text:
St. Cloud State's tobacco-free policy was instituted to contribute to a healthy environment for all by prohibiting the use of tobacco on campus property.
Within the first six months of going tobacco-free in 2012, there was a nearly 50% decrease in the number of students who reported exposure to second-hand smoke outside on campus, according to the annual College Student Health Survey.
Tobacco-free means:
The use, sale, free distribution or advertising of smoking and smokeless tobacco products is prohibited on university property, including buildings, walkways, arenas, playing areas and in university owned vehicles and motorized equipment.
For students in violation of the tobacco-free policy:
For employees in violation of the tobacco-free policy:
Communication Toolkit
Get the Tobacco-Free logo (JPEG)
Use this language in campus publications and at campus events:
St. Cloud State is a tobacco-free campus. Our policy prohibits the use, sale and free distribution of smoking and smokeless tobacco products on university property. Tobacco use is allowed in private vehicles as long as respect for individuals and the environment is demonstrated.
The tobacco-free policy is enforced on all university-owned property including the River Walk and part of Barden Park. It will not be enforced on city streets and city sidewalks that are adjacent. View a map of campus boundaries.
Exceptions are allowed in accordance with theMinnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (PDF). Tobacco use also is allowed in private vehicles on university property, as long as respect for individuals and the environment is demonstrated.
Possession of tobacco products and use of e-cigarettes do not violate the policy.
View the Tobacco Use Policy (PDF) and Tobacco Use Procedure (PDF).
Send concerns or report tobacco use hot spots to email@example.com.
Visit the ClearWay Minnesota website to learn more about the harm caused by tobacco use. Tobacco use is the number one health problem, killing 400,000 Americans every year.


text:
The moment the new redistricting-altered maps were released in February, U.S. Congressman John Kline, (R-Second District) of Lakeville, became a target for Democrats.
For years, Kline has been as safe a bet during election season as anyone, churning out double-digit election wins every cycle.
But the new second district now includes DFL-leaning portions of northern Dakota County, as well as southern Washington County, and doesn't include Republican strongholds such as Carver County.
And that has more seasoned Democrats looking at the race with more interest.
The Star Tribune is reporting that former State Rep. Mike Obermueller has officially declared his intent to seek the DFL nomination for the Second Congressional District.
Obermueller, an attorney from Eagan, is considered by many to be the kind of strong Democrat that has shied away from running against Kline, who won his last election by 30 points and already has nearly $1 million in the bank.
In the last election, in 2010, Kline beat up on DFLer Shelley Madore, winning by 27 points. But the tale of the election lay in fundraising: Star Tribune report said that Madore raised just $89,000 compared to Kline's $1.5 million.
And that's where the DFL is looking for help.
Kline is now the target of Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee radio ads, according to MinnPost, slamming the five-term congressman over his vote in support of Rep. Paul Ryan's Republican budget plan that eliminates Medicare.
In addition, Politico is reporting that the Democratic National Committee is looking more closely at the second district, and could plow money into the race in support of a Democrat.
Obermueller, an attorney from Eagan, joins Northfield City Councilor Patrick Ganey, who for his party's support in March. Both are eyeing the seat of five-term Republican incumbent John Kline.
"I want to represent the people of Minnesota in Congress. That's been a long-term dream of mine," Obermueller told the Star Tribune.
Last month when Obermueller was "seriously" , he told The UpTake that he wanted to put real representation back into Washington, D.C.
"We basically lost a decade of prosperity and progress in this district," he said.
Ganey, a development officer at , said one of his priorities is to make education available for every American.
"We need to invest in our young children and also make sure that every college-bound student can afford it," he said in his candidacy announcement. "We must support the young entrepreneur and the mid-career professional who have the bold ideas for a new business, and make sure they are not thwarted by a lack of local infrastructure or a lack of health care coverage. "
The Star Tribune is also reporting that Dakota County Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord is considering seeking the DFL endorsement for Congress.
The DFL party is expected to endorse a candidate April 28.
Kline's office declined to comment on any of the potential candidates looking to run against him in November.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
July 29, 2014
Stay up-to-date with KAKE News:
Monday, July 2, 2012
Brothers and sisters Gina, 8, Bobby, 11, Julia, 12, Jonathon, 14, and Jacob, 16, and I recently spent the day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park where we had a great time feeding the lemurs. Perhaps these kids relate so well to the lemur family because they're also a group who wants to stay together.
This is quite a group. Gina takes piano lessons and wants to be a surgeon. Bobby plays soccer. Julia loves to read and wants to be a doctor. Johnny and Jacob both like to draw and play baseball. All five of them do just about everything together
The group has been in several different foster homes over the last few years. At times, they were split up. The two sisters say they never want to go through that again.
"I would cry every night and day because they are my family and I don't want to lose them again," Gina said.
"I would feel like a whole, big chunk of me is gone," said Julia.
Jacob, the oldest, says it's his job to keep his little brothers and sisters out of trouble. He says as long as they stay together, all they as for is a family that will keep them busy and make sure they have time to read each and every day.
These siblings are smart, ambitious and loving . They just need some parents to love them back.
If you think you may have a loving home for Gina, Bobby, Julia, Jonathon and Jacob, call 1-877-457-5430 or click on the link below for adoption information.


text:
Pros – The store team was great
Great as a part-time worker hours ranged from 4-20 hrs a week depending on hours available
Cons – No ergonomic support - standing at the registers really takes a toll on your body.
Increasing holiday hours. Example 9-9 on 4th of July.
Advice to Senior Management – I understand this company needs to make it's money but please consider that your workers are people with families too.
Also, you might want to look at getting someone to make working stations and the work environment more ergonomic. Even Walmart cashiers get nice rubber mats for their registers. Preventative actions help decrease chronic conditions or at least delay them.
If you take the time to read this, thank you.
I have been working at Dollar Tree full-time for less than a year
1 person found this helpful
I have been working at Dollar Tree full-time for more than a year
Would you like us to review something? Please describe the problem with this {0} and we will look into it.
Your feedback has been sent to the team and we'll look into it.
We're sorry but your feedback didn't make it to the team. Your input is valuable to us – would you mind trying again?
Your response will be removed from the review – this cannot be undone.
Copyright © 2008–2014, Glassdoor. All Rights Reserved. Your use of this service is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy & Cookies Policy. Safe Harbor Notice. Glassdoor ® is a registered trademark of Glassdoor, Inc.
Everything you view and do on Glassdoor is private


