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This was published 7 years ago
Saturn return: the first life crisis
Earlier this year, I did a story for The Sunday Age's M magazine in which I visited a bunch of healers and spiritual types to find out if my scepticism was the only thing standing between me and inner peace. While I came away from the experience somewhat less sceptical and temporarily more chilled out than beforehand, I was amused when a number of the practitioners I visited pinned my frustrations on the same thing as soon as I revealed my age. "Oh, you're turning 28," they'd say, smiling knowingly. "Don't worry pet, it's just your Saturn Return!"
Nodding and suppressing an eye-roll at the time, once home I jumped straight onto Google to see what the hell they were on about. According to Wikipedia, "Saturn Return is an astrological transit when a transiting Saturn planet returns to the same point in the sky that it occupied at the moment of a person's birth." The return of Saturn apparently coincides with the amount of time it takes the planet to orbit once around the Sun, roughly 28-30 years. Astrologers say that each time Saturn returns to the point occupied at the time of our birth, we enter a new phase of life.
According to my astrological birth chart, I should currently be in the process of my first Saturn Return, the phase of leaving youth behind and entering adulthood, a description that is more or less apt, and one that gave me some comfort in the fact that I'd not acquired profound clarity and maturity some years ago along with my P-plates and/or university degree.
Reading further, it seemed that pop culture references to Saturn Return had escaped me for years. Pop-rock band No Doubt named an album, Return to Saturn, after the alleged phenomenon, made when lead singer Gwen Stefani was 29 and in the throes of her return. Flower child Drew Barrymore referenced her Saturn Return on Letterman back in 2007 (shortly after her split with The Strokes' drummer Fabrizio Moretti) and even R.E.M. released a song called Saturn Return in 2001. Hey, if Michael Stipe's a believer, maybe these astrologers are onto something after all.
It kind of makes sense – while my early twenties were relatively carefree (though they seemed less so at the time), buttressed by a uni degree, my single, globetrotting existence and minimal real-world responsibilities, I had, in a sense, been clinging to my youth without really knowing it. As I reach the point where even I have to admit that living at home is no longer a valid option, and my friends are getting married and popping out babies left, right and centre, now, more than ever before, have I felt the imperative to grow up (though not necessarily marry and have babies).
According to About.com, Saturn Return might have a part to play in the peak in divorces in the US at around the age of 30, as couples reassess their relationships in light of changing personal priorities. Stefanie Iris Weiss and Sherene Schostak, aka 'Saturn Sisters' and authors of Surviving Saturn's Return: Overcoming the Most Tumultuous Time of Your Life suggest that women look at their father issues during their Saturn Return because "Saturn symbolizes the father (personally and universally), and can set us up with very particular responses to the men in our lives, as we attempt to fix whatever was broken in our relationship with our dads or dad-like figures."
They lost me there – I'm get along fine with my father and can't see any link between our relationship and what I'm currently going through, but the following rang true, well, the first part anyway:
"If everything feels like chaos, if your relationships are breaking down and you're questioning your career, your friendships, your sanity, and your very life, it is likely that it's just the ripples of your Saturn Return descending."
I know I'm not alone in this. I've spoken to countless friends about the increasing pressures as we age, especially for women. My friends are quitting jobs, starting new courses, moving overseas, getting married, breaking up. Nothing new, you might say, but the difference is we're now effecting these changes with an increased sense of urgency. We're aware that time is running out, we're already a third of the way through life, and that's if we're lucky.
Yale psychologist Daniel Levinson referred to the ages of 28-30 as the Age 30 transition. "At about 28 the provisional character of the twenties is ending and life is becoming more serious," he wrote in The Seasons of A Man's Life. In Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy also notes the significance of the late twenties, describing his hero, Gabriel Oak, thus: "He had just reached the time of life at which "young" is ceasing to be the prefix of "man" in speaking of one... In short, he was twenty-eight." About.com Astrology Guide, Molly Hall, notes that at age 30, Vincent van Gogh chose to become an artist rather than a pastor.
Whether or not it's tied to the planets is irrelevant, but it's ultimately comforting to think this is a universal experience, and that at the end of the rather testing late twenties, a greater sense of certainty and contentment awaits if we make the right choices now and change the things that aren't working in our lives, and consolidate the things that are. We can thank our lucky stars for that.
Annabel Ross is a Reporter for The Age.


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RIA Novosti
Friday, Dec 18th, 2009
Two Russian Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers that carried out a routine patrol flight over the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans were shadowed by 'regular' NATO fighters, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
Spokesman Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said the bombers spent over 12 hours in the air on Thursday and were shadowed by two NATO F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters.
[efoods]A similar patrol mission on September 29 was shadowed by an F-22 Raptor that uses stealth technology, reportedly the first time the world's only fifth-generation fighter aircraft was sent out to keep an eye on Russian planes.
Russian strategic bombers resumed patrol flights over the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans in August 2007, following an order from then-president Vladimir Putin, and are usually shadowed by less sophisticated NATO aircraft.
All flights by Russian aircraft are performed in strict compliance with international law on the use of airspace over neutral waters, without intruding in the airspace of other states, the ministry said.
Russia has yet to develop a fifth-generation fighter and is only planning to start testing a prototype, known as the T-50, in 2010. Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin has said the fighter, which has been under development since the 1990s, will enter service with the Air Force in 2015.
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Coppin State men's basketball inks pair of recruits for 2014-15 season
BALTIMORE – In ushering in a new era, first-year Coppin State head men's basketball coach Michael Grant has gone big with the signings of Lawrence Fejokwu and Blake Simpson, the first recruits for the 2014-15 season.
Both players come from winning programs and have the size and athleticism needed to thrive in Grant's high-tempo system. Simpson is a 6 foot, 7 inch forward from LaSalle High in Cincinnati while Fejokwu is a 6-9 center from Lagos, Nigeria, who played last year at Northwest Junior College in Powell, Wyoming.
"I am really looking forward to having an opportunity to coach those guys," Grant said. "Blake has a lot to learn being at the college level, but he has the body and size to be competitive. We're looking for some good things from him. Lawrence would be able to balance out the two other centers we have as well. We wanted to make sure that we were able to bring in some size this year."
In helping LaSalle win 18 games and advance to the Cincinnati District 1 Final last year, Simpson averaged 7.7 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots per game. Playing for an athletic LaSalle team featuring quick guards, Simpson earned a reputation as an eraser at the back end of the defense. During his career at LaSalle, Simpson was a member of a state title and district championship team.
Meanwhile, Fejokwu averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in leading Northwest to 19 victories and the quarterfinals of the NJCAA the Region IX Tournament. He scored in double figures 17 times and scored a season-high 24 points against Little Big Horn College on Feb. 19. Fejokwu also recorded one double-double (10 points, 12 rebounds) against Bismarck College.
"Lawrence is strictly an inside player, he's not going to drift to the outside," Grant said. "He's going to play his role, which is rebound and block shots. He can score around the basket and that's what we have to have in our system. Blake is more of a versatile player. You can look for him to get to the basket and finish. He's a very athletic, strong and competitive kid."
Simpson and Fejokwu join an experienced Coppin State team returning 11 players and three starters from last year's squad that advanced to the semifinals of the MEAC tournament and beat Oregon State. The Eagles will begin the season in November. The complete 2014-15 schedule and additional signings will be released at a later date.


