text:
Take two? Award winners have work cut out to repeat
History shows for some another honor is more attainable, but it's less so for others
Now it's time to look ahead. And so we ask the question: Which of the players and managers who took home the hardware in 2012 might do the same in 2013 and beyond?
There's no reason to believe either of this season's MVPs, as voted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America -- Miguel Cabrera in the American League and Buster Posey in the National League -- can't repeat in 2013. Same goes for Cy Young winners R.A. Dickey (NL) and David Price (AL).
But, historically, there are certain trends to look for when determining who might have the best chances at repeating.
In the AL, Cabrera figures to be a lock to compete for the award in the future. He'll have Tigers teammate Prince Fielder hitting behind him for the remainder of his contract, and he plays on a team that should be in playoff contention for the foreseeable future.
By the numbers, it's already rare that Cabrera has only won the award once, given that he's finished in the top five in voting six times. In the past 50 years, only Hall of Famer Jim Rice has finished in top five as many times and won the award only once, having been the AL MVP for the Red Sox in 1978. What might that foretell? Well, if Cabrera keeps putting up numbers, history says he'll almost certainly win the award again.
"He's been doing it his entire career, people just haven't noticed," said Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen, who finished third in the NL MVP vote. "[He's] been one of the most consistent hitters in his career. His power numbers, RBIs, average, are always there. He's just the type of player that can spark a lineup, and he's done it every single year and is finally starting to get some credit for it."
Still, Mike Trout -- the Angels' rookie phenom who finished second in the voting -- will likely only get better. That could mean more fun MVP debates down the road.
For Posey, a second MVP would be historic, given his role as catcher. Only one other backstop has won multiple MVPs in the last 50 years -- Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.
Still, Posey, 25, has many years left to win another and if second-half performance is any indicator of potential numbers for the following season -- and it often is -- Posey would be hard to argue against. He hit .385 with a 1.102 OPS after the All-Star break.
But the talent is deep in the NL. Ryan Braun, who finished second, and McCutchen are perennial challengers, and a healthy Matt Kemp could be, too.
If there's one award that appears to be the most difficult to repeat, it's Dickey's NL Cy Young.
Only three pitchers have ever won multiple Cy Youngs after turning 35 -- Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton.
Not only would it be an exclusive list to join for Dickey, 38, but each of those three pitchers had already won the award before turning 35.
"To win the Cy Young Award at his age," former Met Dwight Gooden said, "is more incredible than when I won at age 20."
It would be more incredible if Dickey were to win two, especially with the recent influx of young talent on NL mounds.
Among proven pitchers under 25 years old in the NL are 2011 Cy Young winner and 2012 runner-up Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers and Washington phenom Stephen Strasbug.
There also is the Giants' Matt Cain, the Nats' Gio Gonzalez, the Reds' Johnny Cueto and the Phillies' Roy Halladay. So while there is no reason to call Dickey's season a fluke, a repeat of the Cy Young in 2013 seems a bit far-fetched, given his age and the potential of strong competition.
Then again, Dickey has proven folks wrong a time or two before.
In the AL, David Price capped the best season of his career by taking home his first Cy Young. He finished second in the voting in 2010.
"You can't get used to this," Price said Wednesday. "I would love to be in this position more times."
Price is in the prime of his career, so what's stopping him from being the favorite for the 2013 award? Well, Justin Verlander for one. Verlander, the Cy Young and MVP winner in 2011, finished second to Price in the Cy Young voting this year.
But young left-handed Cy Young winners have shown a tendency to compete for the award again after winning it. When you throw out Kershaw and CC Sabathia, who like Price could very easily win the award again, nearly half of the left-handers who won the Cy at Price's age (27) or younger went on to win another.
Of the nine other pitchers to do so, Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Johan Santana and Tom Glavine all won the award again -- though none of them would do so the following season.
Overall, repeating a Cy Young is no easy feat. Just ask runners-up Verlander and Kershaw. In total, it's happened seven times. San Francisco's Tim Lincecum most recently accomplished the feat. The rest of the list is nothing to scoff at -- Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Sandy Koufax, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson and Denny McLain.
Repeating on the hill may be difficult, but repeating from the bench is nearly impossible. To this day, Bobby Cox (in 2004 and '05) remains the only one to be named Manager of the Year by the BBWAA in successive seasons.
Why is it so difficult? In short, the expectations change in the following season. Managers of the Year have typically been the ones who catapult their teams from a low win total into contention. Typically, that's already been accomplished -- hence being honored for the first time.
Since Cox's repeat wins with the Braves, 10 of the 14 winners of the Manager of the Year Award led their respective clubs to an increase of 10 or more wins. For the Nationals' Davey Johnson and the Athletics' Bob Melvin to do that, their clubs would have to win 108 and 104 games, respectively.
"Somebody has to get these awards, and I'm lucky enough to be in the position for it," Melvin said after winning the award on Tuesday. "But it was a concerted effort from everybody in our organization to accomplish what we did this year, in a year that probably not a whole lot was expected of us."
Melvin knows in 2013 those expectations will be raised. Historically, it's the managers who best exceed expectations who take home the personal hardware. Instead of Melvin or Johnson in 2013, it's more likely that a manager of a mediocre 2012 club will springboard his team into the postseason and take home the award, much like this year's pair of winners.


text:
Paper Cupcakes is also offering this freebie "What Characters" until Wednesday, so make sure you stop by and snag it and play along too!
I colored my image with Bic Mark-its and then colored the sky with my soft chalks and then I also spray it with hairspray to set it. I love how the chalks make such a soft sky and they were perfect for this evening sky. The sentiment comes with the image as well.
I made my image fairly large so it would be the main attraction for the card and kept it pretty clean & simply and try to keep it flat to make for easy mailing too.
Well, I liked how it turned out. I think it is pretty cute, but I think it is the image that is cute and funny. Things are hectic here in the May household, but then again I it always seems that way. I certainly could use another beach holiday!! Thanks for stopping by and lurking I always love company! Have a great day!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Join us on November 28th at 7PM, US Eastern Time, to hear Zachary Gramana talk about elastic scale on Windows Azure.
REGISTER HERE: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/657038102
Description: Building horizontally scalable applications can be challenging. If you face the need to rapidly scale or adjust to high load variations, then you are left with little choice. Azure provides a fantastic platform for building elastic applications. Combined with recent advances in browser capabilities, some older architectural patterns have become relevant again. We will dust off one of them, the client-server architecture, and show how we can use its modern incarnation to bypass a class of problems normally encountered with distributed ASP.NET applications.
Print | posted @ Friday, October 26, 2012 6:12 AM
Comments are closed.
Free Backup Tool for Azure Storage! Check it out. Used by hundreds of companies worldwide.
Herve Roggero
Herve Roggero
Key West theme by
Robb Allen.


text:
Some of the great features of the Swim Shorts –
|Made from
|Available design
|4, 6, 8, 10, 12
Outdoor Fun Features
These Swim Shorts are perfect for all swimming activities.
Shipping and Delivery
- This product will be shipped to you directly from our supplier via their nominated courier service. Postage costs are determined by the supplier and carrier used and not that of Playground Princess.
- Goods do not require a signature on delivery and will be left at your address if you are not home – please ensure you advise a shipping address where someone is always home, or alternatively a business address. We cannot accept any responsibility for packages left at an address, which are then removed/lost/stolen.
- We deliver across Australia but are unable to deliver to Islands, PO Boxes, Parcel Lockers or Post Offices. A physical address is required for purchase of this item.
- Estimated delivery for metropolitan areas is up to 4 working days and up to 14 days for outer areas such as WA.
- Unavailable for pick-up, this item is shipping only
International Shipping Available


text:
Maybe it's the ghoulish face. Maybe it's the creepy trailer. Or maybe it's Joshua's pasty-white arms. I cannot decide.
Crafty internet person Joshua, who plans on taking it to next year's Blizzcon, created a Diablo III costume for a mere $145 (and many, many man hours). Materials include stuff like 37 feet of aluminum foil and a handful of glue sticks and other things you can buy at Walmart.
The costume has a working jaw that opens and closes when Joshua opens and closes his own mouth. There are LED lights in the eye sockets and the mouth as well as the forehead and chest. Currently, the costume is about 45 percent finished.
If you're up for a real mind-fuck, check out the video in the gallery with Joshua wearing the Diablo III Diablo mask while in a white t-shirt.
And the room in the photos and video? Holy crap, that's scary, too.
Diablo 3 costume [Diablo Inc Gamers]
You can contact Brian Ashcraft, the author of this post, at firstname.lastname@example.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.


text:
We have heard a great deal leading up to the general election, which occurred on November 6, 2012. People went to the polls to elect a president, vice president and other government representatives. Additionally, various state and local officials were on the ballot. Here are some facts about elections in the United States.
2012 Presidential Election (Find it at ipl2.org)
You can find information at this site about the breakdown of results by state, as well as information about the Senate, House of Representatives, Governor, and Ballot Measures results. Politico is an online news source.
The Democratic Party (find at ipl2.org)
This webpage relates the history of the Democratic Party which started about 200 years ago. It highlights milestones of the party from The 19th Amendment; Women's Suffrage (1920); the establishment of Social Security during Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration (1935); the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Bill Clinton's balancing the budget (1990s). It is hosted by the Democratic National Committee.
The Republican Party (find at ipl2.org)
This webpage relates the history of the Republican Party which started with those people who were opposed to slavery in the early 1850's. It became a national party in 1856 and then helped elect Abraham Lincoln in 1860. This election established it as a major political party. Milestones of the party include passage of the 13th (outlawed slavery), 14th (guaranteed equal protection under the laws), and 15th Amendments which helped secure voting rights for African-Americans. It is hosted by the Republican National Committee.
Other Political Parties (find it at ipl2.org)
Since Washington was elected in 1789, political parties have changed, grown and disappeared during our country's history. This website gives a timeline of the development of the Democratic and Republican Parties, as well as other parties that were supported by presidential candidates during past elections. Other questions are posted with links to information on this website hosted by EdGate.com which is associated with USA Today.
The Electoral College (find at ipl2.org)
This website discusses the aspects of the Electoral College and why we have it. Did you know that for this year's election, the electoral vote will certify the election of the President and Vice President on January 6, 2013? The answer to this question and many others are found on this website hosted by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
The Elephant and the Donkey
These two animals have long represented the Democratic and Republican Parties, so why do we have these animals representing their respective political party? This webpage, hosted by the White House, discusses the reason, the political cartoonist who perpetuated the use of these icons, and gives other resources for students and adults to further the discussion about this topic.
The Polls
Did you pay attention to the polls during the months leading up to the November General Election? How did we get these polls in the first place? You might be surprised at how long ago people began using polls to determine public opinion. Find out more about polls at this website hosted by the Public Broadcasting System.