text:
By Julie Huss
---- — DERRY — It was a banner election day in Derry.
Not only did thousands of new voters sign up at the polls Nov. 6, but approximately 16,500 of the town's 17,500-plus checklist cast ballots.
The day was pretty smooth, town officials said, but some things could be done better.
With three polling places open, including Pinkerton Academy, voters lined up for most of the day to vote or sign up to be new voters.
"We had the last voters coming into the booth at 8:40 p.m.," Town Administrator John Anderson said.
Preliminary results were read to the public by 10 p.m. at Pinkerton, something the town hasn't seen streamlined like this in a while at such an early hour.
"It was a breakthrough for all of us to get those totals," Anderson said.
He thanked the entire team of poll workers and town staff who helped the election process move smoothly.
With so many people turning out to vote, Anderson said, it was the help of many hands that made it a successful operation.
Now it's time to think ahead and see what can be done to streamline voting procedures in town even more.
That could mean doing more to make absentee voting easier for residents and also for those counting the ballots.
About 30 percent of the town's 1,250 absentee ballots were mailed in by those serving overseas or out of town.
Others came to the polls in an envelope on voting day to be turned in.
Anderson said by adding another voting machine, the absentee process could be made more efficient. He said town officials will work with the state to see how to make the process better.
Keeping the town's polling locations consistent is also a goal.
"We want to make it as less confusing as possible," Anderson said.
Some people came to the polls and weren't sure what district they lived in. Volunteers were on hand to offer maps and information.
"People have busy lives," Anderson said. "We don't have to make their lives more difficult. We're lucky they show up to vote, but let's make it as easy as possible."
As for the Pinkerton setup, Anderson said it worked well, but could work better.
Residents of Districts 1 and 3 voted at the Derry high school. Voters entered lines according to their names to get a ballot.
People waited in another line to register to vote for the first time.
The lines were often crossing and mixed a bit, Anderson said.
"All day long, we had a line starting down the corridor (of the gym) past the trophies, of people just registering to vote," he said.
Anderson credited Town Clerk Denise Neale, moderator Margie Ives and all the election volunteers who turned out to make the day a big success. Getting the process to the most optimal point is the next step.
"John Q. Public wants to come in, vote and go home," Anderson said. "Let's make it as simple as possible. That's the goal as we move forward."


text:
MOSCOW (AP) - Investigators said a Russian jet crash that killed 44 people, including an entire professional ice hockey team, was caused by pilot error.
The Interstate Aviation Committee said Wednesday that the September 7 crash of the Yak-42 plane near the city of Yaroslavl in central Russia occurred because one of the pilots accidentally activated the brakes during takeoff and then lifted the jet too sharply, causing it to crash.
The plane crashed into the banks of the Volga River, 150 miles northeast of Moscow.
It was one of the worst aviation disasters ever in sports, shocking Russia and the world of hockey, as the dead included 36 players, coaches and staff of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team. The only player who survived the crash later died of burns. A flight engineer was the sole survivor.
Former Nashville Predators players Karlis Skrastins, Josef Vasicek and Robert Dietrich were among those killed.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


text:
Bicycling Magazine recently named San Francisco the eighth most bike-friendly city in the country.
New bike lanes, biker-right-of-way signals and bike parking helped the city obtain its ranking.
About 20 miles south of San Francisco in Belmont, bikers are a less common sight. However, Belmont has worked to make the city more biker-friendly, including adding increased bicycle access especially near the Highway 101 and Ralston Avenue interchange. The new bike/pedestrian bridge known as opened last fall and not only connects the Sterling Downs neighborhood to the Belmont Sports Complex, it gives recreational and commuter cyclists a safe route to more extensive bike trails and workplaces in Redwood Shores and beyond.
How would you rate Belmont in terms of being bicycle friendly? What would you like to see change? Take our poll, and let us know in the comments below.
Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook |Sign up for our daily newsletter | Blog for us


