text:
All this summer you've nominated and voted for your favorite local businesses in categories ranging from Best Burger and Most Family-Friendly Restaurant to Best Gym and Best Farmer's Market.
We've tallied all the poll votes and now it's time to announce the winners. See below for our complete list of Readers' Choice winners
2nd Place:
3rd Place, tied: and
2nd Place:
3rd Place: Marston's
2nd Place: Pie n' Burger
3rd Place, tied: and
Winner, tied: Cherry on Top and Yogurtland
3rd Place: Froyo Life
Winner: , South Pasadena
2nd Place:
3rd Place: , Eagle Rock
Winner, tied: Clearman's Galley (aka "The Boat") in San Gabriel, in La Crescenta
3rd Place: Barney's Beanery, Pasadena
Winner: , Monrovia
2nd Place: , Monrovia
3rd Place: , Sierra Madre
Winner: , Monrovia
2nd Place, tied: Burrito Express, Pasadena Lucky Boy, Pasadena
Winner: , South Pasadena
2nd Place, tied: , , Robin's Wood Fire BBQ
Winner: Lacy Park, San Marino
2nd Place: Garfield Park, South Pasadena
3rd Place: Farnsworth Park, Altadena and Two Strike Park, Montrose-La Crescenta.
Winner: in South Pasadena
2nd Place: in Monrovia
Winner: Monrovia Canyon Park
2nd Place, tied: Altadena Crest Trail, Arroyo Seco, Pasadena
Winner, tied: Michael Hollis Fine Art, ,
Winner, tied: ,
Winner: Jim's Pasadena Plumbing
2nd Place:
Winner: Foothill Gym in Monrovia
2nd Place: Taix Workout Studio in La Canada-Flintridge
3rd Place: Hiking Trails in the San Gabriel Mountains
2nd Place:
3rd Place:
Winner, tied: ,
2nd Place:
3rd Place: Intelligentsia
2nd Place:
3rd Place:
Winner: Trader Joe's
2nd Place: Taylor's Meat & Produce Market
3rd Place: Super King


text:
(This story first ran at PressConnects.com) BALTIMORE — At 26 years old, UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones admits it is difficult even for him to realize he could soon be considered the best fighter in the history of mixed martial arts. But it's a reality (…)
The worldwide leader for mixed martial arts and UFC news, MMA News, UFC Rumors, MMA Rankings, Interviews, Videos, UFC Results, and UFC Blog more
The UFC will crown the first strawweight champion with The Ultimate Fighter 20, but it won't stop the promotion from matching other strawweight fights before the season.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk, unbeaten in MMA, will take on fellow UFC newcomer Juliana Lima at UFC on FOX 12 in San Jose, Calif., on July 26. Sources close to the situation confirmed the match-up to MMAFighting.com following a report from Groundandpound.
Jedrzejczyk (6-0) earns a shot in the Octagon after scoring a second-round knockout more
The UFC has signed two more women's strawweight prospects, and they'll meet later this month in California. Joanna Jedrzejczyk will meet Juliana Carneiro Lima in San Jose.Filed under: MMA Rumors, News, UFC more
Brazil's Tiago dos Santos is set to meet Akbarh Arreola, from Mexico, at UFC on FOX 12, which finalizes the card with 12 fights later this month in San Jose.Filed under: News, UFC more
Say hello to a familiar face, beginning with UFC Fight Night 45 next week in "Dirty Jersey."
I guess that boxing match against Roy Jones Jr. didn't pan out.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight contender and one-time political hopeful Chris Lytle will return to the fight game as the new mixed martial art (MMA) analyst for UFC on FOX, according to the network's release passed along earlier today. UFC on FOX analysts Kenny Florian, Daniel Cormier and host Karyn Bryant welcome f more
With Major League Baseball taking up Fox Sports 1's schedule for July 26th, fans can look forward to watching the UFC on Fox 12 prelims on the Fox network.
It's not often that the UFC being bumped off of Fox Sports 1 can be construed as a positive, but this could definitely be one of those rare exceptions. Due to a Major League Baseball doubleheader, the UFC on Fox 12 preliminary card will be broadcast on the Fox network in addition to the night's main card, which is headlined by Robbie Lawler a more
A highly anticipated lightweight contest has been scrapped, as Michael Johnson has been forced to withdraw from a planned UFC on FOX 12 bout with Josh Thomson.Filed under: News, UFC more
"The Punk" gets punked ... yet again.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight number one contender, Josh Thomson, will no longer throw hands opposite Michael Johnson at the upcoming UFC on FOX 12 event, scheduled for the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on July 26, 2014.
That's because "The Menace" has been injured, according to MMA Junkie, and forced to withdraw from the event.
To complicate matters, the promotion has roughly two weeks to find a replacement against a fighter more
The anticipated lightweight match-up between Josh Thomson and Michael Johnson has been discarded after Johnson withdrew with an injury. One of the most exciting contests on the UFC on FOX 12 fight card will no longer be taking place, as Michael Johnson withdrew from his feature fight against Josh Thomson with an undisclosed injury.
MMAJunkie.com was the first to report the news.
The UFC is still looking for a potential opponent for Thomson, who is coming off a controversial decision loss to form more

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Robert Pattinson News - The Twilight Saga 2014-07-31T00:10:56Z http://thetwilightsaga.com/forum/topics/robert-pattinson-news?commentId=2570916%3AComment%3A167104021&xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=no Robert Pattinson The Hollywoo… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2014-05-28:2570916:Comment:171453473 2014-05-28T20:59:48.364Z Pinkie http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/Pinkie811
Robert Pattinson The Hollywood Reporter

1:21 pm, May 28th, 2014

(Hollywood Reporter)…

Robert Pattinson The Hollywood Reporter

1:21 pm, May 28th, 2014

(Hollywood Reporter)

Robert Pattinson covers the new issue of The Hollywood Reporter, opening up about life before and after the Twilight Saga.

The actor recalls a fateful, middle-of-the-night talk withTwilight director Catherine Hardwicke during the audition process, confessing they had "this ridiculous conversation, and I hadn't read the books or the script or anything and I just bullsh*tted on the phone."

Pattinson went on to test with Kristen Stewart at the Hardwicke's home, where "in one of the scenes, I [was meant] to take my shirt off, and I think I was the one guy who didn't."

Of course, he did ultimately end up shedding his shirt for the film series, which turned out to be way different than he ever expected, especially considering he initially thought it would be similar to Hardwicke's previous project Thirteen, "but with vampires."

"I genuinely had no idea it was going to be a [blockbuster]," admits Pattinson, who says "everything changed when they did the marketing, and the general public started to view [the films] in a different way when they started to push the 'team' aspect of it."

He goes on, "It was like, 'I'm on Team Edward or Team Jacob.' That saturated everything, and suddenly there was a backlash. Whereas with the first [film], there wasn't a backlash at all."

Reflecting on his role as Edward, Pattinson says, "It was quite a constricting character, in a way."

"You want to make [him] as dramatic as possible, but you have someone who never loses his temper, and so it's like, 'How the f*ck do you do this?'" he says. "I think that was one of the hardest jobs I've ever done."

The magazine asks whether Pattinson is still in touch with Stewart, and quotes him as "blithely" replying with "Yeah."

Despite the franchise's mega-success, the movie star still finds himself struggling to score new roles to the point where he's asking to meet with various directors in hopes of someday working together.

His persistence has paid off in one case, as Spring Breakers filmmaker Harmony Korine is now crafting a project for him.

"He won't even tell me what it's about," reveals Pattinson, and that seems to be just fine, as he tells the magazine, "I don't know if I've really particularly found my feet as an actor yet — I have to prove certain things."

And while the grind of maintaining a Hollywood career can be taxing (he says he hasn't even taken time to vacation because he has "a fear of missing out"), Pattinson insists he lives a happy life.

"I did some interview a while ago, and it sounds like I'm a manic-depressive about to kill myself," he laments. "And I'm like, 'No I'm not!'"

Pattinson calls himself "a relatively solitary person," but notes, "I've been in L.A. for five years, so I know a bunch of people here now," allowing for a "nice" birthday earlier this month.

He even plays in poker games with former co-star Kellan Lutz, who is apparently very, very good.

"It's ridiculous!" he says. "It's like they basically just ask, 'Do you want to spend $500 to hang with us?' 'Oh, great!'"

That aside, Pattinson isn't a big spender.

"I buy nice guitars, and that's about my only expense," he says, going on to explain why he recently sold his home.

He tells THR, "It was too big a house. It was incredible, like Versailles. It was absolutely, completely crazy. It had this incredible garden, but you just stay in one room, anyway."

"I could basically live in a cell as long as I had a window," he adds, later noting, "I have extremely simple desires. I don't need anything. I don't want anything at all."

In fact, he recounts recently floating in a pool chair with some wine, feeling, "This is absolute heaven. This is all I require out of life."

Pattinson does, however, still have one serious complaint about being in the spotlight: the paparazzi, who recently stalked him in Los Angeles.

"It was like eight cars following me. And this went on for 10 hours, this thing. I literally didn't know what to do," he says. "[But] you figure out ways to deal with it."

"It's been such a long time now, it just becomes what your life is. I can't even really remember what my life was like before," he admits.

 For Robert Pattinson, Cannes… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2014-05-22:2570916:Comment:171438980 2014-05-22T21:13:47.705Z Pinkie http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/Pinkie811

For Robert Pattinson, Cannes Is a Coming-out Party

CANNES, France May 20, 2014 (AP)

By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer…

For Robert Pattinson, Cannes Is a Coming-out Party

CANNES, France May 20, 2014 (AP)

By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer

For the past year, Robert Pattinson has been trying to disappear. He says he's been actively avoiding having his photo taken, trying to erase a tabloid persona.