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|Shalandra Jones
An HIV-positive Detroit woman who made headlines in 2012 after being ticketed for not disclosing her HIV status to a police officer during a traffic stop has filed a federal civil rights suit naming the officer and his employer, the city of Dearborn, Michigan.
Shalandra Jones was pulled over August 3, 2012, by Dearborn Police Officer David Lacey for a broken tail light. When Lacey began his contact with Jones and her friend Mark Scott, he said he smelled marijuana.
A video shows the officer stating, "Where's the weed at? I can smell it pretty strong from right here." The American Independent obtained the video through a public records request.
Jones shortly after surrendered a small amount of marijuana to Lacey. At that point he removed Scott, handcuffed him and placed him in the back of his vehicle. He asked Jones to step out of the 1999 GMC Jimmy as he searched the car. He discovers, in her purse, her HIV medications and inquires about them (about 14 minutes into the video below).
At this point, Jones acknowledges she is HIV positive. Lacey proceeds to tell Jones she is obligated to disclose her status when asked to step out of a car during a police interaction. Legal experts say the only time an HIV-positive person in Michigan is legally obligated to disclose his or her status is to a sexual partner prior to engaging in sex.
At the end of the exchange, Lacey ticketed Scott for driving without a license, and Jones for criminal misdemeanor possession of marijuana. As he hands the tickets to the couple, he says he was "pissed" Jones failed to disclose her HIV status to him, then says, "Honestly, if it wasn't for that, I don't think I would have wrote anybody for anything. But that kind of really aggravated me, you know what I mean? You got to tell me right away, 'I've got this. I've got that.' 'Cause at that time, I wasn't wearing any gloves."
Jones, and her attorney Joshua Moore of Detroit Legal Services, filed the suit January 27, 2014, in the Federal District Court, Eastern District in Detroit. The civil suit claims Lacey violated Jones' rights under the Americans' with Disabilities Act.
Watch an interview with Jones:
Watch an interview with her children:
The suit claims the search of Jones' person was a violation of the Fourth Amendment—which prohibits certain searches—and his treatment of her violated her Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal treatment under the law. The lawsuit also claims the violations are proof of a systematic problem with training and education for Dearborn police officers. The suit also asks the federal court to punish the city for releasing the dash cam video of the incident without redacting Jones' name and identity. They argue this violated Michigan's strict HIV confidentiality law. Violations of the Michigan law can be charged civilly or criminally.
This is not the first time the city has been sued in federal court over allegations of violations of Constitutional rights. Lacey was one of 17 officers, along with the city and city officials sued by evangelical Christians in the group Acts 17 Apologetics for their arrest and prosecution for distributing Christian information at an Arab street festival in the city. The city settled the lawsuit in May 2013. They issued an apology to the evangelicals that were arrested and paid the quartet $300,000, according to Dearborn Press & Guide.
Moore says these two instances may not be isolated incidents.
Watch an interview with her attorneys:
"There does seem to be a pattern of ignorance by Officer Lacey and the Dearborn Police Department's failure to protect the civil rights of its citizens. I have other reports of severe violations of civil rights by other individuals including those living with HIV," Moore said in an email to POZ. "At this point, all I can say for sure is that we need to let the discovery phase of the trial play out and see what information is gathered to determine the extent of the ongoing police misconduct by the Dearborn Police Department."
Moore says it took so long to file the action because Jones was facing the criminal case. Dearborn city attorneys continued to offer to dismiss the criminal charge against Jones, he said, as long as she would waive her right to sue the city for violating her rights. The criminal case was finally dismissed in October 2013, 13 months after the initial incident.
The battle in the Jones' criminal case centered on Michigan's medical marijuana law. Jones' lawyers and the city attorney, the prosecutor for misdemeanor cases, battled over whether Jones' qualifications for medical marijuana under state law could be argued in the case. Michigan's law specifically lists HIV and AIDS as qualifying conditions to obtain medical marijuana patient cards. Jones was in possession of an expired card at the time of the incident, and has since renewed it with the state. Her lawyers were going to use a provision in the 2008 law that would allow her to avoid criminal liability by proving she was a qualified patient before the seizure of her marijuana.
The ticket, plus the year of legal haggling, have taken their toll on both Jones and her children.
To read the lawsuit, click here.


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We are starting out with mostly cloudy skies and temps around 70 Monday in South Florida.
It'll be a quiet start to the day, with shower activity lingering to our north. Most of the showers should stay north of South Florida Monday, however, there's a slight chance that we could see a few isolated showers.
Highs Monday will be in the low 80s, with mostly cloudy and breezy conditions.
A steady warm-up is expected through the week, with highs in the mid 80s on Tuesday. A front will move through Tuesday and Wednesday, increasing our rain chances. Highs will stay in the 80s most of the week.
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Plaxico mum on shooting
The Giants said the shooting happened Friday night and he was released from the hospital early Saturday. The team did not say which hospital Burress went to or how badly he was injured.
However, a team official told The Associated Press that Burress shot himself in a nightclub. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the team was still trying to sort out all the facts.
"Our primary concern is for Plaxico's health and well-being, and given the circumstances, we are relieved to say he was released from a New York City hospital
New York City police said they were investigating whether the incident took place at Latin Quarter, a sprawling 15,000-square-foot, two-story restaurant and club located in the Radisson Lexington Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
Phone messages and an e-mail left at the nightclub were not immediately returned.
Police added that they have not spoken to Burress or recovered the gun used in the shooting.
Newsday reported Burress has a concealed weapon permit from the state of Florida that expired in May 2008. It is unclear if the permit was renewed; such a license can be renewed up to six months beyond the expiration date in accordance with section 790.06(11)(a) of Florida Statutes.
However, the states of New York and New Jersey do not recognize permits from Florida, so Burress could be charged in the incident.
The NFL also is likely to investigate whether Burress violated its Personal Conduct Policy, which might lead to a suspension.
The Giants, who are 10-1 heading into Sunday's game at Washington, said they have been in contact with the 31-year-old receiver since the shooting and have discussed the matter with NFL security.
"This incident could become a matter for law enforcement officials, and because of that we have no comment on any of the details," the team said. Repeated phones calls to Burress' home and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus , were not immediately returned.
Added NFL spokesman Joe Browne : "We are gathering information, just like everyone else."
Burress injured a hamstring two weeks ago against the Baltimore Ravens . The Giants said Friday he would not play against the Redskins. He was shot less than 12 hours later.
Burress was suspended for a game against Seattle on Oct. 5 and fined $117,500 for missing a team meeting and failing to notify the team of his absence. He said he had a family emergency.
He also was fined $45,000 by the NFL for his conduct during an Oct. 19 game against 49ers in which he abused an official and tossed a ball into the stands.
"Like I said, I am human," Burress said last month in discussing his runs-ins with the team. "I have made some mistakes. I haven't made the best of decisions, I am aware of that, and I am the first one to look myself in the mirror, be honest with myself, and say that."
"But as far as me going out and playing hard, I am going to keep going out and competing," he added. "Like I said, I just keep going out and doing what is asked of me on the football field, and in whatever that role may be I hope I go out and fulfill it."
While the team can find it tough handling Burress, he is clearly a playmaker who poses a threat to opponents.
Burress caught the winning pass in the Giants' Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots , capping a season in which he caught a career-high 12 touchdowns. He was belatedly rewarded, signing a five-year, $35 million contract hours before the season opened in September.
The signing came after an unsettling offseason during which Burress was fined $25,000 for refusing to practice during a mandatory minicamp in June. He also missed most of training camp at the University at Albany with a sprained ankle. He insisted the injury - not his contract - kept him off the field.
Despite a lack of practice, Burress started in the opener against Washington and caught 10 passes for 133 yards. The following week, he had five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown in a win over St. Louis.
The rest of the season has not been as productive. The most passes he has caught in any game since is four in a loss to Cleveland on Oct. 13, the game following his suspension.
Burress has 35 catches for 454 yards and four touchdowns in a season in which he has constantly drawn double coverage. His streak of receptions in 115 consecutive games ended last week in Arizona. He aggravated his hamstring injury during the first series and did not return.
It was the sixth-longest active streak in the league, dating to Nov. 26, 2000, against Cincinnati, Burress' rookie season in Pittsburgh.
Signed as a free agent in 2005, Burress had caught a pass in all 56 previous games in which he had played for the Giants.