text:
Mets' all-time Top 5 in-season trades
Will the Mets swing a deal before the July 31 Trade Deadline? Sometimes it takes years to determine how well a team did in a trade. With the benefit of hindsight, the following are the five most notable trades in franchise history that were conducted during the regular season, according to reporter Anthony DiComo. Agree? Disagree? Comment below:
No. 1.: June 15, 1983 -- Mets receive Keith Hernandez from the Cardinals for Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey.
With their homegrown core in place, the Mets put their roster over the top with the additions of Hernandez and Gary Carter, whom they acquired a year later in an offseason trade. Fans quickly came to love Hernandez for his slick glove and consistent hitting, both of which played significant roles in the team's 1986 World Series championship run.
In exchange, the Cardinals received three mediocre seasons from Allen, mostly as a reliever, and parts of two campaigns from Ownbey, who was out of baseball three years later.
No. 2: May 22, 1998 -- Mets receive Mike Piazza from the Marlins for Preston Wilson, Ed Yarnall and Geoff Goetz.
Eight days after the Dodgers traded Piazza to the Marlins in a blockbuster deal, the Fish flipped him north for a package of Wilson and two promising left-handed arms. They came to regret it. Yarnall and Goetz combined to pitch 20 innings in the big leagues, while Wilson made one All-Star team in 10 seasons.
Piazza, meanwhile, gave the Mets eight years of Hall of Fame-caliber production, leading them to the 2000 National League pennant and scoring six All-Star nods. He stands today as one of the greatest Mets hitters of all-time.
No. 3.: June 15, 1969 -- Mets receive Donn Clendenon from the Expos for Jay Carden, David Colon, Kevin Collins and Steve Renko.
The Mets were in second place in the NL East, nine games back from the Cubs, when they acquired Clendenon to provide some offensive pop. He delivered, hitting 12 home runs in 72 games to propel the Mets into the playoffs. That is where Clendenon did his best work, batting .357 with three home runs in four Fall Classic games to win World Series MVP Award honors.
Though Clendenon spent only parts of three seasons with the Mets, his impact in that brief time was substantial. Carden and Colon never made the big leagues, Collins batted .209 over a six-year career and Renko finished with a losing record in 15 seasons.
No. 4.: Aug. 28, 1984 -- Mets receive Ray Knight from Astros for players to be named later (Gerald Young, Manuel Lee and Mitch Cook).
Though Knight struggled in his first year and a half with the Mets, he transformed into a different player in 1986 -- just in time to play a key role in New York's World Series championship run. Mets fans will always remember Knight as the player who scored the winning run in Game 6 of the '86 World Series, when Mookie Wilson's grounder rolled through Bill Buckner's legs.
Young played eight years in the big leagues, finishing with a .269 career average. Lee hit .255 with 19 homers in his 11-year career, while Cook never made the Majors.
No. 5.: July 28, 2011 -- Mets receive Zack Wheeler from the Giants for Carlos Beltran and cash.
The jury is certainly still out on Wheeler, who has made a total of five Major League starts for the Mets. But the Mets quite simply can't lose this trade, considering what they gave up.
Beltran was 34 years old at the time of the trade, enjoying a strong first half but struggling to stay healthy. The non-contending Mets had no interest in re-signing him after the season, and a clause in Beltran's contract stipulated that the Mets could not offer him arbitration, meaning they could not receive a compensatory Draft pick had he signed elsewhere.
So although the entire league knew the Mets would trade Beltran, sabotaging general manager Sandy Alderson's leverage, the GM still managed to extract Wheeler. The right-hander has since developed into one of the top pitching prospects in franchise history, while the Giants missed the playoffs and were unable to re-sign Beltran after that season.


text:
Environmental groups sue EPA over refinery emissions
4 environmental groups say agency is 'dragging its feet' on air pollution
Environmentalists have filed a lawsuit to force federal regulators to review the way they calculate emissions from petrochemical plants, oil refineries and other large industrial facilities.
In the suit filed on Thursday, Air Alliance Houston and three other groups accuse the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of using outdated and inaccurate formulas to estimate levels of air pollution.
The groups say studies show that actual smog-forming emissions can be 132 times greater than EPA estimates, which are based on data provided by the industry. The agency, as a result, does not possess reliable data to protect public health, according to the suit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
"The EPA has a history of dragging its feet on this issue," said Jennifer Duggan, an attorney for the Environmental Integrity Project, a legal group representing Air Alliance Houston and the other organizations in the case. "It has been aware of these inaccuracies for some time."
An EPA spokeswoman said the agency is reviewing the suit but would not provide additional comment.
The lawsuit comes five years after the city of Houston raised similar issues with the federal agency, which uses the emissions data to develop pollution controls, establish limits and guide enforcement.
In response, the agency acknowledged flaws in its formulas and promised to make changes.
No formula review
But the EPA has not conducted a review of the formulas used to estimate emissions from flares, wastewater treatment systems and storage tanks at chemical plants and oil refineries, the suit contends.
Flares, which burn off pressurized gases during startups, shutdowns and equipment malfunctions, are of particular concern because the EPA relies on a 30-year-old study to calculate their emissions.
The lawsuit says the formula overestimates the flares' operating efficiency and thus underestimates the emissions of benzene, 1,3-butadiene and other toxic chemicals.
'A last resort'
Federal law requires the EPA to review and revise, if necessary, the formulas every three years.
"We must know what is in our air if we are going to clean it up and protect public health," said Adrian Shelley, executive director of Air Alliance Houston. "We have filed this complaint as a last resort, and only because EPA has ignored repeated requests to address the problem."
Air Alliance Houston is joined in the suit by Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, an East Harris County group; Port Arthur's Community In-Power and Development Association; and the Louisiana Bucket Brigade.


text:
I'm Nick Zuccarello. I'm a Graphics Trainer for Electronic Arts Tiburon in Orlando Florida.
I've been ZBrushing for about 2 years now. I love how the application has opened up sculpting to a whole new breed of artist.
I can recall not too long ago having such a blast sculpting traditionally that I thought to myself that I didn't really care about digital sculpting any more…. that is until ZB3 Beta came along and once again floored me.
Now, with the addition of the Subtools, layers, real-time shadows and shaders, It is really starting to feels like you are sculpting on a real object.
I really don't know how I would be able to go back to sculpting without shadows now. It really helps me understand the forms correctly.
Lazy mouse is also a new must have.
I'm really starting to love the direction the program is going and I look forward to see what Pixoloigic will come up with next.
Here are some of the results of my test that I have been working on.
Thanks to the Pixologic for the opportunity to participate in the Beta program.
It has been a real blessing,


text:
Romeo Photographers -
Wedding and Event Photography in Romeo MI
Ronald Ponkey Photography * 313-531-3551 www.ronaldponkeyphotography.net Capturing Wedding Memories for over 32 years Ronald Ponkey Photography offers Professional Wedding Photography packages whic... more photographer info
1041 recent listing referrals for Ronald Ponkey Photography, LLC
We offer very affordable wedding photography packages that start at $899 for a 6-hour coverage (you get all the photos captured.). Come visit us!... more photographer info
1494 recent listing referrals for Ramyphotography
Quality Photography & Videography at reasonable rates. Several customizable packages available.... more photographer info
1842 recent listing referrals for Digital Dreamz & Journeyz Photography
Dream up and create a fun atmosphere for your guests and commemorate your special occasion with GlitzBooth. Give life to your events with etched memories and good times during any type festive moment... more photographer info
1088 recent listing referrals for GlitzBooth
portrait photographer with 20 years experience specializing in seniors, weddings and family photography... more photographer info
749 recent listing referrals for TJ'S PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
Our photo booth at your event is a great way to enhance all of your special guests enjoyment. It is a fun and exciting experience for all and somethi.......more photographer info
We have the latest technology in our photo booths. Printing takes only 7.5 seconds, allows video recording, uploading of pictures to your email, and a.......more photographer info
Photography company from Michigan specializing in Wedding and on-location photography........more photographer info
Photo-in-Motion specializes in wedding photography & videography. Yes, you get both for an affordable price! Elegant DVD's and exquisite photo album.......more photographer info
The Family Room - Portraiture by Jen specializes in portratiure for engagement, maternity, newborns, children, teens, HS seniors and families. Serving.......more photographer info
LTfoto provides the extra attention that all brides need and deserve. Expect more than everyday wedding portraits as you will cherish these always. .......more photographer info
Full service wedding and event photography specializing in photojournalistic candid type along with contemporary style. .......more photographer info
Every angle of a wedding has something different to show and not always the same way to be seen. Altering and continually changing styles is necessary.......more photographer info
Photastic Images is about one thing - telling the story of your day, in all its unique beauty and emotion and capturing the atmosphere you've worked s.......more photographer info
For a limited time receive a free traces of love wedding website with every booking. Please contact us for details. Every picture tells a story and .......more photographer info
InStyle Photo and Video Creates High-Quality Wedding Photography and Videography. Professional Services, Affordable Prices. (586) 838-0184.......more photographer info
We want to make sure that your event is exactly what you want every time. With a wide variety of choices to exceed all your expectations, T² Enter.......more photographer info
We provide award winning photography and cinematography services for weddings and events in Michigan........more photographer info
Award winning portrait photographer located in Macomb County, Michigan.......more photographer info


text: L1000925 Fekat Circus, which in Amharic means "blossoming circus", was born in 2004 in the outskirts of Addis Ababa out of the initiative of a group of young Ethiopians united by a deep and unique relationship of brotherhood and positive values. They had grown up in a suburb of Addis Ababa and had had the good fortune to be familiarized with circus from a very young age. They shared a common dream: to create a circus with youngsters who had never imagined to be on a stage in their life. We believe arts are a powerful tool to spread joy and positive values in this world afflicted with suffering and individualism. This is why Fekat Circus wants to widely spread arts, reach as many children and youngsters as possible, and give an opportunity to blossom to thousands of them.


