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Home Page
We have made this a long time hub for us to use and get word about of new updates about use and of our events and plans. We of course use it to socialize a bit with the other members of our website community.
This has been our Home away from Home for the time we used it and we will do much to keep everything quite lively on here.
So take a seat and explore for awhile, I promise you you'll enjoy what you see to come.
Also keep checking in to find gaming news and updates on where we are going.
To Our Fellow Readers
This is the Reaper media website where you can get your needed updates and reviews on the topics that a buzzing around in the pop culture world. We service you by providing news and reviews for video games and comic books.
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The ball is now in the NHLPAs court.
Which, depending on how that plays out, could mean it ends up squarely back in the NHLs court soon enough.
The players union began working on a new proposal Monday night and was set to continue working on it Tuesday.
Check out the rest right here

subset: commoncrawl


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Secrets to 14 Fast-Fix Recipes
15-Minute Raspberry Sauce
"This one always impresses people," says Lynn Blanchard, Test Kitchen director. "It's great over chocolate cake, cheesecake and ice cream."
Zippy Cinnamon Rolls
A Midwest Living editor contributed the recipe for these gooey-good rolls. "Frozen bread dough and pudding mix can fool anyone into thinking you spent the morning baking cinnamon rolls," she says.
Co's Candy-Bar Brownies
Colleen Weeden, Midwest Living® Test Kitchen project supervisor, combines packaged sweets with homemade frosting for her easy dessert. "My family has no idea I'm using a box brownie mix when I cover the brownies with from-scratch chocolate frosting and sprinkle on candy or chopped candy bars," Colleen says.
15-Minute Raspberry Sauce
"This one always impresses people," says Lynn Blanchard, Test Kitchen director. "It's great over chocolate cake, cheesecake and ice cream."
Potato Chips Meet Fish
How do you get your family to eat fish? By serving them tilapia coated with potato chips, herbs and honey-mustard dressing.
Fast Paella
"Paella is a snap when you use precooked turkey sausage, precooked shrimp and pouch rice," says Colleen Weeden, Test Kitchen project supervisor. Serve this delicious dish with warm, crusty bread to sop up the juices at the bottom of your bowl.
Fudgy Coffee Brownies
Sandra Granseth, food consultant for Midwest Living®, turned a brownie mix into a grown-up dessert by stirring in cinnamon and coffee liqueur. A chocolate drizzle decorates the top. Or, top with white and dark chocolates.
In our picture, Sandra's Fudgy Coffee Brownies are shown with a candy-topped variation of Co's Candy-Bar Brownies (slide 3).
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Leftover chicken and frozen noodles help recipe creator Sandra Granseth cut meal prep time for this ultimate comfort food.
Lemonade Ice Cream
Dessert doesn't get much easier than this. You'll need three ingredients and an ice cream freezer (ideally electric) for this puckery, creamy chiller from the Midwest Living® Test Kitchen. Serve with sliced fresh seasonal fruit, if you like.
Fresh Tomato Tart
Geri Boesen, creative director of Midwest Living®, combines Midwest-grown tomatoes (her favorites are from her home state of Iowa, of course) with fresh basil in a cheesy tart that uses refrigerated piecrust for easy prep.
Peppery Grilled Steak With Tomatoes
More affordable steak cuts like top sirloin or flat iron taste great with this tangy tomato topper, too. For a perfect meal, pair the steak with Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges.
Peppery Grilled Steak With Tomatoes
Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches with Pepperoncini Slaw
Using prepackaged ingredients such as frozen vegetables, coleslaw mix and cooked beef will speed your way to creating appetizers that are fast, easy and delicious. Two creations from our Test Kitchen: Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches with Pepperoncini Slaw and Crispy Cheesy Potato Bites.
Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches with Pepperoncini Slaw
Ridiculously Easy Whole-Apple Crisp
No peeling, no slicing in this recipe from our Test Kitchen -- just assemble the "crisps" the night before and bake right before serving. Brushing apples with a citrus juice keeps them from going brown.


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The Script
• Queen Honored With Icon Award At BMI Awards
• 'Dancing With The Stars' Week 2 Elimination: Elisabetta Canalis Dances Her Last Dance
• Fresh Tracks: Music That Should Be In Your iPod
• The Script Touched By Fan's Emotional 'American Idol' Audition (Video)
• Zachary Quinto Takes A Hostage, VenetianPrincess Does Taylor Swift, Batman, Suge Knight & More (Videos)
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Science & Faith
The Script
More Songs >>
|Before The Worst
On: The Script
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Birth Place: Dublin, Ireland
Years Active: 1996–2001 (as Mytown), 2001–present (as The Script)
Genres: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Pop Rock
Years Active: 1996–2001 (as Mytown), 2001–present (as The Script)
Genres: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Pop Rock
The Script is an Irish alternative rock band from Dublin, Ireland. Its members included, Glen Power, Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan. O'Donoghue and Sheehan were both members of the boyband My Town. They released their debut self-titled studio album, "The Script," in 2008. The album went to #1 in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. It also reached the Top 10 in Australia and Sweden, and peaked at #19 on the U.S. Top Heatseekers chart. The Script's debut single, "We Cry," peaked in the Top 10 of the Irish and Danish charts. It was followed by their most successful single from their first album, "The Man Who Can't Be Moved," which reached #2 on the Irish, Danish and the U.K. singles ch... Continue Bio >>
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It is not unusual for me to post on Facebook when something provokes my sense of gratitude. It is a way I pause in appreciation and also remind my friends that even the smallest things count when it comes to being grateful. Imagine my surprise when a comment came in response to one of my posts this weekend accusing me of being self-centered and ignoring the needs of the poor and homeless. OUCH! That was not the kind of response I had expected, yet it happened.
It made me wonder what might have triggered that individual's response. Was it more about what was going on in the life of the commenter or was it about me? Should I be less grateful publicly in the future?
After coming off of a week dedicated to hosting a very successful fundraiser for the Cleveland Pregnancy Center, leading groups, speaking and volunteering my time to two different non-profits, I know I am not a self-centered person and as much as that comment hurt my feelings, I can't allow myself to own that comment. What I can do is continue to reach out through life and business to help others find more bright moments within their lives.
It is quite possible that some of you reading this might encounter some "energy vampires" during the days ahead in spite of the festive holiday theme. What can each of us do to avoid an energy drain or worse - becoming one of those energy suckers ourselves?
Support others as you are able. When you begin to feel depleted, stop! True giving energizes the giver. Take time to take good care of yourself. Pay attention to how you feel as you give of your time, resources and attention.
Be aware that people may be sensitive to your good fortune. Temper your comments with sensitivity to the audience. Be aware that things you say and do may be twisted by their perspective and taken as you did not intend. Apologize for triggering the response, but allow yourself to hold on to the original gratitude moment.
Speak up and ask for the help you need. Holidays are a time when everyone's to-do lists and stresses get bigger. Speak up sooner rather than later. Whether it is with cleaning, shopping, or doing dishes after that big family gathering, don't assume everyone can read your mind. ASK!
Receive and acknowledge help from others graciously. Help may not always come in the form you had imagined. Take it anyway and say "thank you". A hand written note is also a nice way to create a permanent expression of your gratitude.
Start a gratitude journal. Every day as part of my daily writing habit, I take a moment to jot down at least five things I am grateful for. Coaching clients and participants in my creativity groups are also urged to take on this habit. There is evidence that those who take time for daily gratitude are thriving. According to research summarized by Robert Emmons in his book Thanks! gratitude journal keepers reported:
- Feeling better about their lives overall
- More optimistic about the future
- Fewer health problems than the other participants.
- Improved sleep
- Protective effect against heart attacks
All of the above contribute to optimal health, which is something we all want.
As the frosty mornings and the emerging holiday sales call for our attention, Thanksgiving Day provides a chance to pause and celebrate the good that has come to our lives. Be sensitive to the needs of the world that are yet unmet, and do your part to heal yourself as you give and serve. The world is a better place when we pause to appreciate. Make it a habit!
If you need more help with staying strong this holiday season, I hope you'll check out my book, Energy Makeover – A Conscious Way to Stay Young, Have Fun and Get More Done! and the Energy Makeover Daily Journal at www.energymakeover4u.com and available on www. Amazon.com. You are also invited to join me for a live event in Westlake, OH at 7PM on Nov. 28 Practical Energy Self-Care Tips and Holiday Survival Tune-Up. Details at http://eftholidaytips.eventbrite.com/