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Mentoring: Functions, Roles, and Interactions
Dispelling the myths and misconceptions that cloud our understanding of mentoring enables senior faculty to help new faculty gain insight into the academic world.
Higher education seems to be in the throes of a "mentoring mania" where the term mentor and mentoring appear frequently in titles of books, workshops, and courses. Unfortunately, the overuse of the term has made it the "Zelig" of developmental relationships: chameleon-like and indistinct. Clarifying the various functions, roles, and interactions that are subsumed under the term "mentor" can help those who wish to assume this crucial, formative role.
Roles and functions
One useful way of understanding mentoring is to see it as a continuum with peer mentoring at one end and primary mentoring at the other. Peer mentoring tends to be less hierarchical—two junior faculty members meeting together regularly—and is typically limited to exploring career concerns such as advising students and strategizing about tenure and promotion. Primary mentoring tends to be hierarchical—the expert working with the apprentice—and is typically the most comprehensive developmental relationship, covering any or all of the roles on the spectrum: advising, guiding, collaborating with, critiquing, role modeling, and sponsoring.
In-depth, primary mentoring is not common, however, and in most formalized mentoring programs, senior faculty are more accurately described as advisors, guides, or sponsors who provide varying and sporadic combinations of support. This occurs partly because institution-mandated mentoring relationships are often time-limited, while a deeper mentoring relationship might require a period of years attending to various professional and personal aspects of the protégé's development. Although every developmental relationship may not qualify as mentoring per se, each one can be beneficial, satisfying, and growth-enhancing for both participants.
Complementarity of needs
I've found that mentoring is most successful when there is a complementarity of needs between the senior and junior faculty member. The former has often arrived at a stage of life in which his or her primary professional goal is to resolve the tension between stagnation and creative production by caring for and about the discipline's next generation. At this point, the senior professor has typically established a career and a network of colleagues, is reappraising his or her life, and is making or has made a shift in identity to that of senior adult.
Because the possibility for self-absorption is a danger at this life and career stage (Erikson, 1982), turning outward from a preoccupation with one's own work to help a younger person signals movement toward a healthy resolution that Erikson believes is crucial to adult development. Mentoring, therefore, can thwart the twin perils of stagnation and self-absorption by stimulating personal self-reflection and providing an impetus for professional development.
These benefits of mentoring complement the developmental needs of the younger scholar-teacher who needs assistance and guidance in forming a professional identity, forging a successful career, gaining competence and confidence in his or her abilities, and seeking a supportive, caring professional community.
Qualities and skills
This potentially perfect fit between the needs of mentor and protégé works well only when both parties bring to the relationship the qualities and skills necessary to nurture and be nurtured. Protégés must recognize the value of mentoring and be receptive to the advice and counsel of a more experienced person whom they respect and admire. Mentors, in turn, need excellent interpersonal skills to challenge, empathize, coach, encourage, listen, and give feedback to protégés. Mature, conscientious, well-connected, and satisfied with their own careers, ideal mentors are also knowledgeable about unique institutional systems and so are able to guide protégés past the shoals of academic seas. Because effective mentors devote much time and energy to mentoring, they must be generous, deeply interested in their protégés' progress, and willing to share their expertise.
Rewards and benefits
And what are the rewards for such dedication to the budding scholar-teacher? As noted, mentors are apt to be looking for and needing an infusion of excitement. A neophyte educator brings new perspectives on teaching, students, and the discipline itself. This can be precisely what's necessary to start an invigorating dialogue that can revitalize the veteran pedagogue. As a mentor in one program put it: "Mentoring others forced me to think about my own career and teaching methods. Being a mentor lit a fire under me and got me excited about my own career and teaching. It reignited my efforts to share what I know and have to offer. I feel rejuvenated with a new sense of purpose."
On the other side of the equation, mentors help new faculty members in a myriad of ways. Giving honest information about power relations in the institution is one of the most important of these. In one study of mentoring I conducted at a public college, mentees reported that the most valuable thing their mentors did was to give them insight into the academic world in general and to explain the culture of that college in particular. In one participant's words: "My mentor taught me the ropes here and alerted me to the politics of the place. She knew the score on the system."
Mentors provide feedback about instructional practices and learning activities and assist with course preparation and learning assessment. They guide the process of grant procurement, data analysis, writing, research, and publication. From their service experience on campus, they advise protégés on the appropriate type and amount of committee work they should become involved in.
Drawbacks and pitfalls
With so much to be gained from mentoring, it's easy to overlook some of its adverse aspects. Mentors are mere mortals, after all, who can be eccentric, egotistical, or exploitive. With such an emotional investment in their protégés' success, they may become overly protective or possessive. Protégés may experience the attention lavished upon them as stifling and infantilizing or they may become overly dependent on their mentors' advice and approval.
The mentor should be wary of unconsciously projecting personal agendas or goals on the protégé. When mentor and protégé come together out of personal and professional affinity, an almost magical chemistry can guide the relationship, but in structured programs where pairings are assigned or forced, there's a greater chance that mismatching will occur.
Another problem in systematized mentoring programs affects women in particular. Because these programs are meant to acculturate new faculty into an institutional status quo, they may simply replicate the hierarchical, paternalistic power dynamics that have traditionally disadvantaged women in the arena of higher education. To avoid such a situation, women should seek a power dynamic that is for them rather than over them.
Phases of mentoring
Like all relationships, mentoring follows an identifiable course that evolves over time. One research study (Kram, 1985) identifies four phases: initiation, a period of excitement and expectation when the relationship begins; cultivation, when all the functions of mentoring are at their peak; separation, a parting of the ways that can be stressful or amicable; and redefinition, a significant post-mentorship transformation in the relationship where a treasured friendship might develop or where the relationship may fade completely. The lesson here is: Expect change. Like any human relationship, mentoring has a life of its own, with ups, downs, and unforeseeable swerves. As long as both parties are committed, all change leads to growth.
References & Resources
Boice, R. 1992. The New Faculty Member. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Daloz, L.A. 1999. Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Erikson, E. 1982. The Life Cycle Completed. New York: Norton.
Feiman-Nemser, S. and Parker, M. 1992. Mentoring in Context: A Comparison of Two U.S. Programs for Beginning Teachers. East Lansing, MI: National Center for Research on Teacher Learning.
Kram, K.E. 1985. Mentoring at Work: Developmental Relationships in Organizational Life. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman & Co.
Merriam, S.B. 1983. "Mentors and Protégées: A Critical Review of the Literature." Adult Education Quarterly 3(3), 161-173.
Millis, B.J. 1994. "Faculty Development in the 1990s: What It Is and Why We Can't Wait." Journal of Counseling and Development 72(5), 454-464.
Pierce, G. 1998. "Developing New University Faculty Through Mentoring." Journal of Humanistic Education and Development 37(1), 27-38.
Powell, B.J. 1999. Mentoring: One of the Master's Tools. Initiatives 59(1), 19-31.
Sorcinelli, M.D. (ed.) 1992. Developing New and Junior Faculty. (New Directions in Teaching and Learning, No. 50). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Wunsch, M.A. (ed.) 1994. Mentoring Revisited: Making an Impact on Individuals and Institutions. (New Directions for Teaching and Learning, No. 57). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Zachary, L.J. 2000. The Mentor's Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.