text:
DNS-BH Aug3 Update – relisted domains
Added 203 domains – domains where were at one time delisted but are once again associated with malware.
NO ZONE FILES ARE LOCATED ON THIS SITE. Users and ip addresses which repeatedly attempt to download zone files directly from this site will be banned from all downloads. We also have a mirror dedicated to research and Open Source Projects – please contact us for details.
* Please help to keep this site free and donate whatever you can: All donations go to hosting and infrastructure costs.
* These malware block lists provided here are for free for noncommercial use as part of the fight against malware. Any use of this list commercially is strictly prohibited without prior approval.
* Please use the "datestamp" and "timestamp" file to determine if the list has been updated and ONLY pull the files you need – abusers will be banned! Use wget -N"!
* Yearly sponsorships are available. Full acknowledgment, an icon, and link back to your site will be placed in the left sidebar.
* Domains.txt file is the complete list along with original reference. Justdomains contains list of only the domain names. BOOT file is in MS DNS format. Malwaredomains.zones file is in BIND format. Also Available in AdBlock, ISA, and MaraDNS formats. A trusted source on the WOT-the Web of Trust . Used by SURBL, MOREnet, SANs, and others…


text:
Contact us at email@example.com if you have any questions
Intramural Sports
IC IM Mission, Vision, & Values
Intramurals Mission
The mission of Intramurals at Ithaca College is to enhance the Recreational Sports Office Mission by engaging the college community with activities that provide opportunities for competition in a safe, fun, and positive learning environment. We plan to do this through our ITHACA value system.
Intramurals Vision
Our vision is to consistently provide the highest quality intramural programming and experience at Ithaca College.
Intramurals Values
Our values are all about ITHACA!
- Innovative - Researching industry standards and activities that are challenging, unique, and fun!
- Teachable - Providing, recognizing, and using learning outcomes to further educate our participants and student staff to create a more knowledgeable program.
- Hospitality - Making sure our participants are comfortable through excellent customer service and interaction to create healthy physical, mental and emotional outlets.
- Accessible - Ensuring all activities are available to all IC community members, and providing help to make this so.
- Commitment - Striving to create the highest quality experience for our participants by pledging our focus, energy, and service to the intramural program.
- Activity - Getting our participants up, out, and about to improve personal and social well-being.


text:
We are an industry leader in the business of High Performance Plumbing and Race Parts. We look
forward to helping you with all your racing needs, including race plumbing, performance hoses, brake hoses and race adapters. We offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $250.
JDA Enterprises supplies aerospace quality, or better, products at discount prices. With an extensive inventory and knowledgeable sales staff, JDA Enterprises provides quick and accurate order deliveries. For over 35 years, JDA Enterprises has been the performance fluid delivery supplier of choice for many racing, hot rod, street machine, 4X4 and marine enthusiasts. JDA specializes in A-N Army/Navy designated hose and fittings. We stock sizes -3,-4,-5,-6,-8,-10,-12,-16, and -20. Trust JDA Ent.
As we continually strive to provide the best AN Fittings and AN Plumbing we are always looking for additional product lines to carry in our warehouse. We are proud to announce the addition of Earls fittings and race plumbing products to our line of products that we offer.
Earls plumbing is well known thoughout the racing industry as being top of the line when it comes to race plumbing. Earls has been the industry leading brand of performance plumbing for over 40 years. What gives this product line fame over the competition is that they have the highest quality AN fittings and hose ends for dependable fluid transfer.


text:
Looking for an Amazing Processor for your next desktop PC? Look no further than 6th Gen Intel Core processors. With amazing performance and stunning visuals, PCs powered by 6th Gen Intel Core processors will help take things to the next level and transform how you use a PC. The performance of 6th Gen Intel Core processors enable great user experiences today and in the future, including no passwords and more natural user interfaces. When paired with Intel RealSense technology and Windows 10, 6th Gen Intel Core processors can help remove the hassle of remembering and typing in passwords.
Videos, crisper. Gaming, more versatile. Performance, more efficient. With Intel® Core™ i5 processor, your systems and devices work smarter than ever so you can work more effectively than ever with an automatic burst of speed when you need it with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. With built-in technology like Intel® RealSense™ technology that allows you to interact with your device with just a gesture and revolutionary 3D scanning, computing just got a little bit more human. With built-in Iris™ graphics, watch 4K video on multiple screens, create eye-popping content faster and play seamlessly in 3D. Your experience truly comes to life on screen with 6th generation Intel® Core™ processors.
Responsive Performance
New architecture and design in 6th Gen Intel Core processors for desktops bring:
• Support for DDR4 RAM memory technology in mainstream platforms, allowing systems to have up to 64GB of memory and higher transfer speeds at lower power when compared to DDR3 (DDR4 speed 2133 MT/s at 1.2V vs DDR3 speed 1600 MT/sat 1.5).
• 6th Gen Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors come with Intel Turbo boost 2.0 Technology which gives you that extra burst of performance for those jobs that require a bit more frequency.
Stunning Visuals
• Videos come to life in Ultra HD 4K, so users can enjoy amazing and vibrant multimedia experiences on Ultra HD and 4K display (up to 4096x2304 resolution). To deliver this experience, Intel Core'" i7, i5 and i3 processors incorporate support for HEVC, VP8 and VP9.
• Intel Quick Sync Video technology accelerates most video capabilities, allowing users to create and share in real-time and multi-task without interruption.
• 6th Gen Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors support graphics programmability features such as OpenCL 2.0 so programmers can easily take advantage of the graphics compute capabilities. • With native support for the new DirectX 12 API, 6th Gen Intel Core processors can provide a better experience for gaming and graphics that take advantage of DirectX 12.
Increased Security
6th Gen Intel Core processors offer hardware-level security features such as:
• Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) that help protect your system and your data.
• Intel Memory Protection Extensions that help protect an application's run-time integrity.
• Intel Device Protection Technology with BIOS Guard 2.0 and Intel Device Protection Technology with Boot Guard help protect your system during boot
Whether you use your PC for gaming, rendering, editing or creating, the 6th Generation Intel Core processor family (S-series) delivers a great PC experience.
Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
Dynamically increases the processor's frequency, as needed, by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom when operating below specified limits.
Intel Built-ln Visuals
• Intel HD Graphics: Play HD videos with exceptional clarity, view and edit even the smallest details of photos, and play today's modern games.
• Intel Quick Sync Video: Delivers excellent video conferencing capability, fast video conversion, online sharing, and fast video editing and authoring.
• Intel Clear Video HD: Visual quality and color fidelity enhancements for HD playback and immersive web browsing.
Integrated Memory Controller
Now supporting DDR4 offers stunning memory read/write performance through efficient prefetching algorithms, lower latency, and higher memory bandwidth as compared to previous generations.
Intel Smart Cache
Dynamically allocates shared cache to each processor core, based on workload, reducing latency and improving performance.
Intel Virtualization Technology
Allows one hardware platform to function as multiple "virtual" platforms. Offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.
Intel Advanced Encryption - Standard New Instructions (Intel AES-NI)
A fast, secure AES engine for a variety of encryption apps, including whole disk encryption, file storage encryption, conditional access of HD content, internet security, and VOIP. Consumers benefit from protected internet and email content, plus fast, responsive disk encryption.
Intel Power Optimizer & Processor C-States
Intel Power Optimizer increases periods of silicon sleep state across the platform ingredients, including the CPU, chipset, and third-party system components, to reduce power.
Intel Secure Key
Security hardware-based random number generator that can be used for generating high-quality keys for cryptographic (encryption and decryption) protocols. Provides quality entropy that is highly sought after in the cryptography world for added security.
Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2.02 (Intel AVX2)
AVX 2.0 is an extension of AVX 1.0 with new optimized instructions to deliver enhanced performance on floating point—intensive apps. AVX 2.0 adds 256-bit integer instructions and new instructions for FMA (Fused Multiply Add). FMA delivers better performance on media and floating point computations, including face recognition; professional imaging; high-performance computing; consumer video and imaging; compression; and encryption.
Intel OS Guard
A hardware-based security feature that protects the OS (operating system) kernel. OS Guard helps prevent use of malicious data or attack code located in areas of memory marked as user mode pages from taking over or compromising the OS kernel. OS Guard is not application-specific and protects the kernel from any application.
VMCS shadowing
VMCS shadowing allows a Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) running in a guest (nested virtualization) to access a shadow VMCS memory area using the normal VMRead/VMWrite instructions. This technology reduces overhead for a more natural and responsive user experience. It also allows users to take control of their personal and professional data and apps while being protected by game-changing security.
Intel Ready Mode Technology
Provides quick access to your PC with applications that are up-to-date and constantly connected.
Intel Identity Protection Technology
Help protect your One Time Password (OTP) credentials and PKI certificates and add a layer of encrypted second factor authentication for online transactions.
PCI Express 3.0 Interface
Offers u
A new level of intelligent performanceMaximize speed for demanding applications with Intel Turbo Boost technology, which accelerates processor clock speed up to 20% to match your workload. So you'll move faster when multitasking and get more accomplished in less time.
Do more at onceWith the Intel Core i5 processor, you can multitask up to 28% faster, so you can do more things at once and be more productive than ever.
Speedy content creationUnleash an amazing digital media experience with up to 37% faster conversion of video for web upload, up to 15% faster photo editing and up to 17% faster conversion of CD music tracks to MP3.
Get your game onGet a 32% improvement in artificial intelligence for game characters and realistic physics for game worlds.
- Product Description
- Intel Core i5 6400 / 2.7 GHz processor
- Product Type
- Processor
- Processor Type
- Intel Core i5 6400 (6th Gen)
- Number of Cores
- Quad-Core / 4 threads
- Cache
- Integrated Graphics
- Intel HD Graphics 530
- Compatible Processor Socket
- LGA1151 Socket
- Processor Qty
- 1
- Clock Speed
- 2.7 GHz
- Max Turbo Speed
- 3.3 GHz
- Manufacturing Process
- 14 nm
- Features
- Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel 64 Technology, streaming SIMD extensions 4.1, streaming SIMD extensions 4.2, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, Intel AES New Instructions (AES-NI), Thermal Monitoring Technologies, Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d), Idle States, Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), Intel Secure Key, Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2.0), Intel OS Guard, Intel Small Business Advantage
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 3-year warranty
Detailed Specification
- Product Type
- Processor
- Type / Form Factor
- Intel Core i5 6400 (6th Gen)
- Number of Cores
- Quad-Core
- Number of Threads
- 4 threads
- Cache
- Cache Memory Details
- Smart Cache - 6 MB
- Processor Qty
- 1
- Clock Speed
- 2.7 GHz
- Max Turbo Speed
- 3.3 GHz
- Compatible Processor Socket
- LGA1151 Socket
- Manufacturing Process
- 14 nm
- Thermal Design Power
- PCI Express Revision
- 3.0
- PCI Express Configurations
- 1x16, 2x8, 1x8+2x4
- PCI Express Lanes Qty
- 16
- Architecture Features
- Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel 64 Technology, streaming SIMD extensions 4.1, streaming SIMD extensions 4.2, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, Intel AES New Instructions (AES-NI), Thermal Monitoring Technologies, Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d), Idle States, Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), Intel Secure Key, Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2.0), Intel OS Guard, Intel Small Business Advantage
Integrated Graphics
- Type
- Intel HD Graphics 530
- Base Frequency
- 350 MHz
- Max Dynamic Frequency
- 950 MHz
- Max Supported Memory Size
- Max Supported Resolution
- 4096x2304@24Hz (HDMI), 4096x2304@60Hz (eDP), 4096x2304@60Hz (DP)
- Features
- Intel Clear Video Technology, Intel Clear Video HD Technology, InTRU 3D Technology, Intel Quick Sync Video, Intel Wireless Display (WiDi), Intel Insider, Triple Display Capable
- Package Type
- Intel Boxed
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support
- Limited warranty - 3 years