text: West Runton Camping and Caravanning Club Site (124 reviews) from £7.70 to £12.95 Per person/night Contact Us Book It 20% Off Grass Pitches In August and September Code: Grass20 Images Map Select Section Overview Top site for beaches Enjoy coast and countryside from this popular north Norfolk site near Cromer. You can get a feel for the beautiful and varied Norfolk coast and countryside from our Club campsite at West Runton. Our pretty and spacious campsite commands a secluded location close to the quaint seaside village with which it shares its name. Trees surround this beautifully maintained site. Facilities include roomy showers, a parent and child room, laundry and washing up area and a lovely dog walk. Just a short walk from the campsite brings you to the quaint fishing village of West Runton. Its sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing while the plentiful rock pools are waiting to be explored. For more sandy beaches, piers and promenades Sheringham, Cromer (both within walking distance of the campsite) and Caister-on-Sea tick the boxes. A mile south of West Runton, Beacon Hill is the highest point in Norfolk. Scale the dizzy height of 300ft and you'll be rewarded with views over the countryside and coast. For nature lovers Blakeney Point is a must. This mix of dune, marsh and shingle is home to seals and a variety of birds. Catch a ferry from Mortson Quay to see them. There are more animals to be seen at the Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary and the Norfolk Shire Horse Centre close to the campsite. Access and SatNav Advice Difficult access via lane through woods with passing places. Worth Noting Many pitches are sloping and chocks will be required. Two boules courts are available. Eat Local The Site shop sells local fresh produce. Sheringham Market has local produce on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Cookies Crab Shop in Salthouse serves fresh, local fish, crab and lobster. Facilities West Runton has the following facilities on or around the site. Members' and non-members' caravans welcome Members' and non-members' trailer tents welcome Hardstanding with electric hook-up Seasonal Pitches Difficult access/approach A well-sheltered site Showers Electric shaver sockets Parent and baby room Chemical toilet disposal point Motorhome stop-off Dishwashing facilities Childrens play area Gas cylinders Pets welcome Grass only pitch for larger tents Grass pitch with electric hook-up for larger tents Members' and non-members' motorhomes welcome Members' and non-members' tents welcome Grass pitch with electric hook-up Storage facilities Grass only pitch (no electric) Flushing toilet Washbasins Dedicated accessible facilities Family shower room Drinking water taps Washing Machines Ice pack freezing Ball games Payphone Coastal Battery charging facilities Reviews Review 1 |2 |31 |Next » Expand review Recommended: yes 5 Possibly better signing to site Alan Parsley (Club Member) stayed Jul 2014 This review is for West Runton Possibly better signing to site Towing: Moderate Location: Secluded Suitable For: Families,Older couples Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 5 Expand review Recommended: yes 5 First time camping in many years and first time as a newbie member. Sarah (Club Member) stayed Jul 2014 This review is for West Runton First time camping in many years and first time as a newbie member. This was a smashing site to start off with and one I will definitely return to. I holiday with just me, myself and I and I was made to feel most welcome - by the site, by the managers, and by everyone who stopped to chat (friendly bunch caravanners!) Great base to explore both coast and country and good cycle trails from the site and within 30 mins drive to suit both adrenaline junkies and free wheelers. Never had to wait for shower, loo or washing up station. Everything spotless, water always hot. The whole week was just what I needed. Location: Coastal Suitable For: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 5 Expand review Recommended: yes 4.7 I've stayed here many times and it never fails to impress. Clive (Club Member) stayed Jan 2014 This review is for West Runton I've stayed here many times and it never fails to impress. The site staff are really friendly and helpful and it is impressive to see how often the facilities are checked. The only downside is the very poor quality fish & chips. Lordy it was horrible. Overcooked fish and scrappy chips. I was told that the normal proprietor is very poorly. I wish him well. In the meantime - be warned!! Towing: Moderate Location: Country Suitable For: Families,Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 4 Expand review Recommended: yes 4.7 On behalf of our party of 6.... Rachel (Club Visitor) stayed Jun 2014 This review is for West Runton On behalf of our party of 6.... and 15 dogs I would like to say a massive THANK YOU for accommodating us as I know you had concerns about such a large number of dogs on site aswell as other people who also had dogs. We are a responsible bunch and I hope you had no cause for concern or complain when we arrived. Each evening we all eat together and all 15 dogs were with us and everything was fine and dandy with no barking or nuisance to disturb other holiday makers. We all thought the site was brilliant and suited our needs perfectly. The cleanliness of the toilet and shower block we used was the best I have ever used and was impressed with the use of the mop to clean out the shower ready for the next person although im sure not everyone is so respectful. Big thanks to Ade and Steph for their very warm welcome and for being so approachable. Ron and Bob were also a couple of happy chappies and stopped for a quick chat when I asked them a question. The friendliness of people working on the site make any bodies stay so much more nicer. The location for the dogs was brilliant. I recently had a major op' in hospital so I couldn't walk far but will hopefully return next year if you will have us. My partner and I are big walkers with our three dogs and would really love to explore the coastal paths aswell as being able to walk to Hillside animal sanctuary which is the soul reason why we all came to Norfolk in the first place. I would like to say thank you aswell to the site Manager as I rang yourselves and spoke to her a couple of days before we arrived and she was also very concerned about us bringing so many dogs. Again I hope all was well and you were happy with us staying and happy for us to come back again next year. Many Thanks Rachel and Shaun.x Location: Coastal,Secluded Suitable For: Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break Friendliness: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 4 1 |2 |31 |Next » Travel Local Travel Nearest bus stop: 0.75 mile from Site entrance Nearest train station: West Runton 0.75 mile Get Directions to West Runton Staying here? Public transport from the site Bike ride? Find cycle routes nearby Sat Nav Download our POI file Safe Directions Print Friendly PDF Widget by Frixo Standard Fees For more information take a look at Pricing explained. Minimum booking periods do apply. Standard Fee Nightly storage 01 Apr 2014 - 03 Nov 2014£5.75 Summer Storage 01 Apr 2014 - 03 Nov 2014£285 Towing (In and out of storage) 01 Apr 2014 - 03 Nov 2014£6.55 Motorhome stop-off (per unit) 01 Apr 2014 - 03 Nov 2014£7.10 Summer seasonal pitch 01 Apr 2014 - 03 Nov 2014£1,850


text:
Personalise your news, save articles to read later and customise settings
If you have trouble accessing our login form below, you can go to our login page.
The Age
Skip to:
0% purchase rate for 12 months. Offer ends 30 Sept 2014
Find Out More
Get the perfect basic loan. No monthly fees, free redraws
Earn bonus points and pay no annual fee with HSBC Platinum
With 2 Months Free or Triple Data
Compare Phone Deals
Find a new deal here from all major carriers
Compare Deals


text:
This week likely marks summer's last gasp as temperatures will rise well above normal and a slight chance of severe weather enters the picture.
No one is predicting anything major at this point, but forecasters do believe there's a 15 percent chance of severe weather Wednesday in a band running from the state's southwest corner to the northeast tip of Iowa. That's close enough to be aware of, but nothing to worry anyone much.
High temperatures Tuesday are forecast to be around 80 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Wednesday should be even warmer at 83. The average temperature this time of year is 60, and both days should be within a few degrees of the record high for the dates.
It won't last long. Temperatures on Thursday are expected to fall back to normal. They're going to keep falling Friday, when the highs will be only in the upper 40s.
The good news? Iowa isn't forecast to see the snow that has already hit parts of the country hard anytime soon.


text:
By John Vogl
TAMPA, Fla. -- Cory Conacher went to quite a few Sabres games when he played for Canisius. A few of the Griffs had season tickets, so they'd ride down to the arena to watch the games.
Tonight, Conacher gets to face the Sabres.
The rookie will skate alongside Steven Stamkos and Teddy Purcell when the Tampa Bay Lightning host Buffalo in Tampa Bay Times Forum.
"I've already got some text messages from people I went to school with to try and take it easy on Buffalo a little bit," Conacher said this morning.
Considering Lightning coach Guy Boucher praised Conacher's relentlessness, that probably won't happen. To hear from Boucher and Conacher, who has seven goals and 17 points in 18 games, click the audio files below.
Cory Conacher
Guy Boucher


text:
We've been in the industry for over 10 years, so we know our products and more importantly, the right identification products for your business or school. We'll help you find professional and simple solutions to your needs.
(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Back to top
ClearLook Wall Mounts
By Karen
from Houston, TEXAS
Comments about idville 8.5" x 8.5" ClearLook Wall Mount:
Updated look.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Nice Weight
By Beth
from Columbus, OH
It would be more helpful if it was the sixe of a regular piece of paper - 8.5 x 11.00
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Professional and Elegant
By Customer
from Cullman, AL
We have had so many compliments on our wall mounts. Everyone asks where we got them and I am glad to pass along the name IDVille. The quality of the products are outstanding in this "disposable" world we live in - these products are heavy duty and made to last. Easy to install also.This is the most organized, professional (to the "t") company I have ever dealt with. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any company using them.
I would buy this again.
By Sheryl
from Columbus, Ohio
We use these as sign holders at our church to mark out classrooms for our kids. We can have a cheap, clean way to put a sign to a room by printing from our own printer with the template in the package. Changing the sign for whatever reason (new branding, new age ranges in the room, a conference using the room for a breakout session, etc.) is a breeze, too.
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Cost efficient and great looking product
By Prop Mngr
from Los Angeles, CA
I manage a small office building where tenants come and go regularly. I previously had customized acrylic signs that cost $60 to replace and 2 weeks to order each time a new tenant entered. I now use the clear look signs and simply print and replace the inner paper at no cost and time. These signs are a great solution and have saved a great deal of time and money. Furthermore, they are, in my opinion, great looking. Only not so great thing about this is that it can get scratched easily.
Good Solution
By New Building
from Baltimore, MD
In an environment that requires constant updating to office assignments and room designations, this is a much classier solution than plastic and a much more affordable solution to etching. Using a high quality printer/copier to produce the sign template created a fantastic solution for our office space.
Great looking signs -- easy to install
By Brian from Cincy
from Cincinnati, OH
I ordered 3 of these signs for our conference rooms. They look very sharp and were easy to install. I fed the supplied paper through my color printer and it looks great.
Service and delivery comments:
I originally received 2 signs that were engraved with another company's name and logo. I contacted IDVille and they apologized for the mistake and quickly shipped me 2 replacement signs (at no cost, of course). They handled the situation very well.
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Great Look
By Anissa
from Lakewood, WA
Best Uses
We loved this product so much that we ordered the smaller ones for another wall so it would all match. Very professional and love the look.
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
Great product!
By HR
from Jacksonville,FL
The product looked very professional. My only negative comment is that the paper did not absorb the ink quickly and the ink ran. Because of this I could not print multiple sheets at a time.