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U.S. News Rankings
|Ranking score and category
University of Massachusetts--Amherst is a public institution that was founded in 1863. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,928, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 1,463 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Massachusetts--Amherst's ranking in the 2014 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 91. Its in-state tuition and fees are $13,258 (2013-14); out-of-state tuition and fees are $27,974 (2013-14).
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst is the central location for the state school system. The university is large, but through the Five College Interchange, students can take courses at smaller liberal arts colleges nearby: Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College and Hampshire College. Students have close to 90 majors to choose from, including an option to design a major, known as BDIC: the Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration. Adult students can complete a degree by taking classes online or on campus – or both – via the UMass Amherst University Without Walls (UWW).
All freshmen must live on campus, and family housing, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, is also available to students who are married or who have legal custody of a dependent child. There are more than 200 student organizations to check out, as well as outdoor activities in and around the college's town, Amherst. For road trips from campus, Boston is 90 miles away, while New York City is a 175-mile drive. Notable alumni of the University of Massachusetts—Amherst include Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric; Jeff Talyor, founder of Monster.com; and Jeff Corwin, an Animal Planet personality.
|School mission and unique qualities (as provided by the school):
The University of Massachusetts Amherst combines the academic resources of a nationally ranked research university with the support and individualized attention usually reserved for a small college. Students come from every state and over 100 countries, making this New England campus a national and international center for intellectual and cultural activity. With over 85 majors, UMass Amherst offers its students a wide array of academic disciplines and nationally known programs of study, including the Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC), which allows students to create their own major. The outstanding full-time faculty of over 1,200 are the best in their fields and they take teaching seriously. Students complement their classroom work with internships, co-ops and research, working side-by-side with their faculty. Students take what they learn in the classroom, and apply it in the studio, the lab, the concert hall and the field. With this intersection of learning and doing, students find their intellectual voice and independence. The new Commonwealth Honors College Residential Complex is a national model and welcomes students who seek additional academic challenge and meet the requirements for acceptance. The extensive library system is the largest at any public institution in the Northeast, and offers students a state-of-the-art learning environment through the Learning Commons, a place that fosters academic collaboration. The campus is undergoing a facilities renaissance, with new cutting edge academic buildings that emphasize team-based learning. UMass Amherst is also ranked one of the most sustainable/green campuses in the country, with students recently invited to the White House to receive an award for their efforts. Through the Five College Interchange, students enroll in classes at nearby Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges at no extra charge. A free bus system connects these five campuses, allowing students to participate in a wide array of social and cultural events. UMass Amherst first-year students participate in First Year Intelligence, choosing a living option based on themes and shared interests. Living and learning together, students take field trips, organize events and interact with faculty and staff. Other opportunities for personal development are found through the Center for Student Development, which brings together more than 300 clubs and organizations; groups include community service organizations, student government, ethnic and cultural groups, religious and spiritual organizations, fraternity and sororities, student run businesses, media related groups, groups that grow from academic interests, and groups dedicated to athletics and recreation, socializing, arts and entertainment, and politics. UMass Amherst competes in NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. Students attend every home game free in regular season, and wear their Minutemen and Minutewomen maroon proudly. All students can work out at the immensely popular Recreation Center, and any student who enjoys athletic competition can participate in an extensive intramural sports program. Just off campus, the picturesque town of Amherst offers scores of shops and restaurants from Mexican or Thai, to pizza, burgers and Indian. Appearing on 'the top ten' lists for college towns, Amherst has a truly unusual combination of New England charm and international sophistication. Boston is less than two hours away, and New York City just three hours south. For outdoor enthusiasts, the mountains of Vermont are less than an hour away and offer skiing and hiking. Maybe you can't have it all, but the University of Massachusetts Amherst certainly comes close. Please see http://www.umass.edu/admissions
General Information
|School type
|public, coed college
|Year founded
|Religious affiliation
|Academic calendar
|2012 Endowment
When applying to University of Massachusetts--Amherst, it's important to note the application deadline is January 15, and the early action deadline is November 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due February 1. The application fee at University of Massachusetts--Amherst is $75. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 62.6 percent and an early acceptance rate of 77.7 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
|Fall 2012 acceptance rate
|Application deadline
|January 15
|SAT/ACT scores must be received by
|February 1
Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at University of Massachusetts--Amherst is 18:1, and the school has 43.6 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Massachusetts--Amherst include: Psychology, General; Speech Communication and Rhetoric; Accounting; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; and Political Science and Government, General. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 88.3 percent.
|Class sizes
|Student-faculty ratio
|4-year graduation rate
|Five most popular majors for 2012 graduates
Student Life
University of Massachusetts--Amherst has a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,928, with a gender distribution of 50.8 percent male students and 49.2 percent female students. At this school, 61 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 39 percent of students live off campus. University of Massachusetts--Amherst is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.
|Total enrollment
|Student gender distribution
|Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
|Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
|Collegiate athletic association
Campus Info & Services
University of Massachusetts--Amherst offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, day care, health service, and health insurance. University of Massachusetts--Amherst also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at University of Massachusetts--Amherst, 20 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at University of Massachusetts--Amherst.
|Students who have cars on campus
|Health insurance offered
More About Campus Info & Services
Paying for School
At University of Massachusetts--Amherst, 59 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $9,461.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.
|In-state tuition and fees
|$13,258 (2013-14)
|Out-of-state tuition and fees
|$27,974 (2013-14)
|Room and board
|$11,166 (2013-14)
|Financial aid statistics
* Overview details based on 2012 data


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The Daily Star
---- — The United States Army — it would appear — no longer wants to live off the fat of the land.
A story in The Washington Post on Monday revealed that the Army is quickly purging itself of obese soldiers to — well — trim its active duty forces from today's 570,000 to 490,000 by 2017.
The Post, citing the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, revealed that between 1998 and 2010, the number of active-duty troops designated as overweight or obese more than tripled. In 2010, 86,186 military personnel (5.3 percent of the force), received at least one clinical diagnosis as overweight or obese.
"A healthy and fit force is essential to national security," Pentagon spokeswoman Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "Our service members must be physically prepared to deploy on a moment's notice anywhere on the globe to extremely austere and demanding conditions."
It is apparent that now that the Iraq war is over — at least for the United States — and our troop levels are being reduced in Afghanistan, the Army can be a little more choosy about who it lets in and who it keeps around.
Obesity is the main reason for rejection of people who want to enlist in the Army, and the Post reports that through October of this year, 1,625 soldiers were forced to leave the Army for being out of shape. That was almost 16 times the mere 112 who were let go for that reason in 2007 at the height of the Iraq conflict.
From 2001-06, the recruiting slogan was "Army of One." Now, the service would prefer that the "one" doesn't weigh as much as "two."
"A healthy and fit force is essential to national security," Hull-Ryde told the Post.
Of course, the obesity problem is more about society than about our armed forces. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling said that in 2009 fully 75 percent of volunteers for the service were ineligible, with obesity the main reason.
"Of the 25 percent that could join, what we found was 65 percent could not pass the (physical training) test on the first day," he said in a speech. "Young people joining our service could not run, jump, tumble or roll — the kind of things you would expect soldiers to do if you're in combat."
We can blame video games, fast food, sloth and all of society's other contributors to obesity, but the brave and patriotic men and women of our armed forces need a reliable pool of fit recruits that they — and we — can depend upon for the continued defense of our country.


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While her music career is still hit and miss for many listeners (she's admittedly getting much better live), Del Rey has become a fashion world darling. While she's not exactly doing an arena tour, she has signed to a modeling agency, appeared on a number of fashion magazine covers, and reached the peak of It-girl status with her own namesake Mulberry bag.
With a Priscilla Presley bouffant and matching pale pink angora sweater and pants, Lana Del Rey looks like she belongs on a tell-all Elvis biography book cover. Progressing her style from a 40s screen siren to 50s Marilyn Monroe, on up to 60s Jackie Kennedy, Del Rey is certainly the go-to girl for anything retro. H&M creative director Donald Schneider told WWD of the campaign, "The mood is very L.A. noir. It's inspired by our fall collection."
[Related:Lana Del Rey Bombs With "One Of The Worst Outings In SNL History"]
I'm tempted to call it a case of "chicken or the egg" whether or not the vintage Hollywood-inspired campaign was brought on by the popularity of Del Rey's style, or if Del Rey was chosen to model because they needed a retro girl. All I can definitively say is that since her debut, I've seen a non-stop stream of girls wearing Del Rey's signature floral crowns. I myself am guilty of attacking my hair with a curling iron in an attempt to achieve her old Hollywood wave.
This is Lana Del Rey's first modeling gig since signing to Next Models in January. A minifilm featuring the star singing a cover of "Blue Velvet" will be released on hm.com on Sept 19 and used in their upcoming TV commercials.
What do you think of Lana Del Rey's H&M campaign teasers? Leave your comments below!
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- Arts & Entertainment
- Fashion
- Lana Del Rey


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After the Democratic Party made strides labeling the GOP as the "party of no," Republicans are embarking on a new strategy to define their opposition as the party of "too much" in hopes of getting traction on their policy prescriptions.
House and Senate Republican Conference Chairmen Rep. Mike Pence (R.-Ind.) and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R.-Tenn.) held a session with reporters on the House side of the Capitol to unveil their messaging Wednesday.
Pence said that "with some degree of cooperation" between Republicans in the House and Senate, the GOP would aggressively "challenge assumptions and content of the president's budget." According to the plan, Senate Republicans would be tasked with crafting alternatives to specific liberal proposals, like cap-and-trade, while House Republicans would concentrate on offering an alternative to President Obama's budget.
"It spends too much, it taxes too much and ultimately borrows too much," Pence said.
Alexander dutifully repeated in his remarks that American families cannot "afford the Democrats' spending, the Democrats' taxing and the goverment's borrowing." He also briefly discussed a proposal he was working on to limit cap-and-trade regulations only to power plants, instead of across the board.
Less than an hour after their presser ended, a group of House and Senate Republican gathered on the Senate side of the Capitol for another press event to criticize the president's plan to create jobs.
Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter was leading the charge and said he had a way the GOP could create up to 2 million jobs "without dropping taxpayer dollars out of airplanes." Three House Republicans stood beside him, along with Sen. James Inhofe (R.-Okla) to promote a "No Cost Stimulus" bill to open more jobs in the energy sector by lifting restrictions in the Outer Continental Shelf and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, among other things.
He admitted the prospects of Democratic leadership calling the bill for a vote were low, but said he was hopeful it would be something the public would embrace.
A reporter asked Vitter to comment on the prospect of a second stimulus, something Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reported to be "open" to considering.
"It's great to leave that door open as long as we can walk through it with this kind of an approach," Vitter responded.
Newly installed Louisiana Rep. John Fleming, a Republican, was equally cheerful. "It's nice of them to attract attention to our idea," he joked.