text:
Emerald Dragon (SNES) review
"Unfortunately for Atrushan, there is a bit of a curse on the land, making it very deadly for dragons to venture there (the reason they're confined to their own isolated realm). However, it doesn't take him long (a tiny tutorial dungeon) to gain a relic that transforms him into a human, allowing him to seek out Tamryn and teach the game's assorted bad guys that when a dragon's pledged to protect a girl, it doesn't pay to be attempting a hostile takeover of the land she's calling home."
Staff review by Rob Hamilton (January 30, 2009)
Rob Hamilton is the official drunken master of review writing for Honestgamers.
More Reviews by Rob Hamilton [+]
If you enjoyed this Emerald Dragon review, you're encouraged to discuss it with the author and with other members of the site's community. If you don't already have an HonestGamers account, you can sign up for one in a snap. Thank you for reading!
User Help | Contact | Ethics | Sponsor Guide | Links


text:
Monday, April 9, 2012
Upcoming Appearance: Dee Gordon
April 28, 2012
Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748
Further details will be posted at OC Dugout.
For other upcoming signings, scroll down a bit and on the left side of this blog, you will see "Upcoming Appearances". Click the player for more details.
2 comments:
- Sinatra Dodger Fan said...
Are his prices the same as his appearance he did in january?
- April 12, 2012 at 9:53 PM
- Ariana Richardo said...
You may post on the professional credentials for the blog owner. You could express it's outstanding. Your blog experience can springboard your click through. Judi Bola Online
- February 12, 2014 at 12:44 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Recent Posts
Tag Archives: wings
Two new casual eateries are expected to open in the coming months at Dover Mall and Dover Commons. Savory Wing Dings and Things will arrive this summer to Dover Commons, moving into a 1,400-square-foot space near Pier 1 Imports. The … Continue reading
Posted in Food Deals Tagged coffee, dover commons, dover mall, food court, mall, seattle, wings Leave a comment | Print this post | Email this post


