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A proposed redistricting map could split up Jamaica Plain, leaving the neighborhood no longer represented mainly by one city councilor.
City Councilors must agree on a new district map soon. The law requires updating district boundaries with each Census. A final vote is expected Wednesday at the council's last meeting before the legal deadline next week.
The difficulty is how to redraw districts while not diluting representation of people of color. Mayor Thomas Menino has rejected two maps passed by City Council so far, arguing they don't pass muster on that score. Such maps could even face legal challenges.
Here's how it breaks down: District 6, the seat held by City Councilor Matt O'Malley, currently represents almost all of JP. Depending on what you consider the neighborhood's at times contested boundaries, small sections of JP are represented by District 5 City Councilor Michael Ross and District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson.
According to the Dorchester Reporter, one proposal would take Ward 19, Precinct 12 (roughly the Bourne area) out of District 6 and put it in District 4, a nearly all-minority district of Dorchester and Mattapan represented by City Councilor Charles Yancey. This map is backed by At-Large City Councilors Ayanna Pressley and Felix Arroyo, according to the paper's report. Jackson also supports this map.
A rival map would take two JP precincts out of District 6, according to the Reporter. This one would take not only the Bourne area, but also Ward 19, Precinct 7 (roughly Forest Hills). City Councilors Fred Baker, Rob Consalvo and Bill Linehan reportedly back this map.
Arroyo, who lives in Forest Hills, mobilized residents against that map, going so far as to send canvassers door-to-door on Sunday.
"I am adamantly opposed to any plan that includes Forest Hills and the Casey Overpass area not being with the rest of JP," Arroyo said in a phone interview with Patch.
The JP Neighborhood Council took up the issue on Tuesday night. The elected advisory board voted to oppose both precincts being taken out of District 6.
"You can meet the goals of fairness without doing so much to Jamaica Plain," said Ben Day, chairperson of the Neighborhood Council.
The deadline for redrawing the boundaries is pegged to the November 2013 elections. Candidates must live in the district they plan to run for during the year before the election.
City Council meets at noon Wednesday to take up the competing proposals and make a final vote.


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There are two big storylines left for Dallas Stars fans heading into the (presumed) start of the 2012-13 season.
The first, and most obvious, is the collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA. Obviously, without a CBA in place, the season won't start at all.
The second is the contract negotiations between the team and restricted free agent Jamie Benn. Benn presents a very interesting dilemma for a team that prefers to offer second contracts of the so-called "bridge" variety. The Stars may very well want to do this with their young star. But the fact that contract values may very well change under the new CBA presents an interesting bargaining hurdle.

subset: commoncrawl


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To the Editor:
Cumberland Times-News
The 2012 Toys for Happiness campaign got off to a fine running start with the Wheels for Happiness auto show hosted by the Fire and Ice Rods & Customs organization.
The lawn of the Festival Grounds at Canal Place was blanketed by cars, trucks and cycles of all shapes and colors on Oct. 13. Gorgeous Chamber of Commerce weather greeted participants and spectators — and happenstance visitors, including a young lady from London..
She — Toni Adams — was headed for the train station for a ride on the scenic railroad when she, by her own admission, was sidetracked by the music being performed on the stage by the Strangers With Candy band, and by the varied assortment of vehicles parked in front of that stage.
Seeing an opportunity, we asked Toni to select her favorite auto, and to present our "Lady's Choice" award to it during closing ceremonies. Happy to participate, Toni went beyond her obligation, heaping praise on our community for its beauty and the kind reception she'd received during the couple of days she'd been here. It was a shame to watch her depart, but the train was loading; she'd have been an excellent master of ceremonies — an even better ambassador.
That chore, though, was ably handled by our special guest for this occasion; "Fast Jack" Beckman and his family — wife Jenna, son Jason and daughter Layla — contributed a few hours of their tightly-packed weekend stay to assist our "Toys" program.
Here primarily to visit relatives, Jack — as he has in past years — posed for photos and signed anything and everything handed to him, and a couple of items not easily detached, such as the dash in Rocky Stafford's 1932 Ford coupe.
A record holder in the National Hot Rod Association's Funny Car Class, Jack currently leads the pack in the chase for the points championship.
The chance to re-acquaint ourselves with our friend from California was certainly a prime reason for our event's success; the large turnout of vehicle owners and spectators provided a grand boost for our 2012 Toys for Happiness program.
Now, Jack's gone — back to his racing challenges — but the need for support for our "Toys" effort continues. Over 2,200 area children will be served this Christmas season, and your assistance will assure the project's success.
We Fire and Icers, long time volunteers, will bring our cars and trucks from storage for our repeat appearance at the downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony on Black Friday in November.
We invite readers to attend — and to bring an unwrapped toy or gift for a child age 15 or younger along. We'll accept it and deliver it to Santa. I suspect the lights will burn brighter as a result of your kindness.
Allen Haines
Fire and Ice representative
Toys for Happiness volunteer


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July 29, 2014
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Albert Pujols broke out of an April drought with two home runs and five RBIs and Chris Duncan was 4-for-5 with a homer -- helping the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 10-2 today.
Converted reliever Braden Looper was effective in his third straight start for the Cardinals, who scored four runs during an 0-4 start at Busch Stadium.
Their first victory since beating the Tigers in Game 5 of the World Series came against Brewers ace Ben Sheets, who fell to 4-14 in 22 career starts against St. Louis.
Prince Fielder and Johnny Estrada drove in a run apiece in the first inning for the Brewers -- who had won three in a row on the road to match their best streak from all last season.


text: As founder and leader of al Qaeda, Bin Laden represents the highest profile terror target captured or killed by the US. US Attorney General Eric Holder [official website] said Wednesday that the killing of Bin Laden by US forces on Sunday was lawful and justified [JURIST report]. Testifying before the US Senate Judiciary Committee [official website], Holder said that the shooting of Bin Laden was "consistent with our values," and that the soldiers who killed him "conducted themselves totally appropriately." In April, Holder announced that the priorities of the Department of Justice (DOJ) [official website] will include protecting Americans from terrorism [JURIST report] at home and abroad, fighting violent crime, combating financial fraud and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.


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Narrow your search
After high volumes of traffic caused connection issues, Nintendo takes its online shop offline for repairs.
Nintendo's giving the 3DS a new lease of life ahead of Christmas with an update that adds the Miiverse social app and links the 3DS and Wii U eShops.
Nintendo's eShop only sells 18+ rated games in Europe between 11pm and 3am.
NES space-shooty adventure Metroid hits the Nintendo 3DS on Thursday. Pew pew! But should gamers expect more?
Nintendo 3DS owners can finally access the Web browser and online shop promised to them in May, thanks to a free firmware update.
Tomorrow a system update for the Nintendo 3DS will add a web browser, online store and free content.
Here's how to download and install the patch for Pokémon X and Y for a bug that prevents some users playing their saved games.
When The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds launches next month, Australians will be able to snap it up bundled with a shiny Triforce 3DS XL.
According to a new report, Nintendo is going all-in on downloadable titles for its upcoming console.
Nintendo has announced a line-up of new games coming for the 3DS and Wii U, including a brand new Legend of Zelda title.


text:
American (20)
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City (33)
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Bar & grill with great food and great nightlife.
Full-service breakfasts, dinners, and Sunday brunches; cafeteria-style lunches featuring homemade mu...
At Atlas, youll find Carolina catfish, pork taquitos, short ribs, ravioli and polenta, Hawaiian shr...
"The newly rebuilt Madison Heights Bob Evans Restaurant reopened on May 8 to provide tasty food and ...
Bringing classic back to Michigan, Brookshire provides a truly entertaining experience with favorite...
According to the folks at the Brown Bean Cafe: "Brown Bean Cafe is a wireless hotspot with a warm an...
(American, Breakfast, Café, Vegetarian Menu)
A deck in the building's rear as well as modest table seating by the storefront are comfortable spot...
Combines elements of a gourmet coffeehouse, cafe, marketplace and bistro. Warm and inviting and wit...
Chardonnay Family Dining offers three different dinning experiences. The main floor setting offers a...
"Voted "Best Deli in Livonia" in 2004, David's New York Deli is a rare combination of quality and se...
(Breakfast, Seafood, Steak, Bistro)
Exceptional regional cuisine prepared with the freshest locally obtained products available. The Gri...
(American, Breakfast, Tavern Fare)
"Guy Hollerin's is a casual, sports-related restaurant with a relaxed, informal theme. Breakfast, lu...
Hard Rock Café Detroit provides our classic American cuisine while spreading the spirit of rock 'n' ...
(American, Breakfast, Deli, European, Greek, Seafood, Salads, Soup, Burgers)
Full service breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring a Halal menu. Breakfast served anytime. ...
"Lefty's Lounge is Detroit's premier sports pub. Boasting 15 giant TVs, amazing drinks specials, a ...
(American, Breakfast, Seafood)
"Loon River Cafe has received critical acclaim throughout the Metro Detroit Area. Executive chef Ray...
(Barbeque, Breakfast, Soul Food)
Dine in or carryout. Soul food, ribs, burgers, breakfast. Featuring grits, catfish, and much, much, ...
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"Discover your creative side at Palette Dining Studio. Indulge in a full spectrum of freshly designe...
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(American, Irish, Tavern Fare)
Located inside the Holiday Inn Select of Auburn Hills, the first OMalleys in Michigan opened recen...
Owner-chef Peter Mel has transformed a dreary Coney Island into a hip eatery. The long narrow room i...
An eclectic menu that features more than 30 breakfast selections as well as sandwichs, salads, and p...
Innovative and unique menu at this breakast and lunch restaurant. Pleasant decor and ambiance.
Dinner at Sindbad's is roadhouse fare, in a multilevel restaurant with a view of the Detroit ...
(American, Breakfast, Seafood, Steak)
"The St. Clair Inn is a historic inn located along the St. Clair River, in historic St. Clair, Michi...
Famous for great Deli and dining since 1962. Serving the finest in Jewish and contemporary Delicates...
(American, Eclectic, Vegetarian Menu)
"Casual, fun and sophisticated bistro in the Livonia Marriott Hotel. Full breakfasts, incredible san...


