative juices run amuck. Pink dirt. Golden windows. I was the creator and this was my canvas. Beside me, my niece went out of the lines and used almost every colour imaginable and to me, this was the most beautiful piece of art. I sat and pondered what her four year old brain was seeing. Not yet jaded by the restrictions set by others. “That guy can’t have Orange skin” “Lights don’t come in rainbows” “You’re going outside of the lines” “There’s no such thing” Her mind was able to decipher beautiful in a much more unburdened way. It actually makes me sad to know that at some point she’ll assimilate and have to rediscover herself, like I did. I am a self aware social media entusiast. I live and die by the tools that promote me, as a brand and as a global citizen. My creativity stems from the fact I see things plainly and decipher it with total disregard of outsider opinions. Today marks a great time in history. When I was young, I communicated by telephone, then icq, then text, then bbm and now through twitter. Things have changed in my short three decades breathing all this oxygen. I look around and see the ingenuity of my friends, becoming self employed and working out the kinks of a flawed system. Some of my favourite youtube acts have broken the mould and become stars just based on their promotion of themselves. You can lump Jenna Marbles, D.Request, Karmin, Ill Doctrine and Connor Maynard into that group. They have all attained some small fraction of success by cultivating the niche that made them marketable. While my goal is not riches or fame, but more happiness and self-improvement, I think it still prudent to discuss how anything is now possible. I ready myself for another adventure at the latter part of this year (barring the Mayan’s prediction) and constantly reassess my situation, not unlike a certain woman once told me I would. Things are always in flux and that’s how I like it, at least for right now. The point here is “impossible is nothing”, for real, this is the opportunity of your lives. You have been given the golden keys to Wonka’s factory, yes, I know it was a ticket – you get the picture. At your fingertips, you hold unparalleled information. This age has given us the opportunity to pursue our dreams like no other period in history. Where just a generation ago, it was almost unfathomable to jetset around the world and live the nomadic life. Now, it’s pretty commonplace, I’ve met tons of people over the blogisphere who have took the information within their hands and harnessed it to the best of their ability. My message today is to use your means, if you dislike something – change it. There’s no excuses anymore, there never was an excuse for that matter. You hold the keys here, nobody else. “The universe is wider than our views of it” (Thoreau)) and….

New JKR-ku app by the Ministry of Development Thursday, 24 January 2013 09:11 WITH the development of Internet usage in Brunei Darussalam covering more than three quarters of the total population, the Ministry of Development (MoD), through the Public Works Department (PWD), has stepped forward and come up with an application known as JKR-ku. JKR-ku is an application that was created to upgrade the management of complaints and report on the problems experienced by the general public, while PWD is known as a government organisation that offers maintenance and repair services for its users. During the launching ceremony of PWD’s latest application, JKR-ku, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Development and guest of honour, said in his speech that it is hoped the application will be able to improve the services of the PWD, enhancing their management quality in handling reports and complaints from the general public. Through this application, the guest of honour urged the PWD to provide a fast and more efficient response to the complainants via e-mail or telephone and also to better record all complaints and responses for future references. Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Development, tours a mini-exhibition regarding the JKR-ku application. Photograph sourced from BorneoBulletin.com.bn Furthermore, the minister also stated that the name of the application, JKR-ku, is to showcase PWD as an organisation that invites all citizens in the department to be responsible in supporting the mission and vision of PWD and the MoD. Through this application, said the guest of honour, PWD hopes that it will illustrate their concern and care towards members of the public by their continuous efforts and will give assurance to the consumers to use the application and provide information about any complaints and problems that could be acted upon quickly. The minister also hoped that MoD and PWD will be well received by members of the public and the consumers will be proactive in assisting and helping PWD to deal with any damages or problems before it becomes a bigger problem or is neglected. “As a government department that is heavily involved with the public, such initiatives are most welcome because the service we provide is not in the form of ‘one-go’ but is continuous,” he continued. Through this initiative, the minister said that the application can also help the people to monitor the work of the ministry and enable the ministry to maintain their service quality. Members of the public can now simply file their complaints through their smartphones by sending the information to the latest application, known as JKR-ku, designed and developed by the Public Works Department (PWD) through Webpixel Technoloogy. Members of the public can send information through the application and at the same time, senders can also attach photos of the complaint and problem. Once they send their complaints, they will receive their reference number through an automated notification from the system. All of the complaints received will then be forwarded to the Ministry of Development’s Customer Care Hotline Centre at 140. The complainant can contact the hotline 140 for the update status of their complaint. During the launching, the department also presented its newly revamped official website () that offers mainly the information of the services that the department is offering. PWD’s new website aims to be more user-friendly so that the public can obtain information that is required and simultaneously promote the information about PWD. The main objective of developing JKR-ku is to offer an alternative for members of the public to send in their complaints, not only through hotline but also through PWD’s website and the JKR-ku application. Article excerpt courtesy of the Borneo Bulletin