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"If Christ's light is to shine anew upon all human beings, the commitment to seeking the visible unity of all Christians is essential…To believe in Christ means to desire unity; to desire unity means to desire the Church…We Christians must be aware of the task entrusted to us, which is to bring to Europe and to the world the voice of the One who said: 'I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life' (Jn 8: 12). It is up to us to make Christ's light shine on today's people." --Pope Benedict XVI, 2007
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SEPTEMBER AND SAILS: The sea has seasons, of course, but we landlubbers also have traditions involving the ocean, traditions we clock by the calendar. The Toshiba Tall Ships visit to Dana Point is a late-summer favorite, something that many a 'lubber and lover of marine lore anticipate. Of course, there are old-school California-based vessels to visit throughout the year -- Star of India, we're looking, with admiration, at you -- but the Toshiba festival is different in a few ways. Most significantly, it is the number of ships that dock. Eight ships in all are on the roster, and you likely know them or have heard their names: Bill of Rights, The Brig Pilgrim, Californian, The Curlew. There are also the "twin" brigantines, Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson, and American Pride and The Spirit of Dana Point to round things out in rather grand fashion. And we don't use the term "grand" lightly: Seeing the ships in profusion, especially in the sunset parade, is a rather memorable experience, and one that only ever comes around at Tall Ship events.
DATES AND HAPPENINGS: That oh-so-popular sunset parade is schedule for Friday, Sept. 6 at, yep, sunset, but there will be other all-hands-on-deck to-dos to jump into over the Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8 weekend. The cannon battles are another top-of-the-lister for many people -- they happen both weekend days -- and the sea chantey concerts. We'll go out on a plank and describe the sea chantey as frankly rollicking, and if you feel your music choices are too staid, this is the game-changer. Finally, you'll want to hop on a public tour of a ship. It is indeed a heart-flutterer to spy the sails out on the water at sunset, but you want to see the bunks, masts, and other shiply stuff up close. Ohhh, and how many pieces of gold will you require? The sunset parade is free to view, but you might want to pick up a Pirate's Pass or tickets to a sail or cruise if you want a fuller experience. Those cost separately, so do what any fine captain might do: Make speed (and purchase them well ahead of September).


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The potential cost of increasing transparency by live-streaming meetings – about $36,000 a year – understandably has some McHenry County Board members on edge.
The $8,200 a year the County Board pays for a Springfield lobbyist to help change state law to curtail transparency is much cheaper.
Members of the board's Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee are presented at each meeting with a handout detailing legislation that Metro Counties of Illinois, of which the County Board is a member, supports or opposes.
The group supports six bills that scale back the state Freedom of Information, Open Meetings and Public Notice acts, and opposes three bills that strengthen them. Records show that they have company in the lobbying groups representing other governments.
The Illinois Municipal League backs at least six of the bills backed by Metro Counties. The Illinois Association of School Boards backs seven. One of them, Senate Bill 2203, the first draft of which proposed all but gutting the new FOIA reforms, was drafted at the school association's request.
While the county's libraries exist to act as repositories of information, the Illinois Library Association that represents their interests in Springfield backs six of the bills aimed at curtailing sunshine laws. Township Officials of Illinois supports two and is watching the rest.
Your sales, property and income tax dollars help fund the effort.
'Bizarre arrangement'
Of course, government lobbyists don't spend every dollar and every minute working to curtail Illinois sunshine laws. They have their hands full fighting proposals that would hurt local governments, from withholding shared income tax revenue to unfunded mandates, such as asking counties to pay the salaries of regional school superintendents.
To Illinois Municipal League Deputy Executive Director Roger Huebner, the new FOIA is yet another onerous and ill-conceived piece of legislation draining municipal governments' already-tight budgets.
"The changes to FOIA have added costs across the board. We hear more and more from members of the time and staff that they have to dedicate to FOIA requests," Huebner said. "By and large, across the state, FOIA costs are really going up."
Lawmakers in the wake of the impeachment and indictment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich approved sweeping reforms to FOIA with only one opposing vote.
The reforms, drafted by Attorney General Lisa Madigan with the help of good-government and media groups, strengthened a law considered by many critics to be weak and easy to abuse. Reforms included shortening response times, limiting what governments could charge for documents, and giving Madigan's office the power to hear complaints and act on them.
It became law on Jan. 1, 2010, and lasted two weeks before lawmakers scaled it back. They exempted teacher performance evaluations, and later broadened the exemption to cover all public employees. But lawmakers were just getting started.
They filed at least 30 bills in the 2010 and the ongoing 2011 sessions aimed at scaling back FOIA and other open-government laws, according to Josh Sharp, government relations director for the Illinois Press Association, of which the Northwest Herald is a member. Government lobbying groups, he said, have been pushing for legislators to back them.
"They're taking your tax dollars and working against you in Springfield. It's probably one of the most bizarre arrangements that citizens don't know about," Sharp said.
Lobbying power
The fees that taxpayers kick in to government lobbying make up a tiny fraction of their budgets, even for larger governments. Both the municipal league and school board association assess fees based on population or average daily school attendance – the City of Crystal Lake paid $2,027 to the municipal league this year, while Lakewood paid $392.
The municipal league and school board association both have seven registered lobbyists, according to Illinois Secretary of State records. But while a lawmaker may ignore their direct lobbying efforts, they ignore the grass-roots emails, faxes and phone calls of their members – 1,140 municipalities and 852 school districts – at their political peril.
Public bodies in 2010 spent almost $7.5 million on lobbying firms to watch and sway state lawmakers, according to a study by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. Municipal governments accounted for about half of the amount, given that many hire their own lobbyists as well.
While open-government laws are just one issue on lobbyists' agendas, Sharp said the sheer number of proposed revisions since the new FOIA took effect shows that governments wanting it scaled back have sympathetic ears among lawmakers.
One reason, Sharp suspects, is that many General Assembly members worked in local government, either by election or employment. They may instinctively look at public records and open government laws as nuisances they are now in a position to "fix," with the encouragement of lobbying groups representing their former bodies.
"A lot of legislators started their political careers at the local government level, such as former mayors and school officials," Sharp said. "They hate dealing with FOIA. They hated it then, they hate it even more now."
That is not the case at all, the municipal league's Huebner said. He said the reforms were rushed through without input from the league and other government groups that could be affected by it, and that the group's attorneys found numerous flaws it brought to the attorney general's attention.
"We worked very hard correcting what would have been fatal flaws to that bill," Huebner said. "I'm tired of reporters and legislators taking the other position that we're just against everything."
One major sticking point the league has with the new FOIA is that it lists retrieving records as a "primary duty" of public bodies. In a letter urging Gov. Pat Quinn to alter or veto the bill awaiting his signature, league Executive Director Larry Frang wrote that municipalities could "... be forced to lay off firefighters and police officers so that they can afford more FOIA lawyers."
Track record
If good-government groups and journalists seem biased and protective toward the new FOIA, it's because examples of abuse abound.
More than 60 percent of Illinois governments audited in a 2006 Better Government Association investigation failed to comply with FOIA, with more than 40 percent never even responding to the request.
A 1999 audit by The Associated Press found that more than two-thirds of local governments did not comply with their records request. That investigation prompted former Attorney General Jim Ryan to strengthen the law, but the Senate president never called it for a vote, citing overwhelming opposition from local governments.
And among the abuses that prompted the 2009 reforms was a taxpayer's 3 1/2-year crusade, which went to the Illinois Supreme Court, to view a copy of his school superintendent's contract.
Neither Metro Counties of Illinois President and Will County Executive Larry Walsh, nor McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, could be reached for comment on the lobbying group's stance on sunshine laws. But at least one McHenry County Board member is looking at the lobbying efforts in a different light.
Ersel Schuster, R-Woodstock, is chairwoman of the Management Services Committee that is spearheading the live-streaming transparency effort. But she also is a member of the Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee that oversees Metro Counties' lobbying efforts.
Schuster said she did not notice the lobbying group's stances, given that the bills are just a few of the many that the group keeps tabs on. But now that she has, she said it is a matter worth pursuing.
"I think it's disgusting that we're walking down two sides of the road. One half is trying to get transparency and the other half is trying to prevent it from happening," Schuster said.