"I'm just trying to not be in stupid gossip magazines, basically, and I think the best way to do it is never be photographed ever," says Pattinson. "As I get older, I just get more and more and more self-conscious about getting photographed. I don't know why. I've done it too many times and now I feel like everyone can see through me."

Not being photographed isn't an option for Pattinson at the Cannes Film Festival: The annual Cote d'Azur extravaganza is famous for its walls of photographers and its rabid hunger for celebrity.

But Pattinson has unveiled a new, more mature image of himself at this year's Cannes. He stars in two of the festival's top films: David Michod's lean, dystopian thriller "The Rover" and, in competition, David Cronenberg's dark Hollywood satire "Maps to the Stars." In the latter, he plays a Los Angeles limo driver trying to break into the movie business.

In "The Rover," which opens in the United States on June 13, he gives arguably his best performance yet, playing a bloodied half-wit who travels across a near-future Australian Outback with a terse man bent on revenge (Guy Pearce). With a halting Southern accent, he's a mangy, wounded puppy dog of a man, loyal to his companion.

More than any film before, "The Rover" announces the 28-year-old former "Twilight" star as a talented actor of range, capable of disappearing into a complicated role.

"It's literally exactly what I wanted," Pattinson said of his Cannes, smiling atop the Palais des Festivals.

His performances have been eye-opening for many, including Pattinson's co-stars. "I wasn't aware of what he was capable of," says Pearce. "On the second day, I said to David, 'He's really (expletive) good, isn't he?'"

The new chapter for Pattinson really began with his first collaboration with Cronenberg in the 2012 stylish Don DeLillo adaptation "Cosmopolis." Since then, he says, he's been choosing parts solely by director.

"I sort of had a bit of a list," says Pattinson. "The things I'm going to do next I've said yes to them before I've even seen a script."

Along with Michod ("Animal Kingdom") and Cronenberg, Pattinson has shot movies with Werner Herzog and Anton Corbijn. He's lined up films with Harmony Korine ("Spring Breakers") and Olivier Assayas ("Carlos"). All are widely acclaimed filmmakers who mostly operate far from the mainstream.

"It takes so much of the responsibility off you," says Pattinson. "I don't like the idea of trying to make movies as, like, a vehicle. Also, I don't really know who my audience is. I don't know if I have an audience. Outside of 'Twilight,' I don't know."

"Playing the lead in 'Cosmopolis' was not at the time what he wanted to do," says Cronenberg. "I had to talk him into it. He was really looking forward to playing a smaller role in an ensemble piece. In a way, ('Maps') is kind of a perfect continuation of our relationship, which I really value."

Pattinson auditioned for Michod for "The Rover," though the screenplay's scant backstory made it difficult. Exposition is largely resisted on the characters and the nature of the "collapse" that destroyed Australian currency. Pattinson went in in character.

"But then I had to sort of ask a couple questions half in character at the beginning, like: 'Is he mentally handicapped? Before I completely make a fool out of myself?'" he recalled laughing.

"The second he started doing the character, I was getting excited," says Michod. "I was getting excited about the performance he would give, excited about the character as invented by him and excited by the prospect of taking a possibly very underestimated franchise star and letting him demonstrated what he's actually capable of."

Pattinson says relished playing a more physical part.

"I had done so many parts where I was super still — like the whole of 'Twilight,'" he says. "It's so restrictive. You do something where you have blood all over your face, you can't be expected to fit into any kind of mold."

Drafted into a global franchise at a young age, Pattinson has previously said he wasn't even sure if acting was meant for him. For one of the more famous people on the planet, he doesn't exude confidence or self-seriousness, but rather has a squinty, bemused manner and is quick to laugh at himself. Now, he acknowledges his confidence is growing.

"I'm very, very good at lower expectations," says Pattinson. "Lower expectations and over-deliver."

———

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/robert-pattinson-cannes-coming-party-23790631?page=2

 Happy Birthday, Rob! Enjoy yo… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2014-05-13:2570916:Comment:171415543 2014-05-13T10:20:47.448Z Joy pinera http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/Joypinera Happy Birthday, Rob! Enjoy your day! Love yah! :) Happy Birthday, Rob! Enjoy your day! Love yah! :) Merry Christmas! tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2013-12-27:2570916:Comment:170809879 2013-12-27T13:16:53.991Z PEI-SUNG FANG http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/PEISUNGFANG
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

 Robert Pattinson to Co-Star i… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2013-12-11:2570916:Comment:170745883 2013-12-11T03:04:53.328Z Irene Angeles http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/IrenePriscillaBalinongAngeles
Robert Pattinson to Co-Star in 'The Childhood of a Leader'

From …

Robert Pattinson to Co-Star in 'The Childhood of a Leader'

From Variety:

Juliette Binoche, Tim Roth and Robert Pattinson are attached to "The Childhood of a Leader," a new drama directed by Brady Corbet, Variety has learned.

The pic is Corbet's feature directorial debut, after winning honorable mention at Sundance in 2009 for his short "Protect You + Me."

The drama, which tells the childhood of a post-World War I leader, is tentatively scheduled to shoot in Europe starting in May. Corbet co-wrote the script with Mona Fastvold, the director of the upcoming Sundance drama "The Sleepwalker." It will be produced by Antoine and Martine de Clermont-Tonnere, Chris Coen and Amour Fou.

Corbet, the star of this year's Sundance indie "Simon Killer," just wrapped roles in Noah Baumbach's "While We're Young," Andrea Di Stefano's "Paradise Lost" and Bertrand Bonello's "Saint Laurent."

Source: ToR

 German Distribution, Toronto… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2013-11-25:2570916:Comment:170663680 2013-11-25T01:12:25.605Z PEI-SUNG FANG http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/PEISUNGFANG

German Distribution, Toronto Screening: David Cronenberg and Robert Pattinson MAPS TO THE STARS

By Andre Soares | Most Recent Update: Nov 19, 2013

Robert Pattinson and David Cronenberg 'Maps to the Stars' gets German distribution, Toronto screening

Starring…

German Distribution, Toronto Screening: David Cronenberg and Robert Pattinson MAPS TO THE STARS

By Andre Soares | Most Recent Update: Nov 19, 2013

Robert Pattinson and David Cronenberg 'Maps to the Stars' gets German distribution, Toronto screening

Starring Robert Pattinson, Julianne Moore, John Cusack, and Mia Wasikowska, Maps to the Stars has found a German distributor. Screen Daily reports that Christian Meinke's MFA+ has acquired the rights to the David Cronenberg-directed Hollywood satire at the American Film Market, recently held in Santa Monica. MFA+ also picked up Vincent Grashaw's feature debut Coldwater and Tobias Lindholm's Danish thriller A Hijacking / Kapringen, which has a similar premise to that of the Paul Greengrass and Tom Hanks hit Captain Phillips. (Photo: Robert Pattinson on the set of Maps to the Stars.)

In Map to the Stars, John Cusack (replacing Viggo Mortensen) plays a Los Angeles analyst and self-help guru whose wife (Olivia Williams) is immersed in the career of their teen star son (Evan Bird), fresh off of rehab. Their daughter (Mia Wasikowska) is a recovering pyromaniac — a dangerous passtime in Kalahari-arid Southern California.

One of Cusack's clients is an actress (Rachel Weisz replacement Julianne Moore), who has visions of her dead mother (Sarah Gadon) and whose chief goal in life is to remake the movie that made Mom a star in the '60s. And finally, Robert Pattinson plays Jerome Fontana, a limo driver with aspirations of movie stardom who befriends the young pyromaniac.

Bruce Wagner (Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hill) wrote the Maps to the Stars screenplay, which has been a prospective David Cronenberg film project since at least 2006. Back then, the film was described as a "dark Hollywood thriller," which, if correct, indicates that the screenplay has undergone some radical changes.

Note: Maps to the Stars is totally unrelated to Miguel Arteta's Star Maps, a 1997 drama about a young and handsome seller of star maps and sex worker (Douglas Spain), who suffers at the hands of his abusive father (Efrain Figueroa).

'Maps to the Stars': Cannes 2014 as possibility?

Toronto Star film critic Peter Howell tweeted that Maps to the Stars, "with plot of life crisis & rehab, had industry sneak Monday in T.O. — perfect choice!" Whether or not this second David Cronenberg and Robert Pattinson collaboration will have a Cannes Film Festival 2014 premiere remains to be seen.

There's certainly a chance, as Cosmopolis had its official debut at the festival two years ago. In fact, in the last 18 years, four David Cronenberg movies have vied for the Palme d'Or. Besides Cosmopolis, there were Crash, Spider, and A History of Violence.

'Maps to the Stars' cast

Besides Robert Pattinson, Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Mia Wasikowska, and the other aforementioned performers, also in the Maps to the Stars cast are the following: Niamh Wilson, Emilia McCarthy, Jayne Heitmeyer, Amanda Brugel, Kiara Glasco, Joe Pingue, Justin Kelly, Ari Cohen, Jennifer Gibson, Chris Anton, Jonathan Watton, Donald Burda, Clara Pasieka, Gord Rand, Byron Lane, and Star Wars' Carrie Fisher as herself.

Carrie Fisher, of course, wrote her own bit of Hollywood (semi-)fiction, Postcards from the Edge, which became a 1990 movie directed by Mike Nichols. Meryl Streep starred as a sort of Carrie Fisher while Shirley MacLaine played a sort of Debbie Reynolds.

Hollywood satires have been around for as long as Hollywood has been around. Some have been lighthearted — e.g., King Vidor's Souls for Sale, starring Eleanor Boardman as a film-star to be — others have been scathing — e.g., Billy Wilder's Sunset Blvd., starring Gloria Swanson as what might have become of Eleanor Boardman three decades later. (Actually, Norma Desmond was inspired by Barbara La Marr and other movie vamps of the period. Boardman played Good Girls.) Anyhow, chances are Maps to the Stars will fall into to the latter category.