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A Beer and a Rifle: Developing a Survival Mindset
by, 01-21-13 at 03:28 PM (1553 Views)
I asked, Would you please repeat that again. The dispatcher came across speaking slower and louder, Danny Williams wants you to meet him at the intersection of Greenlee and Jefferson. He said he is going to kill you. Yep, that is exactly what I heard the first time; apparently it wasnt a joke like I was hoping. How lucky was I, to be on duty when someone called in wanting to kill me? I was worried since I knew this guy was capable of murder he had done it before....
Full article at Phalanx Law Enforcement


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Juan Pablo Montoya enters his junior season in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing in 2009. Montoya wasted no time making his presence known in the NASCAR world after transitioning from open-wheel cars to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Not only did he become the first Latino to win in NASCAR's premier Series and capture the 2007 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year title, but he earned the respect of his team, his competitors and fans as well.
In 2008, Montoya and the No. 42 team amassed two top-five, three top-10, and seven top-15 finishes which include a runner-up finish at Talladega Superspeedway. In addition, Montoya became the first driver in history to win in his first two starts in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, which he won with teammates Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas and Dario Franchitti.
Montoya visited victory lane three times across three different racing series in 2007. Montoya kicked off 2007 with a win in his first Rolex 24 At Daytona in the Grand-Am Series. Then, in just his seventh-career Nationwide Series race, Montoya took the checkered flag in Mexico City to earn his first win in a stock car. His ability on the road course was evident to his competitors when he captured his first Sprint Cup victory after qualifying 32nd at Infineon Raceway. Montoya and his No. 42 crew went on to amass one win, three top-five and six top-10 finishes during the 2007 NSCS season.
The Bogotá, Colombia native has seen success in everything he has driven, and Team Owner Chip Ganassi can attest to that. Montoya joined CGRFS with impressive open-wheel credentials. He has made 137 starts between the CART, IndyCar and Formula One Series' where he's tallied 18 wins, 26 poles, 60 top-five and 79 top-10 finishes and has won both the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. Over his five complete seasons in Formula One, Montoya finished sixth or better in the standings every year.
Next Race Sylvania 300


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Awesome Herne Hill rewrite the record books (From Sutton Guardian)
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Herne Hill Harriers' U13 girls set glorious club record against the best in the country
1:06pm Thursday 8th November 2012 in Sport By Tim Ashton, Sports Editor
Herne Hill Harriers coach James McDonald called the club's U13 girls' team "awesome" after they made club history by winning the Saucony National cross-country relays title.
Alex Brown, Saskia Millard and Katy Ann McDonald beat the best 100 teams from across the country to take top spot over the 6km course in Mansfield.
Moreover, the trio became the first team in the club's 123-year history to run away with the middle-distance title.
The girls each ran 2km, with Herne Hill Harriers completing the course in 23 minutes, 10 seconds – seven seconds ahead of Northern champions Sale Harriers Manchester, and Manchester Harriers (23:37) in third.
Having won the Southern road relays and placed a very close second in the Southern cross country relays earlier this autumn the girls were one of the favourites and started well with Alex finishing her leg in 12th.
Saskia moved through the field before closing down the leaders and taking the lead in the final 100m.
Katy Ann, winner of the McCain Challenge in Bristol the week before, looked in control as she strode out and stretched the lead to 50m and held that lead throughout the third leg for a famous win.
McDonald said: "The girls were absolutely awesome, real history makers. They train so hard and it is fully deserved.
"They were not just racing against the best in Surrey or from the southern groups, but the country. They really put the effort in.
"Most youngsters just want to be in the quick races, they want to be the next Usain Bolt. But these girls have the commitment and dedication to be the best middle-distance runners in their age groups.
"On average they run about six to 10 miles a week – either on Streatham Common, in Richmond Park or, for a change of scenery, we all go out to Camber Sands."
Overall, Saskia was second fastest in 7:29, while Katy Ann was sixth-fastest in 7:44, and Alex ran 7:56.
There were also good performances in the other age groups, with the club's U13 boys' team of Sam Cohen, Oscar Millard and Sam Moody finishing 15th, having been third after two legs, and the U15 boys' team of Ed Olsen, Paul Burgess and Billy Black finishing 13th.
Comments are closed on this article.


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Journalist Anderson Cooper stole Monday morning headlines by coming out as gay, but the anchor much prefers reporting the news over making it.
In an eloquent email to a colleague, Cooper weighed in on his years-long struggle to maintain objectivity as a journalist and his personal privacy through the lens of his sexual orientation. But now he'd like everyone to calm down.


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Judging an Auditee by Her Cover
The odds are you've seen the video of Susan Boyle. She's the 47-year-old YouTube sensation who came onto "Britain's Got Talent" and, after suffering the slings and arrows of Simon Cowell and friends, knocked 'em dead (as they say in the trades). In fact, you may be so sick of her that you haven't even read this far in my post. But there's a point to be made here — a point that I've started seeing others make, but I have to give credit to NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" for opening my eyes two weeks ago.
Posted on Apr 27, 2009 by Mike Jacka
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AAJ has formed a new Judicial Task Force to complement the association's ongoing activity with coalitions working to expedite the filling of federal judicial vacancies. AAJ's coalition work will continue to ensure that your voice is represented when these groups communicate with members of Congress and the White House.
The Judicial Task Force is comprised of approximately 30 AAJ members representing each of the federal judicial circuits. The goals are to increase the number of pro-civil justice federal judges, increase the level of professional diversity of federal judicial nominees, identify nominees that may have an anti-civil justice bias, increase the number of trial lawyers serving on individual Senator's judicial selection committees, increase AAJ members' participation with the ABA judicial selection committee, and to educate AAJ members promptly about judicial vacancies.
The task force met for the first time during AAJ's Winter Convention in Miami, held Feb. 9-13. Discussion included an overview of the process of how judges are selected and reviewed prior to nomination.
During his first term in office, President Obama nominated four people to fill vacancies in the U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit, but none were confirmed. As you know, most federal agency decisions are appealed directly to the D.C. Circuit, so this court's decisions have national implications.
You can assist the work of AAJ's Judicial Task Force by notifying AAJ when you are aware of any vacancies and if you have strong potential nominees. If you have information, please contact our Director of Federal Relations, John Bowman at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Rick Ungar, Contributor
I write from the left on politics and policy.
The devil is always in the details.
While many opponents of the Affordable Care Act have been busy stressing over the penalty they would be required to pay should they fail to purchase health insurance come 2014, it turns out that the IRS is clearing the way to reduce the number of Americans subject to the penalty—while making it near impossible for millions of people to afford suitable coverage for their families, subverting the very purpose of the law itself.
It begins with a poorly drafted provision in the healthcare reform law stating that individuals who receive their health insurance as a benefit of employment will be permitted to take a pass on their company policy and elect to buy their coverage on the health exchange—allowing them to take advantage of the federal healthcare subsidies available to low and middle income Americans—if their company provided health insurance policy is deemed 'unaffordable'.
'Unaffordable' is defined as requiring the employee to pay more than 9.5% of the employee's household income towards his or her employer provided healthcare benefit.
As an example, let's take an employee who earns $35,000 a year. According to the IRS rule, if that employee is paying less than $3,325 a year towards their healthcare benefit, that employee will be required to stick with the company health insurance policy and would be barred from taking advantage of the federal subsidies available in the form of tax credits that the exchanges have to offer.
The Kaiser Family Foundation's 2012 survey of what employees pay towards their employer provided healthcare benefit reveals that the average, individual employee made an annual contribution of $951 towards their health benefit. Thus, there would not appear to be much of a problem here.
But this is where it gets ugly…
The same Kaiser Family Foundation survey reveals that the average contribution of employees who are paying towards a family policy is $4316 a year—a number well in excess of the 9.5% of earnings for someone making just $35,000 a year.
Thus, we would expect that the employee and his family —or, at the least, the remainder of the employee's family—would be free to head over to the health exchanges to get their insurance and benefit from the subsidies available to those in their earnings bracket, right?
We would be wrong because the Internal Revenue Service has ruled that only the portion of the contribution attributable to the individual employee is to be considered for purposes of determining what is affordable—not the entire contribution an employee with a family pays for family coverage.
Thus, using the example of our employee who is the sole breadwinner in the family and earns $35,000 a year, so long as the contribution directly attributed to his own health coverage is less than $3,325 a year, nobody in the family qualifies for participation on the healthcare exchanges and nobody can qualify for the intended government subsidies.
Using the Kaiser averages, the family in our example will end up paying over 12 percent of their annual income for health insurance—a crushing amount of money for a family earning just $35,000 a year and well beyond what is affordable for many.
The result will be millions of spouses and children left to go uninsured.
How can this possibly make sense when the very purpose of the healthcare reform law is to get more Americans insured rather than less?
Says Jocelyn Guyer of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University,
"We can see kids falling through the cracks. They will lack access to affordable employer-based family coverage and still be locked out of tax credits to help them buy coverage for their kids in the marketplaces, or exchanges, being established in every state."
So absurd is this ruling—given the intent and purpose of the Affordable Care Act—Congress will have no choice but to correct the offending passage and set this straight, yes?
(Continue reading)
I think it's a little late in the game to blame the GOP for what's happening with Obamacare. There was bipartisan support prior to it passing for Healthcare reform and if there had been negotiation and consensus building instead of the beat-the-other-guy screw-their-opinions pass-what-we-want going on prior to passing the bill mistakes like this might not have happened, and had they happened everyone would be on board to fix it together.
Blaming the GOP for anything associated with a bill that they were not given a say on sounds disingenuous at best, but here's an idea, maybe it isn't too late to compromise. Offer, in exchange for Federal Subsidized Healthcare for millions of children, to remove abortions from subsidized plans. Whether or not you believe a fetus is a human child many people do and forced subsidization of the practice amounts to forced murder for them. Fund it through planned parenthood or private charity, just offer to take it out of the ACA and the GOP will give you whatever other changes you want.
President Obama is at fault for signing a poorly drafted health care act. As the chief instigator of health care reform he is also the one most responsible to ensure that any resulting legislation has had ample time for reading, clarifications, and debate. This act was very much a rush job by a president who failed to pay sufficient attention to detail. His was the leadership, his must be the responsibility.
You are right about the law needing to be "fixed". Obamacare has never been about healthcare, it is intended to gain control of the people. It is to be used to force people into any position government desires. If anyone is harmed by, or offended by the results of this legislation they should remember only democrates voted for this mess. They should also be aware that the rules are still being written and will be tweaked for years. Under Obamacare individual liberty and freedoms are lost for Americans.
Time will reveal the intent of this legislation, then you will see the error of blindly following Obama.
One disaster after another with those idiots in government. What was Pelosi's ignorant comment? We have to vote for it, before we read what's in the bill….And Dem's fell for that silly Obama charade…and the conservative, idiotic twit in the Supreme Court, John Roberts, validated this Titanic, scandalous, economic disaster of a bill…
NEVER in the annals of U.S. history, we've passed a bill that has never been read before! It's LIKE us, or someone signing a contract without reading it! It's crazy, who would do that, except those Gary Larson's idiotic, moronic looking Democraps in congress, characters in the Far Side….