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This is a fascinating short video report of how NARA makes custom archival boxes for odd sized items in its vast warehouses.
I like how despite the high tech measuring systems, it still takes a human to lay more than one box onto one of those large sheets before the items are custom cut. It just goes to show there is no substitute for human ingenuity.
Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
Your friend in genealogy.


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Press Center
OLYMPUS STYLUS SP-820UZ iHS™ BREAKS THE GLASS CEILING WITH INCREDIBLE 40X SUPERWIDE-ANGLE OPTICAL ZOOM LENS
Capture Wider Group Shotsand Sharper Close-Ups on the Go,
Intelligent Technology Delivers Amazing Image Quality with Ease
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 22, 2012 – Olympus proudly unveils the new STYLUS SP-820UZ iHS, its flagship Ultra Zoom compact camera, and most powerful optical zoom ever! The Olympus SP-820UZ iHS magnifies subjects up to 40x to capture a level of detail and emotion normally possible only with an interchangeable telephoto lens. With Super-Resolution Zoom, the focus distance is doubled, enabling up to 80x zoom magnification. Beyond its incredible zoom power, bringing the action closer from hundreds of feet away without swapping lenses, the camera's impressive 22.4mm (equivalent to 22.4- 896mm on a 35mm camera) super wide-angle lens takes in sweeping panoramas, group portraits and up-close macro images, so sports fans, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will enjoy maximum performance wherever they go.
The lightweight Olympus SP-820UZ iHS is compact enough to be an everyday travel companion with a sleek housing and ergonomic comfort grip engineered to help keep the camera steady even when shooting at high magnification – when shake can potentially ruin a great shot.
The camera's outstanding optics are matched by Olympus' advanced iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed) technologies, a high-sensitivity 14-Megapixel CMOS sensor that combines with the TruePic V image processor for faster reaction times, radiant colors, and beautiful, sharp images of fast-moving subjects and low-light, backlit scenes. High-speed, adjustable-frame rate 1080p Full HD and High-Speed Video (240fps HSQVGA) recording captures video with the best image quality currently available in compact cameras*. Photo with video clip captures a video clip before, and after you take the shot. Dual Image Stabilization and Multi-Motion Movie Image Stabilization minimize camera shake even while the user is moving. Linear PCM audio recording, a technology pioneered by Olympus and incorporated in its line of professional audio recording devices enhances your videos with better-than-CD quality audio. With HDMI output and control, you can use your HDTV's remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your couch.
Powerful technologies are packed inside the Olympus SP-820UZ iHS to overcome challenging shooting situations. At night and in low-light, where image blur is more likely to occur, Hand-Held Starlight mode captures multiple images and stitches them together into a single, crisp, breathtaking photo without the use of a tripod. HDR Backlight Adjustment captures a collage of images at various exposure levels and blends them into one, perfectly exposed image. No time to fix your make-up before someone takes your picture with the SP-820UZ iHS? Olympus' Beauty Make-up mode will allow you to apply everything from eyeliner to eye shadow and blush.
The camera's Smart Panorama mode creates a spectacular, sweeping still photo automatically. When a photographer pans across a subject, a series of images simultaneously knit together (up to a 360° field of view). A host of creative in-camera Magic Art Filters like Pin Hole and Pop Art enable users to apply spectacular effects to all of life's adventures both with stills and in video mode. Eye-Fi® card compatibility and a 3.0" High-Resolution LCD screen makes it simple to share stills and HD videos seamlessly.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus SP-820UZ iHS will be available in September, 2012, and ships with a Camera Strap, Protective Lens Cap, USB Cable, 4 AA Batteries, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual CD, Olympus Viewer Software and a Warranty Card.
Estimated Street Price: $329.99 (Available in silver and black)
For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website.
Journalists interested in more information, review units or high-resolution images of the Olympus SP-820UZ iHS should contact Keith Gordon, Mullen Public Relations, 212-885-3218, email@example.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5719, email@example.com, or visit the Olympus website: http://asset.olympusamerica.com/login/.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people's lives every day. These include:
- Digital Cameras
- Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
- Related Underwater Products and Accessories
- Digital and Microcassette Recorders
- Digital Media
- Binoculars
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.
*As of August 2012.
Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
"Eye-Fi" is a registered trademark of Eye-Fi, Inc.
"Olympus" and "Stylus" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Corporation, Olympus America Inc., and/or their affiliated entities.


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Our CSB/SJU Japan program is located within central Tokyo, which is ideally located for a study abroad program. The city offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts. With a population that exceeds 35 million people, Tokyo is the world's most populous metropolitan area.
Program Highlights
- Academics include classes with Bunkyo Gakuin University students. Students on this program can also participate in the clubs, sports, and organizations while on the program
- The program includes a 5 day excursion that covers Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Nara. Smaller excursions outside of Tokyo include Karuizawa and Nikko.
- Program located in central Tokyo, so it is very easy to get around one of the largest cities in the world with public transportation. Tokyo is filled with many attractions, sports, and arts. It has something for everyone.
This program is hosted by Bunkyo Gakuin University, a collaborative partner of CSB/SJU for more than twenty five years. Located in central Tokyo with a subway station at its front entrance. All courses are taught in English and include studies in Japanese language (no prior competence required), culture, history, arts, politics and economics. In your classes, CSB/SJU students will be joined by other international and Bunkyo Gakuin students. The faculty consists of a CSB/SJU program director who accompanies the group, and professors from Bunkyo Gakuin University. Extensive excursions enhance the students' learning experience including trips to Kyoto, Hiroshima, Karuizawa and Nara, as well as visits to important sites in the vicinity of Tokyo.
For a complete list of classes please refer to page 2 of the Japan brochure.
Experiential Activities
Students on this program have many opportunities to engage at the University and the surrounding community. Early in the semester our program completes an overnight excursion to a local resort town called Karuizawa with the other international students and many Bunkyo Gakuin students. This creates a great bonding experience for all students involved. Another way to get involved with Bunkyo is to participate in one of the over 25 clubs that the University offers. All CSB/SJU students also participate in a Homestay weekend during the semester in Japan. Many times, this weekend is a gateway for more interaction with the student's assigned family.
Students will be housed in the International Student Dormitory a 5 minute walk from the Bunkyo campus. The rooms are furnished and heating/air conditioning is provided. The dormitory has laundry and kitchen facilities, computers and printers, as well as a furnished lounge for visiting with fellow CSB/SJU and international students and guests. Housing is included in the cost of the program. The cafeteria at Bunkyo is only open to purchase lunch starting at the end of September.
Program Dates
The approximate program dates for Japan are late August to mid-December.
Financial Considerations
For more information on the "Program Fees" for this program, please refer to the Japan Program Brochure for specific information. Another great resource is the Financing your Experience brochure. In this brochure, there are estimates of what past participants spent on this program. Also included in this brochure is information regarding scholarships and financial aid.
See which Scholarships you may qualify for with participating on this program.
Explore Further
Fall 2020 Program Director: Jeff Dubois, Languages snd Culturals
Program Advisor: Jessica Dickau, Center for Global Education