Robert Pattinson movies

After leaving Edward Cullen behind following the release of Bill Condon's The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 nearly one year ago, Robert Pattinson has kept himself busy. Although there have been no 2013 releases — unless one counts his Dior commercial — Pattinson has several projects that, if they all come to fruition, will have his name plastered on movie billboards about half a dozen times in the next two years.

Those include David Michôd's Australian-set futuristic thriller The Rover, co-starring Guy Pearce; Werner Herzog's Queen of the Desert, with Nicole Kidman (replacing Naomi Watts) in the title role (as Gertrude Bell) and Pattinson as T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole in Lawrence of Arabia); Jesper Ganslandt's Mission: Blacklist, with Robert Pattinson as U.S. interrogator Eric Maddox; and James Marsh's thriller Hold on to Me, with Carey Mulligan.

Recently, Robert Pattinson's name has found its way into James Gray's The Lost City of Z, to star Benedict Cumberbatch as British explorer Lt. Col. Percival Fawcett, who nine decades ago disappeared in the Amazon while in search of a mythical civilization. It's unclear which role Pattinson would have in the film.

And as a commenter reminded me below, Robert Pattinson should also be playing photographer Dennis Stock opposite Dane DeHaan's James Dean in Life. According to online reports, the Anton Corbijn-directed movie is supposed to begin production in February 2014. One more: the IMDb lists Hate Mail as another Pattinson movie project; Scarlett Johansson was at one point mentioned as the film's leading lady-to-be. (More on Robert Pattinson and 'Life.')

Besides David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis and the Twilight movies co-starring Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson's previous features include Mike Newell's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (as Cedric Diggory), supporting Daniel Radcliffe; Paul Morrison's Little Ashes as a troubled Salvador Dalí in love with Javier Beltrán's Federico García Lorca; Allen Coulter's romantic drama Remember Me, opposite Emilie de Ravin; Francis Lawrence's Water for Elephants, co-starring Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz; and Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod's underrated Bel Ami, with Robert Pattinson excellent in the title role opposite Christina Ricci, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Uma Thurman.

Info about Maps to the Stars acquisition by German distributor via mapstothestarsfilm.com. Image of Robert Pattinson on the set of Maps to the Stars via justjared.com, which offers about a dozen other photos on the film's set.

"German Distribution, Toronto Screening: David Cronenberg and Robert Pattinson MAPS TO THE STARS" Originally Published: Nov 19, 2013
 Though the book it's based o… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2013-11-07:2570916:Comment:170584487 2013-11-07T00:55:41.967Z PEI-SUNG FANG http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/PEISUNGFANG

Though the book it's based on burned up the New York Times Best Seller list when it was released back in 2009, director James Gray has been finding it surprisingly hard to get traction on a film adaptation of David Grann's The Lost City of Z. Benedict Cumberbatch signed on for the lead role of explorer Percy Fawcett earlier this fall, but little other information about the status of the project has emerged since. Today, however, Screen Daily announced…

Though the book it's based on burned up the New York Times Best Seller list when it was released back in 2009, director James Gray has been finding it surprisingly hard to get traction on a film adaptation of David Grann's The Lost City of Z. Benedict Cumberbatch signed on for the lead role of explorer Percy Fawcett earlier this fall, but little other information about the status of the project has emerged since. Today, however, Screen Daily announced that Robert Pattinson has joined the cast of the film in a major role.

Pattinson's involvement was unveiled during this week's American Film Market, and Screen Daily revealed the casting in their first AFM-centric print issue of the year.

The film has had a long road to the big screen but, with Pattinson and Cumberbatch both on board, I can't imagine that The Lost City of Z will collapse at this point. The project was previously in development over at Paramount Pictures before pay disputes and then-star Brad Pitt's interest in Andrew Dominik's Killing Them Softly led to the film flatlining.

Now, Pitt's own film company, Plan B Entertainment, has committed to producing duties, and Panorama Media has agreed to finance and sell rights for the film. It looks like all the pieces are falling into place for The Lost City of Z to shoot early next year.

Pattinson's role is as of yet unclear, though I would predict that he will portray Raleigh Rimmell, a close friend of Fawcett's son who accompanies the explorer on his journey into the Amazon. The role of Jack Fawcett is also still open, but I can't imagine that Gray would expect audiences to buy Pattinson as Cumberbatch's son.

The Lost City of Z centers on Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett, a British soldier-turned-explorer who becomes obsessed with the idea that an ancient civilization exists deep within the Amazon. Fawecett ventures into the deadly Amazon many times on various expeditions before funding eventually dries up. Convinced that the lost city, which he dubs Z, still exists, Fawcett undertakes one final adventure into the Amazon, bringing with him only his eldest son Jack and one of Jack's closest friends. None of them are ever seen again.

Do you approve of Pattinson's casting for this historical adventure film? Are you excited for The Lost City of Z? Let us know in the comments section!

Source: The Playlist

Who am I to disapprove of this piece of news? Besides, my girl squealed with unbridled excitement at this. ^^
 Robert Pattinson Lifts Hollyw… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2013-10-26:2570916:Comment:170543282 2013-10-26T03:08:15.329Z PEI-SUNG FANG http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/PEISUNGFANG
Robert Pattinson Lifts Hollywood Profile, Flying Solo

Appeared at Two Industry Events in Three Days

By TheImproper Staff, October 25th, 2013

Robert Pattinson stuck…

Robert Pattinson Lifts Hollywood Profile, Flying Solo

Appeared at Two Industry Events in Three Days

By TheImproper Staff, October 25th, 2013

Robert Pattinson stuck closely to married actress Isla Fisher at the Australians In Film Awards Gala in Hollywood. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images)

Robert Pattinson is suddenly a man about town in Hollywood. He's popped up at two industry events this week, flying solo at both to hobnob with actors, directors and producers. Is he trolling for work, or more comfortable now with the establishment?

In the most recent sighting, the dapper, clean-shaven and suited actor appeared at the "2nd Annual Australians In Film Awards Gala" in Hollywood.

The event is a schmooze-fest for the Australian acting contingent in Hollywood. It gives Aussie actors a chance to network and also doubles as an awards program for Australian based movies and actors.

Officially, Rob, 27, was there as a presenter. But he definitely has an affinity for the country.

He spent two months in the Australian outback this past spring to film "The Rover," a post-apocalyptic thriller about a society ruled by gangs. He co-stars with Aussie actor Guy Pearce.

Rob called filming in the desert under grueling conditions a life-changing experience and developed a keen fondness for the country, even if he was collared by police for riding his bike without a helmet during his stay.

Only three days ago, Pattinson showed up at an official screening for Director James Toback's film, "Seduced and Abandoned," at the Clarity Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif. Rob rubbed shoulders with Toback and directors Nicholas Jarecki and Brett Ratner.

In each case Rob was alone, or with one of his reps. His reported girlfriend Dylan Penn, daughter of actor Sean Penn, was nowhere to be seen.

And earlier this month, he was spotted with Florence Welch and her sister Grace at an Arctic Monkeys concert. He and Welch are just friends. So the Dylan Penn connection may be a little less than tabloids are making it out to be.

At the Australian event, Rob stuck closely to his table mates, including fetching redhead Isla Fisher, 37, who is married to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, 42. He was also spotted
on the red carpet talking with Delta Goodrem, an Australian singer-songwriter and television actress.

Rob presented the "Fox Studios Australia Orry-Kelly International Award" to Aussie production collective, Blue-Tongue Films. In keeping with the raucous atmosphere, he dubbed the honor "the R Kelly golden shower award." That Rob! What a card!

On a slightly more serious note, he added: "You look at the film industry now, everyone's so cut-throat, especially in L.A."

"Seeing how the Blue Tongue group came together, they all seem to support each other and they're also critics that share high quality work without their egos getting involved," he said.

Sounds like Rob's kind of crowd.
 by Lindsay Miller Robert P… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2013-10-26:2570916:Comment:170542931 2013-10-26T02:14:49.768Z PEI-SUNG FANG http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/PEISUNGFANG

by Lindsay Miller

Robert Pattinson was a Brit among a sea of Aussies at tonight's Australians in Film gala in LA. A suited-up — and nearly scruff-free — Rob was on hand to present an honor to Blue Tongue Films. The production company is behind his upcoming movie The Rover, which was shot in Southern Australia.

Rob had a front-row table at the award ceremony, where he dined on kohlrabi and beet salad by his rep's side…

by Lindsay Miller

Robert Pattinson was a Brit among a sea of Aussies at tonight's Australians in Film gala in LA. A suited-up — and nearly scruff-free — Rob was on hand to present an honor to Blue Tongue Films. The production company is behind his upcoming movie The Rover, which was shot in Southern Australia.

Rob had a front-row table at the award ceremony, where he dined on kohlrabi and beet salad by his rep's side and laughed along with the rest of the crowd — including Isla Fisher, Hawaii Five-0's Alex O'Loughlin, and several prominent Australian filmmakers — during the raucous festivities. Tonight was the second public appearance Rob has made this week; on Tuesday, he attended a screening of his friend Nicholas Jarecki's latest directorial project, Seduced and Abandoned.