text:
Welcome to SCHOTT Lighting and Imaging, your global one stop partner in making things visible!
Optimized lighting systems can be created from a broad range of SCHOTT components including LED technology and Fiber Optics. Additionally, our technological expertise in imaging provides you with a comprehensive set of solutions in a vast range of applications.
Customers in markets such as Architecture, Automotive, Aviation, Defense, Life Science Industrial and Machine Vision already know: We are only satisfied when you are.
So please, let us know what we can do for you!
Lighting and Imaging
122 Charlton Street
Southbridge, MA 01550
Directions More Contacts
Top news
HelioJet SpectrumCC LED aircraft cabin lighting solution to take off for the first time with SAS
SCHOTT MORITEX Offers New High-Brightness LED Line Illumination and High-Power Bar Illumination Series
SCHOTT MORITEX Offers New High-Brightness LED Line Illumination and High-Power Bar Illumination Series
A New Dimension in Cabin Lighting: SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik create homogeneous colors with HelioJet SpectrumCC
Exhibitions & Events
08-06 to 08-08-2014
FIME - FIME International Medical Exposition
Miami Beach, FL
10-13 to 10-15-2014
AUSA Annual Meeting (With Defense)
Washington, DC
10-14 to 10-16-2014
Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas
Seattle, WAMore Exhibitions


text:
The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
• "Everyone was picking on (Randy) Moss last year for not running hard routes. Why do you think (Bill) Belichick called him one of the smartest players he ever coached? You know why, right? He's there for one reason and one reason only. When a defense is dumb enough to play single-man coverage with no help, that is when he runs hard — he knows they are throwing to him those eight times a game. When it is not single coverage, he jogs off the line and does not finish his route. It's that plain and simple. When Randy is singled, he runs hard, he goes up top and makes plays. If he is doubled, they take (Wes) Welker low, coming across, or look for the tight end. You can coach that."
• "The Cowboys are loaded. They don't have a hole on either side of the ball. Everyone asks what they are going to do now that (longtime OLT) Flozell (Adams) is gone, but when (Doug) Free played last year, (I thought) he did a great job. Watch the games he played in. He showed up against Philadelphia. It was one of the reasons they felt comfortable letting Flozell go. (Free) did not do a bad job against us — I know that."
• "Aaron Rodgers can throw the (heck) out of the ball — when he has time to throw it. The guy that really makes that team go is (CB) Charles Woodson. He is their MVP in my book."
• "(Vikings OLG) Steve Hutchinson was at his best three years ago. The jury is still out on the Vikings' tackles. The way (ORT Phil) Loadholt finished against New Orleans was not a good indication for the future."
• "The only way Jake Delhomme will ever get to Canton is if he buys his own ticket and flies there himself. He's got the fire you want your quarterback to have. He's a take-charge leader. But has he ever been a top-flight quarterback? When he's on, he's a good, serviceable starter. The way he played early last year, he was awful. The season was over before it started. He cost (the Panthers) a couple games on his own."
• "Baltimore was big, strong and physical at the end of last year, and then they brought in some more big, physical and strong players. The only question is whether the secondary can hold up — Ed Reed and those corners. The problem is, you have to get to those guys. They are loaded up front. Playing against them is never going to be fun for anyone as long as Ray Lewis is around. What he lost physically he makes up for mentally. They keep him clean, and he gets such a great jump on the ball that he is hard to fool. He wills guys to play better."
• "I can't tell you how Devin Hester is going to play under Mike Martz. I can't tell you how Jay Cutler is going to mesh with Martz. I don't know how Julius Peppers will respond to (defensive coordinator) Rod Marinelli. Anytime you get that military mentality behind you, it's tough. You know exactly where that line is in the sand. I don't think Peppers will want to deal with letting Rod down."
• "Buffalo does not have a quarterback. Trent Edwards is always hurt. Can you name me a quarterback who has gotten hurt his first three years in the NFL and then gone on to have success? Look at the guys who have blossomed, from (Joe) Montana to (Peyton) Manning to (Brett) Favre to (Dan) Marino, straight down the list — they just don't get hurt. (Troy) Aikman, even (Drew) Brees, although he was hurt every other year for about five years. (Tom) Brady never got hurt until the one season."
• "It will be interesting to see if Rex (Ryan) can coach all those egos. If the locker room can be controlled, (the Jets) can be very good. There are definitely some personalities and attitude on that team."
For authoritative coverage and analysis of NFL news, free agency and fantasy football, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.


text:
Merchant tables now available for sale here. One table and one merchant are $50. Second merchant, $30. Tables are extremely limited, so if you want a second table ($25), contact me.
Merchant tables will be arranged around the back and back edges of the conference room, so you'll be able to hear and participate in the conference. (And customers won't need to leave your table to finish a sale!)