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Traverse City Record-Eagle
---- — The Cherryland Cares Board, which meets quarterly, awarded four grants at its June meeting.
The board is comprised of Cherryland Electric Cooperative members. Grant funds come from the cooperative's Operation Roundup, when members choose to round their bills up to the nearest dollar.
Grants went to: the Father Fred Foundation, $3,000; STEP program for homeless teens, $3,000; the Traverse City Trinity Food Program, $1,000; and Benzie Habitat for Humanity, $850.
Digestive Health Associates in Traverse City recently recognized Kim Spiker for 15 years of dedication and service as a registered nurse with the practice.
Spiker graduated from the RN program at Northwestern Michigan College. Her responsibilities include telephone triage and Remicade infusions for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
J. Ryan McManus, MD, has joined the Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic. He will provide surgical care at Munson Medical Center and Northwest Michigan Surgery Center in Traverse City.
Dr. McManus received glaucoma fellowship training at University of Virginia's Department of Ophthalmology, where he was a clinical instructor. He completed an ophthalmology residency at Medical University of South Carolina's Storm Eye Institute and a general surgery internship at that university's department of surgery. Dr. McManus also received a medical doctorate from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of science degree in human biology from Michigan State University.


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If you follow the DH world cup this is a must watch. This movie is pure DH racing action following the world cup series showcasing the races and its top riders.
This movie really showcases how the race series progresses throughout the season and the struggle at each race. The movie is almost like a recap of the season but put together in a very entertaining and creative way. The movie also shows just how fast these guys rip down the course and how races are won by milliseconds.
Besides having some exciting race footage there are also several segments of riders on their home tracks hauling butt down some of their favorite runs.
The cinematography is top notch and you can tell that this movie carried some budget to make. The camera angles and scenes are done really well and also show just how creative filming DH racing can be.
Soundtrack fits the movie and all the scenes so thats a plus as well!!
Keep in mind this movie focuses on the DH racing scenes so if you are looking for freeride/DJ action you may want to look elsewhere but the movie should still be entertaining to any mountain bike fan, both racers and none racers. I would strongly recommend!!
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You must earn 10,000 points to post other members' whiteboard
The other 2 are Fuel Hog & RedSox20042007
Hi there are 4 of us who have 409 consecutive days right now. We should agree to keep the streak going together. Two of us are already buddies. Join us and we can be a quartet . Thanks.
Congratulations on posting for 400 consecutive days. . Lets be buddies also. Thanks. Shep
Congratulations on having the tenacity to hit 300 consecutive days! Warren {:-)
Thank you for your protest.i post the prices as i remember them as i drive by. you may correct them if you wish or you may remind us we are all humans capable of a few errors, which i sure your not !!
Congratulations on having the dedication to post for 200 consecutive days. Keep up the Great Work and Good Luck in the future! Want to become buddies??? Warren :-)
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Staff Reports
Newburyport Daily News
---- — NEWBURYPORT — For decades, it's been a tradition for many bald eagle enthusiasts: They line the banks of the Merrimack River on a cold day in early January, scanning the skies for the enormous birds sailing over the landscape or sitting in riverfront trees.
The number and location of eagles is tabulated, and the figures are sent to the state. All over Massachusetts, in places where eagles are known to live, similar counts are conducted, and by the end of that January day the state's Eagle Count is complete, and state officials have a good snapshot of the eagle population.
But that 32-year practice ends this year, as the state embarks on a new method of counting eagles that may give the region a more relevant assessment of where they are and what they are doing.
Yesterday the state announced that it will instead hold an eagle count sometime in March, the exact date is not yet determined. It's in an effort to capture a new and positive phenomenon that has emerged both along the Merrimack River and elsewhere. Finally, eagles are starting to build nests here again, and a population of "resident nesting birds" is growing. The March count is expected to give a good showing of both the resident nesters, and the migratory eagles that spend a few months on the river.
Tom French, assistant director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, said on the lower Merrimack River alone there are 8 nesting adults, and perhaps 4 juveniles. That's a remarkable figure, he said, considering that in 1979, when the state first started its eagle count, there were only 8 in the entire state, and none of them were nesting.
"The lower Merrimack River has been the third most important eagle habitat in the state, and it still is," he said.
Eagles started nesting along the Merrimack about 5 years ago. One of the most visible nests is next to Amesbury's Point Shore neighborhood, in a tree that overlooks both the Powow and Merrimack rivers. The waterways are prime feeding territory for eagles.
Bald eagles were on a path toward extinction a half century ago, but efforts to save them have been successful. They are no longer considered to be endangered, and their numbers grow each year.
The last time that a January eagle count was successfully held, in 2011, a record 107 eagles were seen across Massachusetts. The 2012 count was canceled due to bad weather.
One of the tricks of getting an accurate count of eagles is timing. Eagles tend to migrate south from their habitats in Maine and Canada as cold weather freezes rivers and prevents them from catching fish. At any given time, the population in any given spot can vary widely due to these weather-related migration patterns.
French said this year's Massachusetts population has been influenced by the relatively mild winter to the north. There are few eagles around right now, but that will change in the coming weeks.
French said the eagle population in Massachusetts peaks in February. By that time of the year, most certainly the rivers to the north are frozen, and a healthy number of eagles can be seen along the Merrimack River. They are concentrated around Deer Island in Amesbury, the Interstate 95 bridge over the Merrimack, and lower Merrimack between Salisbury and Newburyport. There's usually open water in these areas in wintertime, and a large population of ducks and fish — two favorite foods for eagles, French said.
The January eagle count was part of a national initiative to capture the coast-to-coast picture of the eagle population. French said there is less need to do that now that eagles are recovering.
"I always thought that the (January) eagle count week was not the best week to do it," French said. "We were told 'it's not necessarily the best time for you,' but because the count is done as a national event, it gives an idea of what the entire nation's eagle count is."