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1998 Porsche 911 Carrera C2S CoupeExtremely Rare, 1998 Porsche 993 C2S. This is the Last Year of the Air Cooled Porsches. Exceptionally rare example... More
Fresh Aston Martin trade in...the highly sought after 3.8L GT-3, done in Black with Black Heated Leather Seating, Alcantara inserts, steering wheel and gear... More
1974 Porsche 911 Coupe '74 Porsche 911 Coupe, chassis#9114101971, engine#6272314, yellow with black Carrera script and light brown interior, solid floorpan. Comes with RS ducktail,... More
One Georgia Owner! Fully Serviced! Loaded up and super clean Porsche 911 Cabriolet: 6-speed manual, carbon fiber trim, keyless entry, CD changer, satellite radio, dual power... More
1999 Porsche 911 / 996 The Porsche 996 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between 1998 and 2005. At its... More
*** ONLY 11186 MILES *** SHOWROOM CONDITION! 6-SPEED MANUAL 911 TURBO CABRIOLET! K-40 INDASH RADAR SYSTEM! ADVANCED TECHNIC PKG! CARBON FIBRE INTERIOR TRIM! FULL... More
*** ONLY 41500 MILES *** HIGH SPECIFICATION! SOUTH FLORIDA CAR! 6-SPEED MANUAL! PCM NAVIGATION! FULL SUPPLE LEATHER! 19 CARRERA S WHEELS IN EXTERIOR COLOR!... More
Just in! Call or visit our webiste for more information.... More
- All steel 930 Slant Nose with bare metal paint restoration- Freshly rebuilt 350 CI 4 bolt main small block Chevy engine with approximately... More
- Unrestored with 1,371 original miles- One owner car- Window sticker and bill of lading- Porsche Certificate of Authenticity- Grand Prix White, Red leather... More
- Two year no expense spared restoration- Body completely stripped and repainted- Original sheet metal- Correct factory Yellow exterior with Black leatherette interior- Matching... More
- Restored 911S Targa- Matching numbers drivetrain- Correct factory Silver paint- Correct factory Black leatherette interior- Removable Targa top- Very rare low production, 1... More
- 911S with Special Wishes RS package- Believed that only 51 were delivered between 1972-1973- No expense spared restoration in Italy in 2006, completed... More
- 3.6 liter twin turbocharged H6 engine- Factory X-50 Power kit and factory aero kit- 6-speed transmission- Heavily optioned- Speed Yellow with Black leather... More
- 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Touring model- Matching numbers engine- Chassis No. 9113601222- 2687cc/210 HP engine- 5-speed transmission- Independent front and rear suspension-... More


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Homepage > Cameras & Optics > Digital Cameras >
Fuji 16MP Digital Camera- Model #: F600EXR-GOLD
Make the fun last forever - capture it with this Fuji Finepix 16 megapixel digital camera/camcorder! Life happens quickly, so don't let it slip by - live it over and over again with this Fuji camera. The 1/2" EXR CMS image sensor captures still images in 16 megapixel resolution or in up to 4608x3456 video resolution. Also features 33MB internal memory, up to 8GB SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot plus Fujinon 15X optical and 30X digital zooming for awesome closeups. Other advancements include programmed auto exposure, multiple shooting modes, image stabilization technology for shake-free images, auto shutter with 1/4 to 1/2000 second speeds, continuous shooting, auto white balance,self-timer, multimode flash with red-eye reduction, 3" LCD viewfinder, HDMI and USB outputs and more. AC adapter, rechargeable battery and USB cable incl. Approx. 4"x2-1/2"x1-1/4". Not available in AK, HI or P.R. 90-day limited warranty.
Not available in AK, HI, PR. Sorry expedited shipping is not available on this item.
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Chef and Owner, Copita Tequileria y Comida; Host, "Joanne Weir's Cooking Confidence"; Author, Joanne Weir's Cooking Confidence; James Beard Award Winner for Best Cookbook, 2005
In conversation with Gary Danko, Chef and Principal, Restaurant Gary Danko; James Beard Award Winner for "Best Chef-California, 1995" and "Best New Restaurant, 2000"
We love the occasional bit of sea urchin foam with our rabbit roulade, but more often than not we find comfort in a home-cooked meal. Weir has cooked with Alice Waters, studied under Madeleine Kamman in France, and won a James Beard Award, but her heart is in home cooking. Come glean tips from her food theory and technique as she unpacks dinner made simple. We'll learn from the master of home-cooking and taste her award-winning Chardonnay (and maybe even some of her new tequila favorites).
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 6 p.m. check-in, 6:30 p.m. program, 7:30 p.m. reception and book signing
Cost: $25 standard, $15 members
Also know: Underwritten by The Bernard Osher Foundation, as part of the Food Lit Series


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Paradisus Cancun offers the elegance and comfort exclusive of the most prestigious hotels of the world. It has been awarded by the AAA with the 4 diamonds since 2006, and is well known for its white sandy beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The resort also features 4 spectacular pools, specializes "a la carte" restaurants, Kid's Zone, Family Concierge, Royal Service; a nine-hole par 3 golf course and a lighted tennis court.
It is located 15 minutes from the Cancun's International Airport, 20 minutes from Cancun's downtown, and only 5 minutes from the most famous shopping centre of the hotel zone, in front of the longest marina in Cancun, Aquaworld.
* Super Hot Summer Sale – Must book by 07/31/14 and all travel must be completed by 12/19/14. Blackout dates of 07/17 - 07/19/14, 08/14 - 08/16/14 & 12/19/14 apply. 1 Kid Free (12 years old or younger) per paying adult for travel dates 06/01 - 07/15/14 & 08/18 - 12/19/14. 1 kid free (4 years old or younger) per paying adult for travel dates 07/16 - 08/17/14. Hotel Stays of 4-6 nights Receive up to $550 Resort Credit! Resort Credit Details as follows (amount of times you can use the coupon): Room Upgrade - $50 (1), Late Check-out - $20 (1), Babysitting - $10 (1), Beach Club - $20 (4), Bali Beds - $10 (4), Yhi Spa - $30 (2), Kids Spa - $20 (2), The Market Store - $10 (4), Wine Selection - $10 (4), Moet & Chandon Selection - $20 (4), Romantic Dinner - $30 (1), Romantic Moments - $10 (4), Mole Exclusive Wine Cellar Dinner - $20 (1). Hotel Stays of 7 nights or more Receive up to $1500 Resort Credit! Resort Credit Details as follows (amount of times you can use the coupon): Room Upgrade - $100 (1), Late Check-out - $20 (1), Babysitting - $10 (1), Beach Club - $20 (7), Bali Beds - $15 (6), Yhi Spa - $50 (7), Kids Spa - $20 (7), The Market Store - $20 (6), Wine Selection - $10 (6), Moet & Chandon Selection - $20 (7), Romantic Dinner - $60 (2), Romantic Moments - $10 (7), Golf Clubs' Rental - $25 (4), Mole Exclusive Wine Cellar Dinner - $20 (2). In order to receive this special offer, you must select the room category that identifies the promotion when booking. Offer subject to availability and may change without notice; valid for new bookings only. Additional restrictions apply. See bottom of page for Getaways Terms and Conditions.
Yhi SpaThe full-service health clubs feature state-of-the-art equipment, the guidance of personal trainers, and unique workouts including couples training, group classes and personalized one-on-one wellness programs designed to meet your mind-body goals.
Everyone is welcome to this sumptuous International lunch and dinner buffet featuring show cooking and on-the-spot fresh-squeezed fruit juice area.Bana
Contemporary Asian dining experience. Located at beautiful Zen lobby terrace. Asian fusion cuisine with sushi menu.*Vento
Distinctly Mediterranean dining variety offering wood oven Pizzas and fresh pasta made on a Show Cooking Experience.La Perla
International buffet for breakfast and lunch with seafood specialties, steaks and seafood specialties for dinner.Market Grill
Experience the best Italo-Argentinian cuisine served on a lovely terrace. Prime cuts and fresh salads served. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.Mole
Mexican contemporary cuisine.Tempo by "Martin Berasategui"
A touch of retro elevates elegant signature cuisine by 6 Star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui. Guests will also have to option to dine in a private dining room. Adults Only.* ($)Blue Agave
Tacos, and typical local hand made delights.La Palapa (Royal Service Exclusive)
A la carte entrees, salads and special chef specialties. Adults Only.
Paradisus Cancun Suites are elegantly decorated in the tones of the Caribbean with a contemporary flair. Step inside your very own private sanctuary of elegance and tranquility. Enjoy private terraces with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea or the Nichupte lagoon.Deluxe Junior Suites Amenities
In addition to the standard room amenities, guests in Family Suites also enjoy:
Adult Only Royal Service Suites offer unparalleled all-inclusive luxury in an exclusive and private environment. In addition to the standard room amenities, guests in Royal Suites also enjoy:


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Monique Knox spent New Year's Eve celebrating with family and nonalcoholic cider as she watched the Times Square ball drop on television.
A few hours after the get-together, she was at Summa Akron City Hospital preparing to give birth.
Aiden Michael Smith, the first baby born in Summit County in 2013, arrived at 3:04 a.m. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Aiden was a bit of a surprise for his mother.
"I thought he was going to be a Christmas baby," Knox, 21, of Akron, said Tuesday afternoon. "Originally my due date was the day after Christmas. And then they moved it to Jan. 10."
It must have been the dancing and cider that moved him up to New Year's Day, she said, laughing.
His arrival came so fast, in fact, that grandmother Jennifer Wallace and godmother Barbara Bacchus didn't make it to the hospital in time. Grandfather Eric Knox Sr. was there, though, to help out.
The father is Anthony Smith of Cleveland.
Aiden arrived with a full head of hair. He wore a celebratory tuxedo onesie, until spitting up on it and having to be changed.
Knox, who works in customer service at Burlington Coat Factory in Cuyahoga Falls, said she's not sure how she came up with the name Aiden. She just liked it.
Wallace decided on the middle name Michael.
"I just thought it was pretty," she said. "I liked the reference in the Bible and I thought it went really well with Aiden."
Aiden is Knox's second child. He has an older brother: 2-year-old Logan De'meir Campbell.
The first baby is typically feted with a story in the newspaper, and some receive other gifts. Knox joked that she hasn't gotten any prizes such as milk or diapers.
"I'll take anything," she said, laughing.
Wallace and Bacchus said they expect big things from Aiden.
"That boy is going to be famous regardless," Wallace said.
"You start out with fame; you end with fame," Bacchus said.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or email@example.com.


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SMI Flat File Storage Systems
SMI Flat File Storage Systems provide a large amount of storage space in a small package, combining a filing drawer, a tool drawer, and an adjustable shelf in one unit. This piece is stackable and designed to be paired with the SMI Pedestal Desk and other SMI Flat Files, so you can create the exact desk and storage configuration you need. The drawers feature veneer walls and tempered hardboard drawer bottoms. The tool drawer measures 4½"H × 13¼"W × 25¾"D (11 cm × 34 cm × 65 cm) , ideal for pencils, brushes, tube paints, and other supplies. The file drawer accommodates standard, letter-size hanging files. An open space with an adjustable shelf holds reference materials and supplies. The base and drawer faces are made of solid oak, finished with multiple coats of furniture-grade lacquer to protect the wood and bring out its natural beauty. Note — Configuration shown to the right includes the Flat File Storage System with the 3 Drawer Oak Stackable File with Cap and Base. Stackable Files, Cap, and Base are sold separately on the links below.
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- $844.00


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Neighbors have started a relief effort for two families displaced when a fire devastated their two-story home in the 11000 block of Daniel Trail in Mokena Wednesday night.
"It's neighbors helping neighbors," said David Podkul, a teacher and part-time police officer in Manhattan who alerted residents that the home was on fire, and with his wife, Cheryl, helped them escape to safety.
A mother and older daughter were saved from the upper level home and a father, mother, daughter and dog were evacuated safely from the lower level, Podkul said.
"We are looking for adult male and female clothes, gift cards for grocery stores and restaurants and monetary donations," Podkul said.
For information or to donate, call Cheryl Podkul at 708-359-8571.
Podkul, a golf coach at Stagg High School in Palos Hills, said he was going to his car to work on a golf club for one of his students when he noticed what he thought were fireworks.
"Then I saw that the house two doors down from me was on fire," he said. "I called to my wife and then ran to the house."
Podkul alerted the mother and daughter living in the upper level of the home while his wife alerted the family living in the lower level.
"I just tried to do the right thing," he said. "I thought a young girl who was friends with my kids was still living there. That's what was going through my head when I ran down there."
It turns out that Podkul and Gary, Peggy and Jennifer Westling, the family from the home's lower level, all are members of Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park.
"I knew of them but didn't know them," Podkul said.
Jackie Miller, another member of Parkview Church, is in a church group with Peggy Westling.
"Our group will be collecting to help the family," she said.
The home suffered extensive damage and is uninhabitable, said Mokena Fire Chief Howard Stephens.
"Investigators are calling it an accidental fire," Stephens said. "It started on the outside of the home on the east wall and quickly spread to the attic and roof."
He praised Podkul's quick response.
"If (Podkul) hadn't alerted them to the fire, there might have been a different outcome," he said.
"I understand that a lot of things that could not be replaced, like photos, were saved," he said. "The fire engulfed the east side of the house and the roof was extremely damaged. The inside suffered a lot of smoke and water damage."
Stephens said the Westlings spent the night with another daughter in New Lenox. He didn't know anything about the second family.
Firefighters from Frankfort, New Lenox, Tinley Park and Orland Park assisted, Stephens said.
No residents or firefighters were injured, according to Stephens.
The Westling family did not return calls.
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The Westmorland Gazette
News, sport and entertainment from South lakeland, the Dales and North Lancashire
Hospital wards close in Lancaster after norovirus outbreak (From The Westmorland Gazette)
When news happens, text KENEWS and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
Hospital wards close in Lancaster after norovirus outbreak
3:54pm Friday 23rd November 2012 in News By Helen Perkins, Reporter
WARDS have been closed after an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug at Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust is restricting visiting to the site after norovirus hit the hospital.
Five wards have been affected by the highly contagious infection which affects up to a million people in the UK each year.
Staff said while the situation was improving, it was not doing so as quickly as expected.
Visiting to wards 20, 21, 36, 37, and the Acute Medical Unit have been restricted.
Any members of the public who visit have been asked to ensure they wash their hands with soap and water before entering the hospital.
Unless it is an emergency, no member of the public should come to the hospital at all if they have been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 72 hours or been in close contact with someone who has.
Chief operating officer Juliet Walters said: "While we understand that this will cause patients and members of the public some frustration, this measure will allow us to help prevent the spread of the infection and ensure safe patient care.
"Our staff are working extremely hard to deal with this outbreak quickly and this decision will help us return services to normal as soon as possible.
"This decision may seem drastic but these precautions are to protect our patients and staff and we would appreciate the co-operation of the public."
The norovirus illness does not last long and people usually recover between 12 and 60 hours without treatment other than rest and lots of fluids. It is found in the community and is easily transmitted. The bug affects schools, workplaces and other areas where groups of people are in close proximity, such as hospitals.
The elderly and young can be more vulnerable to the infection and anyone with concerns should call NHS Direct on 0845-4647.
Comments are closed on this article.