text:
Southern Divide (SMS)
For those looking to experience the history, culture and wilderness of South America, this 3-week adventure through Peru, Bolivia and Chile is packed full of some of the continent's most iconic and popular highlights. Explore the Sacred Valley and uncover Incan history high in the Andes at legendary Machu Picchu. Explore incredible landscapes at Uyuni Salt Flats and the Atacama Desert, and encounter vibrant culture at Lake Titicaca. Because we have years of experience and established operational offices in the region, we'll take care of the hassles so that you can focus on the highlights. Get off the beaten track and embrace the best of this incredible region.
Highlights: Explore the Sacred Valley, marvel at the views from the train to Machu Picchu, witness traditional life on Lake Titicaca, encounter colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, cross the Uyuni Salt Flats and mountain wilderness by 4x4
Easter Island (TSCRNN)
Unravel the mystery of Rapa Nui. Explore mythical Easter Island, known around the world for its ancient monolithic stone statues. See the mysterious statues, or Moai, sprinkled throughout the island, tour the volcanoes, beaches and petroglyphs, and get to know the unique culture of one of the most remote islands on earth.
Highlights: Tour the Moai route and explore the Ana Tepahu and Ana Kai caverns, visit the quarry of Puna Pau, learn more about the islanders at Orongo Cultural Centre
Southern Divide (SMS)
Easter Island (TSCRNN)
|Service Level
|Starting Price
|Southern Divide (SMS)
|22 days
From $3799
|Easter Island (TSCRNN)
|4 days
From $629


text:
Big plans for new Kemah bridge
SEABROOK — It's not a matter of if but when a massive new bridge will span the waters between Kemah and Seabrook.
SEABROOK — It's not a matter of if but when a massive new bridge will span the waters between Kemah and Seabrook.
LEAGUE CITY — A man charged in the death of his infant daughter pleaded guilty to murder Monday.
Dynamo hope newest addition can help lead the team to playoffs
As a graduate student at Sam Houston State University focusing on criminology and corrections, I was required to take a course in research methods.
La Marque Independent School District's detractors — and there seems to be a professional cadre of them — scoff at the notion that you get better education by replacing assistant principals with deans at the high school.
You can make a visit to the doctor more or less productive, depending on how you prepare for the visit and what you do when you get there.
Obesity, which once was a purely clinical term, has become a household word uttered in doctors' offices, in media coverage and in private conversations as it has become a growing concern for America.
WEBSTER — With more than 120,000-patient visits each year, the emergency room at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center can be a busy place.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed former Procter & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald as the new Veterans Affairs secretary, with a mission to overhaul an agency beleaguered by long veterans' waits for health care and VA workers falsifying records to cover up delays.
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A California man who disappeared after refusing treatment for tuberculosis, which can be contagious and spreads by coughing or sneezing, was found and arrested on charges of refusing to comply with health officials, a prosecutor said Tuesday.
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
The patio bar at Smooth Tony's Patio and Grill fills as the sun goes down on a Thursday evening.
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Patrons at Smooth Tony's Patio and Grill are surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping on the shaded backyard patio.
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Bartenders Sarah Jenkins, left, and Davis Henderson take a patron's order at Smooth Tony's Patio & Grill.
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Tiki torches lead the way to the backyard patio at Smooth Tony's Patio & Grill.
By Jennifer Reynolds
Deedra Vogel takes customers' lunch orders at The Stork Club, 2101 Postoffice St. in Galveston.
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Guy Taylor Jr., owner of The Stork Club, mixes a margarita on the rocks for a customer.
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
The pool table at Island Pier Club is in constant use as regulars try to out shoot one another for bragging rights. There is even a pool league on Wednesdays.
Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Henry Torres, left, toasts Mike Rodriguez at Island Pier Club.
8522 Teichman Road, Galveston, Texas 77553
7800 Emmett F. Lowry Expy., Texas City, Texas 77591
Phone: 409-683-5200 | News: 409-683-5239
Circulation: 409-683-5260 | Classifieds: 409-683-5301
© Copyright 2014 Galveston Newspapers Inc. Terms
Or, use your facebook account:


text:
Demons of Sherwood
Robert Tinnell (w) • Bo Hampton (a & c)
It's twelve years after Robin Hood saved Marian and Sherwood and restores Richard to his throne. Is he living happily ever after? Of course not... Robin is a drunk. He hasn't seen Marian since he saved her. He hasn't seen the merry men, either. And now word comes that Marian has been jailed as a witch by the Inquisitor from Rome. But getting in shape may be his greatest quest.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 160 Pages • ISBN: 978-1-60010-637-8
© 2009 Robert Tinnell


text:
When I learned in February 2009 that a rare form of appendix cancer would devastate my life and cause me to miss work for several months, Mike Saylor was among the first to offer assistance.
A friend since the mid-1970s, when we attended Terre Haute South High School together, Saylor said he was willing to provide rides to the treatment center of my choice. Family members and another friend ended up driving me to the University of Cincinnati Hospital in 2009 and early 2010, but I appreciated Saylor's thoughtfulness nonetheless.
Then Jim Bogle, another longtime friend and a South basketball standout in 1978-79 when the Braves reached the state finals for a third straight year, was diagnosed with major salivary gland cancer in December 2011.
Again, Saylor was among the first to show sincere concern.
Now, it is Saylor's turn to fight that cruelest of foes — cancer. In his case, it's a form of melanoma. He first noticed a problem in his rib area in 2011.
"The cancer was underneath the ribs and pushing upward," he told me last week. "Doctors first thought it was broken ribs that had been fused together and stuck out oddly."
As the months crawled by, Saylor noticed the pain increasing. A CAT scan and biopsy revealed he had cancer.
Soon, he will travel to Houston to undergo treatments at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Married with three daughters and employed as a teacher of physical education at South, Saylor must make major adjustments in his life, which won't be easy or inexpensive.
Learning to battle adversity
If the name "Mike Saylor" sounds familiar, it should.
As a dedicated young athlete, Saylor got cut from the high school basketball team at South, only to earn a spot on an NCAA Division I roster at Indiana State as a 6-foot-3 walkon in the early 1980s.
He later served as an assistant coach for the ISU men's team (1985-89) and Terre Haute South's boys team (1989-1994 and 1995-2004). When the legendary Pat Rady decided to step down as the Braves' head coach following the 2003-04 season, Saylor became his successor.
Seven seasons later, Saylor resigned with a career record of 103-69 against one of the most difficult Class 4A schedules in Indiana.
Interviewed after his final game with the Braves in March 2011, he reflected on his favorite coaching accomplishments.
"The main things were helping the kids and getting the kids [college] scholarships," Saylor told me as we stood in the Northview High School gym.
"The final four [in 2005], the final eight [in 2009], being in the sectional finals four out of seven years, the two Pizza Hut [Wabash Valley] Classic championships [in 2004 and 2007] … they were great. Another one of the things I'm most proud of was the way the kids developed while they were in the program."
But as much as Saylor enjoyed being part of a basketball family — which over the years included Brian Evans, Steve Hart, Maynard Lewis, Armon Bassett and Jake Odum, to name a few — he enjoyed spending time with his real-life family more.
The toughest opponent yet
Saylor, 52, is approaching his new battle with the same athlete/coach competitive spirit that symbolized his pre-cancer life.
But he can't do it alone. He needs reliable teammates.
Saylor encourages anyone and everyone to pray, not just for him, but for Bogle and other cancer patients around Terre Haute and all over the world.
"There are so many people out there battling cancer," Saylor said. "They all need continued prayers."
Bogle, for one, is hanging in there, although he's not out of the woods yet. Unlike myself, he is not cancer-free.
"With a lot of doctors' help, I've been battling it successfully," noted Bogle, also 52. "But it's an ongoing battle."
Bogle and Saylor grew up as neighbors on South 11th Street. So when Bogle heard about Saylor's recent cancer diagnosis, he didn't hesitate to offer his help, the way Saylor previously offered to help him.
Bogle even drove Saylor to a doctor's appointment in Indianapolis earlier this month.
"We played all sorts of sports together [as children]," Bogle recalled. "We did summer vacations together. … I'm thinking our paths were put together several years ago so we can fight this battle together now."
Bogle said he and Saylor agree they will eventually beat cancer with the aid of their Christian belief in "faith and hope, love and support."
How to be a teammate
Asked on Facebook what a person can do to help his cause, Saylor replied: "Pray to Jesus."
Terre Haute attorney Mike Ellis, a longtime friend of Saylor's and a 1978 South graduate, is offering an additional option.
He created "THE COACH MIKE SAYLOR BENEFIT FUND" Facebook group, which already has more than 1,620 members. He also helped start a separate website (www.coachmikesaylor.com) with a similar goal.
"I know he's respected by a lot of people in the community and I know there are a lot of people who want to help," Ellis explained. "So I wanted to give them the avenue to help."
Ellis pointed out that most families are not in a financial position to handle unexpected significant medical expenses, even with insurance coverage through an employer.
Ellis promised that 100 percent of monetary donations to this fund will go toward paying for the Saylors' transportation to and from Houston, motels, child care and medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Donations can be deposited into the "Coach Mike Saylor Benefit Fund" account at any First Financial Bank location or they can be dropped off at Ellis Law Office, 417 Wabash Ave.
Down the road, a benefit basketball game in the South gym and a tennis tournament are expected to raise funds for the cause. Those are probably weeks away, though, and the Saylors are receiving medical bills now.
"Friends help each other out any way they can," Ellis said of why he's putting in so much time to assist Saylor.
Ellis is right, so I pledge $50 that I'll take to First Financial Bank early this week.
It's the least a cancer survivor can do for a cancer patient.
David Hughes can be reached after 4 p.m. by phone at 1-800-783-8742, Option 4, or at (812) 231-4276; by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com; or by fax at (812) 231-4321.