text:
(written from a Production point of view)
The Enterprise crew rescue a "roguish" freighter captain whose ship is malfunctioning, but his presence drags them into an interplanetary feud.
- 1 Summary
- 2 Memorable quotes
- 3 Background information
- 4 Links and references
- "Captain's Log, Stardate 42402.7. We are traveling in the Omega Sagitta system, traversing between the twin planets that form the Coalition of Madena. Both worlds are populated by a humanoid race which colonized the planets two centuries ago and which now coexist under a precarious but successful treaty."
The USS Enterprise-D, while traveling in the Omega Sagitta system between two twin planets inhabited by Humans who have created a pact called the Madena Coalition, stumbles upon a Class 9 starship with one humanoid inside. The ship is the cargo freighter Erstwhile commanded by Captain Thadiun Okona, who has problems with the guidance system. The Enterprise offers Captain Okona help repairing his faulty guidance system. Deanna Troi establishes that he displays rogue-like characteristics, making him a suspicious character who should not be taken lightly.
Act One
Upon entry to the ship, Okona meets Riker, Data, Worf and Crusher and also the transporter chief, Lieutenant Robinson, and begins to display characteristics of a scoundrel and a rake, charming Robinson. While the others observe this, Okona soon leaves the transporter room and he accompanies Data and Wesley to main engineering to observe the repairs to his guidance system. Okona questions Data's ability to comprehend humor and other Human characteristics, apparently finding the concept of an emotionless android fascinating. He then goes to spend time with Robinson.
Act Two
Data is inspired by Okona's questions and insights about humor, and goes to Ten Forward to seek counsel from Guinan regarding his difficulty grasping the concept. Data then travels to the holodeck to view a comedy show by a holographic comedian. Data inquires about a series of comedic acts and performances to further his understanding of comedy. They begin a series of improvisations which include 20th century Jerry Lewis, and continue to examples of stand-up comedy, which Data views at maximum speed. Data then returns to Guinan to try out his new comedy material, but his first attempt fails miserably. His second attempt is abruptly interrupted by a call to the bridge: an unidentified ship is approaching the Enterprise.
Act Three
Debin, the captain of the ship, warns the Enterprise that they are entering their territory. Debin establishes that Okona is, in fact, a rogue who committed crimes on the planet Atlec. While the entire confrontation is occurring, another ship of similar classification is approaching. This ship is commanded by Captain Kushell from the planet Straleb, who also states similar issues relating to Okona.
Jean-Luc Picard calls Okona up to the bridge to understand what crimes he has committed. After brief deliberation, Okona hedges his response, stating that he isn't aware that he committed any crime on either world. A skeptical Picard asks Debin what crimes has been committed. Debin, infuriated, explains that Okona had impregnated Debin's daughter, Yanar.
Act Four
- "Captain's Log, supplemental. Some of the mystery surrounding this ancient morality play we've been dragged into has been revealed. One of Captain Okona's pursuers is an outraged father with a heartfelt, if archaic, sense of righteousness."
Kushell has claimed that Okona stole the national treasure, the Jewel of Thesia. Picard and Okona discuss the matter at hand. If Okona is handed to Debin, the Thesians will use the slight to declare war, while if Picard gives him to the Thesians, the same result will occur. Picard and Okona agree that the only way to resolve the situation is to let Okona continue on the Erstwhile and find a place of refuge.
After a long talk with Wesley Crusher in engineering, in which it's revealed that Okona has become tired of living the nomadic lifestyle and just wants the entire mess surrounding Yanar and the Jewel to be settled, he has made a decision to "take a stand."
Act Five
Okona tells Picard he decided to voluntarily turn himself in. This choice allows Picard to use the Enterprise as a neutral meeting place for both parties to settle their claims. The two families are antagonistic towards each other, both claiming that Okona has infringed their laws and both expressing an equally valid claim on the wayward freighter captain.
The story unfolds when they discover that Kushell's son Benzan has actually impregnated Yanar, rather than Okona, and that Okona was the go-between for Yanar and Benzan's courtship (which was disapproved by both families). The jewel was stolen to be used in the wedding between Yanar and Benzan, who agree to marriage, and their fathers continue their quarrels in a more light-hearted manner (this time about the details of the wedding) as Picard invokes the Prime Directive as an excuse to make a discreet exit from what has now officially become an internal matter of the respective families' governments.
Data and Guinan participate in a comedy show with the holo-comedian. They resolve the issues of Data's ability to deliver a joke by giving Data an audience. Unfortunately, Data discovers that the holographic audience is programmed to laugh at anything he says or does, regardless of whether or not it's actually humorous, and that his delivery is still flawed. Data asks the computer to erase the audience as well as the comic. Guinan assures Data that being able to laugh or to make people laugh is not the final result to becoming Human. Data agrees, but notes that there is nothing more "uniquely Human."
Later, on the bridge, the crew sees Okona off. Data inadvertently delivers a joke that causes the bridge crew to break into laughter, but later the crew gets annoyed after Data begins to make bad joke after bad joke, and Okona (having resolved his differences with the Thesians and Yanar's father) continues on his way.
Log entries
Memorable quotes
"You spoiled the joke. It could have been your timing."
"My timing is digital."
- - Guinan and Data
"You're a droid and I'm a 'noid."
- - Guinan, telling a joke to Data
"A Klingon security officer?"
"No wars available, eh?"
- - Okona and Worf
"Wesley, Wesley Crusher."
"Nice to meet you, Acting Ensign Wesley Wesley Crusher."
- - Wesley Crusher introducing himself to Thadiun Okona
"You have the majestic carriage and loveliness that could surely be traced back to the noblest of families."
- - Okona, to B.G. Robinson, the Enterprise's female transporter chief
"Say goodbye, Data."
"Goodbye Data."
- - Wesley Crusher and Data
"Now, that's sex appeal!"
- - Okona
"Captain, they are now locking lasers on us."
"Yes, sir."
"Lasers can't even penetrate our navigation shields. Don't they know that?"
"Regulations do call for yellow alert."
"Hmm, a very old regulation. Well, make it so Number One. And, reduce speed... drop main shields, as well."
"May I ask why, sir?"
"In case we decide to surrender to them, Number One... "
- - Worf, Riker, and Picard
"So... if you put funny teeth in your mouth and jump around like an idiot, that is considered funny!"
- - Data
"Guy walks into the doctor's office. The doctor tells him you need an operation. Guy says "I want a second opinion." Doc tells him "Okay you're ugly too". Badoom Boom!
- - Data, telling his first joke to Guinan
"Life is like loading twice your cargo weight on to your spacecraft. If it's canaries and you can keep half of them flying all the time, you're all right."
- - Okona, making a joke to Data
"Take my Worf... please!"
- - Data, making a bad joke
Background information
Story and script
- The final draft script was submitted on 4 October 1988.
- According to Joe Piscopo, he was allowed to improvise much of his own jokes and dialogue as the holographic comic, including the Jerry Lewis impersonation. [1]
- Filming for this episode took place in late October 1988, with the final day of the shoot on 1 November 1988. ("Lost & Found", Star Trek Magazine issue 148)
- Jerry Lewis himself was approached to play the comic, but there was a scheduling conflict caused by Lewis' guest role on Wiseguy. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion 2nd ed., p. 70)
- This is the first of two second-season episodes in which Dr. Pulaski doesn't appear. The other is "Q Who".
- First UK airdate: 24th April 1991
Sets and props
- The holodeck terminal lists the name of the comic as Ronald B. Moore, a reference to visual effects supervisor Ronald B. Moore, who helped assemble the graphic. (Star Trek Encyclopedia 1st ed., p. 54) He is not to be confused with writer and producer Ronald D. Moore, who had not yet joined the staff.
- The window or display "frame" behind Debin while speaking on the Enterprise viewscreen is a slightly modified re-use of the battle bridge viewscreen of the Enterprise-D.
- The damaged prop guidance system from the Erstwhile was sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay. [2]
- When Okona asks Data if he's ever been drunk, Data claims "not from alcohol", a reference to TNG: "The Naked Now" in which the polywater intoxication acted on his programming like alcohol would on a Human brain.
- The Agony Booth website featured this episode in their "The Worst of Trek" section. In their recap, they wrote, "Frankly, it seems like the writers brainstormed the idea of "a slightly colorful character comes aboard the Enterprise and shakes up the lives of the crew", and the story conference ended there. Little did they know that this same worthless plot template would be the model for loads of bad fanfiction, mostly of the Mary Sue/Marty Sam variety, where the author imagines himself or herself as the colorful character who does the shaking. As we'll soon learn from this episode, this type of plot rarely works. And the only thing lacking in "The Outrageous Okona" is the main character being named after the writer." [3]
- They concluded, "It may not be "And the Children Shall Lead", but this episode was pretty damn excruciating. I suppose you could make the case that there were some relatively talented guest stars, even if they weren't given anything interesting to do. And I suppose if you like Data and his story arc, there's a chance you might find something redeeming here. For the rest of us, however, it's 45 minutes of sheer pain. Thankfully, a major shakeup in the TNG writing staff was right around the corner, and things would rarely get this bad again. Unfortunately, the same thing can't be said for Joe Piscopo's acting career." [4]
- A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 6, pp. 11-14.
Video and DVD releases
- Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 15, catalog number VHR 2468, 3 June 1991
- US VHS release: 31 May 1995
- UK re-release (three-episode tapes, Paramount Home Entertainment): Volume 2.2, catalog number VHR 4738, 12 April 1999
- As part of the TNG Season 2 DVD collection
- As part of the TNG Season 2 Blu-ray collection
Links and references
Also starring
- LeVar Burton as Lt. Geordi La Forge
- Michael Dorn as Lt. Worf
- Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
- Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data
- Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher
Guest stars
- William O. Campbell as Thadiun Okona
- Douglas Rowe as Debin
- Albert Stratton as Kushell
- Rosalind Ingledew as Yanar
- Kieran Mulroney as Benzan
Special guest stars
- And
Uncredited co-stars
- Arratia as Alfonse Pacelli
- Majel Barrett as USS Enterprise-D computer voice
- James G. Becker as Youngblood
- Juliet Cesario as science division officer
- Dexter Clay as operations division officer
- Jeffrey Deacon as command division officer
- Teri Hatcher as B.G. Robinson
- Tim McCormack as Bennett
- Lorine Mendell as Diana Giddings
- Randy Pflug as Ten Forward waiter
- Guy Vardaman as Darien Wallace
- Unknown performers as
- James G. Becker – stand-in for Jonathan Frakes
- Darrell Burris – stand-in for LeVar Burton
- Dexter Clay – stand-in for Michael Dorn
- Jeffrey Deacon – stand-in for Patrick Stewart
- Nora Leonhardt – stand-in for Marina Sirtis
- Tim McCormack – stand-in for Brent Spiner
- Guy Vardaman – stand-in for Wil Wheaton
1932; 2165; 2364; alcohol; Allen, Gracie; Atlec; Atlec vessel; bar; bastard; bird call; bowling; briefcase; Burns, George; call sign; canary; cargo carrier; cargo hold; Charnock's Comedy Cabaret; cigar; class 7 vessel; class 9 cargo vessel; clone; comedian; Coalition of Madena; Denkir II; dictionary; dog; Earth; Erstwhile; Federation; Ferengi; fraction; gesture; glob fly; godfather; Greek; Gulliver's Travels; holodeck; human cannonball; humor; inertial guidance system; Irish; Jew; Jewel of Thesia; joke; juggling; Klingon; laser weapons; Legation of Unity; Lewis, Jerry; lion; mercy killing; microphone; Milky Way Galaxy; monk; mosquito; navigational shield; New York City; number one; Omega Sagitta system; procreation; quantum mechanics; O'Neill, Tip; parrot; pork chop; prop; secretary; Riga, Stano; Roxy Theater; Saint Peter; Starfleet Regulations; Straleb; Straleb security ship; Teaneck; tricellite; tritanium; yellow alert; zelebium; ZIP code
Library computer references
- Holodeck programming simulations (original version): Burt Armus; Daryl Baskin; Dan Curry; Monty de Graff; Farouk El-Baz; Sharyl Fickas; Sam Freedle; Mike Gray; Merri Howard; Maurice Hurley; Gary Hutzel; Heidi Julian; Jon Koslowsky; David Livingston; Terri Martinez; John Mason; Robert Metoyer; Ronald B. Moore; Wendy Neuss; Ernie Over; Diane Overdiek; Gene Roddenberry; Scott Rubenstein; Michael Schoenbrun; Adele Simmons; Tracy Tormé
- Holodeck programming simulations (remastered version): Ryan Adams; Daryl Baskin; Phil Bishop; Dan Curry; Monty de Graff; Doug Drexler; Sam Freedle; David Grant; Douglas E. Graves; Mike Gray; Jim Hardy; Merri Howard; Gary Hutzel; Jon Koslowsky; David Livingston; John Mason; Ronald B. Moore; Wendy Neuss; Ken Ross; Scott Rubenstein; Wendy Ruiz; Adele Simmons; David Takemura; Tracy Tormé; Steve Wiener; Craig Weiss; Jayme Wing
Log entries
External links
- "The Outrageous Okona" at StarTrek.com, the official Star Trek website
- "The Outrageous Okona" at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
- "The Outrageous Okona" at Wikipedia
- "The Outrageous Okona" at MissionLogPodcast.com, a Roddenberry Star Trek podcast
|Previous episode:
"Elementary, Dear Data"
|Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 2
|Next episode:
"Loud As A Whisper"


text:
Producing theater isn't easy. Solo producing is even harder. But such is the task the redoubtable Hershey Felder has set for himself at the Royal George Theatre.
Felder has one more week to go with his unusual but interesting show "An American Story," a self-penned piece with music about the young surgeon who tried and failed to save the life of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in 1865. The Canadian-born Felder, who is 44, has done many such shows in Chicago, a frequent home and the creative base of his Eighty Eight Entertainment company. Past credits include "George Gershwin Alone," "Beethoven: As I Knew Him" and "Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein," all starring Felder. But just five days after "An American Story" closes, he will open another one-person show with music. His fans might get a surprise: Felder won't be in this one.
"The Pianist of Willesden Lane" stars pianist and storyteller Mona Golabek; it's adapted from a book by Golabek and Lee Cohen and directed by Felder.
In essence, the piece is Golabek's tribute to her mother, Lisa Jura, also a pianist but one born in a more difficult time for a young Jewish musician. Jura was removed from her Vienna home and sent on the kindertransport to London, where she pursued a career as a dislocated Jewish pianist during World War II (her parents died in Auschwitz). "Willesden Lane" was seen at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles in 2012, and the critical response was very positive; the Los Angeles Times called the piece "an elegant, heartfelt solo show" and "an arresting, deeply affecting triumph."
Felder said this week that his foray into solo producing has not been easy, and that Chicago seems to be less hospitable.
"That je ne sais quoi that existed when I came here nine years ago feels as if it has changed," he said. "It seems to me that when I first arrived there was a sense of pride, of ownership, of things that really were Chicago and couldn't and wouldn't happen anywhere else. (There was) a powerful sense of belonging, of identity. Now, with regard to the theater, it seems that the identity is quite national — the big shows, the big pieces. … Broadway in Chicago has become the identifier."
It's tough, Felder said, for a solo guy to make much noise in the current environment.
"Someone like me," he said, "who comes to Chicago for Chicago wonders what happened to the incredible sense of community that I loved so much? Something feels very disjointed, and I can't quite figure out what it is."
Well, Felder certainly was doing a much tougher piece this time around than, say, his Gershwin crowd pleaser (I wrote in my review that "An American Story" still needed a lot of work). But there's no question that his boutique producing enterprise at the Royal George is an important part of the local theater ecosystem. And similarly there's no questioning Felder's long-term commitment to Chicago. After "Pianist," his other projects for the Royal George include "Lem," a piece by Christopher Lemmon, son of actor Jack Lemmon. No one else is doing projects quite like those that come from Felder, one of those guys who does not quite fit into theatrical categories.
But, for now, he has to sell his next show without benefit of a big marketing budget. He's doing all he can: "Mona comes with a pedigree. She needs an introduction, and her piece is special, and Chicagoans — the community — I think will identify. I hope I can find that magic for her that I found for myself in Chicago years ago."
"The Pianist of Willesden Lane" begins in previews April 19 and runs through May 12 at the Royal George Theatre; more information is at 312-988-9000 and theroyalgeorgetheatre.com