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Please click on the colored area below where you most often boat.
Living is the real life preserver. With our 2014 Sport Boats, when it's time to unwind, a leisurely afternoon at the dock just isn't going to cut it. It's time to mix things up and get the blood pumping. It's time to feel alive and get started on a lifetime of memories. Ranging in size from 19 to 35 feet, these premium boats have more standards and features than other boats in their class.
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Our 2014 Sundancers, ranging from 26 to 37 feet, are a hallmark of achievement and the signature of the Sea Ray brand. And among the top-end of our Sport Cruisers is the 37 foot Venture which is, quite simply, a new breed of boat that breaks all the rules.
Soak it all in. Fully enjoying the water is one of life's greatest pleasures. And once you've got a taste for it, there's no letting go. It becomes a part of you. Prepare for a new perspective. The voyage of your life is at hand.
LaunchPad is your dedicated source for the latest Sea Ray news, engaging lifestyle content, helpful how-tos and rewarding special offers.
More ambitious than any other motoryacht in its class, the all new 510 Fly is a bridge boat ready to take command of the water. Its stately design includes an expansive layout as well as many social zones. Driven by powerful diesel inboards or optional Zeus propulsion, it has an exceptional fuel capacity, plus all the strength and durability needed for exploring larger waters. A full-beam mid-master and two additional staterooms further entice owners and guest to leave the ordinary behind.
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Mark C. Poloncarz wants to bolster the ranks in the Comptroller's Office next year -- despite the fact it could become a political thorn for him as he moves into the county executive's office.
Poloncarz, who will leave the job of country comptroller in January, asked Erie County legislators this morning to restore seven jobs in the comptroller's office that County Executive Chris Collins has targeted for cuts or has failed to restore.
"If these jobs are not restored, my successor will be unable to do the work," Poloncarz told the Legislature's Finance, Management and Budget Committee this morning.
The cost of adding the salaries back in is about $380,000, plus benefits. The jobs include: four auditors, a supervising tax accountant, comptroller's secretary and the associate deputy comptroller.
Poloncarz called the cuts to his office "vindictive."
"It had nothing to do with running government," Poloncarz said. "It had everything to do with politics."
Collins, who last year tried to make similar cuts, said a year ago that he felt the office had been politicized. Five auditors in the 2011 were restored through a grant from the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority.
That grant funding has dried up, and Collins' proposal for 2012 would leave the Division of Audit & Control with two auditors, according to information Poloncarz distributed this morning.
The county comptroller -- who serves as a fiscal watchdog for the county -- often ends up in an adversarial role with the county executive.
"Truthfully," Poloncarz told legislators this morning, "if you're doing a good job, you don't care if the watchdog is looking over your shoulder."
Poloncarz may benefit as county executive from the fact that the next county comptroller -- at least until an election is held -- will also be a Democrat. By county charter, the Legislature must pick someone to fill the seat from the same political party as the person who vacates it.
Poloncarz will appear before the Legislature again on Friday to detail his recommended changes for the overall 2012 proposed budget.
--Denise Jewell Gee


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To perform an endoscopic ultrasound, your doctor passes a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) through your mouth or anus. A small ultrasound device (transducer) within the tube produces sound waves that create a precise image of surrounding tissue.
Doctors at Mayo Clinic use two types of transducers. One, a radial imaging device, produces a 360-degree, cross-sectional image (also called a "slice"). The other device, a curved linear array, can guide a biopsy (fine-needle aspiration) of your lymph nodes and any tumors.
Another kind of ultrasound allows very high-resolution imaging of the surface of your digestive tract. Doctors use this image to help determine the size and depth of small tumors (nodules) within the wall of your digestive tract.
When combined with fine-needle aspiration, endoscopic ultrasound is a minimally invasive alternative to exploratory surgery for removing tissue samples. Doctors also use endoscopic ultrasound to guide drainage of pseudocysts, injections and pain-relieving treatments.
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Seeking answers for a senseless tragedy
On Aug. 30, while a woman I didn't know was struggling for her life, I stood 50 feet away in a biting downpour, peering through a soaked camera lens, and took pictures.
I am still trying to understand how I should feel about that.
Her name was Betty Ann Richardson. Like most of us that evening, she was merely trying to drive home through the sudden chaos caused by Tropical Storm Gaston. But unlike the rest of us, she never made it.
Journalists are curious and wide-eyed by nature.
Sometimes, we wish we were not.
We enter this profession because we like to write, take pictures, educate others and tell stories untold. Some of us thrive under the never-ending rush of constant deadlines, others under the adrenaline of danger, intrigue and shock. Others prefer the friendlier pace of covering youth baseball games, county government and autumn parades.
I believe each form of journalism, when performed responsibly, is equally important.
As the Henrico Citizen celebrates its third anniversary this month, I am able to reflect on the events that have caused each form to find its way into our pages during the past three years.
Our first issue was published nine days after the Sept. 11 attacks, at a time when much seemed lost in a surreal haze and confusion. Writing about the opening of a new county library and volunteers who built homes for the poor didn't seem terribly important at the time, but we did it anyway. Today, I am glad we did.
The following autumn, a similar eerie feeling swept through the community while police sought desperately to catch snipers who were terrorizing our region. One October morning, I found myself standing across the street from what would temporarily become the most famous gas station in the world – in the heart of Henrico – after police narrowly missed capturing the suspects at a pay phone there.
And last year at this time, we all experienced the devastation of Hurricane Isabel – which has left lingering effects for some even now.
These are not the events we hoped to cover when the Citizen began publishing three years ago. But in journalism, we don't always have a choice.
Sometimes, quietly important community news swirls together in sudden and unforeseen ways with a national manhunt or a natural disaster. I'd like to say that experience eventually dictates how we react to these strange combinations – as humans and as journalists.
But after Tropical Storm Gaston left me with a memory I won't soon shake, I don't know that I'm any closer to being comfortable with my reactions as either one.
While Gaston was dumping more than a foot of rain on metro Richmond, my staff and I were toiling away on a deadline in our office, which sits directly across from Bryan Park in Lakeside. I thought little of the rain – other than to marvel at how much of it there seemed to be – until our intern phoned on her way home to warn us that standing water on Lakeside Avenue was blocking the flow of traffic at about 5:30 p.m.
Later, when our managing editor and I ventured out in the downpour after flooding knocked our power out, we saw a frightening sight: Richardson's van, caught in the rising water, had stalled on Lakeside Avenue and was sitting on a sidewalk, angled nearly perpendicular to the road. It sat only about 50 feet from our office building.
As several Henrico firefighters closed the area to onlookers, others anchored a ladder truck in place with sturdy reinforcement legs. I rushed to my car to load a roll of film into my camera.
At the time, I believed I would be capturing a dramatic rescue on film. It would be the sort of moment that could provide inspiration to readers and show the lengths to which rescuers will go to protect the public. From such a devastating storm, I thought, it would be comforting to steal something positive and reassuring.
Rain slapped against my face one sheet at a time while I snapped pictures through a lens blurry with streaks of water.
In between shots, I watched a team of firefighters brave rapids that in some spots must have been 8 to 10 feet deep. They extended their truck's ladder parallel over the raging waters and climbed its length in an attempt to secure the van and pull it from danger. Several entered the rushing water when it became clear they couldn't reach Richardson otherwise.
One was set to plow through the rapids in a final attempt to pull her from the van when the water overcame the vehicle and pulled it over the embankment and into Jordan's Branch below. It also took Richardson's life.
The first rule of covering an emergency is to be a human being first and a journalist second. Carrying a notepad or camera doesn't give someone the right to opt out of his responsibilities to a fellow human in need.
At the time, and I suppose in retrospect, I know there was nothing I could have done to save Betty Ann Richardson. She became Henrico's only fatality in the terrible storm. Even the Henrico firefighters who tried desperately – valiantly – to do so, and who went far beyond reasonable expectations in their attempts, were sadly unsuccessful.
But in light of the tragic result, I have wondered quietly about what right I had to document such an event – even one that occurred directly in front of my office, and even though documenting events is my job.
In one sense, I don't regret my presence that night, if only to recount here the lengths to which the firefighters went in a desperate attempt to save another life. Already that hour they had plucked two teens from a tree across the street in Bryan Park, after an ill-fated tubing trip, and they had saved another driver whose car stalled in the same spot as Richardson's minutes earlier. All three surely would have faced great peril, if not certain death, otherwise.
In another sense, I have experienced strong feelings of guilt about my actions, or perhaps lack thereof, that night.
Most of all, I feel a terrible sadness for Richardson's family, friends and coworkers. I've had difficulty reasoning the manner in which everything happened so quickly and resolutely that night – how a road I travel four times a day or more could suddenly become submerged under 10 feet of currents, yet clear enough three hours later for me to drive home. Why someone who was no different from the rest of us met a different fate.
Seeking answers where none exist is not easy, now or ever. During the past few weeks, I've listened to advice and thoughts from friends and colleagues who are journalists and others who are not. In questioning myself repeatedly, I've contemplated the many things I could have done that night instead of what I did.
I wonder if I could have helped more and observed less. I wonder whether I should even have been there, clicking a camera in a thunderous downpour, at all.
The roll of film I took that night now sits undeveloped on my desk. I haven't the desire, nor the courage, to move it. Whatever images I captured inside it already exist in much greater detail inside my mind, and that is where they should remain.
When the water from Youngs Pond began rushing across Lakeside Avenue early that evening, before any lives had been threatened by its steady rise, our managing editor rushed up the stairs to my office, her feet soaked, to tell me about the surreal sight of a river flowing 50 feet from our front door.
"You have to come see this," she said. "You'll never see anything like it again."
I hope she was right.
And I wish I never had.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden raises admission $1
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's admission has increased by $1 across all categories. Admission is now $12 for adults; $11 for seniors ages 55 and older; and $8 for children ages 3–12. Admission remains free for children ages 3 and younger and for members.
The last price increase was in 2011, before the Garden consistently hosted Butterflies LIVE! (which is included with admission). > Read more.
Garden tails
The threat of bad weather didn't keep visitors away from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden July 10 for the facility's weekly Flowers After 5 event (which pairs music and food with a chance to stroll the garden) and its monthly Fidos After 5 (which allows dog owners to bring their pets with them to enjoy the evening). > Read more.
Western Henrico Rotary helps fund Midwives For Haiti Jeep
Thanks in part to a $10,000 gift from the Western Henrico Rotary Club, another bright pink Jeep modified to travel extremely rough terrain has been delivered to Midwives For Haiti so that more pregnant women in the quake-ravaged country will have access to prenatal care and a greater chance of surviving childbirth.
The funds were raised at the annual casino night held in February, club president Adam Cherry said. The Rotary Club also helped purchase the Virginia-based charity's first pink jeep three years ago. > Read more.
Page 1 of 114 pages 1 2 3 > Last ›
US Army Field Band to perform in Henrico Aug. 3
The United States Army Field Band will present a free public performance at Deep Run Park in Henrico on Sunday, Aug 3 at 3 p.m.
Members of the band are soldiers who also serve as "musical ambassadors of the Army" and perform for schools and communities nationwide.
The Concert Band will be performing along with the Soldiers' Chorus. > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
Take in a show at several locations this weekend! West End Comedy will provide laughs at HATTheatre; the production of "Pump Boys and Dinettes" will close Sunday; and the youth theatre company CharacterWorks will present "Footloose" at The Steward School. Another show perfect for the kids – "Despicable Me 2" is playing at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center tonight. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Is there an Echo in here?
'Earth to Echo' aims to become this generation's 'ET'
It's no secret that all found-footage genre movies are the same. Grab a couple of characters, give one of them a camera, and expose them to something supernatural that's content to lurk just off-screen until the last five minutes. Everything else will just fall into place.
But that formula isn't particularly family friendly, if only because that thing waiting a few feet to the left of the cast is usually plotting their violent doom.
That's what sets Earth to Echo apart from the pack. It, too, follows a group of characters armed with a camera and a tendency to encounter unknown life forms. But all those familiar parts have been rearranged just enough to make it suitable for a much younger audience. > Read more.
More News
'Tis the season
Business in brief
Schools sales tax holiday returns this weekend
First Capital Bank to 'Stuff the Bus' in August
VBS offers giveaways to donors as part of 'Donor-Rita-Ville'
Hancock Fabrics to host grand opening event for White Oak store
Chamber, colleges unite to create intern clearinghouse
Southwest to complete its Richmond conversion
Obituary – Frances Alderman Farrar
Citizen seeks HS correspondents
- More Henrico News
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CalendarVCU Medical Center will present the seminar "Deep Brain Stimulation: Restoring Balance to Broken Circuits" at 5:30 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. Learn how deep brain… Full text