text:
PROJECT: Sixth Street Viaduct Rebuild Project
The city of Los Angeles is in the midst of a design competition for a project to rebuild the fetching Sixth Street Bridge that crosses the Los Angeles River between the Downtown Arts District and the historic Boyle Heights neighborhoods at the eastern end of the city. The city's Bureau of Engineering has selected three finalists, AECOM, HNTB, and Parsons Brinckerhoff, for the final round of reviews, and is expected to select a firm in October. The bridge is one of Los Angeles' most recognizable historic structures, having served as a symbol of the neighborhoods east of Downtown Los Angeles in innumerable film productions. Preservation groups fought for years to save the bridge, but the concrete cancer ("Alkali-Silica Reaction") eroding the structure left no options but to rebuild.
The city has requested competition finalists to prepare a cable-stayed bridge of contemporary design to create an "icon" for the city. The new bridge's aesthetics will be crafted amidst a daunting collection of more utilitarian, infrastructure concerns—rail right of way, the river's complicated web of regulatory and stakeholder interests, and a stretch of overhead high voltage lines all interect the roadway's path. Also, contemporary road construction codes requires the new bridge to straighten out a kink in the old bridge's alignment.
The competition finalists and the city are hosting a series of community outreach meetings during the month of September. Visit the city's project website for more information.


text:
ENID, Okla. —
The major issue I had with (the Oct. 26, 2013, "Plea of Guilty" article), about the death of Ms. Ward nine months ago near the new Enid trail system, is the fact that the hazard of crossing Van Buren still remains. There really needs to be a traffic light at (the trail crossing) in order to prevent future pedestrian deaths.
I am not from Oklahoma, but Enid was my first choice in assignments when returning from a recent overseas tour. There are many great things about this community and raising a family in the middle of America is a blessing. The stereotypical Oklahoman's understanding of crosswalks, however, lags greatly behind the rest of the country. I teach young student pilots how to fly high performance aircraft. I feel as much stress driving home with a pedestrian waiting to cross Van Buren at the trail crosswalk as I do in teaching a young aviator to land a T-38 for the first time.
If you really want to tie a community together like this trail system has the potential to contribute toward, it must be safe to cross the street. Otherwise, it will be difficult to move beyond the east/west division of this town's past.
Finally, on the topic of traffic safety, there is simply no reason 30 mph is the posted speed limit for narrow residential streets with limited parking and no sidewalks. That's the second stressful part of my day, getting my family to the trail to enjoy the segments that don't cross a four-lane highway.
Fifteen mph would be fine by me — that is the USAF speed limit in base housing. Another benefit to the additional safety of a slower speed would be the opportunity to wave to your neighbors, as well. The people here in Enid are the major reason why Air Force veterans choose to retire in Oklahoma after all.
Will Maher,
Editor's note: Mary Ward was killed Jan. 22, 2013, while crossing Van Buren in the 1300 block of South Van Buren, approximately 100 feet south of the trail. The point of this opinion is more is needed at the trail crossing, and that is a valid opinion the News & Eagle felt could be published.


text:
Fundraiser marks 30 years of ushering in summertime
- Last Updated on 12:54 PM 05/23/12
- BY The Gazette-Virginian
Streets in Virgilina will be overflowing with festival-goers this Saturday as the town kicks off the 30th anniversary of Summerfest, the primary fundraiser for the Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department.
This year's celebration, which unofficially marks the start of the summer season in Halifax County, will get under way with a parade at 11 a.m., led by the Rev. Jay Whitley who will serve as the grand marshal. Whitley is credited with having the idea for Virgilina to hold its annual Summerfest. He served as a minister for the Union Christian Church from 1981-1985.
He and his wife, Cathy, now reside in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he serves as the minister of Bethany Church of Christ. They have two children and two grandchildren.
No one will go hungry during Saturday's big day in Virgilina. The lunch menu includes barbecue sandwiches, stew by the bowl and hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and other foods, while barbecue pork and chicken plates will be available starting at 2 p.m.
A number of arts and crafts vendors will set up shop on the street during the day, and games and rides will provide thrills for the kids.
Look for an appearance by the Centra Health and Life Flight helicopters during the afternoon.
Live entertainment starts at 12:30 p.m. and continues until 5 p.m. beginning with Sourwood Mountain followed by Hager Mountain Boys, Hi-Grass and Brown Brothers.
The Konnection Band will take the stage from 6 to 9 p.m. for the annual street dance to end the day's festivities.
A Virgilina Volunteer Fire Association raffle drawing will be held every hour from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. for a cash prize of $100 and a "Lonestar" quilt, donated and quilted by Elizabeth Smith.
Be sure to purchase a 30th anniversary T-shirt that will be for sale Saturday available in a variety of colors and sizes for children, men and women.
Many local businesses are sponsoring this year's 30th annual Virgilina Summerfest.