text:
A 22-year-old Wisconsin man has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for repeatedly posting online threats that dirty bombs were going to be detonated at football stadiums in seven states.
Jake J. Brahm, also was ordered late last week in a New Jersey federal court to serve six months of house arrest following his incarceration. He was also ordered to pay US$18,000 in restitution to the Cleveland Browns football team and $8,750 to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The money covers the reported costs the stadiums incurred when they called in extra security, including bomb-sniffing dogs and extra law enforcement officers, because of the hoax.
Brahm pleaded guilty on February 28 to a one-count indictment charging him with willfully conveying false information by posting the hoax on www.4chan.org, a freely accessible online bulletin board, that terrorists would attack the seven stadiums with weapons of mass destruction and radiological dispersal devices.
Brahm's hoax message said that trucks would deliver the dirty bombs and that the death toll would approach 100,000 from the initial blasts and that more fatalities would occur as result of radioactive fallout, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Brahm also noted that terrorist Osama bin Laden would praise the attacks as "America's Hiroshima".
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey, Brahm admitted composing and posting a message approximately 40 times throughout September and October of 2006. The message stated that on October 22, 2006 dirty bombs would go off in seven football stadiums while games were being held. The stadiums threatened were in Cleveland, New York City, Houston, Oakland, Calif., Atlanta, Miami and Seattle.
Prosecutors noted that Brahm admitted that the reference to a New York City stadium actually indicated Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. where the Giants had been scheduled to play on October 22.


text:
RosemaryTry this delectable salt with veal, chicken or lamb. Slice the grilled meat and sprinkle Falksalt Crystal Flakes Rosemary over it and the rosemary aroma will penetrate deep inside the meat. With potatoes, chicken or even bread, just sprinkle on top before roasting or baking.
Season lamb chops with rosemary flake salt and freshly ground white pepper. Fry in butter in a hot pan.
Boil some unsalted floury potatoes until soft. Mash well, adding a good knob of butter, some finely chopped garlic and some rosemary flake salt.
Boil the rice without any salt and then sprinkle with shredded chives and citron flake salt.


text:
Explore, colonize, and encounter others in a vast MMO universe.
Discover resources.
Build cities.
Construct spacecraft.
Walk aboard them.
Operate their controls.
Command a crew of NPCs and players.
Lift off.
Fly up through the atmosphere to outer space.
Land on other worlds, anywhere, not at designated places.
Build an empire.
Design unique spacecraft and buildings with the built-in 3D modeler.
Make them function, with operable doors, landing gear, lights, turbo lifts, transporters, engines, shields, weapons, and more.
Share designs at the Blueprint Exchange.


text:
If you count up all the content found in this network, it adds up to over 6,700 movies with good to HD playback when downloaded (pretty much everything added in the last couple years is HD). For some scenes, though, the HD option is streaming only. You can also check out over 6,400 photo galleries with some pics to download in Zip files.
You have a lot of big tits/big ass/porn stars hardcore from the likes of Big Tits Boss, 40 Inch Plus, Big Naturals, MILF Hunter, MILF Next Door, and Monster Curves. The scenarios are pretty standard reality porn fare, but they do a great job with the sex (as well as with the casting) which makes a big difference, and makes the episodes stand out from the crowd.


text:
Graham Norfolk
Kinaxia Logistics is a leading Logistics Group within the UK transport and warehouse sector. Businesses in the Group work together with the core purpose of enhancing customer service and increasing efficiency.
Learn More >
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Privacy Policy
© Kinaxia Logistics Limited. All rights reserved. Company No. 07466536


text:
Randy "Macho Man" Savage died in a car wreck in May, two months after ending an estrangement with the WWE/F by appearing in THQ's WWE Superstars. Savage, one of the greatest superstars in professional wrestling history, will also appear in the series' flagship video game WWE 12 when it releases its Legends stable of wrestlers in January.
Savage, like Mick Foley (announced yesterday), will be available individually for 80 Microsoft Points/$0.99, or can be had for the 960 MSP/$11.99 "Fan Axxess" all-you-can-eat pack delivering all DLC. A specific release date was not given.
As can be seen in the above video, Savage will have the tights and costume he wore in WrestleMania VII, an unforgettable struggle with The Ultimate Warrior that ended in his emotional reunion with Miss Elizabeth.
So often identified with the cowboy hat and the shades, seeing Randy Savage poised on the turnbuckle, eyes blazing, hair matted with sweat, still gives me a chill.
WWE 12 is available on Xbox 360 and PS3 on Nov. 22.
You can contact Owen Good, the author of this post, at email@example.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.


text:
AntWeb is the world's largest online database of images, specimen records, and natural history information on ants. It is community driven and open to contribution from anyone with specimen records, natural history comments, or images.
Our mission is to publish for the scientific community high quality images of all the world's ant species. AntWeb provides tools for submitting images, specimen records, annotating species pages, and managing regional species lists. More...
Many curators already contribute to AntWeb - would you like to join us? Curators can edit the home page of the geographic section they curate, upload specimen data and authority files, and control a number of other aspects of their project. Learn how to submit data to Antweb.
If you would like to join us, contact us at - email@example.com.


text:
In his latest book, Outliers, bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell answers a question we've all asked ourselves: What does Bill Gates have that we don't? Why did he succeed so spectacularly where others, equally smart, rich, and talented fizzled out early on?
Gladwell claims there is no such thing as "instant," "overnight" success or a "lucky" break. Truly successful people, he says, are not necessarily so because they are the smartest, strongest, or wealthiest, although these things can enter the picture somewhere along the way. Real winners are more often than not the happy victims of fortuitous circumstance. Born in the right place at the right time, and provided with the exact correct recipe of opportunity and persistence, anyone who is merely smart enough can break through that invisible barrier and truly excel.
Real winners are more often than not the happy victims of fortuitous circumstance.
But there's one key caveat that separates the men from the boys. True 'outliers,' whom Gladwell defines as those whose value is remarkably different from others with similar characteristics, distinguish themselves by the Ten Thousand Hour Rule. This means that all other circumstances being equal, the one who is going to break rank and pull ahead of the pack is the one who puts in the most time towards achieving his goal.
So what was the secret of Bill Gates success? According to Gladwell, while Gates' intelligence and privileged upbringing could certainly not be denied, that's not what put him over the top. Gates' leg up actually came when, at the age of ten, the private school he was attending at the time installed a computer terminal that was connected to a mainframe in nearby Seattle, Washington, providing Gates with, what was then nearly unheard of, virtually unlimited access and opportunity to learn, practice, and master the complexities of computer programming.
This was back when computers occupied entire rooms and took hours to complete simple operations. By the time everyone else woke up and realized what a brave new world computers were going to herald, Gates was already way ahead of the game, having long ago logged in his ten thousand hours of practice makes perfect. He was able to hit the ground running before anyone even knew how to turn the thing on.
Gladwell is hitting on something true, but from a Jewish perspective, there is a crucial difference. First of all, there is no such thing as coincidence. What may appear to be a random string of events is actually an exquisitely tuned life symphony composed and orchestrated especially for us by the Maestro Creator. Every pause, nuance and crescendo has been intelligently designed in order for us to realize and actualize our potential.
And it's up to us to reach out and touch it, to recognize the unique opportunities that come our way and take advantage of them. That means being committed to putting in ten thousand hours -- a huge amount of time.
Ten thousand hours is a little more than 416 days straight, without eating, sleeping, or anything else. Someone putting in an average six hours a week practicing the piano would need to keep at it for more than 1600 weeks in order to get very far, according to Gladwell -- that's about 30 years. Gladwell checks out the figure with other successful professionals, and they all seem to concur that ten thousand hours is the magic number.
Anyone can be an outlier if we have a burning desire to excel and are willing to put in the time and effort to get there.
This is not a new idea. Jewish tradition teaches that no obstacle can stand up to someone's burning desire to reach a goal. It assures us that anyone can be an outlier -- if we have a burning desire to succeed or excel and are willing to put in the time and effort to get there. Whether we choose to view the 'ten thousand hours' literally or as a litmus test of how willing we are to do our part, it's clear that commitment and motivation are the first giant step towards success.
The Sages teach that God assists a person to go in the way that he chooses. That means once we are deeply committed to a goal or direction, God will 'assist' us to get there by creating the perfect circumstances and opportunities for maximum success. You will just 'happen' to meet that exact right person, or be in that exact right place at the right time --all those 'lucky breaks' that create an outlier. If you're so dedicated that you're willing to put in ten thousand hours, God promises He will give you a hand to reach your goal.
Gladwell doesn't tell us which of the varied opportunities set before us on the smorgasbord of life should be the one we pursue. We need to look inside ourselves for that, and see what we're drawn to and what we're good at. And whatever it is, if you have that burning desire propelling you to invest ten thousand hours, you're on the path to becoming an outlier.