Isla Fisher presented Baz Luhrman with one of two Orry-Kelly International awards tonight. The Great Gatsby director couldn't be there to accept in person, so she announced that she'd take home his boomerang statuette, teasing: "My first award!" Isla also couldn't resist comparing the title of the honor to the R&B singer with a very similar name: R. Kelly. When Rob presented the second of the statuettes to Blue Tongue shortly after Isla, he said he was chagrined she'd already made the first R. Kelly-related crack. Then, he jokingly referred to the honor as "the golden shower award," earning the evening's biggest roar of laughter from the crowd. In typical self-deprecating form, Rob also wondered out loud if he should ditch his "insanely" generic written speech, but ultimately decided against it after the crowd urged him to keep reading.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's POPSUGAR Live! for video from last night's ceremony and red carpet — and to hear why some of the Australian actors in attendance told us Rob deserved to be an honorary Aussie for the night.
 Robert Pattinson Dior Ad Cras… tag:thetwilightsaga.com,2013-09-14:2570916:Comment:170364212 2013-09-14T00:56:37.995Z PEI-SUNG FANG http://thetwilightsaga.com/profile/PEISUNGFANG
Robert Pattinson Dior Ad Crashes Viral Video Charts at No. 1

Bests Tech, Software, Car Ads First Week Out

By TheImproper Staff, September 11th, 2013

Robert Pattinson smolders in Dior Homme's new video ad for the fragrance.

Robert Pattinson is being paid a bundle to represent Dior Homme, but the fashion and fragrance brand is getting its money's…

Robert Pattinson Dior Ad Crashes Viral Video Charts at No. 1

Bests Tech, Software, Car Ads First Week Out

By TheImproper Staff, September 11th, 2013

Robert Pattinson smolders in Dior Homme's new video ad for the fragrance.

Robert Pattinson is being paid a bundle to represent Dior Homme, but the fashion and fragrance brand is getting its money's worth and then some. Rob's newly released Dior ad is topping the viral video charts for advertising on the Internet.

The charts are usually led by clever software, technology and fashion apparel ads, but Pattinson's Dior Homme fragrance campaign has broken the mold, according to Visible Measures, which tracks that segment of the market.

Rob's Director's Cut Dior video broke into the chart at No. 1 with just over 7 million views for the week. It was released Sept. 1 after the brand teased fans for weeks with photos and video snippets.

TheImproper published a lengthy behind-the-scenes video and more than 70 photos from the campaign.

The top-five viral video campaigns were rounded out by Intel/Toshiba, Honda, Five-Hour Energy and Google's Chrome, according to the ratings.

Ad Age's Viral Video Chart, powered by Visible Measures, focuses on brand-driven social video ad campaigns, according to the publication.

Each campaign is measured by "True Reach," an MRC accredited metric that includes views from brand-driven and audience-driven social video clips," it says.

Rob's spot shows him in various scenes getting hot and bothered with French Model Camille Rowe. They kiss passionately, embrace under water in a swimming pool, race along the shoreline in a classic BMW convertible and drop in on swank parties. Led Zeppelin cranks in the background.

Rob personally recruited Romain Garvas to direct the ad, which was produced by Paris-based Iconoclast.

Rob and Camille's chemistry was unquestioned, but the ad drew criticism for its conformity to "every other perfume commercial," according to the advertising trade.

Calvin Klein released a fragrance spot in July that features actress Rooney Mara in black and white and Chanel No. 5 produced an ad spot with a similar look and feel as Robs, using actor Brad Pitt.

Still Dior's Twitter feed #DiorRob is trending. To see the ads and the firms that round out the Top Ten check out AdAge. And, be sure to follow TheImproper on Twitter for Robert Pattinson news you can trust.


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CONROE, Texas – Dozens gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil in memory of US BMX Olympic team member Kyle Bennett who died in a crash over the weekend.
Kyle's friends, family, and fiancé were among those attended the ceremony.
"Kyle was beautiful," said his fiancé. "He was a beautiful human being inside and out, and he had the biggest heart. I feel so sorry for those who didn't get to know him because you really are without – he was the love of my life, and I'm just going to carry him with me forever."
Bennett, originally from Conroe, died early Sunday morning in a car crash. Around 2:16 a.m. he was driving north on Old Highway 105 near Southshore Drive when his truck left the road.
His vehicle reportedly continued through a ditch, into a pipe and through a wrought iron gate at the entrance of a house. The truck uprooted several trees before coming to rest.
By the time Montgomery County medics arrived at the scene, Bennett was already dead. No other cars are people were involved in the incident.
DPS officials say that Bennett was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident and that he was traveling at a high speed.
Bennett, 33, competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics with the US team.
In addition to his fiancé, Bennett leaves behind a four-year-old daughter.


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Prospective Students | Class Registration
Call Us At: 1-909-558-1000
|Optimizing Success Through Materials Choice, Proper Diagnosis and Planning
|Sunday, October 13, 2013
|Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Lecture: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
|Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
|7 hours of CDE credit
|AGD Code:
|Dr. Hornbrook will discuss various options for your patients relating to aesthetic, metal-free dentistry. Applications including smile design, posterior restorations, fixed bridges, and full mouth rehabilitation will be discussed. Furhter discussion will include updates of dental adhesion, ideal cementations of the new materials, using the new resin cements, and addressing the role function plays in our decidion making. For the past decade, the searchfor invisible, beautiful dentistry has been the goal of both clinicians and manufacturers.
Along with the public's quest for dental aesthetics and a youthful, white smile, as our journey continues, it has also become more difficult as well as confusing. More difficult because our patients are more demanding for perfection and more confusing because of the vast array of new materials and options available to provide this care.
Providing a beautiful aesthetic restoration is the goal, but also these aesthetics must continue functioning long term. It is critical that the dentist be willing to take the steps necessary to truly understand the advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications of these new materials. Without this knowledge, the quality of care delivered will be compromised.
"This truly is the 'PLATINUM AGE' of dentistry and the potential for what we can offer to our patients, both aesthetically and functionally, is more exciting and rewarding than ever." - DSH
|1. Functional Aesthetics: The synergistic relationship between occlusion and aesthetics
Aesthetics drives function
Smile design
Laboratory communication
Types of deprogrammers and their role in determining correct bite position
2. Understanding the advantages of the new ceramics ideal for smile design
The goals of smile design
What do we look for when we design the smile?
Ceramic options
The dentist is the architect, the ceramist is the builder. Enjoy good laboratory communication!
3. Lasers in Dentistry
Types of lasers available: What should I buy? If I buy a laser, will I use it?
Applications for soft tissue and hard tissue
Designing the smile
Frenectomy procedure
Ovate pontic
Uncovering the implant
Periodontal therapy
Digital impressions
Lava C.O.S. (3M)
Cadent (Itero)
Cerec Connect (Sirona)
Cerec 3D
For more information email firstname.lastname@example.com or call (909) 558-4685.


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Food and Drink Features
Greg Elwell
Art is great, right? It's all … artsy, and it makes you feel stuff. Which is why, when the torrential rains of late April show up, we OKCers like to head downtown and walk around looking at it during the perennially wet and wonderful Festival of the Arts.


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City Watch Notification Systems
The City of Stockton has joined forces with City Watch Notification Systems to send out mass notifications of emergencies to provide critical information or to ask for public help. A notification may be limited to a specific geographic area or sent Citywide. Information sent may include the description of a lost child, the need to evacuate, or advisement of police or fire activity in your area.
Information may be sent via:
- a recorded voice message
- an email, or
- text message.
If you do not have a land line phone and use a cell phone for your communication needs, this page enables you to sign up to receive these public notifications. You may register one cell phone number and one email address per location. If you want to receive a text message notification to your cell phone, you must include the correct email domain associated with your cell phone service provider because the text is sent to your cell phone just like an email. You will need to choose your carrier in the drop down menu.
If you have a VoIP orIP based phone system that may not be recorded in the County's E911 database you may wish to utilize this page to register your home phone to ensure receipt of these notifications.
It is very important that your address be entered completely and accurately. If there is an apartment or suite number associated with your address, it MUST be included. If your address is a multi-unit building (apartment complex, office building, mall, etc.) you must include the apartment or suite number that designates your address as unique from the others with the same street address. If you do not include the appropriate apartment or suite number, your information will not be properly registered and may be lost.
All subsequent ' after the initial one will show your previously entered information. You can then make changes to your contact information as needed.
If you have any questions regarding this page and its usage, please contact the Stockton Police Department Telecommunications Manager during regular business hours.
The first step is to enter your street address in the space below. This will be compared to the City's data base to ensure accuracy. Once verified, you will be taken to the next input screen.
To register for and begin receiving Stockton Police City Watch Notifications, CLICK HERE.
External Links
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This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 8/7/2012


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By Staff
New Castle News
Melissa A. Amodie
•Stephanie Marie Rossi, of New Castle, charged by the Lawrence County sheriff with disorderly conduct.
New Castle police charged the following people:
•Jerry Lamar London IV, 26, of Youngstown, failure to comply with the registration of sexual offender requirements.
•Jalen Bailey, 18, of New Castle, air rifles and BB guns prohibited.
•Maurice C. Moore, 28, of New Castle, defiant trespass.
•Bo Allen Williams, 26, of New Castle, conspiracy-defiant trespass.
•Joseph M. Brown, 55, of New Castle, defiant trespass.
•Monica Lynn Carangie, 26, of New Castle, charged by New Castle police with two counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, three counts of intent to possess a controlled substance and one count each of use/possession of drug paraphernalia and corruption of minors.