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Here they come…
The summer blockbusters, one after the other.
North American release date is May 8th but word is already Paramount has greenlit two Star Trek sequels. Last night at the Australian premiere in Sydney, 1500 had the opportunity to see the new iteration first and despite a media review embargo until April 21st, Trekkies have been abuzz all day.
Photos of the cast are attached – Eric Bana with his wife, Chris Pine, and Zachary Quinto along with JJ Abrams. The Star Trek media tour is making its way around the world and the film will do battle against Wolverine which opens a week earlier. Trekkies vs Mutants. Who wins?
Star Trek trailer
Photos from Splashnewsonline.com


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5-8 Learning Results
This section has been updated to include the new Maine Learning Results, "Parameters for Essential Instruction," which were adopted by the state legislature in 2007. They are presented at the level of Development Standards. The 1997 Performance Indicators have been condensed slightly to conserve space.
The Common Core State Standards were added in November 2012.
Note that the 1997 Learning Results use grade groupings of 3-4 and 5-8, whereas the 2007 Learning Results use 3-5 and 6-8.
Career Preparation 1997 (Grades 5-8)
A-3: Connections between locally-generated products and services, and efforts required to create them.
A-5: Awareness of students' own interests, aptitudes, and abilities.
Career and Education Development 2007 (Grades 6-8)
B1. Relationships among learning, Work, the Community, and the Global Economy
B2. Skills for Individual/Personal Success in the 21st Century
B3. Education and Career Information
C1. The Planning Process
C2. Decision-Making
C3. Influences on Decision-Making
C4. Societal Needs and Changes that Influence Workplace Success
Common Core State Standards-English Language Arts
Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies
Key Ideas and Details
1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources
2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
3. Identify key steps in a text's description of a process related to history/social studies
Craft and Structure
4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies
5. Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally)
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
7. Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print or digital texts.
9. Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.
Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies
Text Types and Purposes
2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
7. Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused question that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation
Health and Physical Education 1997 (Grades 5-8)
Health Education
D-3: Ways technology affects personal health.
Health and Physical Education 2007 (Grades 6-8)
D2. Technology and Health
Mathematics 1997 (Grades 5-8)
A-1: Read, compare, order, classify, and explain whole numbers up to one million.
B-1: Solve multi-step, real-life problems using the four operations with whole numbers.
F-1: Solve and justify solutions to real-life problems involving the measurement of time, length, area, perimeter, weight, temperature, mass, capacity, and volume.
K-1: Use tables and graphs to communicate ideas and information in a concise and clear manner.
Mathematics 2007 (Grades 6-8)
Grade 6
A2. Fractions and decimals
A3. Add, subtract, multiply and divide
A4. Express relative quantities as percentages and as decimals and fractions
A5. Multiply and divide decimals up to three decimal places
B1. Convert within measurement systems and use measures of mass and weight
B2. Pie charts
B3. Mean, median, mode, and range
C1. Solid figures in two dimensions
C2. Perimeters and areas of geometric figures
C3. Volume and surface areas of right prisms with bases that are triangles and quadrilaterals
C5. Proportional relationships: indirect linear measurements; scale drawings: linear measurements
D3. Relationships between quantities
Grade 7
A3. Ratio and proportion
A4. Percentages
B1. Graphs and charts; draw inferences
C1. Angle properties of lines
C2. Solve problems involving perimeter and area
C3. Concept of scale drawings
Grade 8
A1. Numbers using scientific notation from real-life contexts
B1. Derived measures
B2. Convert across/within measurement systems; units in derived measures
B3. Mean, median, mode, range, quartiles
C1. Properties of polygons
C4. Volume and surface areas of composed figures
Common Core State Standards-Mathematics 2012
Grade 6:
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
- Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems
The Number System
- Compute fluently with multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples
- Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume
Statistics and Probability
- Develop understanding of statistical variability
- Summarize and describe distributions
Grade 7:
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
- Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems
Expressions and Equations
- Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations
- Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area, and volume
Statistics and Probability
- Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population
- Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations
- Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models
Grade 8:
- Use functions to model relationships between quantities
- Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres
Statistics and Probability
- Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data
Science and Technology 1997 (Grades 5-8)
E-1: How the physical properties of objects sometimes change when one object chemically
combines with another.
F-2: Understanding that many things about the earth (e.g. climate) occur in cycles that vary in
length and frequency.
F-3: Differences among minerals, rocks, and soils.
H-1: Ways different forms of energy can be produced.
J-2: Conduct scientific investigations: make observations, collect and analyze data, and do experiments.
M-2: How technology (e.g. transportation, irrigation) has altered human settlement.
Science and Technology 2007 (Grades 6-8)
A1. Systems
A2. Models
A3. Constancy and Change
A4. Scale
B1. Skills and Traits of Scientific Inquiry
B2. Skills and Traits of Technological Design
C2. Understandings about Science and Technology
C3. Science, Technology, and Society
D2. Earth
D3. Matter and Energy
E2. Ecosystems
E5. Evolution
Social Studies 1997 (Grades 5-8)
Civics and Government
D-1: Examples of how the United States interacts with other countries.
A-2: Chronological order: significant events, groups, and people in the history of Maine.
C-1: Changes currently occurring in their daily lives; compare to changes in daily life in past.
A-1: Construct and compare maps of Maine, the United States, and regions of the world to interpret geographical features and draw conclusions about physical patterns.
B-3: Variety of materials and geographic tools to explain how the physical environment supports and constrains human activities.
B-1: Identify the three basic economic questions all economic systems must answer: What to produce? How? For whom?
B-2: How the economy of Maine affects families and communities.
D-1: How the exchange of goods and services helps to create economic interdependence between people in different places and communities.
Social Studies 2007 (Grades 6-8)
A1. Researching and Developing Positions on Current Social Studies Issues
A2. Making Decisions Using Social Studies Knowledge and Skills
A3. Taking Action Using Social Studies Knowledge and Skills
C1. Economic Knowledge, Concepts, Themes, and Patterns
C2. Individual, Cultural, International, and Global Connections in Economics
D1. Geographic Knowledge, Concepts, Themes, and Patterns
D2. Individual, Cultural, International, and Global Connections in Geography
E1. Historical Knowledge, Concepts, Themes, and Patterns
E2. Individual, Cultural, International, and Global Connections in History
Visual and Performing Arts 1997 (Grades 5-8)
B-2: How cultural values are shown through the arts.
Visual and Performing Arts 2007 (Grades 6-8)
E1. The Arts and History and World Cultures
E2. The Arts and Other Disciplines