text:
The JUP participants need to agree on proposed solutions and share knowledge. Additionally, all work done within the JUPs follows the structure of Vessel, Infrastructure and Finance and, where applicable, Regulation.
This structure was established to ensure that relevant areas are always taken into consideration when trying to find a joint solution.


text:
Recent News
On Aug. 6, 2020, the Supreme Court of Texas issued its twenty-second order regarding conduct of state court proceedings during the coronavirus pandemic. It allows courts to continue to extend dismissal dates in parental rights termination cases and renews previous orders allowing remote proceedings and other accommodations for court participants. It also forbids jury trials before Oct. 1, 2020, with an exception for a limited number to be convened pursuant to a study being conducted. The previous order concerning no change to visitation and adherence to relevant school schedules was also renewed, despite schools not being open. The order also allows attorney disciplinary action matters to be held remotely. To read the order, click here. You can also find the order from the Texas Lawyers for Children home page (www.TexasLawyersforChildren.org) by going to Resources, Browse by Topic and choosing Coronavirus or Remote Hearings, then Articles & Papers.
The Supreme Court Children's Commission is providing free, hands-on trial skills training for less experienced attorneys handling Child Protective Services cases in Texas who want to improve their litigation skills. A fictional CPS case and live witnesses are partnered with top-notch instructors to coach attendees through all stages of trial. For purposes of the training, "less experienced" means that prior to applying, applicants who take court appointments will have completed an average of 2 to 3 contested Adversary Hearings and/or final termination trials as first chair, and applicants who represent DFPS will have completed at least 3 contested Adversary Hearings and/or 3-5 final termination trials as first chair. The course is being conducted in San Marcos, Texas on July 25-27th, 2018. Hotel costs will be reimbursed for those living outside of San Marcos. Space is limited to 21 attorneys who represent children, parents, or DFPS on the CPS docket. Registration is free. The Children's Commission will contact each applicant's appointing judge to confirm suitability for the training. Attorneys will be notified about acceptance into the training by May 1, 2018. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. For more information and to submit an application, click here.
The Texas Supreme Court Children's Commission is conducting a study of the legal representation provided to children and parents in child protection cases. The goal of the study is to capture the most accurate picture possible of how this legal representation is currently functioning and how it might be improved. To meet this goal, the study will survey key stakeholders, with different surveys for the different roles served in the child welfare system, including judges. The Commission will deliver a report of the study's findings to the Texas Legislature in September 2018. The survey will remain open until 11:59 pm on Friday, April 6, 2018. To learn more about the Legal Representation Study,
click here. To access the survey,
click here.
The Texas Supreme Court Children's Commission is conducting a study of the legal representation provided to children and parents in child protection cases. The goal of the study is to capture the most accurate picture possible of how this legal representation is currently functioning and how it might be improved. To meet this goal, the study will survey key stakeholders, with different surveys for the different roles served in the child welfare system, including attorneys. The Commission will deliver a report of the study's findings to the Texas Legislature in September 2018. The survey will remain open until 11:59 pm on Friday, March 30, 2018. To learn more about the Legal Representation Study,
click here. To access the survey, click here.
Oral argument in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals began at 2:00 p.m. on February 15, 2018, in M.D. v. Abbott, the federal class action suit on behalf of Texas foster children, concerning the State's motion to stay Judge Jack's Order that was entered on January 19, 2018. The Fifth Circuit granted a temporary stay to allow the parties time to brief the issue and appear at the oral argument. The Court is deciding whether the stay should be lifted now or continue until the State's appeal of Judge Jack's Order reaches a final conclusion. To hear an audio recording of the hearing,
click here.
Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrmann has written a very compelling statement about the importance of the new SBOT Child Protection Law Section and the need to protect the rights of children. Justice Lehrmann is serving as the Chair of the new section. TLC believes that under Justice Lehrmann's outstanding leadership, the new section will elevate the practice of law in this field. To view Justice Lehrmann's powerful comments,
click here. Also, don't miss the chance to become an inaugural member of the new Child Protection Law Section!! Your $20 dues will help the new section accomplish its mission to educate and empower the attorneys who are committed to representing our most vulnerable and important members of society. You can join through your SBOT "My Bar Page".
According to the Austin American Statesman, Judge Paul Rotenberry of Abilene has ordered DFPS Commissioner Hank Whitman to appear in court on Wed., Jan. 31, 2018, to explain how it is that a 14-year old foster youth has repeatedly run away from foster care. Citing court documents, the Statesman reported that Judge Rotenberry wants Commissioner Whitman to explain why CPS has been unable to "provide care, control, and protection" for this girl, who has run away 5 times since April, when she was still 13. To view the news article, click here.
The new Child Protection Law Section of the State Bar of Texas will be hosting its First Annual Advanced Course and Section Meeting in Austin on April 19-20, 2018. This unique experience will allow registrants to participate in a full day of CLE, a tour of the Supreme Court of Texas, and much more! To register, click here.
For more details,
click here.
On January 19, 2018, Hon. Janis Graham Jack issued the Final Order in the federal class action suit on behalf of Texas foster children. The order requires DFPS to change numerous policies and procedures. The order also requires that, effective immediately, DFPS must seek appointment of an attorney ad litem for every child in the PMC of the State who does not have one and, within 30 days, must submit a plan for how these attorneys will be reimbursed for their time. If a plan is not timely submitted, DFPS must reimburse the attorneys. To view the order,
click here.
On December 15, 2017, Texas Lawyers for Children (TLC) filed an amicus brief in the federal class action suit on behalf of Texas foster children. The brief focuses on the issue of the harm that foster children experience when the mental health professionals who diagnose, treat, and/or prescribe medication for them do not have adequate training on the impact of trauma on children. Since the symptoms of trauma are similar to those for certain mental disorders, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder, there is an unreasonable risk of harm that foster children will be misdiagnosed and receive inappropriate treatment or unnecessary psychotropic medication. TLC urged the court to order that DFPS be prohibited from continuing to contract with inadequately trained mental health professionals. To view TLC's brief,
click here.
On December 4, 2017, the Special Masters in M.D. v. Abbott, the federal class action suit on behalf of Texas foster children, filed an Implementation Plan for the purpose of reforming the Texas foster care system. The stated goal of the plan is "to provide children in the Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC) of Texas with the minimum standards of personal security and safe living conditions so that they are free from unreasonable risk of harm, both physical and emotional." The Plan details numerous changes to be made. To view a Dallas Morning News article which summarizes highlights of the Plan,
click here. To view the actual Implementation Plan, click here.
On October 3, 2017, in partnership with the Texas State Bar, the Supreme Court Children's Commission is presenting two live webcasts on basic and advanced trial skills in CPS cases, for a total of 6 hours of MCLE credit, including .75 hours of ethics. The morning course is called "Preparing Your CPS Case for Trial: Position Yourself to Win," and the afternoon course is "Basic and Advanced Trial Skills in CPS Litigation: Persuade and Prevail." Discounts and partial scholarships are available. Scholarships are available until a year after the broadcast date, so you can still use a scholarship even if you can't watch the programs on October 3. To learn about the discounts and scholarships and to register for the webcasts,
click here.
On October 3, 2017, you can attend a very important training on the impact of trauma on children and ways to promote healing for the child. The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU and the Travis County Collaborative for Children will present the TBRI Overview from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Midtown in the Hill Country Ballroom in Austin. Cost is $25. Deadline to register is 5:00 pm on Monday, September 25, or sooner if space is full. TBRI, which is Trust-Based Relational Intervention, is a comprehensive set of methods for interacting with traumatized children that promotes their healing rather than retraumatization. To register for this program,
click here.
In order to assist you as you work to help foster children who have been displaced due to Hurricane Harvey, TLC has added some new resources to the Online Center dealing with helping children cope with the trauma of a hurricane and also dealing with the legal rights of displaced children regarding education. As you may know, the Online Center already includes over 85 other articles on various topics related to the impact of trauma on children. These can be located in the section on Resources under the topic of "Trauma" and its numerous subtopics. For ideas on helping children after a hurricane that you can use yourself and give to foster parents or other caregivers,
click here. For tips on helping children cope with a traumatic event,
click here. For information on helping children deal with loss and frightening news, click here. For information written for youth on the legal rights of displaced children concerning education, click here. For the "Disaster Edition of the Homeless Education Advocacy Manual,"
click here.
At TLC, our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. TLC's Online Center can be used to connect those of you who would like to help the Houston area judges, attorneys, and the children in their cases with your colleagues needing help. The Pro Bono network now includes options for you to provide Hurricane Help by volunteering to visit a foster child who has been relocated to another area (you may need to be appointed as co-counsel to the child's ad litem), assisting with a case, providing housing or office space, or providing electronic equipment or clothing. To volunteer to provide Hurricane Help click on "Pro Bono" on the red menu bar at the top and select "Volunteer for Pro Bono Network". Complete the volunteer form and select the applicable "Hurricane Help" areas of assistance. You can also select other general areas to provide pro bono help. Under "Levels of Involvement" be sure to select "Hurricane Help". If you choose to assist in other areas in addition to Hurricane Help, you can also select other "Levels of Involvement". Please note - your name and information will not be visible to the public, only to other judges and attorneys who are registered for TLC's Online Center. To receive Hurricane Help click here. Scroll down to the list of areas of assistance, and click on the type of "Hurricane Help" you are seeking to see a list of available volunteers. Thank you to all of you who generously decide to help your colleagues and the children in their cases. For those trying to find help for the children in your cases and to recover from the havoc wreaked in your lives, we hope TLC's Online Center serves as a way to spread the TLC of your colleagues throughout the Houston area.
On August 28, 2017, the Texas Supreme Court issued an Emergency Order Affecting Child Protection Cases. The Order suspends the deadlines of Section 263.401 of the Texas Family Code "if the court finds that disasterous conditions from Hurricane Harvey precluded compliance." To view the Order,