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RALEIGH — The financially troubled Raleigh Business and Technology Center has moved out of its city-owned building near downtown, and the agencys leaders arent sure of their next steps.
City officials have been trying to evict the Southeast Raleigh business incubator since July, when a scathing audit found unexplained cashiers checks and payments to tenants as well as records showing that the agencys nonprofit status had been revoked. The audit also touched off a police investigation of possible fraud involving ousted director Bob Robinson; no charges have yet been filed.
The agency fought the eviction in court, arguing that its lease on the $5.16 million property was valid through December.
But late last month, the incubator decided to stop fighting the eviction order and leave the building. The city took possession of the property on Oct. 1 and is assessing maintenance needs. Existing small business tenants have been allowed to stay until Raleigh leaders develop a long-term plan for the property.
Its not because the city was successful in kicking them out, the agencys attorney, state Sen. Dan Blue, said Tuesday. They figured it was cheaper for them to find the space elsewhere.
The incubator has had the building rent-free since it was built in 2000. But if it had lost the lawsuit, it would likely have had to turn over revenues earned from small business tenants. The agency paid a $22,222 bond to cover that amount during an August court hearing.
The move leaves the agency without office space to offer minority-owned startup businesses one of its core functions. It also canceled the Pacesetters program, a weekly class for business owners, after running out of money to pay the instructor.
Two remaining employees
Interim director Miriam Perry has left the organization, leaving two longtime staff members as the only remaining employees. They are continuing to oversee a small business loan program and a few contract services from a temporary location between Raleigh and Garner; they wouldnt say exactly where the new space is located.
Lawrence Wray the former Raleigh assistant city manager who chairs the agencys board says he doesnt know what services the Raleigh Business and Technology Center will offer in the future.
Were not sure yet, and thats what were trying to work through, he said.
The bulk of the organizations funding came from a $162,000 annual grant from the city and rent revenues from offices at the South Wilmington Street building.
The building is mostly empty now, with a few remaining tenants having negotiated six-month lease extensions with the city. Raleigh leaders are working on details for a new business incubator program at the site.
Campbell: 919-829-4802; Twitter: @RaleighReporter


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Damian Dinning's statement, props to unsung imaging Nokia heroes, moving to Jaguar Land Rover.
John from Nokia gave us a heads up on Damian Dinning's statement that he gave to the PureViewClub. Due to key strategic roles moving to Finland (things MOVING TO Finland, NOT away folks) and relocation NOT an option for Damian and his family, it means that Damian is parting ways from Nokia.
Damian acknowledges the work of others in the imaging team, and says he's embarrassed from the attention and notes the unsung heroes who make our Nokias class leading in imaging.
Another upside I've found is that Damian is NOT moving to a competitor, but to Jaguar Land Rover.
Following the news of my forthcoming departure from Nokia I wanted to say a few words:
Firstly, wow! Huge thanks for the incredibly kind words of support and well wishes. I have been so touched by all of your messages.
As reported in Nokia's own statement regarding my forthcoming departure, a number of key strategic roles have moved to Finland. My family and I are based in the UK at a stage in our lives where relocation is unfortunately not an option. I have therefore made the tremendously difficult decision after nearly 9 years with Nokia to leave the company. I am hugely proud of the work I have been involved with during my time at Nokia and feel privileged to have worked with some of the smartest people I've ever been fortunate enough to meet.
As reported by a few, the work area I am best known for, imaging, is the result of a huge and massively talented pool of people. I have often felt embarrassed by the media attention I received knowing that whilst I am proud of my own contributions and the forward looking guidance I have strived to provide the teams, there are a lot of unsung heroes!
I have known for some time that I would be leaving Nokia. I've spent many many months with this in mind, working with incredibly talented and highly motivated people across various teams building towards the next steps Nokia will take in imaging.
At a very young age, I had two very strong interests, cars and photography. With regards to the latter, I wanted to be able to take photography from the nerdy or for special occasions only use it was at the time, to being part of everyday life. I never thought I'd be able to play a role in making that happen, but my time at Nokia gave me exactly that opportunity. I really feel I've been able to fulfil that ambition. Whilst we're really only just entering the next major stage in the development of photography and I still have a very clear vision of how I see it's longer term development, I fully recognise this is the perfect opportunity for me to work in quite a different area.
For those less cynical amongst you, there's a lot to look forward to as the various teams continue to work as hard as ever. I feel confident you're going to really love what they're working on for the future. Having been directly involved, I'm personally intrigued to monitor as a spectator, their progress.
As for my future, I am moving to an industry I've wanted to be part of for a very long time. My experience in telecoms and smartphones provides me with a great opportunity to make a difference in a company whose own development is inspiring at a time of great change. I am thrilled that I'll shortly be joining Jaguar Land Rover where I'll take a role
driving future innovations in the exciting new field of Connected Car.
You can still contact me via my twitter page @PhoneDaz, but I will not be using this account in relation to my new role. Feel free to nudge me from time to time…
Best wishes to you all.
Damian Dinning
Category: Nokia
About the Author (Author Profile)Hey, thanks for reading my post. My name is Jay and I'm a medical student at the University of Manchester. When I can, I blog here at mynokiablog.com and tweet now and again @jaymontano. We also have a twitter and facebook accounts @mynokiablog and Facebook.com/mynokiablog. Check out the tips, guides and rules for commenting >>click<< Contact us at tips(@)mynokiablog.com or email me directly on jay[at]mynokiablog.com
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I think Nokia should have done something to keep him on board.
Well, if its really 'i dont want to move elsewhere' kinda reason, I doubt any amount of money might make it work, especially if the kids, if he has any, might not be able to move about.
There was a guy who was transferred to my area and his wife said "no we're not", so he quit.
Im actually crushed that he isn't moving to a competitor :/ Jaguar really? ah well :/ that's that then
I have a hunch that his final destination is APPLE! JLR is just a curtain to cool down nokia funs…
Man you're stupid.
…. that makes no sense.
Perhaps Nokia has a non compete agreement and he's waiting for X-years for it to expire? :3
Classy guy with his heart in the right place. All the best to him and his family!
You are right. He's doing the family route and seeking a new role in furthering smartphone extensions beyond the current uses. Smart for Nokia to watch, learn and anticipate his creations with Land Rover to enhance Nokias products for this new role.
oh no, 41mp on lumia further delayed again
He is not responsible of the tech. he is responsible of the direction and how the teams are constructed. Just like Ahtisaari doesn't actually design any of the phones.
The camera team in Tampere is still the same it was before.
i think it like 808 successor running symbian is delay again
Good luck to Damien. I guess he's seen the writing on the wall and knows that Nokia will be dead in a year or so. Best to leave before then. All the best to him and his family.
yes, he is clever.
what can he do in jaguar?
I guess we'll see. This may be an intermediate move, and he may end up at Apple or Samsung in a year or two.
U mad bro?
Wishing that Samsung or Google would pay you for these troll comments?
As some one that was several times scouted to work statically on several locations, meaning moving out of my current location, I must say I understand Damian decision. Not being Damian, I Can only share the reasons I never did that.
For me to move I need to be motivated about what I will do, the team I will do it with, and The company I'm going to work for. Those 3 are mandatory to even consider. Second stage, how much are you going to pay-me and what Is the tax situation at the location, equally important I will need to be very sure about how stable that work is and how committed to s certain strategy that company is. (not going to move for a Position that might be over in less than a year.
Nokia must have failed in some of those levels, and that's perfectly ok, maybe nokia was not interested enough to assure it would retain Damien and the cons topped the pros for booth of them.
The failure in your reasoning is the I part. Damian is thinking more about his family and perhaps his wife said a big no towards a move to Finland that he might have considered. Don't underestimate the power of women and especially the one of wives
I don't, I'm married, If i wasn't married maybe I Would have taken one of the proposals I got (turns out it was a brilliant move not to do so but that's another story).
As a side note in more than one occasion a placement for my wife was implicitly offered. "I'm sure we can work something out"
A wife is just another piece in the grand equation that needs to be convinced, do not underestimate the power of "honey we get to pick a brand new house, with a walking closet" I would say that the biggest problem is the kids and the school, and grand parents visits…
But yeah as a engineer friend of mine tells me, anything is possible its just a mater of time money and willpower… (I usually ask him for a go back in time machine (theoretically impossible)(unless some one in the pass as already created one that I could use to move back in time but then it would not have been my engineer friend to do it, proving my point and destroying my/his original argument here ;))
I have developed the ULTIMATE in anti-troll technology. After working for months in my laboratory in my parent's basement, I have developed a genius system. Soon companies will be climbing over each other giving me offers for my genius anti-troll technology.
Good luck and all the best to Mr. Dinning and his family.
Why? More than likely there is a non-compete clause in his Nokia contract.
Best of luck to Mr. Dinning and his family. It's sad to see him leave the industry after being so well known as part of the team that gave fans the N8, 808 and 920. Here's hoping we see him back in the industry he was so influential in enriching…at least in the not too distant future.
Best of luck with the new role, Mr. Dinning.
Thank you for all your hard work at Nokia.
The nioncompete clause makes sense , so maybe his move to Jaguar , if he is , is temporary . This would also account for Nitish Kumar`s tweet that Dinning is going to Samsung !
why would you think Nitish Kumar has an idea what he's talking about ?
Because, according to my anti-troll system, he is a troll, likely being paid by Samsung.
your antitroll system seems to work perfectly.
Sorry to burst ur bubble but I don`t work for Samsung , nor do I care for their phones ..
then ur antitroll system needs a major redesign lol
IDK , maybe because he`s a well known and respected tech blogger ?
And maybe because a number of phone manufacturers would love to get their hands on him ? Nahhhhh , can`t be ..
Clarification in my firat sentence , I refer to Kumar , in my second , I refer to Dinning …
who is respected tech blogger ? And where did this roumor even come from ? Let me give you inside info; Stephen Elop will NOT join Apple this year ! Be it nkumar or eldar, i'm so sick of these worthless gossips. They are just sad.
Stephen Elop? Who said anything about him? Apple is not run by a bunch of lunatics to even contemplate hiring such a person as a courier, let alone something more. Nobody hires incompetent people except for the government, companies with strong monopolistic positions which can afford an idiot at the helm, or companies who's BoD have decided to commit a massive suicide as the case is with Nokia.
Apple doesn't fit any of these three scenarios, hence Elop ain't going anywhere until his job is done and Nokia is no more. Then maybe, just maybe, Microsoft takes him back – it would be a though call, tho, because even Microsoft is no longer in a position where they can afford idiots who did some massive damage to their competition.
I read it on twitter. As the respected part , Kumar has been blogging on tech , mobile , for several years now . Not as long , perhaps , aas Jay or Ali , but more than long enough to be respected .His blog site is nitishkumar.net and I suggest u check it out . His reviews r to the point and common sense ,not to forget done from a layman`s perspective . Great Stuff and must reading in my book !