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Connecticut student points out error in map at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art
WEST HARTFORD -- A Connecticut seventh-grader says workers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City didn't believe him when he pointed out an inaccuracy with a map that was on exhibit. The map purported to show the Byzantine Empire at its largest size in the 6th century, but he noticed that Spain and part of Africa were missing from the depiction.
Benjamin Lerman Coady knew he was right, because he had just studied the empire in school before last summer's trip to the museum with his mother. He was told to fill out a form.
"The front desk didn't believe me," Benjamin told The Hartford Courant. "I'm only a kid."
The 13-year-old West Hartford resident filled out the form and never expected a response, but a museum official wrote him in September saying his comments were under review. Then came an email in January from Helen Evans, the museum's curator for Byzantine art.
"You are, of course, correct about the boundaries of the Byzantine Empire under Justinian," Evans wrote, and she invited Benjamin to return to the museum.
Benjamin took up the offer and met Evans at the museum in February. He brought her notepads from his school, and Evans gave him a tour of the museum including a sneak preview of a new exhibit. She also asked Benjamin to draw what the map should really look like. He's still working on that project.
Evans said this week that the museum is still deciding what to do about the error, including possibly displaying other maps reflecting the empire's history. She said the mistake probably stems from a map reprint a few years ago.
"It may be the makings of a young historian," Evans told the Courant about Benjamin's actions.
The teen likes history, but said he has other things in mind for a career.
"I want to move to Greenwich and open a modern exotic car shop," he said.
His mother, Joanne Lerman, told The Associated Press on Friday that her son is at a leadership camp this week with his Renbrook School classmates and had no idea that he's the subject of national news stories.
"He's going to be floored," she said, predicting her son's reaction to all the publicity. "He was just happy receiving the letter from the museum and the recognition from the museum. I'm proud."


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Based On:
A Tug of War with Zombies
March 19, 2003, US troops invade Iraq to remove WMDs and liberate the people. A day earlier several mercenaries invade Iraq to get rich. This story's about a teenage skateboarder that gets in their way.
Want to read this script? You must join the revolution first. Don't worry, it's free, easy, everyone's welcome, and you can start reading right away.
The Writer: Nicholas Zingarelli
I have been writing short stories and drawing cartoons since I was in grammar school in Chicago. I was a bit of a delinquent when I was young and got into trouble with the police many times. When I finally wised up, I got a union job in the building trades and subsequently built over two hundred playgrounds for inner-city children in Chicago. I started writing screenplays twenty years ago while recovering from three severe work-related injuries that led to surgeries that have left me physically challenged. Man, I thought getting in trouble with the police, severe injuries, and the subsequent surgeries and growing up in the inner-city was tough, but this screenwriting thing is a whole new... Go to bio
More Scripts From Nicholas
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Not everyone you disagree with is Hitler.
I am not an expert on Hitler. But my father is.
He toured post-war Germany extensively in 1957 and '58 as a child performer. And he often recounts the stories. He befriended teenage Lebensborn children (if you don't know what Lebensborn children are …well …before you post anymore about Hitler you should read about them). He visited an SS widow and got a peek at her husband's uniform and Luger (that he'd committed suicide with), she had stored in an old trunk, in the attic.
These and other intense experiences in Germany sent my father on a life-long quest to understand this sociopath (Hitler) and the country that allowed itself to be dragged into one of the darkest chapters in world history. My dad is a Hitler/Nazi buff the way Indiana Jones' dad was a Holy Grail buff.
As the son of a man with this hobby (one might call…
View original post 1,077 more words


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Casting calls usually happen in nondescript offices, but Hugh Jackman and director Shawn Levy are taking a non-traditional approach to finding a crucial addition for the upcoming film "Reel Steel."
The duo, who have already started work on the sci-fi flick about boxing robots, are still on the hunt for an actor with the right chops (and
looks) to play Jackman's 11-year old son. In keeping with the futuristic bent of their film, Jackman and Levy are harnessing the
power of the Internet in the 21st century version of discovering the next star. Interested candidates can apply on the film's website www.reelsteelcasting.com.
In a video plea that aired on NBC's "Access Hollywood" on Wednesday, the Australian actor had one pearl of wisdom to bestow on hopefuls.
"If you're over 25, don't bother," he quipped. Levy agreed adding, "It's probably a stretch."
The film, which is being produced with a rumored $80 million budget by DreamWorks, will be shot in Michigan. Jackman plays an ex-fighter who becomes a boxing promoter.
After humans are outlawed from the sport, 2,000-pound robots with human qualities step into the ring. Jackman happens on a discarded robot that may just have a heart of a winner and also discovers a son he never knew he had.


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I lie, in both meanings of the word. Right after pressing publish this morning, I did not go out for my run. Instead, I laid down on the floor for a good 10 minutes, simply being and then stretching. Sometimes I am skeptical of the mantra, listen to your body — is your body really telling you to take today off AGAIN? — but on the rare occasions that i do listen to my body, I am thankful and I realize I do need to listen. Thanks OhSheGlows and HEAB! Angela from OhSheGlows and Heather aka HEAB both talk extensively about their experiences with overtraining/getting in a running rut/rest/taking a break from exercising, or some iteration of that topic, and reading through their thoughts caused me to do some self-analysis. I won't elaborate now, but I'm pretty sure I have not been listening to my body lately. The self-analysis needs to continue, but i am glad I listened this morning. Afterall, I do have a gym session planned for tonight, so it's not like I'm making excuses to not exercise. Instead, i'm pulling in the reigns so that I don't take myself down the path of overtraining.
After my meditation/stretch session, I finished unpacking my suitcase from my trip to NJ over 10 days ago! That was a major success for this Monday morning! If only I weren't at work while others are home thinking about the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Columbus didn't REALLY discover America? No reason to stop working — so says my boss.


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Capturing customer data electronically saves time and money. With Nuance's solutions for business, it's easy to streamline your document services.
Nuance provides tailored, phone-based Customer Service Solutions that that help financial institutions deliver innovative, differentiated and cost-effective customer care. Our experience with 14 of the top 15 banks in the U.S. provides us unique insight into consumer preferences for self-service, enabling you to earn happy, loyal customers.
Nuance's patented speech and text input applications enable faster, easier navigation, messaging and search across a wide array of device platforms. These multimodal solutions are easily customizable to enhance device utility and team productivity. Nuance's expertise in language development, speech science and UI design, may be leveraged to create Industry/Business specific text input language databases, speech grammar models, text keyword search files, and user interfaces that best meet your unique needs.
Nuance's complete line of document scanning, document management, OCR, and forms processing solutions help your financial services firm achieve exceptional value through significant cost savings, greater security, improved traceability, and increased productivity throughout the project.
Traditional approaches to document creation are simply too time-consuming for the fast pace of the financial services world. But the speed, accuracy, and ease of use of today's speech recognition systems deliver an efficient alternative. Now financial planners and managers can achieve faster documentation turnaround and automate repetitive processes – just by speaking