text:
The Twelve Days of Christmas (QMJHL style)
by, 12-24-2012 at 14:59 (912 Views)
Twelve- approximately the amount of wins the defending Memorial Cup champions, Shawinigan Cataractes, will end the season with. At the halfway mark of the season, they sit with seven wins
Eleven- amount of goals scored by Kevin Gagne, representing a career high, leading all defensemen in that category
Ten- number of teams with a record above .500. Val-dOr holds the tenth spot with a .514 winning percentage
Nine- goalies with double digit losses with the 17 by Marvin Cupper of the Cataractes leading the way
Eight- the number of wins by Jacob Gervais-Chouinard, goaltender for the expansion Sherbrooke Phoenix. Considering the two-time, defending QMJHL champions, Saint John Seadogs won 15 games in their inaugural season, Sherbrook fans should look forward to the future
Seven- shorthanded goals scored by Josh Currie of the P.E.I. Rocket, leading the league in that category, two ahead of Taylor Burke from Gatineau
Six- players selected to the under 20 Canadian national junior team including bronze medalist from last years team Jonathan Huberdeau. Also making the trip to Ufa, Russia, will be Halifax teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin, the injured Chicoutimi star Charles Hudon, Chicago Blackhawks first round pick from 2011 Phillip Danault (Victoriaville) and defenseman Xavier Ouellet of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
Five- total number of losses by the number one team in the country, the Halifax Mooseheads, at the halfway point of the season. Sporting a fantastic 29 wins against three losses in regulation, one in overtime and one in a shootout, the Mooseheads are the team to beat heading into the second half of the season
Four- overtime goals scored by the Saint John Seadogs this season, 2 each for Oliver Cooper and the since traded Kevin Gagne
Three- teams from the QMJHL in the top 10 in the country including number one overall, Halifax, number seven, Quebec and number seven, Blainville-Boisbriand with honorable mentions going out to Rimouski and Rouyn-Noranda
Two- teammates leading the league in scoring. Ben Duffy (61) trails Josh Currie (62) by one point. The P.E.I. line mates currently have the Rocket in ninth place overall
One- both team wise and individual, the QMJHL is leading the entire CHL in some major categories. As previously mentioned, the Halifax Mooseheads are ranked as the number one team in the league. Josh Currie is not only tied as the number one point getter in the CHL ( tied with Ryan Strome from the OHLs Niagara Icedogs and Colin Smith of the WHLs Kamloops Blazers making it a three league race) but is leading the CHL in goals scored with 31, shorthanded goals with seven and shorthanded points with nine. Halifax goaltender Zachary Fucale is leading the CHL in wins with 22 while Jean-Sebastien Dea of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies leads the country with 17 power play goals
So there you have it, Christmas in the Q. Lets hope the second half of the season is as entertaining as the first.
To everyone reading this, heres wishing you a safe and happy holiday season, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel and a very happy New Year.


text:
Written by Rachel Stallard
Photographed by Randy Mallory
For 36 years, Dr. Paul Kubricht has promoted brotherhood at LeTourneau University as the advisor of the Alpha Omega Society. In the future, his name will be linked to scholarship of more than an academic meaning. AO men will find the burden of securing a Christian education a little lighter, thanks to an open endowment started by former AO member Steve Iffland and his wife Tess.
Kubricht's service with AO began when he was "a brand-new professor" in Fall 1974 when the previous AO advisor, English professor Ralph Gilbert, asked him to think about helping him co-sponsor the society. They worked together for many years, and Kubricht took charge of the group after Gilbert died.
"A student named Merle Stoltzfus was the (society) president at the time. He and some of the other guys came to my office to visit with me and see if I was the 'right kind of material for AO,'" Kubricht said. Stoltzfus would later become an LETU trustee.
Kubricht was approved and settled in to watch the society, as well as the student body, grow over the years. In the early '80s, when the Ifflands attended, AO even built what Kubricht still calls the "new" brick house on campus where the society brotherhood could live together.
In honor of the society's 50th anniversary on campus this summer, the Dr. Paul Kubricht (Alpha Omega) Endowed Scholarship was announced at a time when many of the society brothers were on campus to celebrate the reunion.
"We are giving honor where honor is due," Tess Iffland said. "Dr. Kubricht has been a wonderful mentor — a man with so much wisdom and heart. We're very fortunate he was the sponsor of Alpha Omega for the past 30 years."
Kubricht's leadership was also a gift to the community at large. "The guidance we received here left such an imprint on us," Iffland said. "We had some wonderful experiences here, and so when we got a chance to connect back to LeTourneau and help students who were financially strapped, more so than when we were here, we wanted to do it."
Kubricht is starting to see sons of an earlier generation of AO alumni come through, including current AO president Logan Iffland. Kubricht calls each of them "a blessing to the house. They offer a continuity and perspective to the society.
"Part of that common denominator over the years is the desire to "come together as a brotherhood."
AO has a chaplain in charge of weekly devotionals, a vice president who plans social events, an intramural director to organize teams and a member to coordinate community activities chosen each semester. The men's annual dues are earmarked for missions, either for someone they know or to help one of their own go on a trip.
"To watch these freshmen boys mature into seniors who take on leadership roles has been very rewarding," Kubricht said. "Sometimes I don't think they even realize what is happening, and then I see God working through them in His omniscient way to help them develop and grow into men after His own heart."
Tess acknowledges that she and her husband gave the Kubricht Scholarship "a good start," but she is encouraged and hopeful that others can contribute and add to it over time.
"People our age are looking for ways to be connected to something bigger than themselves," she said. "We hope this endowment gives current students and alumni an opportunity to give to something bigger that will last long after their time as students at LETU is done."
While the intent is to help an AO student get through college, the after-effects reach even further.
"We wanted to honor the Alpha Omega society of brothers who have meant so much to us through the years," Iffland said. "That society has been the glue that brought us back to LeTourneau and that's what gave us the good feelings of unity we have had."