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Name: Mitch Ward
Age: 51
City of residence: Manhattan Beach
Occupation: Information technology business owner and professional actor
How long have you lived in MB? I have lived in Manhattan Beach for 20 years and have owned my business here for 10 years since 2002.
What are some things that you like about MB? The people, Pacific Ocean, the Pier, Bruces' Beach, Veterans Parkway, Polliwog Park, MB Botanical Gardens, our parades and schools, trees, beach sand, wildlife - especially our native dolphins, sound of the metro green train line in the early mornings, outdoor art, farmers market, eateries and pubs. I also like that we are home to the world headquarters of Skechers. I really love Manhattan Beach's proximity and ease of access to nearly everywhere in Los Angeles County including the Los Angeles Airport. It's a wonderful town.
What don't you like about MB? Traffic on Rosecrans in general and traffic at the intersection of Sepulveda and Rosecrans.
What will you be doing on Thanksgiving and whom will you be with? My mother and father and family are in Arkansas and my spouse's family is in Oregon. We usually alternate our visits between the two locations and every third year we spend Thanksgiving in Manhattan Beach. This year, we would have traveled north. However we will remain in town because I am currently in rehearsal for a play titled "Driving Miss Daisy." It is being staged at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre and will run January – March -sierramadreplayhouse.org. I will play the character of Hoke for a number of days during the run. So during the late afternoon and evening on Thanksgiving Day I will be learning scenes with actors.
But the night before Thanksgiving I will roast a turkey and a ham and lots of other fixings. I will prepare a box of plate meals that we deliver to folks not served by the many and wonderful missions and institutions that reach out to the less fortunate during this time of year. It takes about two hours of driving around before we give out all the turkey and ham. And it reminds me of when I was growing up. My mom would always prepare several large plates topped off with food and she'd have me deliver it to many of our neighbors next door. It is gratifying to see someone, especially those in need, enjoy such a really well cooked meal. Above all my mom's meals were clearly shared in love and it was a practiced tradition that was far older than she.
What will your Thanksgiving meal consist of? If I must say so I cook a pretty wicked roasted turkey and honey glazed ham – to die for! So my meal will consist of stuffed roasted turkey with white and brown gravy, mashed potatoes, turnip greens, hot water bread, southern style baked barbecue beans, a French casserole made with green peas, onion rings and other secret ingredients, a German chocolate cake, sun brewed iced tea, and other libations as appropriate.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Why? Turnip greens eaten with hot water bread, pepper sauce and raw onions. It's one of the African oriented and cultural dishes which I grew with. I simply love the simplicity of the combination and especially the unique flavor of turnips. Naturally yummy!
What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving? Seeing so many people happy because they are eating.
What was your childhood Thanksgiving like? My family always traveled from Arkansas to my grandmother Pearlie Turner's home in Louisiana before she passed away. She was a very talented and well-known chef. And she was so much fun to have as a grandma. She was filled with life and laughed a lot and loved to play the game of dominoes. In fact all my family did and that consumed a lot, if not most, of our Thanksgiving Day and much of the evening.
My mother and her mother looked and acted more like they were very close sisters. It was a joy to see them cooking and preparing for our Thanksgiving feast together. I remember the wonderful holiday food aromas that wafted around my grandmother's kitchen and throughout her home. I was always eager to eat from the moment I stepped through her front door. Grandma must have started baking the night before. The smell of pecan and sweet potato pies and all sorts and colors of cakes tickled my sweet tooth senses. I especially remember the floating aromatic essence of her glorious sage infused chicken dressing and stuffing that only she could prepare.
Finally I recall when my grandmother generously tried to teach me to make one of her signature and secret dishes - lemon meringue pie. To this day I still try to follow her instructions. But a signature dish mine shall never be. However I will always try to overcome this reality. Because every time I try to bake this masterpiece, it reminds me of that very moment that Grandma Pearlie showed me personally so much love on that Thanksgiving Day. It now seems so very long ago.
What's your favorite hang out spot in MB? El Porto Beach.
How would you describe Manhattan Beach in three words? My home town.


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Western Illinois University: Macomb Campus
Audience Menu
Web Tools and Search Bar
Top Navigation
University Housing & Dining
WIU Home > Student Services > Housing > Specials > Current Events & Programs
Enhanced Residence Hall Security
In response to past end-of-the-year parties and as stated in President Thomas's open letter to the campus community, University Housing and Dining Services will enforce enhanced security measures and access to the halls.
Roommate Matching: Let us make the transition to college easier....
Are you going to be new to WIU in the Fall of 2012? If so, you have the opportunity to participate in our roommate matching program available for all first-year students.
A Celebration of Wetzel Hall
Open in 1970, Wetzel Hall was used for nearly four decades as a home for tens of thousands of Western students. Wetzel will officially be decommissioned this July with a weekend-long celebration.
Help us to celebrate by sending us your favorite Wetzel memory. Learn more...
Learn about the Heating & Cooling Systems...
As the seasons change, we experience what is known as "shoulder season." Learn how the heating and cooling process of the residence halls work. If you still find your room temperature to be inaccurate, check out a thermometer from the front desk before filling out a maintenance request.


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"Eyes in the Forest" is a single combat encounter set in the Chaos Scar for five 1st-level characters. The Chaos Scar lures the bold and foolhardy alike to test their mettle against the perils it presents. While some find success, many fall victim to the monsters and traps that lie in wait. While the characters embark on their own expedition, they stumble onto a trail left by other would-be heroes. Should the characters follow it, they discover what waits for anyone without the strength and courage needed to survive the menacing valley.
A white mare crops grass in an empty field. She limps when she moves. You make out blood flecking her flanks and oozing from an arrow wound in her leg.
(For details on the Chaos Scar and its environs, read the Chaos Scar introduction and check out the map of the entire valley. Then check out and join the Chaos Scar group on the D&D Community pages.)
About the Author
Robert J. Schwalb is an award-winning game designer whose more recent work can be found in Martial Power 2, Draconomicon 2, and Primal Power. Robert lives in Tennessee.