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There has been much ado about the 2nd amendment in the past year or so. There has been much speculation that Obama, without fear of NOT getting re-elected, will use his second term to attempt to repeal the 2nd amendment. For those of you too slow to keep up, the 2nd amendment grants US citizens the right to bear arms.
Gun abolitionists use every killing spree as evidence that guns should be banned while supporters of the 2nd amendment stand by it as a constitutional right that cannot and should not be taken away. They also point towards the crime statistics of the UK, which skyrocketed after they abolished guns a few years ago. After all, guns don't kill people. People with damaged brains and guns kill people.
Our founding fathers originally added the second amendment to our constitution as a means to defend freedom from a tyrannical government. Namely ours. Many supporters of the 2nd amendment take this to heart. I personally know one person who is stocking up guns and ammunition in anticipation of the coming revolution. I don't know what revolution is coming and if there is one brewing I hope it's avoided. I'd hate for this country to suffer through another civil war. I'd hate it even more if it happens in my lifetime. Or my children's lifetime.
I don't wish for our right to bear arms to be used for a revolution, although I don't disagree that drastic changes need to be made in the way our country operates.
But Twindaddy, you support the 2nd amendment. Why do you support it if you don't agree with the founding fathers?
I'm glad you asked, dearest reader. This is why…
This is obviously a satirical video, but hopefully you understood it's point. Unfortunately, there are evil people out there who would rob you, rape you, beat you, or kill you for their own nonsensical and deranged reasons. I believe the 2nd amendment provides you with a means to defend yourself and that means should not be taken away. Let's face it. Anyone who believes that criminals won't be able to obtain firearms if they are outlawed is foolish or naive. Or both. Abolition of alcohol certainly didn't stop people from making and distributing it. The abolition of marijuana and other illegal drugs certainly doesn't stop addicts and potheads from obtaining them. Make no mistake, if guns are outlawed criminals will still have them and you, the law-abiding citizen, will not. And how will you defend yourself when an armed robber fearlessly invades your home knowing you have no way to shoot back? His pistol has a longer reach than your Louisville Slugger I bet.
Should there be stricter gun laws? Probably. In some states it's all-too-easy to obtain a firearm legally. As my blogging buddy Elyse over at Fifty-Four and a Half has repeatedly declared, a psychiatric test should be administered in addition to a background check when you attempt to buy a firearm. I have to agree with her. Most of these people that go on killing sprees have some sort of mental illness.
I'll admit that I don't have all the answers when it comes to gun control. I don't know how to solve the problem. But I do know that taking guns away from law-abiding citizens will make this country a more dangerous place to live. Especially since die-hard NRA and 2nd amendment supporters will likely NOT give up their firearms without a fight. And then we WILL have a civil war on our hands.
So, please, folks. Give up on abolishing guns. It is not the answer.


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WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court justices said Monday they were highly skeptical of the idea that a company or a scientist can hold a patent on human genes and prevent others from testing or using them.
"What about the first person who found a liver?" asked Justice Elena Kagan.
She was agreeing with other justices who said patents should not be given for "products of nature," whether they are plant leaves that cure a disease or tiny parts of the human body.


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Toy Recalls
Spring Cleaning Tips for Toys
Here are some spring cleaning tips for toys that include how to organize, store and donate toys.
Where Can I Donate Used Toys?
As your children get older and you start to clean-out the playroom to make way for new toys, games and activities, many parents often ask this question, "Where Can I Donate Used Toys?"
Toy Recalls
This is a list of all of the toy recalls by the CPSC for 2012.
CPSC Toy Recalls for 2011
This is a list of the most recent toy recalls from the CPSC in 2011.
I Want This Toy Recalled!
Here's what parents can do if they want a toy recalled. Dangerous toys can be recalled if parents report safety issues with the toys. Here's what to do if you want a toy recalled.
Ten Steps Toward Safer Toys
Ten things parents can do to keep kids safe. Recall toys and dangerous toys are everywhere. Parents just have to know what they're looking for.
Recall Toys - The CPSC's Most Wanted Recall Toys
The CPSC publishes a list of its most wanted dangerous recall toys. These are all toys recalled for various health and safety hazard. These lists of recalled toys and recall toy pictures help parents keep kids safe.
The Most Dangerous Toys - What Are the Most Dangerous Toys Being Recalled
The CPSC's Most Wanted Recalled Toys
The Consumer Product Safety Commission notifies consumers of toy recalls and keeps a list of its most wanted recalled toys. According to the CPSC, these toys are dangerous and should be taken away from children immediately. It is important that parents who own these toys follow through on the company's offer to replace the toy or issue a refund . That kind of accountability hits toy manufacturer…
Razor Scooter Recall
Razor Scooter Recall - PowerWing Three-Wheeled Scooters Recalled The CSPC has issued a voluntary Razor scooter recall specifically targeting the Razor PowerWing Three-Wheeled scooters. Around 103,000 Razor scooters have been affected by this recall. The reason for the Razor scooter recall is that the underside of the foot platform can have sharp edges, thus leading to a laceration hazard to kids who are riding the vehicle.
Do You Own This Recalled Toy?
The toy recalls have shocked and alarmed all of us. Recalled toys are unsafe for your kids. It's important that you keep your eyes and ears open for recalled toys. Here's an image gallery which helps you to check if you have the most commonly recalled toys.
Are Home Lead Test Kits Reliable?
Are Home Lead Test Kits good?
AquaDots Recall
Spin Master's Aqua Dots Recall
Nike Recalls Helmet Chin Straps
Nike recalls helmet chin straps
Marvel Recalls Curious George Plush Toys
Curious George Toys Recall
Dangerous Toys - A Checklist
Dangerous toys are everywhere. Millions of dangerous toys are being recalled because of various reasons. The most common reasons which make toys dangerous are magnets, high levels of lead and small detachable parts in the toys. If you're concerned about dangerous toys in your home, here's a quick checklist of things you can do to help.
Why Are Toys Containing Lead or Lead Paint Dangerous?
The recent toy recall affecting millions of toys was due to abnormally high levels of lead in the surface paint. Toys that have high levels of lead are dangerous and pose a health hazard to our children. Take a look at why exposure to lead is dangerous for kids.
Toy Recalls - Implications, Reasons and the Future
The holiday season this year is going to be very different. We may see a lot of empty shelves in stores, a reduced demand for toys, and a shortage of the hot holiday toys, all stemming from the toy recalls that we've seen in the recent past. By this time of the year, toys meant for the 2007 holiday season have already been manufactured. However, these toys may or may not see the light of day. A lot of toys are still being held in the place of manufacture, China.
Mattel, Fisher-Price Recall Barbie Playsets, Bongo Band, Geo Trax Toys
In another major toy recall, Mattel has pulled almost 800,000 toys off the shelves due to the violation of lead paint standard. This time, it's the Barbie accessory toys which make up the bulk of the recall. Fisher-Price has also pulled off Bongo Band and Geo Trax toys.
Toys "R" Us Recalls Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Case
Toys "R" Us Recalls Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases
Mattel Recalls Polly Pocket Play Sets
Mattel has expanded it's earlier recall of Polly Pocket play sets to cover almost 7.3 million play sets. The recall was issued after receiving hundreds of reports of little magnets embedded inside the dolls coming loose. Polly Pocket play sets manufactured between May 2003 and November 2006 are affected by the recall.
Easy Bake Oven Recall
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Hasbro have announced the recall of the Easy Bake Oven models sold between May 2006 and July 2007. The recall is widespread - around 1 million units of the pink plastic toy are being pulled in.
Fisher Price Toy Recall - Dora, Diego, Sesame Street toys
The latest and one of the most shocking toy recalls was recently announced by none other than the toy giant Mattel, Inc. Mattel's division, Fisher-Price, has announced the recall of more than 80 of it's Dora, Diego and Sesame Street licensed toys.
Thomas the Tank Engine Toy Recall
RC2 Corp., in conjunction with the CPSC, has issued a recall of various Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys due to the lead poisoning hazard in connection with the paint they're decorated with.
Mattel Recalls Barbie and Tanner, Doggie Day Care and Batman
Toy giant Mattel recently issued a toy recall affecting millions of Polly Pocket play sets due to loose magnets. In another recall, Mattel has decided to withdraw around 683 thousand units of it's Barbie and Tanner playsets.
Magnetix Toy Recall Expanded
There have been several incidents in the recent past which have led to the recall of the magnetic building sets like Mega Brand's Magnetix. CSPC and Mega Brands have expanded the recall of all Magnetix building sets except the ones sold after March 31, 2006 which are the newer sets age labeled "6+".
Toy Recalls - A List of Recent Toy Recalls - Toy Recall Pictures
Millions of toys have been recalled for lead and cadmium, choking hazards, dangerous magnets and other toy safety hazards. Almost every day there's a new toy recall. We also include pictures of each recall toy. It is important to note that this is not a comprehensive list and does not include all toy recalls. For more information on recalled...
Mattel Recalls Sarge Die Cast Cars
Mattel announced the recall of around 253,000 units of Sarge die cast cars from the Cars movie toy line. Just like in the earlier Thomas the Engine toy recall, the Sarge cars have high levels of lead in the surface paint.
Recent Toy Recall List
Millions of toys have been recalled for lead and cadmium, choking hazards, dangerous magnets and other toy safety hazards. Almost every day there's a new toy recall. We also include pictures of each recall toy. It is important to note that this is not a comprehensive list and does not include all toy recalls. For more information on recalled...
American Girl Jewelry Recall
American Girl jewellery for children including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and hair accessories have all been recalled. The jewellery is mounted on a red and white cardboard backing, with the words "American Girl" and "Made in China" written on the front.
Razor Electric Scooter Recall
The firm Razor USA has announced the recall of around 246,000 units of the Razor Electric Scooter sold between the time period October 2003 through May 2005.
I Want This Toy Recalled!
What Should Parents Do If They Think A Dangerous Toy Should Be Recalled?
Fisher-Price Toy Recall Pictures - Recall Pictures of Fisher-Price Recall Trikes
Fisher-Price Toy Recall Pictures - Recall Pictures of Fisher-Price Recall Trikes
Fisher-Price Toy Recall Pictures - Fisher-Price Baby Toys and Toddler Toys
Fisher-Price Toy Recall Pictures - Recall Pictures of Fisher-Price Recalled Baby Toys and Toddler Toys
2010 Toy Recalls and Toy Recall Pictures
Millions of toys have been recalled for lead, cadmium, choking hazards, dangerous magnets and other hazards. This list includes pictures of toys recalled recently. It is important to note that this list does not include all toy recalls. For more information on recalled toys visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Website and sign...