For over ten years now, the Hot Shots Golf series has been providing PlayStation fans with lighthearted links action that is simple enough for casual players to enjoy yet deep enough for experienced players to get into as well. Recently, the first PS3 entry in the series mixed things up by introducing a new swing meter. This new PSP version, however, retains the traditional method of hitting the ball, which should please Hot Shots purists and those used to playing the original Open Tee. This game's predecessor was one of the finest titles available during the early days of the PSP, and for the most part, very little has changed in this sequel. You still take control of an adorable, large-headed golfer and play through your choice of modes: Training, Stroke Play (the standard golf game), or Challenge (where you compete to unlock new characters, items, and courses). On the surface, the game may be a bit too similar to the original for some people. Dig deeper, however, and you'll find all sorts of new features that add to the overall experience. The bulk of the additions are found in Challenge mode, where you'll probably spend most of your single-player time. There are six new courses to play on in addition to six "classic" courses. There are two characters to choose from at first, but you'll eventually unlock twenty. As before, you're rewarded by continuing to use the same character through a loyalty meter that fills whenever you play a round. The more loyal a character becomes to you, the more advanced techniques you're able to use. Upon completing challenges, you win cards that give you new items that alter your character's appearance in three different categories: head (usually a new hairstyle or hat), body (new clothing), and accessory (all sorts of things from glasses to a miniature car to ride in). In addition to appearance, equipping different items will alter your character's stats, giving the game a light RPG touch. As you earn more cards, your overall level increases as well, and eventually you'll gain enough cards to challenge (and potentially unlock) a new character. Cinderella Story. Outta Nowhere. The added bonuses don't stop there. You're now encouraged to more thoroughly explore the various holes when given a prompt by your caddy. Once you hear the clue, start moving the camera around and search for a sparkling light. If it's found, you'll earn a new item. These can be new wearable items or different clubs or golf balls that grant new abilities. Sometimes you'll even find a hidden character who will offer to join you if certain conditions are met. These range from having a particular item equipped to performing a specific shot. This sort of mild exploration isn't something that you usually see in a golf game, and it's a fun method to add a little more depth to the single-player. Of course, you won't be spending all of your time playing alone. Unfortunately, there's no option to play a multiplayer game on one system by passing the PSP to different players in between turns. The game does, however, support up to eight players via ad hoc networking. More importantly, Open Tee 2 includes a major feature that was absent on its predecessor, online play. Up to 16 people can compete with each other over Wi-Fi. The pre-game lobby is a bit barebones, but it gets the job done. At least you can "chat" with other players through a series of bizarrely humorous (and occasionally grammatically incorrect) prompts like, "Did you date my sister," "I won't eat chili again," "You ain't the judging of me," and the ever-popular "Sorry. I farted." Luckily, all the players take their shots simultaneously, so you're not forced to watch everyone play. The minute-long breaks between rounds can be a bit tiresome, but chatting during the downtime does give you a chance to compliment the other players (or yourself). Hot Shots' main draw has always been its accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a divot-diggin' noob, it's always been an easy game to pick up and enjoy. Open Tee 2 is no different. The more you play, the more techniques become available to help deal with the more challenging courses. The wide variety of unlockables is also a great incentive to keep playing. If you've invested a lot of time in the original you may get a feeling of deja vu, but Open Tee 2 is still a blast.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-. Ng's work area in a corner of the Hatsopoulos Microfluids Laboratory contains a variety of dough-manipulating devices. To measure torque, or turning properties, the mixograph twists the dough around metal pins the way saltwater taffy is spun in a candy shop; the filament stretcher pulls the dough until it snaps. To conduct experiments, Ng works with small samples of flour ground from grains newly developed by farmers and food engineers. He painstakingly records how the resulting dough is treated and how it reacts to manipulation, because different blends of flour, water and additives can result in drastically different dough. Atmospheric conditions and time of day also can affect the product's elasticity and rise. Getting the dough to stay put can be a chore. "It sticks to pretty much everything other than the things you want it to stick to," Ng said. Ng wasn't always cut out for dough. He completed a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from Cambridge University in England and arrived at the Gas Turbine Laboratory at MIT with the goal of designing airplane engines. Airplane engines are designed with air flow in mind, and Ng made the switch to "fluid mechanics of a different sort," he said, when he heard McKinley needed a dough man. Working with dough, he said, sounded like something "different and fun." The research also has a serious side. For millennia, bakers have developed a feel for dough as they kneaded it. But this homespun approach isn't good enough for large commercial operations, which need "numbers" representing a material's properties during the manufacturing process, Ng said. Ng helps define those properties while seeking a deeper understanding of the micro-structure of dough. Gluten gives dough its distinctive elastic behavior. To engineers, gluten is a nanoscale bio-macromolecule, one of the largest protein compounds on earth. These proteins form an entangled matrix whose quality, shape and distribution within the dough are intrinsically linked to its bread-making qualities. "The texture of bread--the chewiness and mouth feel--is dependent on the dough you start with," Ng said. "The airiness of the bread, or, from a commercial point of view, the amount of air they sell you, is directly related to the ability of the dough to resist rupture during the deformation process as it rises. When bread is in the oven, air bubbles within the dough expand. At some point they break, and the bread stops expanding." Wonder Bread, Ng said, is "a very airy product." Ng doesn't usually eat his experiments because the laboratory dough is covered with silicone oil to keep it from drying out. But since starting this line of research in 2003, Ng has become a home baker. When he bakes bread, he brings a bit of the dough in for testing. White bread, he said, is his favorite. Ng's work is funded by Kraft Foods. Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009