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Every room needs storage. The piles of belongings that can result from a lack of storage space are not only unattractive - they're downright disheartening. Sounds like the perfect job for this attractive storage bench. With three separate cubbies for baskets or just your stuff, it's got plenty of space for the extra things your room needs but that you don't want to leave draped over a chair or in a pile.
Triple Cubbie Bench Features:
Dimensions:20" h x 48" w x 15.75" d
Weight of Bench:47 lbs.
Weight Holding Capacity:250lb evenly distributed
Availability:within 48 hours of the time of purchase for products shipped within the contiguous United States. Transit time is approximately 7-10 business days, and tracking information will be sent via e-mail at the time of shipping. For more information, please view Smart Furniture's shipping rates, options, and delivery policies.
Standard Shipping Method:UPS Ground


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On Aug. 25, 1836, readers of the New York Sun were no doubt surprised to learn that an astronomer had discovered life on the moon, consisting of amazing animals, structures and bat-like hominids.
The series of stories was, of course, a hoax. With astronauts having visited the moon, we can now conclusively say it contains no man-bats, moon bison, unicorns, tail-less bipedal beavers or any of the other fantastical creatures depicted in the Sun.;
Yet there is something about our moon, empty though it may be of unicorns, that still beckons. So it is with a heavy heart that we received the decision of NASA chief Charles Bolden, who announced recently that the agency had no plans for "human lunar missions."
"NASA is not going to the moon with a human as a primary project probably in my lifetime," Bolden said bluntly. "And the reason is, we can only do so many things."
In case you didn't catch Bolden's drift, he went on.
"I don't know how to say it any more plainly," Bolden said. "NASA does not have a human lunar mission in its portfolio and we are not planning for one."
OK, Bolden. We got you.
While we understand the agency's limitations, it is a little sad to think that the dream that once captivated not only the nation, but much of the world — sending a man to the moon — is being laid to rest after just a few brief visits.
But, Bolden is right. We can only do so many things. So rather than mourning what we won't be doing, let's celebrate what we can do. This is made easier by the fact that the next mission NASA has planned sounds like a cross between a Bruce Willis blockbuster and an episode of "Star Trek."


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With the Bills defense slumping to 26th in the NFL in yards allowed, Buffalo coach Chan Gailey was asked today if he was satisfied with the performance of defensive coordinator George Edwards.
Said Gailey: "This not the time to discuss all of that. We're all doing the very best that we can, trying to put guys in position to be successful, everybody, in all three phases. That's all we're trying to do is be the best we can and try to win this game and the next one. That's the goal, that's the only thought right now."
Asked about the fact Edwards gets a lot of criticism, Gailey said: "Hey, everybody's getting criticism. You lose this many games in a row, we all get criticism. There's nobody that escapes criticism when you're doing what we're doing right now."
---Mark Gaughan


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It may have been delayed, but winter driving season is here, and with it comes dangerous road conditions and the need to maintain your car. Experienced drivers may not be fazed by the threat of Nor'easters and sub-freezing temperatures and have their vehicles prepared for winter, but many teens and young adults lack this knowledge to be safe on the road.
John Paul, AAA Southern New England's "Car Doctor," stresses the importance of scheduling periodic automobile checkups to maintain safety and maximize efficiency.
"Whether you're expecting extreme cold or wintry precipitation, it's a good idea for new drivers to get in the habit of scheduling regular maintenance and seasonal checkups," said Paul. "AAA Southern New England receives millions of roadside assistance calls annually, and many of these breakdowns could have been avoided with proactive car care."
Paul recommends that parents sit down and work with their teens to help them gain the necessary knowledge and experience for safe winter commuting. Families can use a simple checklist to determine the winter maintenance needs of their vehicles. Many items can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician.
Paul highlights some of the key items to look for in your car this winter, including:
- Tires: Are tires properly inflated and have adequate tread depth for winter? Should you consider snow tires?
- Lights: Are your brake, indicator and headlights functioning? Interior lights?
- Wiper blades: Do the windshield wipers streak or chatter? Consider all-season or dedicated winter wiper blades. As a general rule replace wiper blades once per year.
- Brakes: Have the brakes inspected at every tire rotation or at the first sign of a problem.
- Washer fluid: Keep the windshield washer full and use only windshield washer solution designed for winter conditions.
Paul's complete winter car care checklist can be found online here.
Paul also suggests that parents work with their children and teens to ingrain good traffic safety habits before reaching driving age. Paul recommends programs such as AAA's annual Traffic Safety Message contest as a great way to spur young people into action. The contest invites students in grades K-12 to create posters or PSAs illustrating powerful safety-related messages. Entries will be accepted through www.aaa.com/safetymatters until April 1.
"The goal of this contest is peer to peer education," said Paul. "We hope young people will learn safe behaviors in traffic by taking the time to create a poster with a creative slogan or by viewing a powerful video that they can easily recall."
Topics covered in the past include seatbelt and booster seat use, school bus and bike safety, and distracted and impaired driving awareness. A full list of valid topics and rules can be found here and entries can be submitted online here or through mail to AAA Southern New England's offices. The work of one grand prize winner will be chosen to receive $1,000 and three runners-up from each state in AAA Southern New England's territory (Massachusetts/Salem, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut) will receive $300, $200 and $100 prizes respectively. Honorable mentions at each grade level in each state will receive $50.


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NORMAN — The Junior League of Norman will host the sixth annual Monster Dash 5K and one-mile fun run/walk on Nov. 3.
The race will be at Journey Church, 3801 Journey Parkway. The USATF certified 5K will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 1 mile fun run/walk at 9 a.m.
All proceeds will directly support the Junior League of Norman community projects, including Baby Steps and Food for Kids. Donor support will help promote health and fitness in the community by allowing all children under the age of 12 to participate at no charge.
For more information, call 329-9617 or visit www.juniorleagueofnorman.org.
For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.


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Some dads are hesitant or reluctant to tackle baby-associated jobs. The best way to increase the comfort level of a father-to-be is to get him some hands-on training before baby arrives." Dad should change a few diapers or handle a feeding or two for babies belonging to family, friends or neighbors," said Jones.
"If he feels uncomfortable handling someone else's baby, you could consider buying a doll and having him carry it around the house, practicing feedings and diaper changes without risk of injury," she said.
Special tips for adoption
Adoptive parents have different needs when preparing to bring their children home. "It's absolutely critical for adoptive parents to connect with other adoptive parents as soon as possible in their process," said Jones.
"It truly takes a village to help you raise adopted children, especially if your children are adopted from other countries," she said. "Our two adopted children are from China, and we would never have survived it all without the love, guidance and 24-7 e-mail support of other adoptive parents who had been there and done that."
Complete change in life
Once the baby arrives, your life will change completely. Leaving the house is not as easy as it once was, and you must constantly be on the lookout for your baby's safety.
"Driving can be made easier by keeping a well-stocked 'to-go' bag in the car at all times," said Jones.
You could alleviate the stress of transferring the car seat by having one available in both mom's and dad's vehicles. Another option, when the baby is small, is to have a child carrier that works as a car seat when it is locked onto a base. Place a base in each vehicle for ease in travel.
Make sure to have soft music available to calm baby and help keep your nerves from fraying. If you're a rock fan but don't want to expose your baby to your music, check out Baby Rock Records for lullaby renditions of your favorite music.
Finally, remember to relax. As you get used to your new routine, everything will begin to feel like second nature.


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Google Hangout on scaling up social enterprise to include Bridgespan, Habitat for Humanity
Added on: July 17, 2014
A Google Hangout on scaling up social enterprise will be hosted by the Enterprising Non-profits Canada news service on Aug. 7. The news service has arranged for a diverse cast of practitioners and consultants to lead the conversation with their inspiring and insightful stories and comments. The Hangout will then be opened for conversation with participants.Read more...
Time to move from doing no harm to doing some good
Added on: July 15, 2014
While adding a community benefit clause to a citys RFP (request for proposal) process is not a bad thing, sometimes the greatest social benefit can happen pre-procurement.Read more...
Three non-technical takeaways from the Buy Social Summit
Added on: July 10, 2014
If youve ever had a conversation with BC Partner for Social Impact Sandra Hamilton, you likely felt her passion for local food, social good and using markets to marry the two. The business consultant and marketing specialist based in the Comox Valley recently spoke at the Buy Social Summit In Vancouver, held June 16-17. She shared three key takeaways from the gathering with us.Read more...