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Area residents share effects of downturn
Several people from the community gathered in two focus groups and shared how the economic downturn has changed their lives.
Participants were granted anonymity for the sessions, which were organized and moderated by Alice Rodgers for the Beacon Journal.
• Faced with layoff, a man opted for retirement at a reduced rate: "It was kind of abrupt, because I was used to a certain stream of income. Then, all of a sudden, it was now here's all you're going to get."
• Middle-school teacher observing changes in her students since the economic downturn: "They're just so much meaner and angrier. I don't know if it is the trickle-down from their families… I love to teach and they don't want to learn. They're just mean and hateful and cruel and angry."
• Man on bailouts: "It's funny. Capitalism I believe in. But the people who rail against government interference are the first ones [seeking help] when they're in trouble."
• Man on the market crash: "It's had a great impact on me, because I don't have retirement — other than Social Security — but I did save all my life. It's not like I don't have any money, but it's all in the stock market. I feel so vulnerable because of what I see. … I'm not getting an even break."
• Business owner: "I'd say, for me, it's crippling. Small business owner, I'm in residential housing, remodeling, new construction. I have a daughter that just went to college, so I've had that added. I've stopped contributing to my retirement fund."
• Retiree on the economic slowdown "hasn't directly affected me, but indirectly because I've had to help out my two daughters a whole lot."
• Retiree: "I'm one of those people, too, always saved, always worked hard, never bought a new car. I think it's a tragedy that interest rates are so low, that somebody that saved their whole life can't put money somewhere that can be of good use."
• Longtime retiree: "The biggest change in my life economy was before 2007 when my company stole my pension. It's a pretty broad statement to make, but they declared bankruptcy."


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Duygu Pension Reviews
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The rating percentage is calculated from customers who booked within the last 12 months.
All ratings and reviews are based on the feedback and opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up-to-the-minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is.
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Duygu pension was a sweet if basic pansion, situated with a lovely view of the marina and a pleasant 10 minute walk out of the main town. Our only complaint during our stay was that we were over charged considerably due to waking up a member of staff as we had arrived very early in the morning, even though we had been assured that this wouldnt be the case.
- Novice Nomad
- Anonymous
- England
- Couple, 18-24
- (2 reviews)
very nice staff, helped as well with the local busses. good location with a nice view over Fethiye, a pool and typical turkish building. i would recommend it!
- Novice Nomad
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- Germany
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Birol was a fantastic host and really wanted to make sure that everything we did in town went perfectly. The room was neat and the breakfast was wonderful. Only spent one night there, but it was a good one, and it's easy to recommend the place, even if it is a bit out of the way.
- Globetrotter
- morriselhs6576
- Mixed Group, 25-30
- (30 reviews)


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We've had a beautiful streak of autumn weather this October, especially during leaf-peeping season. So on one of those crisp, sunny days when the colors seemed so vibrant that they popped against the brilliant blue sky, I decided to set up a flea market table at one of the scenic roadside stops along Route 9N just outside of Keene Valley.
Knowing that my vintage car would attract attention and hopefully be good for business, I loaded her up with boxes of antiques and collectibles and set off to make a little extra spending money for an upcoming trip to Cape Cod.
Now my car isn't just any old vintage car — she is a beloved family member with a personality all her own — and she has been in my family longer than I have. Her story begins back in Lyndonville, Vt., in the year 1954 when my 65-year-old widowed great-grandmother, Mayvelle Eaton, decided she needed a car "to go to the post office and store, so to be a little independent."
There is no doubt that she was well-advised in her choice of vehicle. That year Dodge was celebrating its 40th anniversary with a trio of new model automobiles: the Royal, the Cornet and the Meadowbrook. The most conservative of the fleet — the two-tone green Meadowbrook — was priced at just under $2,000. On April 28, 1954, Great Grammie made her way to CH Goss Co. in St. Johnsbury, Vt., and took possession of her brand new car, which she named "Miss Dodge."
Now Miss Dodge wasn't the proverbial little old-lady car that was just driven back and forth to church on Sunday, but rather she went on wonderful trips through the Green Mountains of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Every summer, Great Grammie would drive to Maine, collect her seven grandchildren and bring them back to Vermont for a visit.


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State lawmakers in Charleston are once again mulling over the benefits of electing members of the state Public Service Commission as opposed to the current appointment process. It is a topic that certainly merits continued discussion, particularly in light of the rampant number of public utility rate increases that have been imposed upon families in southern West Virginia in recent years.
And families living in the greater Bluefield area have garnered the unfair distinction of repeatedly paying among the highest public utility rates in the state. That's why a bill introduced earlier this week by Delegate Linda Sumner, R-Raleigh, is welcomed. It would essentially amend state code to allow for the election of PSC commissioners with set term limits.
At the present time, the PSC commissioners are appointed to six-year terms. As a result, they don't have to answer to voters, and they don't have to explain to area families who are struggling to make ends meet why they repeatedly green light one public utility rate increase after another. Simply put, it is time for lawmakers to overhaul the entire rate-changing process. And Sumner's legislation is a good first start.
The commission's current mission statement indicates it is charged with ensuring that consumers receive the best value in utility service from financially viable and technically competent companies.
It also states that the commission must ensure that utilities receive an opportunity to earn a fair return on their investment in regulated services.
But no where to be found in this six-point mission statement is a pledge by the commissioners to take into consideration the ability of families to pay for increased utility rates. And let's face it — residents in our region have been forced to shoulder the painful financial burden of one rate increase after another in recent years. Utility rates are not "reasonably priced" — as the commission's mission statement adds — when they are raised year after year.
Bluefield Mayor Linda Whalen correctly notes that the entire process by which utility rates are set needs to be reviewed and revised.
"I think the process that is in place is not working very effectively," Whalen said earlier this week. "I think the costs of utilities are on the rise because of what is happening in our entire country in relation to energy and coal. There is something wrong when Bluefield's utilities are higher than anyone else in the state. Certainly, our board would support measures allowing our utility rates to be more in line with the rest of the state."
We agree. Lawmakers across southern West Virginia must unite and demand a review and overhaul of the PSC process. And they should support Sumner's bill.
The current system in place isn't working. It's broken, and it needs to be fixed. We need a process, and a commission, that will take into account the daily struggle of families who must often choose between buying food and medicine, or paying their monthly utility bills. There are two sides to every story.
The needs of public utilities must be carefully weighed against the ability of citizens to pay increased rates. At the moment, that isn't happening.
Overhaul needed
Public Service Commission not working
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State lawmakers in Charleston are once again mulling over the benefits of electing members of the state Public Service Commission as opposed to the current appointment process. It is a topic that certainly merits continued discussion, particularly in light of the rampant number of public utility rate increases that have been imposed upon families in southern West Virginia in recent years.
- Editorials
- Heroic efforts: Kudos to our first responders
- Animal cruelty Keep pets out of hot vehicles
- Senseless act Park vandalism a new low
- Plenty to do Fairs, festivals, games on forefront
- On the move: NRCTC ready to grow
- Economic impact: Saints good for West Virginia
- Infrastructure upgrade — Clean water on tap for McDowell
- King Coal Highway: Road should be added to six-year plan
- Fire fees: Public input critical
- Back taxes — Collection will help McDowell deficit
- More Editorials Headlines