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A quadcopter enthusiast flew a DJI Phantom into an active volcano in Vanuatu, escaping with some awesome footage.
Can enormous heat deep in the earth be harnessed to provide energy for us on the surface?
Deep in the Pacific Ocean, Tamu Massif is an inactive volcano that's as big as New Mexico and comparable to the massive Olympus Mons on Mars.
A bunch of the Lonely Planet guides for the iPhone are free until Thursday in a bid to help travellers trapped in ashy boredom on the Continent
As the Eyjafjallajökull volcano continues to cause travel misery, plucky travellers are turning to the Web, Skype and even their iPad -- in some cases to get married and run countries
The Eyjafjallajökull volcano may be causing misery for travellers, but it looks pretty from space. We round up some of the Web sites showing some lava love
Scientists funded by NOAA and the NSF explore and analyze volcanoes erupting at 4,000 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean.
Scarab to prove it can collect samples and data in extreme terrain and darkness with little communication.
Piloting a GoPro-equipped quadcopter through ice caves has yielded an absolutely gorgeous tour of a phenomenon usually off-limits to human explorers.


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THE DOSSIER: NAME: Lea Michele. TRADE: Actress, Glee. VIBE: Cozy Californian. ABODE: West Hollywood bungalow, CA.
When our editor-at-large, interior designer and fashion stylist Estee Stanley, convinced close friend and client Lea Michele to submit her new place to a Domaine-style makeover, the stakes could not have been higher. "You know this could be the end of our relationship, right?" the actress asked Stanley, only half kidding. We agreed to an against-all-odds timeline: four hours to move nearly all of Michele's possessions into temporary storage, unload a bungalow's worth of shopping, style the selections, and have everything ready for an unveiling at 1:30 p.m., in time for her homecoming.
CASING THE JOINT Like any covert-op worth its truckload of rugs from Lawrence of La Brea (as the case happened to be), Stanley and Domaine editorial director Mat Sanders came prepared, having hit Brenda Antin, Nathan Turner, Lucca Antiques and Pat McGann in the La Cienega Design Quarter earlier in the week, and snapped up tableware from West Elm and Table Art. "The only direction she gave me was that she wanted it to be cozy," Stanley says of the jumping off point. "And not to touch Barbra." (Michele has curated a small photo collection dedicated to the Funny Girl diva.)
MOVING IN Streisand oath taken, the mission began in the living room, where an invitingly deep Brenda Antin couch upholstered in French linen satisfied Michele's request for comfort. An English library cabinet from Nathan Turner was brought in as the room's focal point, with a pair of rattan chairs placed on either side of the tiled fireplace, and a duo of vintage rug upholstered chairs from Nickey Kehoe set behind the custom oak topped metal coffee table. The chair-dense configuration was intended to coin a salon vibe. "It's a room for sitting and conversing," Sanders says. Michele's own coffee table books—Charlotte Mullin's Painting People and another starring you-know-who—personalize the space.
A NEW YORK MINUTE In the entryway Stanley paid homage to Michele's native Manhattan with a traditional wingback chair upholstered in weathered black leather and updated with a linen cushion. The actress' own equestrian-themed giclée print hangs over an indoor garden themed vignette, with a muted Persian rug providing a family heirloom-feeling backdrop. "I'm definitely feminine, but at the same time I don't want my house to be overtly so," says Michele. "I wanted it to have touches of masculinity, and that chair is a nice balance." Around the corner, a decidedly ladylike writing desk hosts the star's SAG and People's Choice Awards. "I call it my Bradshaw," she confesses.
GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL FLOORPLANS Opting to keep Michele's Restoration Hardware steel and reclaimed elm dining table along with a trio of industrial dining room chairs, the team added a one-of-a-kind French Baroque-inspired blue velvet settee to the mix. "Especially in smaller houses, you need something original and funky, to give it that flavor," says Stanley. "People tend to get scared and want to leave it at one or two pieces, but really you need to do the opposite to create that homey-ness."
THE REVEAL "No sooner did we wipe the dust off the edge of the entry table and the last mover was out the door than we heard the gate open and saw Michele's little Prius coming up the drive," Sanders says, describing the scene as a Price is Right moment. "She squealed and sort of almost cried," Stanley agrees. "I think she was shocked that she loved it." Ask Michele however, and she insists: "I always had the utmost faith!" Whether or not she'd swear to it on Babs is another story.
|English Library Cabinet
Nathan Turner
|Painting of Greyhounds
Nickey Kehoe
|Potter's Workshop Tableware
West Elm
|Coffee Table
Lucca Antiques
|Entryway Rug
Lawrence of La Brea
|Plates, Dibbern, and KPM
Table Art
|Kilim Ottoman
Brenda Antin
|Flatiron Dining Table
Restoration Hardware
|Equestrian Giclée Print
Z Gallerie
Wire Mesh Light Fixture
$479, Voila Gallery
Spongeware Mug
$23, Canvas
Khotan Rug
$2999, ABC Carpet
Hive Vases
$19-$27, West Elm
3-Piece Reactive Vase Set
Marseilles Mirrors
$240-$560, Restoration Hardware
Metal Schoolhouse Chair
$129, Restoration Hardware
Frog Rain Drum Accent Table
$199-$499, Pottery Barn
Tucker Desk
$1195, Jayson Home
French Quarter Bastille Arm Chair
$695, ABC Home
Enamel Coffee Pot
$150, West Elm
Tinware Dinnerware
$10, Canvas
Open Weave Natural Fiber Table Runner
$50, Pottery Barn
Domino Gold Cutlery Set
$74, Canvas
Bird's Eye Maple Cutting Board
$170, Heath Ceramics
Preston Pots
$185, Jayson Home
Tyne Round Cocktail Table
$1379, Room and Board
St. James Armoire
$1950, Restoration Hardware
Ahimsa Silk Big Diamond
$65, ABC Home
Kilim Ottoman
$799, Wisteria
Handmade Floral Tray
$97, Wisteria
Tribal Pouf - Harvest
$179, Wisteria
Kilim Ottoman
$399, Tribal Home
Chicken Wire Basket Pendant Lamp
$149, Barn Light Electric
Dismounted by Jules de Balincourt
$300, Exhibition A
Bushy Tailed - Red Fox Edition
$18, Society6
Flatiron Dining Table
From $590, Restoration Hardware
Bud Vase
$18, Sadie & Emma
Bulb Vase
$66, Heath
Turned Table Lamp
$149, West Elm
Feldblumen Five-Piece Place Setting
$1,600, Table Art
Nuit Blanche "Mapplethorpe" Series II Dessert Plates (set of 2)
$228, Table Art
Simplicity Coffee Cup & Saucer
$68, Table Art
Potters Workshop Tableware Bowl
$8, West Elm
Feuilles Tumbler
$220, Table Art
Patrician Finger (Dessert) Bowl
$152, Table Art
Favorite Throw
$20-$29, West Elm
Belgian Slope Arm Slipcovered Sofa
$1695 - $5315, Restoration Hardware
Barbara Streisand by Nick Yapp
$25, Amazon
Hive Vases
$24-$34, West Elm
MasterCraft Collections Vintage Concord Trestle Table
$1356, Home Furniture Showroom
Metal Schoolhouse Chair
$129, Restoration Hardware
Winter Stallion - Glass Coat
$500-$850, ZGallerie
Public C7 - 2012
$399, Public
Photographs: Justin Coit