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|Excellent - 553 reviews
Located in Red Bank, Molly Pitcher Inn is on the waterfront, minutes from Two River Theater, and close to Count Basie Theater. This hotel is within close proximity of Marine Park and Riverview Medical Center. Make yourself at home in one of the 106 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you conne...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 553 reviews
Okay 5.0
complimentary coffee in the morning
very small rooms, old building
Good 7.0
parking for guest was not guaranteed. There was a party at the hotel and those attending took all of the parking.
|Excellent - 274 reviews
Located in Red Bank, The Oyster Point Hotel is minutes from Two River Theater and Count Basie Theater. This hotel is within close proximity of Marine Park and Riverview Medical Center. Make yourself at home in one of the 56 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programmi...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 274 reviews
Excellent 10.0
Beautiful location, clean room with comfortable beds and a gorgeous view of the river! Loved my stay! Hotel staff was so friendly and helpful.
Bathroom was a little dated.
Excellent 10.0
The location is excellent. The riverside view is outstanding. The staff is friendly, helpful and available. This is a small hotel, perfect for a quick get-away.
Walls are paper-thin.
|Good - 330 reviews
Ocean Place Resort & Spa is the premier beachfront resort on the New Jersey shore. Set on a magnificent stretch of beach in Long Branch, New Jersey, the resort offers the ultimate salt-spray getaway with ease of access, panoramic ocean views, and enhanced amenities. These include fine indoor and outdoor patio dining, a la carte food menus at the pool and bea...
Overall Rating - Good - 330 reviews
Good 8.0
Location 2 Pools 2 great bars. Nice rooms
Expensive. Everything around is way overpriced, it's fine if your alone, but if you've got your family together you can pretty much go broke at this beach just feeding everyone.The hotel is awesome. But next time I'm gonna try and find ways to save money.
Excellent 10.0
Still in process of renovatingIt is located by the beach
|Excellent - 162 reviews
Overall Rating - Excellent - 162 reviews
Good 8.0
Good clean hotel.
The breakfast isn't as good as it used to be. The hotel breakfast bar to does not a great breakfast.
Excellent 10.0
Close to where I needed to be
Too expensiveNo free breakfast
|Good - 165 reviews
With a stay at Extended Stay America - Red Bank - Middletown in Red Bank, you'll be convenient to Two River Theater and Count Basie Theater. This hotel is within close proximity of Marine Park and Riverview Medical Center. Make yourself at home in one of the 116 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. 32...
Overall Rating - Good - 165 reviews
Poor 2.0
Leaving after two nights
The room smelled of mildew and found the exhaust fan in the bathroom dripping water and water running down the door jamb. Second room had hair on the sink and the bathtub was in poor condition. Overall, a dirty hotel
Okay 5.0
Our hotel room was a decent size. The hotel was located in proximity to our planned activities (e.g. visiting beach at Sandy Hook). The hotel allows pets, so we were able to bring our dog.
The hotel staff told us that check-in was at 3, but we were not permitted to check-in until 4 (due to the need for the room to be 'inspected'). There was only one elevator, centrally located in the lobby.
|Excellent - 249 reviews
West Long Branch Hotel's Guests Are Near the Beach Minutes from the New Jersey shore and Garden State Parkway, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites West Long Branch offers a front desk smile test, cruise-inspired folded towel creations and more. At this West Long Branch hotel's convenient location, you'll be in the heart of everything. Business travelers a...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 249 reviews
Excellent 10.0
The breakfast was second to none
The pool had some cloudy water but the pool experts were in the following day to fix the problem. The temperature was perfect for swimming.This was a positive experience, one that you expect at a Holiday Inn. That is a good thing.
Excellent 10.0
We stayed at the Holiday Inn West Long in Sept 2013 The staff was more than helpful. Room was very clean, breakfast was an added plus on the trip. We plan on staying here again in the future.
|Good - 92 reviews
Overall Rating - Good - 92 reviews
Poor 2.0
It was located near where I needed to be during the day.
The phone system didn't work. The hotel staff knew it didn't work, but did not tell me until checkout. I missed several calls. The front desk did not tell callers the system didn't work.
Mediocre 3.0
Small room, terrible smell, poor water pressure, clogged bathtub drain.
|Excellent - 40 reviews
Overall Rating - Excellent - 40 reviews
Excellent 10.0
No problems, Lots of space/nice room and at the right price...
Okay 6.0
The place is pet friendly - which is nice, and in the perfect location. There was construction around the pool, so it wan't pool friendly at the time, but accessible. Made a mistake on the travel dates, they accomadated us, but charged us a higher rate. The rooms smelled like mildew, and although there were no bugs, the place was so old, that you could see around the whole door, and other areas where they could walk right in. The place was so badly lit that every time I turned on a light, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, I was just waiting to see something run and hide. Would never sit on furniture, it looked like it hasn't been cleaned since it was bought, same with rugs. There was no comforter, a LOUD A/C - just as loud and non working as the bathroom fan. The bed sank inward and was horrible, and the TV had no real cable channels for women to enjoy.
|Good - 224 reviews
Jersey Shore attractions and Sandy Hook Recreation Park are just a couple of reasons guests return to this Hazlet hotel. Boasting close proximity to the area's top destinations, why not be right in the middle of the action? When searching for hotels near PNC Bank Arts Center, luxury matters. This Hazlet hotel doesn't skimp on the amenities and pampering. Je...
Overall Rating - Good - 224 reviews
Good 7.0
The price and location to PNC Bank Arts Center, we booked it for a concert.
The eggs, waffle batter was out at breakfastCheck in was so quick and easy I had already paid when I booked the room and just needed my license and a credit card for a room deposit.
Good 7.0
The room was spacious (though not totally clean).
I just wasn't impressed with anything.I was very unimpressed. The young man who checked me in couldn't seem to code my room key properly and I had to keep going back to the desk. He kept calling me 'sweetie.' I started to get the feeling he was coding the key wrong just to get me to come back to see him. It was very creepy. He could use some sensitivity training - and fast. The room was pretty large, but there were black specks in the sink that I first thought were nicks in the porcelain. When I used the sink, however, they wiped off and went down the drain. Whoever had cleaned the sink hadn't done it well. The bed was very comfortable, so I slept well. If you're just looking for a bed, this place will work. Otherwise, go somewhere else.
|Good - 542 reviews
Located in Eatontown (Eatontown - Tinton Falls), Sheraton Eatontown Hotel is close to Monmouth Mall and MAC at Monmouth University. This hotel is within close proximity of Monmouth University and Monmouth Park Racetrack. Make yourself at home in one of the 208 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, a...
Overall Rating - Good - 542 reviews
Good 8.0
Pool, gym, cleanliness, staff was helpful. Need more information for tourists to get to beaches and other things to do in the area.
Okay 5.0
Older, not updated, minimum cleanliness. Not Sheraton nice.
|Excellent - 201 reviews
Eatontown, NJ Hotel's Suites Define Comfort If you're looking for extended stay hotels in Eatontown, NJ, the Staybridge Suites Eatontown - Tinton Falls hotel offers a comfortable atmosphere paired with convenient amenities. Eatontown is conveniently located just four miles from Jersey Shore beaches, providing a welcoming, relaxing oasis right near all the ex...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 201 reviews
Excellent 9.0
The room was facility was well-maintained. They were serving a complimentary light dinner when I arrived. The kitchenette in the room gave it extra space. Very nice.
Good 8.0
Lovely public areas. Comfortable beds.
Noisy neighbors; thin walls. Could have more comfortable furniture for lounging in the room.It was exactly the same as the Sonesta es Suites hotel witch I stayed at last month. Would definitely stay again.
|Excellent - 67 reviews
Overall Rating - Excellent - 67 reviews
Excellent 10.0
Clean rooms. Friendly staff. Handicapped accessible room was well suited for persons with disabilities. Nice Breakfast selections.
Excellent 9.0
Breakfast and evening meals/snacks were always fresh/hot/cold and with variety served in pleasant area and with friendly, accommodating wait staff. Our room was clean, comfortable and everything we needed was already available. :D
|Good - 165 reviews
Hazlet Guests Love Hotel's Jersey Shore Location Welcome to the Holiday Inn® Hazlet hotel, your home base in the Bayshore region of New Jersey. Well appointed to satisfy the needs of Jersey Shore vacationers and business travelers alike, this Hazlet hotel's pristine accommodations and hospitable staff ensure an unmatched travel experience. If you're seeking...
Overall Rating - Good - 165 reviews
Okay 6.0
Convenient location
Room was not ready at check-in. After numerous fruitless attempts to communicate with front desk. The manager actually argued and spoke condescendingly to my daughter. Instead of rectifying the problem he made us seem stupid for not understanding.
Good 8.0
Large Room, Clean
Stand alone hotel on highway. No places to go around in evening. No body picked up call while ordering for in room dining. Service can improve there
|Good - 89 reviews
When you stay at Colts Neck Inn Hotel in Colts Neck, you'll be convenient to Hominy Hill Golf Course. This hotel is within the region of Monmouth Mall and Two River Theater. Make yourself at home in one of the 47 air-conditioned guestrooms. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspapers, and you c...
Overall Rating - Good - 89 reviews
Excellent 10.0
I loved the size of our room and the beds were very comfortable. The staff (Grace Caputo and Betty Ann) was very helpful and just wonderful individuals. We enjoyed everything about the stay.
NoThis hotel was great and the staff ( Grace Caputo and Betty Ann) was helpful with directions around the area and very personable. I will stay there again if in the area.
Excellent 10.0
The atmosphere of this hotel was very nice and relaxed. The staff was very courteous. The room was great adn the bed was oh so comfortable. We will definitely return to stay.
|Good - 1368 reviews
When you stay at The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, you'll be on the beach and minutes from Paramount Theater and Asbury Park Convention Hall. This beach resort is within the vicinity of Memorial United Methodist Church and Shark River Golf Course. Make yourself at home in one of the 238 air-conditioned rooms featuring MP3 docking stations. Your b...
Overall Rating - Good - 1368 reviews
Okay 5.0
Beautiful location
There was a barking dog in the room across the hall.The barking dog in the middle of the night ruined our experience.
Mediocre 3.0
Again they auto charge you before you can pay the account. Before you leave they run the card instead of waiting for the official check out.