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Latest Posts
Ten Great Moments in Political Misspellings
1. Mitt Romney's campaign misspells America as Amercia. Amercian Acceptionalism has never been so exceptionable.
2. But he was not the first to sing the praises of Amercia the Beautiful, whose fruited plains were first extolled by Tea Party protesters in 2010.
3. Rick Santorum's campaign sent reporters an email titled "MEDIA ADVISORY: SANTORUM'S PUBIC SCHEDULE." 15 minutes later, staffers sent a correction, though Santorum himself remained obsessed with all things pubic.
4. Jon Huntsman inaugurated his 2012 campaign with an event at the Statue of Liberty that featured press passes reading "John Huntsman for President" – adding an unnecessary H in the candidate's first name. The same mistake was made in mailers sent to New Hampshire voters. If only the votes for John Huntsman could be combined with the votes for Jon Huntsman, 2012's most sane Republican contender would… still have lost.
Tags: Dan Quayle, Joe Miller, Jon Huntsman, Lisa Murkowski, Martha Coakley, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Tea Party
Republican Actually Admits to "War on Women"
Yesterday, RNC Chair—and IKEA chair—Reince Priebus denied that the GOP was waging a war on women. He claims it's just an invention of the media, like global warming, evolution and poor people.
But that's not how all Republicans see it…
The men in the Republican Party may not think they're fighting a "war on women," but its female senators certainly do. Yesterday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Kay Bailey Hutchison in criticizing the GOP's push for legislation to restrict access to contraception and other basic health care services:
"It makes no sense to make this attack on women," she said at a local Chamber of Commerce luncheon. "If you don't feel this is an attack, you need to go home and talk to your wife and your daughters."
Upon realizing that their loved ones back at home might actually be female, congressional Republicans emitted a collective gasp of horror and vowed never to oppress women again. Just kidding! They're still trying to ban funding for birth control, education and almost every other thing women care about.
Fortunately for us gals, Republicans aren't very good at winning wars.
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Tags: Contraception, Health Care, House of Representatives, Lisa Murkowski, Men and Women, Reince Priebus, Senate, Women's Rights
Senate GOP Tricked into Opposing Even More Rights for Women
I think that somebody must have placed a chart upside down in the Republican playbook or something. Otherwise, I don't think there's any reasonable explanation for why they might think that an unceasing barrage of attacks against previously-settled women's rights would be a winning strategy…
With emotions still raw from the fight over President Obama's contraception mandate, Senate Democrats are beginning a push to renew the Violence Against Women Act, the once broadly bipartisan 1994 legislation that now faces fierce opposition from conservatives…
Republicans are bracing for a battle where substantive arguments could be swamped by political optics and the intensity of the clash over women's issues. At a closed-door Senate Republican lunch on Tuesday, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska sternly warned her colleagues that the party was at risk of being successfully painted as antiwoman — with potentially grievous political consequences in the fall, several Republican senators said Wednesday.
But, but, but… It's not the Senate GOP's fault! Democrats are forcing them into a corner, in which they have no option but to side against the better interests of half the American populace. They're innocent, I tells ya…
Tags: Jeff Sessions, Lisa Murkowski, Men and Women, Republicans, Senate, Women's Rights
D.C. Sex Pamphlet Lists 50 Semi-Hotties
Hey, political nerd! Has your spank bank been feeling a little light of late? Well, fear not! Niche porn publication The Hill wants you to bust one wonky nut all over its 50 Most Beautiful People for 2011 issue!
In no small feat of investigative journalism, the Hill managed to find 50 reasonably attractive humans in the District of Columbia. This scintillating piece of link bait contains profiles on 50 extraordinarily boring adults whose terrible life choices led them to careers on or around Capitol Hill. It is agonizingly painful to attempt to read this entire thing, so we've done some advance work for you. Haha, just kidding — Politico did the work…
The list has 26 Republicans, 16 Democrats, 3 Nonpartisans, 2 Independents, 1 Centrist, 1 "Not Republican," and 1 "GOProud Conservative."
The detailed entries also include little tidbits about each beautiful person, like this one on [Alaska Senator Lisa] Murkowski: "It's in Alaska, however, where she's really in her element. Her online photo gallery shows her in pink fleece and hiking boots, sitting on an overturned bucket while feeding bears at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and flashing a smile underneath a ski hat, wrapped in a flowing fur coat at the 39th Annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race."
If you haven't choken on your own vomit, congratulations! You are now the greatest of all American heroes.
Go out and get yourself something nice from Brooks Brothers or Ann Taylor, the way these HAWT guys 'n' gals do when they're feeling creative.
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Tags: Alaska, Democrats, Lisa Murkowski, Republicans, Senate
DADT Repeal and Dream Act Actually Heading to the Actual Senate Floor in Actuality
Harry Reid may not be getting that bill to legalize online poker — not to mention that dump truck full of pork he was hoping for — but it does seem as though — despite my disgusted pessimism yesterday — he has an actual real life shot a passing some genuine historic legislation before the two chambers of Congress descend utterly into trench warfare next month.
And these pieces of legislation would actually be "historic" in a good way, believe it or not…
After abandoning on Thursday night a $1.3 trillion omnibus Senate spending bill, Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid filed cloture for the DREAM Act and a stand-alone repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" — both of which are now expected to reach the Senate for final votes as early as this weekend…
Republican Sens. Brown (who on Thursday confirmed his willingness to vote for the bill), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Olympia Snowe (Maine) have said they would support the bill, and all but one Democrat – West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin – is believed to be in favor of voting for repeal.
The prospects of the DREAM Act, however, are less clear. The measure, which would provide undocumented young people with pathways to American citizenship, has inspired criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, and a Senate vote on the legislation was recently delayed due to lack of sufficient support for passage.
It's sad enough that these are even issues being vigorously debated in the year 2010 in which we are currently living. What's sadder, though, is that I'd actually feel like it'd be a victory to get one of these bills through.
Fantastic job of managing expectations, Congress! That is one thing you do very well!
Tags: DADT, Gambling, Harry Reid, Immigration, Joe Manchin, LGBT, Lisa Murkowski, Military, Money, Olympia Snowe, Scott Brown, Senate, Susan Collins


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Facts and Statistics
Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are types of cancer that can affect the bone marrow, the blood cells, the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. These cancers are all related since each are likely a result from acquired changes to the DNA of a single stem cell.
These facts and statistics are the most recent data (2013) from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program, Cancer Statistics Review (CSR) 1975-2010. The CSR reports cancer incidence, prevalence, survival and death statistics. For a more detailed explanation of the SEER data, download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) free publication Facts 2013.
New Cases
- One person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer approximately every four minutes.
- An estimated combined total of 149,990 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma* in 2013.
- New cases of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma will account for 9 percent of the 1,660,290 new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States this year.
*MDS were included in the SEER statistics as separate entities beginning in 2007. Limited data are available.
Incidence is the number of newly diagnosed cases for a specific cancer or for all cancers combined during a specific time period:
Incidence rates are usually presented as a specific number per 100,000 population. Overall incidence rates reported in 2013, per 100,000 population, are:
- leukemia, 12.8 cases
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 19.7 cases
- Hodgkin lymphoma, 2.8 cases
- myeloma, 5.9 cases
- MDS, 4.8 cases
Prevalence is the estimated number of people alive on a certain date in a population who previously had a diagnosis of the disease. An estimated 1,129,813 people in the United States are living with, or are in remission from, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma.
Relative survival compares the survival rate of a person diagnosed with a disease to that of a person without the disease. The most recent survival data available may not fully represent the outcomes of all current therapies and, as a result, may underestimate survival to a small degree.
In general, the likelihood of dying from most types of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma decreased from 2000 to 2010 (the most recent data available):
- Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are expected to cause the deaths of an estimated 54,630 people in the United States this year (2013).
- These diseases are expected to account for nearly 9.4 percent of the deaths from cancer in 2013, based on the total of 580,350 cancer deaths.
More to Explore
Resource Center Related Links:
under Free Education Materials (8):
- 2013 Advocacy Brochure
- Angiogenesis
- Back to School Resources
- Blood Cancer Facts 2013 Flyer
- Blood Cells/Lymphatic System
- Each New Day
- Facts Spring 2014
- Understanding Lab and Imaging Tests
under Suggested Reading (9):
- And Thou Shalt Honor: A Caregivers Companion
- Cancer Fitness: Exercise Programs for Patients and Survivors
- Charlie's Cancer Rescue
- Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness
- Instructional DVD: How to Give Comfort through Touch and Massage to a Loved One with Cancer
- It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life
- The Hope Tree: Kids Talk about Breast Cancer
- The Survivor Meditations (Audio Compact Disc)
- You and a Death in Your Family


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It's a perfect date night! Have a little bubbly, learn some smooth new moves, watch the stars come out over the water!
Center for Ballroom and Dance will be teaching dance lessons at Lindy's Landing Restaurant & Marina in Wauconda every Wednesday night over the summer.
For a $10 cover fee get 1 drink, 1 dance lesson, & hours of open dancing!
Dance lesson begins at 7 p.m.
All skill levels welcome!
Open to the public!


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The death toll in Venezuela has reached five after officials say a 22-year-old beauty queen was shot and killed amid protests. Meanwhile, South Floridians are holding vigils to pray for an end to the conflict. NBC 6's Wilalrd Shepard reports.
A Venezuelan mayor says a 22-year-old beauty queen has died after being shot in an anti-government protest.
Mayor Enzo Scrano says Genesis Carmona died Wednesday in Valencia from a head wound. Scrano is an opposition mayor in one of the districts that make up the city of Valencia.
Carmona was Miss Tourism 2013 for the state of Carabobo.
She was struck by a bullet Tuesday when unknown gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on opposition protesters.
She is the fifth death during protests in the past week.