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In three separate incidents this week, the U.S. Border Patrol busted alleged smugglers carrying a combined 36.4 pounds of meth and cocaine with an estimated street value of $500,000.
At 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, agents at the San Clemente checkpoint on the 5 Freeway stopped a 30-year-old U.S. man driving a 1991 Jeep Cherokee, according to a Border Patrol press release.
The man acted cagey when questioned, so agents brought in a drug dog. The K-9 sniffed out 12 bundles of crystal meth in the speaker box, weighing 14.11 pounds and worth $211,650, the press release states.
At 1:40 p.m. Monday, agents at the I-15 checkpoint stopped a 22-year-old U.S. man driving a 2006 Nissan Altima. When the driver and passenger acted nervous, agents brought out the drug dog, the release said. The animal sniffed out 2.09 pounds of methamphetamine in a fake dashboard, agents said. The Border Patrol said the meth had a street value of $41,800.
At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, agents at the I-8 checkpoint stopped a 39-year-old U.S. man driving a 2003 BMW X5. This driver also acted nervous, promting inspection by the K-9 unit. The dog detected drugs in the engine compartment and cargo area of the vehicle. The engine's electrical box was stuffed with 3.18 pounds of met worth $63,600, the Border Patrol said. And a cardboard box in the cargo area contained 17.06 pounds of coke worth $187,660, agents said.
The Border Patrol kept the vehicles and turned over the drugs and suspects to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
For some context on this story, read Patch.com's three-part series on :


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The Niagara Falls Tourism Advisory Board is doing its part to help U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins in his quest to get the New York Power Authority to pay for the removal of the Robert Moses Parkway.
Board members submitted materials — historic maps, newspaper clippings — they gathered in an effort to help Higgins, D-Buffalo and Niagara Falls, get an idea of what the street scape was like before the roadway was constructed, as he asked them to when he met with the board in March.
Jerauld Genova, the board's chairperson, said that the board recognizes the success the Higgins has had in negotiating with the power authority and wants to help him get more for the Falls.
"He's had great success with the Buffalo waterfront and I think Congressman Higgins wants to do whatever we can do here to just pick it up," Genova said.
Higgins, who began representing Niagara Falls in January after winning reelection in a redrawn district that includes the Cataract City, announced shortly after reclaiming office that he intended to negotiate with the authority to get them to pay for the removal of the roadway, which sits on NYPA land.
Genova said the board will be meeting with state representatives to discuss the matter.
Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, and Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-Lewiston, have both ben invited to the board's September meeting, he said.


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By Bob Hertzel
Times West Virginian
A couple of days back Bruce Irvin sat down in a barber's chair — stylist's chair, if you prefer — and made a dramatic and what had to be traumatic move.
He had his dreadlocks removed.
These had become to Irvin what muscles were to Arnold Schwarzenegger, swagger was to Chad Johnson, what 'Hey Jude' was to the Beatles.
Like Sampson, the dreads had come to represent his strength, all he had accomplished as he rose off the streets and out of poverty and trouble to become a football superstar, his life changed by his own desire and a couple of years at West Virginia University.
But he had had the dreads for six years, and the time had come to move forward with his life.
Two days later, after the symbols of what he had become fell to the barbershop floor, Bruce Irvin's life came crashing down upon him, the NFL announcing that one year after he had been a first-round selection of the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL draft he had been handed a four-game suspension for use of performance-enhancing drugs.
It was, in many ways, a stunning charge, for all too often those who are taken down by such accusations are physical freaks along the Jose Canseco line, men molded from steroid use to unnatural proportions.
The rap on Irvin was, however, not one that he had grown freakishly, for he was said to be undersized.
But, it appears, that he had not been caught up in the steroid craze, but possibly been led into a different area of PED use, one that over the past couple of years has become almost of epidemic proportions in Seattle.
Irvin joined Jon Moffitt, Allen Barbre, Winston Guy and Brandon Browner as players suspended from Seattle while another, Richard Sherman, also was suspended but won an appeal.
Moffitt, Browner and Sherman were linked to te drug Adderall, which is not a steroid but instead a psychostimulant sometimes used to treat attention-deficit disorders.
"The day we had the info on it, I was held out," Moffitt told the Seattle Times, "I was holding out my first day so I really didn't know. I don't think guys realize because it is a medication also. There's a lot of cases where guys already had prescriptions, but not through the league. It's just a really weird thing. It's not like steroids."
There was no indication this was what Irvin was using, but in his reaction to the suspension he referenced a "medical exemption" — something that would be required for Adderall use by an NFL player — and the Seahawks' history with Adderall invites questions about whether Irvin also used the substance.
Knowing Irvin, one doesn't question whether he could be led into using PEDs in order to succeed in football, but one finds it far easier to believe that this was something that may have been presented to him as something a different category than the traditionally banned drugs.
That is not to say that Irvin didn't know it was wrong.
Irvin's reaction to his punishment was as standup and straightforward as any as you have ever heard, taking full responsibility for his actions but adding a heartfelt statement of sorrow as he apologized for letting down those who had placed so much faith in him.
"I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption," Irvin said in a statement released by the team. "I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions.
"I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return."
Irvin could have stopped there, but there was something else he was feeling deep inside, a feeling that too many others who have been so caught up in only themselves that they could not experience any feelings for the effect their actions had on those close to them.
"It's crazy to see your name run across the ticker for negative things. I messed up and I feel so bad and have been depressed for weeks now. I've had sleepless nights because I knew when this came out, I would let so many people down, including myself. I have worked so hard to rebuild my image and it takes another blow. I see the negative comments and the positive and both drive me to come back and have an incredible season."
Irvin also had words for is West Virginia fans.
"12th man, I'm sorry I let you down but I promise you when I come back — all hell will break loose. West Virginia, I love you always and know you have my back and always will. Love on my fans and shout out to my haters — I know you loving it right now!"
Email Bob Hertzel at email@example.com or follow him on Twitter @bhertzel.


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Mattel Inc., parent company of East Aurora-based Fisher-Price, took home the big prize at this weekend's 11th annual Toy of the Year Awards, held in conjunction with the American International Toy Fair in New York City. Mattel's Sing-a-ma-jigs received Toy of the Year honors, as well as Preschool Toy of the Year and Innovative Toy of the Year.
Sing-a-ma-jigs are dolls that chatter, sing or harmonize with each other. (They were apparently not up for a Grammy.)
And what would a blog post about the toy industry be without this scene from "Big":
-- Matt Glynn


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United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, in collaboration with North Penn United Way and the United Ways of Bucks County, Chester County, and Southern Chester County today launched 2-1-1, a free, easy-to-remember phone number that connects residents of the five-county southeastern Pennsylvania region with important health and human services in local communities.
"Navigating the nonprofit landscape and a host of government services can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start, so unfortunately many go without the services they need," says Jill Michal, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey president and CEO. "2-1-1 is the place to start."
Callers reach trained specialists who can help identify their needs and connect them to local human service organizations that specialize in meeting critical basic needs (such as food and housing); physical and mental health resources; employment supports; assistance for older adults and people with disabilities; and support for children, youth and families.
Help is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (TTY and language services are available in more than 170 languages and dialects), and 24 hours a day at www.211sepa.org. Individuals, families and communities can connect with 2-1-1 for help with everyday needs and in crisis situations.
"2-1-1 often demonstrates its value during times of crisis. For example, in the weeks after Hurricane Sandy, NJ 2-1-1 helped coordinate response efforts and served as an invaluable lifeline to thousands of New Jersey residents in need of evacuation and temporary shelter assistance, help accessing emergency food and water and dealing with utility outages," says Michal.
"But 2-1-1 can also play a critical role in non-emergency times. With one phone number, callers gain free, confidential access to the resources of thousands of nonprofit programs and services that can help improve their quality of life — from quality early childcare centers, to job training programs or in-home health supports for an aging parent," adds Ann O'Brien Schmieg, senior vice president, Community Impact, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
This launch is part of a broader goal to bring 2-1-1 services to every resident of the Commonwealth. One of seven regions within the statewide Pennsylvania 2-1-1 system, 2-1-1 in southeastern Pennsylvania will also help local health and human services providers to plan for the future.
"Data collected through the local 2-1-1 system can be used to identify prevalent or emerging community needs throughout the region to facilitate informed response, assess the community or region's ability to address large-scale issues and identify gaps in services to help meet critical or growing needs," says Michal. "In addition, based on data collected from calls, nonprofit agencies and local government can anticipate demand for services and mobilize resources to meet changing needs."
For more information, visit www.211sepa.org or www.UnitedForImpact.org.