click here.
On August 29, 2017, in partnership with the Texas State Bar, the Supreme Court Children's Commission is presenting two live webcasts on basic and advanced trial skills in CPS cases, for a total of 6 hours of MCLE credit, including .75 hours of ethics. The morning course is called "Preparing Your CPS Case for Trial: Position Yourself to Win," and the afternoon course is "Basic and Advanced Trial Skills in CPS Litigation: Persuade and Prevail". Discounts and partial scholarships are available. To learn about the discounts and scholarships and to register for the webcasts,
click here.
A Development Committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrmann, is working toward starting a Child Protection Law Section of the State Bar. The State Bar has a Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, but there is no section serving this important area of the law. Those working toward this goal believe that forming a State Bar section is an important step in advancing this area of practice. We are extremely grateful to Justice Lehrmann for taking time to lead this important effort. To begin the process, we must receive a minimum of 200 signatures on a petition to be submitted to the Bar. Signing the petition indicates that you are in favor of starting this section and that you are willing to join the section and pay the dues of $20. If you would like to help start this section, please sign the petition and fax it to 915-771-0271. Many thanks to El Paso attorney Mark Briggs for being willing to receive the faxed petitions. If you have any trouble with the faxing process, Mark's office phone is 915-779-0039. To access the petition, click here.
The Texas Supreme Court Children's Commission has done a very thorough legislative update of statutory changes affecting child protection cases. We appreciate the Commission's generosity in sharing this update so we can make it available to judges and attorneys using TLC's Online Center. To view the Legislative Update from the 85th legislative session, click here. Also, the Children's Commission is conducting a Webcast with CLE credit from 1:30-3:00 pm on Monday, July 24, 2017, regarding key legislative changes. Scholarships and discounts are available for this Webcast. To learn about the discounts and scholarships and to register for the Webcast, click here.
The Texas Supreme Court Children's Commission is offering registration scholarships to attorneys for the Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Track at the annual State Bar of Texas' Advanced Family Law Conference. This track covers current topics of interest to Texas attorneys who practice on the CPS docket. The Advanced Family Law CLE 1-Day CAN track will be held live in San Antonio, Texas, on August 9, 2017, with upcoming video replays in Houston on September 22, 2017; Dallas on September 29; and South Padre on October 13. The deadline to apply is 5:00 pm Monday, June 5, 2017. To access the application,
click here.
The Texas House Human Services Committee is conducting a hearing on 2 key CPS Reform bills, among others, starting at 9:00 am on Monday, April 17, 2017. HB 205 requires that before a court may order a parent to participate in services or permit the child to receive services provided by the Department, the court MUST conduct a trial, and the Dept. must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the parent abused or neglected the child or is likely to do so in the immediate or foreseeable future. The bill also requires the court to appoint an attorney for the parent without reference to a finding of indigency. SB 11 (previously discussed) includes provisions that transfer ALL case management services to a private contractor in areas where Foster Care Redesign (being renamed "Community Based Foster Care") is being implemented. As you know, TLC is against privatizing case management services, but if it must happen, TLC believes the roll-out plan in HB 6 is preferable to the one in SB 11. HB 6 requires that before transferring case management services, the Department must have first successfully transferred foster care services to the private contractor. To view the notice listing all bills to be heard on Monday,
click here. For the text of HB 205,
click here, and for SB 11,
click here.
The State Bar's Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect is seeking nominations for its annual Fairy Davenport Rutland Award for Distinguished Service to Children and Families. The award is named after Ms. Rutland in recognition of her exceptional leadership as a founding member and chair of the Committee for over 20 years and her continuing dedication and many ongoing contributions to the field of child welfare. The award honors an attorney who has made a substantial contribution to the field of advocacy for abused and neglected children. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2017. The award recipient will be announced at the Advanced Family Law Conference in August. To view the nomination form,
click here.
The House Human Services Committee is conducting a hearing in Room E2.030 at 8:00 am on Monday, April 10, 2017, on HB 3109. This bill continues the appointment of an attorney ad litem for a child for as long as the child is in the managing conservatorship of the Department. TLC believes that it is critical that these foster children have representation in order not to fall through the cracks. This bill implements the finding in Judge Jack's Jan. 9, 2017 Interim Order (posted in the Recent News section on Jan. 9) that children in the PMC of the State have a constitutional right to an attorney. To view the hearing notice,
click here. To view the committee substitute for HB 3109,
click here.
The Texas House Human Services Committee is conducting a key hearing on 2 CPS Reform bills starting at 8:30 am on Monday, March 27, 2017. HB 1542 addresses the definition of "least restrictive environment", and HB 2335 addresses trauma training for caseworkers and certain caregivers. HB 1542 defines "least restrictive environment" as, among other things, the one "closest in proximity to the child's home." It also says that for Basic and Moderate level children, the least restrictive environment is either a foster home or cottage home and puts cottage homes on par with foster homes. As written, the bill could be read to require that a child be placed in a cottage home rather than with a relative or rather than in a foster home because the cottage home is closer to the child's original home. HB 2335 requires that caseworkers and certain caregivers receive training in trauma-based care. TLC believes that no matter what we fix in the CPS system, if we don't require those who have direct contact with or make decisions on behalf of abused or neglected children to have training regarding the impact of trauma on children, then we will continue to send these vulnerable children into the downward spiral we see so often, which is caused by: erroneously labeling and treating a child's trauma-driven behavior as "willful disobedience" rather than a condition needing healing, which can make the child's behavior worse; misdiagnosing trauma symptoms as mental disorders and resorting to multiple psychotropic drugs, which can make the child's behavior worse or reduce the child to a zombie and also cause harmful side effects; as the child's behavior worsens because trauma-focused treatment is not being provided, the child is repeatedly kicked from foster home to foster home, further traumatizing the child and leading to a downward spiral of more psychotropic drugs, relationship loss, and placement instability, all making the child's behavior and condition worse, including delinquent conduct and crossover into the juvenile justice system, where the child is treated as a criminal rather than a child needing healing; and the child's behavior and condition continue to get worse, harming the child's chance for healthy relationships and a productive life. To view the hearing notice,
click here. To view HB 1542,
click here, and for HB 2335,
click here.
The Texas House Human Services Committee is conducting a hearing on 3 CPS reform bills on March 20, 2017, at 8:30 am. The hearing concerns the bills listed below. If you want to express your views on these issues, email or call the 9 members of the committee. HB 7 makes several changes concerning child protection suits filed by DFPS. HB 39 makes several changes concerning the functions of DFPS. HB 1549 is an omnibus bill of numerous reforms. To view the hearing notice,
click here. To view HB 7,
click here, and for HB 39,
click here, and for HB 1549,
click here. To view an analysis of HB 1549 graciously provided by TexProtects, click here.
To watch the video of the hearing, click here.
The House Human Services Committee is currently considering HB 6, which is the primary CPS reform bill in the House. The bill is currently undergoing amendments and could be voted out of the Committee any day without another public hearing. If you would like to provide input on this bill, call and/or email the members of the Committee. For a list of Committee members and contact information, please
click here.
The Texas House Human Services Committee is considering HB 6, the primary CPS reform bill in the House. The bill's author, Rep. Frank, is currently making changes to the bill. At the Feb. 20 hearing, Rep. Frank stated that he intends to add the privatization scheme that would transfer all case management services to a private contractor, as has been done in SB 11. To see Part 1 of the hearing on HB 6,
click here. For Part 2,
click here.
For the text of HB 6,
click here.
To view the Dallas Morning News editorial warning against privatization,
click here. To view the op-ed by Hon. Scott McCown,
click here. To view an article from the Texas Observer quoting Hon. Scott McCown and TLC's Director,
click here. For TLC's written testimony against privatization,
click here.
The Texas Senate passed SB 11 to reform Child Protective Services. The bill transfers all case management services to a private contractor in areas where Foster Care Redesign (being renamed "Community Based Foster Care") is being implemented. This arrangement will eliminate all CPS conservatorship caseworkers in those areas (with an aggressive roll-out of Foster Care Redesign across the state). All decision-making and court involvement will be done by the private contractor rather than CPS. CPS will no longer have direct contact with the child or family. All services for the child and family will be decided and monitored by the private contractor. CPS will no longer have direct knowledge of the child's condition or circumstances. Oversight of the contractor will be through performance based measures in the contract, based on information provided to CPS by the contractor rather than by direct involvement or knowledge of CPS. The private contractor will be the one appearing at court hearings and making final recommendations to the court.
Many have voiced concerns about this approach to CPS reform. To see a video of the Senate hearing on SB 11,
click here. For the text of SB 11, click here.
To view a Dallas Morning News article about the bill, click here.
The Texas House of Representatives passed two bills to reform CPS, HB 4 and HB 5. HB 4 increases payments to kinship caregivers. HB 5 makes DFPS a stand alone agency which reports directly to the Governor rather than to the Health and Human Services Commission. For the text of HB 4,
click here. To view a Dallas Morning News article about the new funding for kinship placements,
click here. For the text of HB 5,
click here.
On February 14, 2017, the Texas Supreme Court approved a board specialization in the area of Child Welfare Law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). TLC and the State Bar Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect were early proponents of having a board certification in this area of law, and we are extremely grateful to the Supreme Court Children's Commission for filing the petition to create this specialization and carrying the torch throughout the process to see this come to fruition!!
For those interested in becoming board certified in Child Welfare Law, TBLS will begin taking applications for the certification exam in February 2018, and the first Child Welfare Law Certification exam will be administered in October 2018. To review the steps involved in becoming board certified, click here. To view the standards for board certification in Child Welfare Law, click here.
Child protection advocates from across the State are gathering in Austin at 1:45 Tues., Feb. 7, for a 2:00 pm Child Protection Day Rally on the south steps of the Capitol. If you plan to attend, please wear blue as a sign of your support for child protection. For more details on the rally and other activities throughout the day, including a reception, please
click here.