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[QUOTE]Originally posted by rubyred09: [QB] Hmm...when this first started I wasn't nearly as terrified of putting something inside me. I just remember wanting to be able to use a tampon, but feeling incredibly strange about having something inside my body like that. I wasn't scared that it would get stuck or lost inside me or anything like that, I don't think, it was just something new and it scared me. As far as how I feel about my genitals in general...I thought that I was fine with them, but now I'm not so sure. I didn't grow up with shame, exactly, but I didn't grow up with openness, either. Nobody ever really talked to me about sex; my mother found me a website to look at to read about sex and menstruation and stuff and that was pretty much it, so I guess that might have sent the message that sex was something that I wasn't supposed to talk about. When I dated my first boyfriend at 16 my mom said to tell her if I wanted to go on birth control because she didn't want me getting pregnant (not in a way that implied that I was having sex, necessarily, she was just trying to be helpful, but that wasn't helpful at all). And when you put it that way a gynecological exam doesn't sound quite so scary I guess...maybe I should mention that I'm scared of doctors in general; I get scared before seeing my regular doctor and even my dentist sometimes. I can't stand people who aren't close to me touching me. [/QB][/QUOTE]
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Member # 97514
So, I'm not really sure where to start with this...
I'm 21 years old and I've never been able to insert anything into my vagina. When I first started my period at 13 I was too scared to even try tampons; a few years later I tried to try tampons but I got too scared to even push it in very far so I gave up.
I've been dating my current boyfriend for almost two years and the first time he tried to put a finger inside me we discovered that it was almost impossible. I was entirely shocked, because I felt very aroused and I really wanted him to put his fingers inside of me. I tried a few times on my own and eventually was able to put 2 fingers inside myself without much discomfort, but when he tries it just hurts. It has gotten to the point now where just thinking about putting my own finger inside myself makes my heart start racing - in a bad way, obviously.
The last time we tried anything like that, I told my boyfriend to go ahead and try, but before he even got near my vagina the words "please don't" came out of my mouth in a desperate whimper...I could't even control it. Of course he stopped and told me it was okay, but I'm so frustrated. He keeps telling me we'll figure it out and he is the most loving and patient person I know, but I hate myself for not being able to do the things I think I should be able to do. I love him so much and every time I get upset about this he comforts me and tells me that he'd never leave me even if I could never have vaginal intercourse with him, but that doesn't make me want to fix this any less and it doesn't make me much less upset; I just want to be normal.
Also, I know I need to see a gynecologist at my age but I'm absolutely terrified; I can't do it. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry, so I can't imagine what a scene I'd make if I actually tried it.
Also, my boyfriend can touch my breasts and clitoris without any freaking out from me; it's just my vagina that's the problem.
I feel like the biggest baby in the world right now, but I have no idea who to talk to or where to start to figure out how to deal with this.
Member # 97514
Also, I've got some anxiety issues in pretty much every other area of my life as well; I get anxious about basically everything, and sometimes nothing at all. So I'm sure that isn't helping me.
Member # 25425
Welcome to Scarleteen, Ruby. I am sorry to hear that this has been so hard for you.
There are a few things we can talk about to figure out what is going on here, but I also think that a really important first step would be for you to see a gynecologist, so we can rule out any physical causes for your discomfort and pain.
Now, I realize that sounds super scary, but it does not have to be. Gynecological exams can be really uncomfortable for a lot of people, for various reasons, so doctors (usually) react pretty well when you let them know you need some extra support and care, and you can communicate to them what it is that you need.
In the meantime, we can also talk about some other possible causes for what's going on here. For example, do you remember what you were afraid about specifically when this first started? How do you feel about your genitals in general? Did you grow up with any shame around genitals and genital sex?
Member # 97514
Hmm...when this first started I wasn't nearly as terrified of putting something inside me. I just remember wanting to be able to use a tampon, but feeling incredibly strange about having something inside my body like that. I wasn't scared that it would get stuck or lost inside me or anything like that, I don't think, it was just something new and it scared me.
As far as how I feel about my genitals in general...I thought that I was fine with them, but now I'm not so sure. I didn't grow up with shame, exactly, but I didn't grow up with openness, either. Nobody ever really talked to me about sex; my mother found me a website to look at to read about sex and menstruation and stuff and that was pretty much it, so I guess that might have sent the message that sex was something that I wasn't supposed to talk about. When I dated my first boyfriend at 16 my mom said to tell her if I wanted to go on birth control because she didn't want me getting pregnant (not in a way that implied that I was having sex, necessarily, she was just trying to be helpful, but that wasn't helpful at all).
And when you put it that way a gynecological exam doesn't sound quite so scary I guess...maybe I should mention that I'm scared of doctors in general; I get scared before seeing my regular doctor and even my dentist sometimes. I can't stand people who aren't close to me touching me.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
HI rubyred09,
As Joey mentioned, a visit to the gynecologist (or, if your general practitioner does pelvic exams and you'd feel more comfortable starting there, a visit to your GP) would be a good first step.
You also mention having pretty significant anxiety in other areas of your life as well as this one. Have you ever talked with a doctor or counsellor about this anxiety? If not, that would also be a good place for you to start.
Do you feel like you have a good sense of how your genitals work--for example, the shape and length of your vagina?
I'm wondering if, while you're working on figuring this out, it would be a good idea for you to just take the possibility of penetration out of your sexual relationship with your boyfriend--just take it right off the table as a possibility to ease the pressure you're putting on yourself. What do you think?
Member # 97514
I have talked to a doctor and a therapist about my anxiety, and it's mostly under control in other areas of my life; I still get anxious sometimes, but I have ways to deal with it - prayer/meditation, taking a walk, talking things over with friend, writing down how I feel, etc. I was on an anti-depressant for a while (my college psychologist prescribed it, and it pretty much just turned me into a zombie so I stopped taking it after about six months).
And yes, as of now we have taken penetration off the table; I've explained to him that the more we try the worse it gets, especially if we try and it hurts. That's how it got this bad in the first place, because it was still difficult and uncomfortable but not nearly this difficult and painful before we tried insertion and it caused me pain. So it is off the table, but I guess in my head it still isn't. I guess I'm just angry and I don't want to have to take penetration off the table; I feel like it isn't fair and I shouldn't have to even though that's clearly the best option right now.
Also, I feel like I do have a good sense of how my genitals work, in theory, but in practice I just don't feel like my vagina is big enough? I know it's supposed to expand when I'm aroused and all that but I just feel like that doesn't happen, or it does but as soon as penetration is attempted my muscles contract so I can't tell if it's expanded or not.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
It sounds like you have several anxiety-management strategies. It sounds like they're not helping a lot in this situation, though.
When you esay that it's not fair to have to decide that you're not ready for penetration, what do you mean? Who is it not fair to?
I'm not sure if this will help at all, but it's actually pretty common for people to need to decide, for one reason or another, that certain sexual activities aren't going to work for them at a given time.
The vagina does lengthen and expand for most people when they're aroused, but yes, those pelvic muscles clenching is going to reverse that process to some degree or other depending on how tightly they clench. Plus, that expansion doesn't always impact the opening of the vagina.
When you have tried penetration with your own fingers, have you used any kind of lubricant? Lubricant (even if one produces a lot of vaginal secretions) can help reduce friction, and ease the way when things are tight. You said that you inserted a couple of fingers with only slight discomfort. Was there any other feeling besides that mild discomfort?
What do you think about making an appointment to get a pelvic exam soon, so you can rule out any possible physical causes and continue working on this from there?
Member # 97514
I have used lubricant, which definitely helped, but I still felt tight and it felt uncomfortable. The few times that I was able to insert a few fingers there was just mild discomfort, but at other times just one finger has caused quite a bit of pain,especially as the finger was being removed (whether it was my finger or my boyfriend's finger).
I do think that I should make an appointment to get a pelvic exam soon, but I'm not exactly sure how to go about it. I feel incredibly uncomfortable talking to anyone about where to go or how to make the appointment...no one has ever really talked to me about the gynecologist before so I just don't even know what really happens at an appointment or how to schedule an appointment.
Member # 25425
We have an article that sums up what happens during a gynecological visit, so you can give that a read through:
Your First Gynecologist Visit
In terms of where to go, do you have a regular doctor that you go to for your check-ups? If so, you can ask them if they perform gynecological exams. If they do, you can make an appointment there. If not, they should be able to refer you to a gynecologist.
Member # 97514
And I still feel incredibly anxious about scheduling an appointment for a pelvic exam, but I feel better than I did before I posted this question; I think I'm seeing things more realistically/rationally.
Member # 97514
I don't really go to the doctor for regular check ups or anything...I've gone once or twice but nobody in my family goes to the doctor for anything, that I know of, unless there's something wrong. We have health insurance and stuff, so I don't know why, it's just always been that way.
And thanks for the link
Member # 25425
I am glad to hear it! It also helps to remember that, again, plenty of people feel nervous about pelvic exams, especially the first time! That's not unusual at all, and something that a doctor is used to dealing with. You can also mention that, for example, on the phone when you're making that appointment, so they know what's going on.
Member # 97514
Ehh well, just reading about it almost made me cry and destroyed any confidence I thought I had...I have no idea how I could go through letting a stranger do that stuff to me. I know it's for my health and it's no different that a regular doctor checking out my ears and throat and all that, but seriously, I cannot do this. There is absolutely no way. I'm nauseated just from imagining the scenario.
Member # 25425
Okay, let's take it slow. Breathe, okay?
What part has you freaked out? Can you explain what it is about it that freaks you out?
Member # 97514
Gah, sorry. Ok, I'm breathing.
I'm completely okay with everything up until "your doctor may insert a gloved finger or two into your vagina"...everything after that completely freaks me out. The idea of someone putting their fingers or anything else into any part of my body is absolutely terrifying, which makes sense I guess since I get anxious even about putting my own fingers into my body.
I think I'm just weird about my body in general. I don't have my ears pierced because the idea of it scares me. I wear glasses instead of contacts because the idea of touching my eyes scares me. When I have a cold and am severely congested I can't use nasal sprays because the idea of them going in my nose scares me. I've got a list a mile long of things that scare me, and they almost all involve things going into my body.
Member # 25425
Alright. So it sounds like you're just fine with most parts of the exam, and it's only the bimanual and speculum exams that make you feel nervous. That's understandable, since they are the most invasive parts of the exams. Since this will be your first exam, and you have documented problems with high anxiety, you can discuss that with your doctor beforehand. You can ask that, given your history and your anxiety, they start with a visual exam, first. In fact, that may be something that a doctor themselves will suggest. Nothing and no one is going to be helped if you freak out in the exam room, so it will be the doctor's aim to ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible about what happens.
It's still smart to get bimanual and speculum exams at some point. But you don't have to start there. You can work your way there very gradually.
Does that sound better?
Additionally, I am wondering if you ever brought those feelings about your body up with your counselor? If not, I suggest you talk about that with them.
Member # 97514
Yes; working up to the bimanual and speculum exams sounds much better, but I just really don't think it would go well right now. So it's okay to explain to my doctor that I feel extremely uncomfortable with those parts of the exam and to not do them my first time?
Also, I no longer see my counselor, but I never brought up those feelings; I had a lot of other stuff going on at the time and honestly, I never thought about all of those things together until just now.
Member # 25425
Yes, it's more than okay to bring this up with your doctor beforehand! As the article details, the exam starts with a conversation, often in a room separate from the exam room, so you have plenty of time and opportunity to get to know the doctor and share any concerns and questions you may have.
Are you still in touch with your counselor? Could you call and ask for an appointment, or a series of appointments, to discuss these issues? It certainly sounds like your fears are not just about your vagina, but about the whole of your body, so taking a holistic approach is called for. For sure, since it's issues around sex that are worrying you the most right now, we can certainly continue to talk about that specifically, and we'll continue to support you in getting gynecological care, but it's a smart idea to tackle this issue at its root, rather than to focus on one aspect of it.
Member # 97514
I haven't talked to that counselor in over a year, and I only saw her once a week for a few months, but I certainly am thinking that I should talk with either her or another counselor somewhere to talk about this. It would probably be best to find a different counselor because my old one was near my home, which is about a 45 minute drive from where I live now at school.
I didn't realize how interrelated these issues are, but I can see now that rather than being several smaller issues, this is more like one larger issue.
Member # 97514
One of my biggest concerns right now is using tampons; I'm required to take a swimming class in college and next semester is my last semester, so I can't put it off any longer. But not being able to use tampons is going to be a huge issue, so I'm really not sure what to do about that.
Member # 25425
If you are in college now, a good place would be to start your school's counseling services. They may be able to help you out right there, and if not, they should know someone they can refer you to.
Our minds are pretty amazing and complex machines, and it is often the case that fears or anxieties are interconnected in ways we may not see at first, or have roots that we never would have guessed at. Stepping back, writing things down, or talking to someone about them is often a great way to get a sense for the bigger picture. So, yes, I think a counselor should be able to help you with that.
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A year after to detect stop-arm violations, the Cobb Board of Education voted Thursday to put some more teeth into those preventative measures.
The board voted 7-0 to sign an agreement with American Traffic Solutions to issue citatations to motorists who avoid the bus stop-arms, which are designed to protect students entering and leaving buses.
Greater stop-arm enforcement was prompted by the 2009 death of 5-year-old Mountain View Elementary School student Karla Campos, who was struck by an elderly driver as she departed a bus.
"It's taken a long time, but we're finally there," said Cobb school board member David Banks, who represents the Mountain View school community. "In her memory, this is her law."
The measure still requires the approval of the Cobb Board of Commissioners, which is expected to consider it this week.
The Cobb school board began a pilot program last year to install more than 100 cameras on select buses, but violators could be cited only by police in unincorporated Cobb.
If the commission gives its approval, ATS will be permitted to collect $300 fines for first-time violators, keeping 75 percent of the proceeds, with the rest to go to the school system. ATS also will pay for the cost of the cameras.
Chris Ragsdale, Cobb's deputy superintendent for operational support, said all new buses the system orders will be pre-installed with the stop-arm cameras.
"Revenue isn't the thing about this contract," he said. "What we want is to have zero stop-arm violations in this district."
"The bottom line is the safety of the children," Mountain View parent Mandi Call told the board shortly before Thursday's vote.
She created Operation Stop Arm to lobby the Georgia legislature to pass a law that went into effect last July that calls for fines.
Also on Thursday, Judi Jones, the chief academic officer for the Cobb County School District, highlighted recently released results of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCTs).
The percentage of Cobb students meeting or exceeding grade level standards topped the state average, and Cobb reported an overall percentage increase in scores in all grades and subjects except for third-grade math, which was down by one percent.
"We're very happy with the results," Jones told the board. "There's a lot to celebrate this year."
The school board also set the millage rate at 18.90 mills for fiscal year 2013, down from the 19.90 mills called for when it passed the budget, because of $20 million in excess from SPLOST collections.
But the vote was split 4-3, with board Chairman Scott Sweeney, Vice Chairman David Morgan, Banks and member Lynnda Eagle voting in favor.
Voting against were Tim Stultz, who preferred a millage rate of 17.90, Allison Bartlett and Kathleen Angelucci.
Bartlett said that even with a millage rate of 20 mills, "we're still short $40 million" in fiscal year 2014 budget deficit projections. "That is a big concern for me."
The board also voted 6-1 to accept the latest phase of the district's Strategic Plan, focusing on five core values. Banks cast the lone dissenting vote because he disagreed with one of them, "Differentiate resources for areas/schools based on needs." He said that language would require the board to "relinquish authority" to the superintendent.
But Jones countered that the measure means that "we have to look at schools that have different needs." She said the next step would be to begin an implementation process for the Strategic Plan.
In other business, the board:
- Agreed to further consider a proposal by board member Lynnda Eagle to hire retired adminstrators to serve on teacher tribunals when board members are not available. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said "we've come dangerously close" to not meeting the timetables for disciplinary and dismissal hearings for teachers, which require three board members. Eagle said the measure would be used only as "a backup for when we can't" attend.
- Voted 7-0 to approve a $368,000 contract for renovations at .
- Approved, also by a 7-0 vote, to continue a lease at the old Paulding County Courthouse to house the Cobb/Paulding Adult Education Center for GED programs.
Don't miss any of the local news you care about. Subscribe to West Cobb Patch's free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