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IT Support / Data Cable Install for St Louis
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Computer Repair, support and PC troubleshooting Services for St Louis and surrounding area.
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Firetruck O'Toys collects gifts for sick children in St. Louis-area hospitals. The idea was inspired by MacKenzie Scott, a Belleville teen who was diagnosed at age 4 with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a degenerative bone disease of the hip.
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Texting for 911 starts 4-month trial in VermontThe Associated Press | December 03,2012MONTPELIER — As part of a four-month trial period, Sprint Wireless customers in Vermont can send a text message to 911 for emergency help.
The service is starting Monday. Sprint Wireless customers must have mobile phones that are capable of sending text messages. It's part of an experimental trial to evaluate the technology.
David Tucker, executive director of the Enhanced 911 Board in Vermont, said this is the second such trial launched during the year.
He said the fact that a large number of people who are deaf or hard of hearing already use Sprint means officials will be better equipped to provide access for that population to the Vermont 911 system.MORE IN This Just InDede Cummings first question arose when she discovered that tickets for the Dalai Lamas 2012... Full StoryClean energy is all the rage in Vermont. Full StoryBENNINGTON Its a digital world, and visitors and residents alike can now get free access to it... Full Story
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Tim Worstall, Contributor
I write about business and technology.
It is possible to show that the recent paper by Seralini et al on the effects of GM corn on the cancer rates in rats is quite simply nonsense. Doing so requires a modicum, but no more, of reasoning from known facts.
I would like, if I may, to thank one of the readers of this site, "memsomerville" for making the point originally in the comments to my earlier piece and for prompting me to go and ask the one necessary question.
A point that I keep bringing up, that nobody seems to connect with, is that every research animal in the US has been eating GMOs for well over a decade. These animals are closely monitored in animal colonies by trained professionals that include veterinarians and pathologists and biomedical researchers.
If there were problems in their food, that would be obvious. Not only would it be obvious, it would be shouted from the rooftops.
If you think there are horrible consequences for them eating GMOs, you'd also have to assume the last 10+ years of biomedical research was awry because of the food. And that's absurd.
The question is, of course, "are lab animal foods made with GM corn?"
So I contacted Harlan. A major manufacturer of food for laboratory animals. And rather an appropriate company to contact as this company was the source of the very rats used for the experiment.
Virgin albino Sprague-Dawley rats at 5 weeks of age were obtained from Harlan
(Gannat, France).
A very nice lady, a "Lab animal nutritionist", was able to answer my question.
"We do not exclude GM materials from rodent diets".
In more detail it was explained to me that the company has US based production and also a certain amount of contracted out European (or more specifically, European Union) production. There are also exports from the US into the EU.
At all locations the ingredients are locally sourced. No distinction is made between GM and non-GM sources by the company.
Which really rather poses a problem for the thesis being advanced in this paper: that GM corn produces these tumours in laboratory rats.
For in the US, if buying from the general stream, there is no way to avoid purchasing GM corn. Given the prevalence of the use of Monsanto's Roundup Ready strain the entire US supply can be considered to have some in it. And of course at least some of the purchases used to make the lab chow for rats in US labs will have been made from such corn.
In Europe the picture is a little hazier. There is not that much (although there is some) GM production in Europe as yet. There are also some imports of GM maize but by and large the continent is self-sufficient in the crop. So we can usefully assume that there could be some GM corn in the EU made lab chow. But also that there is less than in the US made.
So, let us go back to the original thesis of the paper. Roundup Ready maize causes tumours in lab rats in a manner than non-GM maize does not. That is the thesis and the central allegation of the paper. We get this result from a study of 200 rats with, let us be polite, an interesting attitude to statistical evidence.
You say that this paper is rubbish…hmmmmmmmm.How much did you get paid to right this article.Your opinion is rubbish.You have no facts presented in your arguement… all here say and opinion.You do not use any statistical evidence in any of your thoughts and your personal opinion is just that…an opinion.This study was performed under high standards and efficacy using scientific standards and practices.The fact that these tumors are present under the conditions of using MONSANTO GMO corn and MONSANTO ROUND UP exclusively is all the proof I need to know that something is very very wrong.I can assure you that more studies will be conducted and we will await those results as well.The facts also show that MONSANTO is a company with a very bad reputation and spends millions of dollars trying to avoid having nutritional labeling giving consumers the right to know that products they are consuming have genetically modified food in their contents.Why does this company not want consumers to know that they are consuming MONSANTO GMO?The fact that MONSANTO sells GMO patent seed to farmers and takes the farmers cash and turns around and threatens lawsuits and bullies these farmers when they reserve seed from their crop yields and slaps them with patent infringement lawsuits.Such a wonderful company.How about the pending lawsuits against MONSANTO by field workers who have developed terrible cancers since using MONSANTO PESTICEDES in their fields.All coincidence I suppose.This company is pure evil.If you are so sure that MONSANTOS products are safe do this.Buy yourself some MONSANTO ROUND UP and ingest government safe levels in a glass of water everyday for the next year and let me know what happens…better yet give it to all your grandchildren too.Thats what I thought….not a chance in hell.Now go cash your check from MONSANTO and tell your boys at head office to get ready…its not gonna be pretty.
Brilliant observation, but you are forgetting one small thing: the scientific method.
It simply makes no sense to compare an heterogenous population of rats from one continent with an equal heterogenous population on another continent. They are different in many ways: different strains, different genomic background, different diet, different tratments, and so on.
This was actually the whole point of Seralini's paper: to compare an homogenous population of rats treated in the same way, the only difference being their diet. A pity you missed it.
I appreciate your clarification but you have comfortably ignored the rest of my sentence, which continued as: "…DIFFERENT DIET (I add now, for the sake of clarity, different overall diet), DIFFERENT TREATMENT (I add now, for sake of clarity, that I meant for instance different cages and therefore different stress stimuli, and who knows what other uncontrollable variables).
Besides, based on what exactly do you assume that we should necessarily see a difference? Does it a matter after 5 or 10 generations? Has anyone shown that the "effect" is inherited by the offspring? I still cannot see the scientific base of your line of reasoning…
I wouldn't take American studies on the GM crops very seriously. Although, I wonder how can anyone in the U.S. even obtain grant to conduct research on Monsanto products. Just in case people are not aware, Monsanto was endorsed personally by none other than Barack H. Obama in 2008 (feel free to look it up). So any 'real research' on Monsanto GM crops will probably not exist in the U.S, but one can expect reseacrh biased in favor of Monsanto.
Also, why do you seem to be only worried about the anti-GMO groups ? Given the size of a company like Monsanto, one should be worried and more suspicious about the pro-GMO lobbyists. After all, they are the ones with the green paper (and hence can do no evil, perhaps?).
I am also intrigued by your approval of the 90 day study conducted by Monsanto, and complete disregard for the two year study which is , as rightly mentioned by you, a rast's average lifetime. Timescale is really important here. Monsanto's website states "There is no need to test the safety of DNA introduced into GM crops. DNA (and resulting RNA) is present in almost all foods" and goes on to conclude "Thus, there is no need to undertake lifetime animal cancer studies for GM foods that contain new DNA, RNA, and proteins with well-characterized functions". In response to this a paper titled 'Beyond Substantial Equivalence' was published in Nature (Millstone et al., 1999). It says "Showing that a genetically modified food is chemically similar to its natural counterpart is not adequate evidence that it is safe for human consumption". You might want to read the whole paper. An important fact to remember here is that this food will be fed to humans who have a lifespan substantially longer than rats. So claiming a 90 day study on rats conclusive, is absolutely ridiculous.
Lastly, I would be very interested to know your (or Monsanto's) objection to Proposition 37. I mean its a mere labelling of the gm food. What harm can it do?
Rather weak "Proof Perfect".
You really don't see a difference between "We do not exclude GM materials from rodent diets" and feeding a test group exclusively with NK603 R-tolerant maize?
Please, I think I deserve a better answer than this. With "overall diet" I meant that the GM Versus wild-type food is not the only difference in the diet. What about different protein/carbohydrates ratio, amount of different vitamins, and so on? An what about different stress stimuli due to different cages and manipulation? I'm sure you're able to give me an exaustive answer…or not?
Please, I think your readers deserve a better answer than this. With "overall diet" I meant that the GM Versus wild-type food is not the only difference in the diet. What about different protein/carbohydrates ratio, amount of different vitamins, and so on? How can you prove that they were the same? An what about different stress stimuli due to possible different cages and manipulation? Remeber that these are the kind of questions everybody has to aswer when trying to publish a paper. I'm sure you're able to give me an exaustive answer…or not?
The Seralini paper makes no claim about all gm foods. It relates to specific GM corns. That American raised rats are fed with foods from which gm is not exluded tells you absolutely nothing about the corns that Seralini has tested.
(although I would be interested in hearing whether the tumour rates in lab rats varies between the US and the EU and whether it has changed in the 20 years or so that GM has been commercially available).