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Small Group Tours
Beaujolais Crus & Castles - Morning
Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Fleurie, Chenas, Brouilly, St Amour, Juliénas, etc. Welcome to the Northern Beaujolais Region where the elite Gamay wines called "crus" are produced! Along this wine tour, as you drive through charming towns with beautiful castles, let us introduce you to some of the most renowned Beaujolais wines in the magnificent cellar of a Chateau Estate and at a small Family winery:
Beaujolais Crus Wine Road & Terroir
At 9:00 am, your 8-seater minibus leaves Place Bellecour in Lyon to the Northern Beaujolais called CRUS wine region. Start the journey travelling on the beautiful Beaujolais "Route des Vins" and with your guide learn about the "terroir" (french philosphy for wine) and the different characteristics of the Beaujolais "crus" wines appellations.
Drive through "Moulin-à-Vent" Crus, represended by its emblematic windmill from the 15th century surrounded by vineyards. In this area of Beaujolais, vines grow on granit soils with veins of Manganese which gives more tannic and deeper wines.
Then, climb to La Madone Chapel in Fleurie and enjoy a breathtaking panaroma of the Beaujolais wine region: on clear days, you may have the chance to see the Alps and the Mount Blanc!
Wine Tasting
Visit of a Beaujolais Château Estate & a small family winery
Push the door of a chateau Wine Estate and enter a magnificent cellar full of oak barrels. In this amazing cellar setting, wine-taste several crus wines and with your connoisseur talk about their characteristics, balance and complexity.
Then, travel again on the wine road to reach a small family winery Estate of several generations.
Meet a passionate wine-maker, learn the different steps of the unique wine making process of Beaujolais called "semi-carbonic" maceration and finally go to wine-tasting room called "caveau".
Conclude the intense morning wine tour with a second wine-tasting of several crus wines in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Just unforgettable!
Ponto de Encontro /Lugar de partida do Tour
Praça Bellecour
Our Lyon Small Groups Tours to Beaujolais, Cotes du Rhone, Macon and Perouges are 8 guests maximum to be able to operate the best possible wine tours and sightseeing excursions. With a friendly, knowledgeable English speaking driver guide, you visit and taste wines at family wineries and renowned castles cellars of Lyon's surrounding vineyards. Our Lyon wine tours and sightseeing excursions are whether half day or full day, with a departure from Lyon Office de Tourisme building, France.


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Southern Idaho's Largest Yard Sale Is Today!
Today, going yard sailing got a whole lot easier.
Why? Because there's going to be a lot of yardsales in one place. Southern Idaho's Largest Yardsale is bringing over 100 private residence yard and garage sales together for you to find the very best deals - Without the hassle of driving to different locations!
It all happens today, Saturday, July 30 from 8 am to 6 pm at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds. Admission is free!


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Slavery By Consent: Why Interest Is The Reason The Economy Is Falling (Richer Get Richer, And The Poor Get Poorer)
Posted by @mahad_worldstar
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"The beauty of electricity or of any other force is not that the power is mysterious, and unexpected, touching every sense at unawares in turn, but that it is under law, and that the taught intellect can even govern it largely".
- Michael Faraday.
Binary Axiom double sided print pillows feature designs inspired by famous scientists and grand scientific achievements, and are great conversation pieces for your home and office. Made in the USA from polyester fleece, our pillows are individually cut and sewn by hand. Each pillow features a double-sided print and has a concealed zipper for easy care. Soft, durable and suitable for fine print. Sold with or without a resilient polyester filling that retains shape. Machine washable (the insert is handwash only).
Relax and claim your space with these science pillows and personalize your sofa, couch or bed. For the science!
Contact us if you would like to customize this product. It is always a great idea to add a name & a date, or change the design's color. Pillow's base color will always be white - this is your canvas. Be creative and we will craft your unique pillow for you!
1-2 weeks
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
Request a cancellation within: 24 hours of purchase
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Our Science T-Shirts are handmade using heat pressed vinyl on Gildan 64000 Softstyle® T-Shirts.
Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Sizing Tip: Style runs small, you may want to consider sizing up.
To select a t-shirt that fits well, pay particular attention to its size and styling. For best fit, we recommend measuring (flat on a table) a t-shirt that fits you well and compare to our garment size specifications chart, available in every listing.
Our t-shirts are preshrunk, but please allow for a slight shrinkage if you tumble dry. In any case, if you are unsure or prefer a looser fit, going up a size is recommended. If you need any help determining sizing before purchasing, just send us a message and we will be happy to help! :)
We offer many custom options that can help you create your custom t-shirt. You can choose a different t-shirt style from a wide range of well-known t-shirts, and select a different color. Just convo us and we will be happy to help you.
Warm machine wash up to 40 degrees Celsius/88 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not bleach. Tumble dry. Warm iron. Do not dry clean.
Our t-shirts are folded with love and care, and shipped in a recyclable protective polythene mailing bag for safe transit. All apparel come with printed care instructions.
Gift wrapping is available upon request.
Our Science T-Shirts are handmade using heat pressed vinyl on Gildan 64000 Softstyle® T-Shirts. This is the best selling Unisex T-Shirt made by Gildan as part of their Softstyle® range. The fabric of the garment is 100% ring spun jersey cotton, 153gr/m2 (4.5 oz/yd²) and 30's Singles Yarn. Or you could say - smooth, soft, reasonably lightweight and made with fine yarn. It is a great t-shirt and slightly fitted, Gildan call it a Euro fit, as opposed to the standard bigger, more boxy T-shirt.
• Preshrunk jersey knit
• Eurofit - sleeker fit in shoulder and sleeves
• Seamless twin-needle 3/4" (1.9cm) collar
• Taped neck and shoulders
• Rolled forward shoulder
• Twin-needle sleeve and bottom hems
• Quarter-turned to eliminate centre crease


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In this section
Bars & Nightlife
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is home to countless bars and pubs serving up traditional favourites as well as contemporary flavour fusions. Bars specialising in craft beer, whisky, gin and cocktails fill the city and make a perfect start, middle or end point to your visit to the city.
For those looking for a true Scottish bar experience, the traditional pubs in villages around Aberdeenshire are the perfect place to experience our unique Doric culture first-hand.
The city centre is a popular choice for those looking to experience the area's nightlife. The city's granite mile (otherwise known as Union Street) and joining streets are lined with some of the best and stylish bars around. Our bars are known for being the perfect spot to be entertained with stand-up comedy nights, live music and performing arts.
Marvellous mixology is no stranger to the city, with plenty of cocktail bars creating the perfect mix of flavoursome glassfuls, mixology classes and even bartending tricks. Scotland's top cocktail bar can be found in Aberdeen too, popular bar Orchid creates stylish, classic and contemporary cocktails and even produce its own gin, Porter's.
Speaking of gin, there has been a local boom of botanical blends over the past few years creating a powerful catalogue of local spirits to dive into. Just walk into most of our bars and you'll discover iconic gins waiting to be sipped.
If you desire a traditional tipple, a dram of local whisky that uses water from our burns, barley from our fields and peat giving you an authentic taste of Scotland. If you can't fit in a distillery tour while you are here, there are plenty of tasting experiences to book enabling you to discover the art of distilling behind some of our iconic drams.
You can taste some of the finest craft beer in the world in Aberdeen which has over seven craft beer bars. Some have come together to create a craft beer kilometre, giving enthusiasts a pre-planned route to hop from bar to bar and taste some fantastic local brews.