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By Doug and Polly Smith
Niagara Gazette
Niagara Gazette — Dear Mainland Travelers — Cue the Monkees. The last train to Oakville has left the station. No more reservations. Actually, there never were.
One of the Niagara Frontier's best-kept travel secrets, Via Rail's commuter train to Toronto from the statuesque Whirlpool Station on the Canadian side, has gone the way of the buggy and the easy airport check-in.
In its later years, Via named it The General Brock. It departed just after reveille and reported to Toronto Union in time for most to start their workday. After a photogenic crossing of Twenty Creek, an eye-popping swing around Hamilton Bay, and a last pause at Oakville, its rolling panorama offered the guilty pleasure of cruising at 90 kilometers per past jammed traffic on the Gardiner and the "Q," with Lake Ontario glimmering in the background.
Three years ago Doug treated his golf clubs to a ride on The Brock, playing two Toronto courses via only bus and subway and returning at twilight, seatmating a physical trainer from Burlington.
Another time Doug's excursioning railroad club transferred from The Brock to Canada's Northlander on an adjacent track. Clambering down and out of one car and up and into the other, we looked like a squadron of ants changing jelly doughnuts.
The same club made an annual Christmas-shopping daytrip to Toronto. While the exchange was more favorable then, the best gift of all was the companionship, particularly during the sleepy satisfaction of the return trip, the train dinging and hooting through the Peninsula grade crossings. One evening young hooligans pelted us with rocks. We all hoped it wound up in their stockings.
One train remains on the Route of the Brock, the late-afternoon Maple Leaf from New York, undependable because of the lengthy Customs check between our own Hyde Park-area station and the Whirlpool, and with a less convenient schedule even when it's on time.
Those green and white accordion-shaped GO (Government of Ontario) Trains run here in the summer on a schedule designed to accommodate daytripping Torontonians.
And for the carless or the cautious, there's still commuter service to Toronto – via GO Bus, which transports travelers to Burlington, to board GO Train from there. Somehow we just can't imagine "Last Bus to Burlington" much inspiring Mickey Dolenz.
The General Brock, old soldier of Peninsula rails, has faded away.
Come visit. We've got pictures.E-mail Polly and Doug at email@example.com


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By Doug Hill
The Norman Transcript
Album Name: Music for Film (2013, Dead Letter Records)
Musician: The March Divide
Synopsis: Debut album for Jared Putnam's The March Divide ready for the big screen
Why you should listen: Jared Putnam's first band was at age 15 in hard rock outfit Mojo. That was in El Paso, Texas, and now he's based in San Antonio and around 20 years older. Putnam formed a band called Level in 1999 with a name change to The Conversation in 2002. "Music for Film" is the freshman disc for his latest project The March Divide.
He's still playing with former band mates Jorge Ramirez on bass and percussionist Mike Hernandez. Putnam has wisely added singer Laura Wheeler to the mix. Their vocal harmony together is tight as bark on a tree. Any of the album's 10 tracks really could be for a cinema score. They're well-crafted pop tunes with emotional intensity and fine musicianship. It's not Americana music so much as solidly American music.
Putnam's success has been in the southwest but he doesn't sound Texan. He's reminiscent of Graham Colton, someone also with his roots in this part of the world, but who has acquired California sheen.
In the first song "Still Analog" Putnam pledges there will be no more songs "…About all the girls I hate." That's no small promise from a guy whose influences include The Promise Ring and Elliott Smith. Two tracks later "I'm Unconvinced" might leave you unconvinced. It's an anthem to leaving mistakes and false starts in the past but also about needing help from an indifferent someone. This one's a Lifetime Movie Network soundtrack.
Wheeler's lead vocals on "Pick Me Up" demonstrate impressive range and rich musicality. Wouldn't be surprised if she has country projects on her resume although there's not a hint of hayseed in her voice here. Wheeler and Putnam forge their voices into one strong alloy on "Done Waiting." It's pop radio-ready. Make a tub of buttered popcorn and give Music for Film a listen.
For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.


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Located inside the Vanderbilt Club, this beautiful hair studio and spa is offering values for your Valentine. Treat your special someone to a 60 minute deep tissue massage for only $55 (a $70 value). They are also offering two combination service packages at $110 each (both are a $165 value). "Night on the Town" includes a face framing foil, cut and style, and make up application. "Night Cap" includes a 60 minute hot stone massage, custom conditioning, treatment and blow dry, and an eyebrow wax. These specials are being offered for sale until Feb. 14, but do not need to be used by that day.
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Rather than go buy a boring box of chocolates, head over to Godiva's website and order their Chocolate Fondue Kit. The kit includes a white porcelain fondue pot and base, four stainless steel (color-coded) skewers, a tea light, and 16 oz. of Godiva Milk and Semisweet Dark Melting Chocolate.
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Deal Time: Ongoing
Where to Find It: Your Local Home Depot Store or http://www.homedepot.com
Given the weird winter we've had, Spring could already be sprung. Take advantage and get 20 percent off (CODE: PATIO20) all patio furniture from Home Depot. They are also offering free shipping (all orders over $45), free in store pick up for out of stock items, and free returns. Surprise your sweetheart with a brand new patio set.


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Constitutional Law
Murder defendant's claimed threats against his attorneys have left him lawyerless
Posted Feb 12, 2013 11:26 AM CDT
By Martha Neil
Saying that he found himself in an "interesting and unique" situation, a Kentucky judge told a murder defendant on Monday that local attorneys aren't willing to represent him because of his past threats to kill two defense lawyers.
"I honestly don't know where we are going to go from here," Jefferson Circuit Judge McKay Chauvin told defendant Percy Brown. A prosecutor contended that Brown, at some point, is waiving his right to counsel due to his conduct, but Chauvin said he wanted to research the issue before ruling, the Courier-Journal reports.
Brown denied threatening his lawyers and argued with the judge, telling Chauvin that he was going to seek his removal from the case.
"You may run your lawyers off but you are not going to run the judge off, I'm here to stay," the judge responded.
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