text:
Jeff Bercovici, Forbes Staff
I cover technology with an emphasis on social and digital media.
Correctly predicting the results of the presidential election in 50 out of 50 states makes Nate Silver look pretty smart — unless you're a dug-in critic, in which case maybe you just think it makes him look pretty lucky.
That's the position QStar Group chairman Dean Chambers is taking, more or less. On his website UnSkewedPolls.com, Chambers has for weeks been predicting a win for Mitt Romney and taking swipes at Silver, who writes poll analysis for The New York Times on his Five Thirty-Eight blog, and the rest of the mainstream polling establishment.
Even in the cold light of the morning after, Chambers — whose critiques made him a darling of the conservative blogosphere — continues to think he basically had it right, up until a week ago, when the arrival of Hurricane Sandy on the eastern seaboard changed the dynamic of the campaign.
"What I think actually happened, and this will get glossed over because of the final result — the race actually changed significantly," he says. "I'm not blaming the storm, but Hurricane Sandy took the election as a whole off the front pages for four to five days. After that, it got a lot closer. I do believe that a week ago, Romney was four to five points ahead in the popular vote."
Last week, Chambers was accusing Silver of using "voodoo statistics" and making worthless predictions, but he now says his beef was never with Silver himself. "My criticism was primarily with the polls," he says. "The only thing I thought was flawed with Nate Silver was that he was taking these polls at face value. Ultimately his final analysis was obviously based on polls that were far less skewed."
Chambers says he still doesn't understand the basis of Silver's predictions. "I was surprised when he moved Florida from Romney to Obama at the last minute," he says. "I thought at the time either he knew something no one else knew or he was smoking the wacky weed." (So what if he was? That's legal now in some states!)
He still believes his own reading of the poll data was more or less accurate. The problem was, he says, that it was incomplete. Specifically, it didn't predict Obama's huge advantage in get-out-the-vote success. "If you had told me two days ago that Obama was going to be plus-5 in turnout, I would have predicted an Obama win," he says. "You can make all the models you want, but they're not going to tell you what voters are going to do."
"The bottom line is that even though it did make the difference, I was only wrong on maybe three to four states, depending which way Florida goes," he adds. "That's still a pretty good batting average."
Well, in the last two Presidential elections, Nate Silver seems to be 99 out of 100. A 99% accuracy rate is pretty good.
Sounds like a butt-hurt conservative pundit who relied on wishful thinking more than actual math.
Guy's a sore loser.
Holy technology Batman!
Have you seen Chambers' website? Prodigy called, they want their website building kit back from 1995! LOL!
This guy simply doesn't know what he's talking about. He's a quack who doesn't understand statistics and invents his own fantasy reality. That probably explains his popularity on the right.
Yet, that was pretty good…except for that being wrong, and losing thing.
In other words, Chambers agrees with Todd Akin that this is how God wanted the election to turn out? I'm sure there are some who think Obama orchestrated Sandy with HAARP, but in reality, we did the GOP a favor…. Mitt's spending spree would have blown up and he'd end up being the worst president in history. I have nothing against Romney personally (though thought Mormons weren't supposed to lie… seems he caved to the GOP "ie machine") – I believe, as his wife said, this will be it for Mitt and he can enjoy time with his family now.
For Nate to predict with such incredible accuracy not once, but twice (2008)…..you'd think the right would tend towards silence today.
So what your saying is GOD and Mother nature also wanted Obama as president?
"You can make all the models you want, but they're not going to tell you what voters are going to do."
Yes they are. That's exactly what they're for.
What a f**kwit. Chambers should go far here.


text:
Nov 24, 2012
How to Draw a Winter Tree
3 comments:
This was a great project. I did this with two different 2nd grade classes. For the second group, I had them color and blend the sky first and then draw their trees on top. It looked better and the kids didn't have to try to color around the branches. The black oil pastel went over the blue sky with no problem.
- January 4, 2010 at 10:33 AM
I teach after school art lessons and taught this "y" tree project to my students. They Loved it and the results were beautiful. One student even asked where I got the idea for the project. I also talked alot about blending and having the sky gradiate from purple to blue and then add white on top. Thank you!
- January 21, 2012 at 11:05 AM
- Clare – the Witch said...
Hi, Kathy! I'm writing you with my kids at school: it's all covered in snow outside, so I had to change my lesson plan today and we're taking inspiration from your winter tree to draw winter landscapes. Thank you and greetings from our class 3B Scuola Pizzigoni - Saronno - Italy
- February 2, 2012 at 3:04 AM


text:
At Holland Hospital, we believe that a team approach is essential for the best care. Surgeons use the latest techniques to perform hysterectomies while West Michigan's finest nurses guide your care. Working together, your team is focused on one thing: your care.
Our Experts:
Your doctor directs your care throughout your hospital stay including arrangements for medication, laboratory tests, therapy and/or other treatments. As the coordinator of your treatment program, your doctor should be consulted if you have any questions.
Nurses Specializing in Surgery and Surgical Aftercare
A nurse will provide much of your care after surgery. Your nurse will assure orders given by your surgeon and physician are completed, including delivery of medications and monitoring your vital signs.
Care Managers
Coordination of your hospital stay is provided by a registered nurse Care Manager. Your Care Manager will monitor your progress, address your concerns and help you plan for your recuperation.
Holland Hospital
Surgical Services
602 Michigan Ave.
Holland, MI 49423
Phone Number
(616) 394-3244


text:
NORMAN — The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration recently announced a free, mobile web app of its Emergency Response Guidebook 2012 (ERG). The new safety tool will provide the nation's emergency responders with fast, easily accessible information to help them manage hazardous material incidents.
The mobile ERG will make it easier for firefighters, police and other emergency first responders to quickly locate the information they need, thanks to an electronic word search function, and will ensure easy reading, even during nighttime emergencies.
The 2012 version of the ERG includes new evacuation tables for large, toxic gas spills and standard response procedures for gas and liquid pipeline incidents.
"The first 30 minutes are the most crucial when it comes to responding to a hazmat situation," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "The new app is both mobile and flexible and gives first responders the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their communities in an emergency."
PHMSA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Library of Medicine joined forces in producing the two free apps.
Links to download the software are available from the Apple iTunes website at ERG 2012 for iPhone and from the Google Play website at ERG 2012 for Android.
A version of the ERG also is available in NLM's Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders application.
An instructional video for learning how to use the ERG2012 is available on PHMSA's website.
"This invaluable tool improves the speed and accessibility to hazardous materials response information to those on the front line of accidents and incidents," PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman said.
For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.


text:
Send me a link:
*Text messaging rates may apply.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please enter your Phone Number.
Thanks! A link has been sent.
that SPLS is doing very well...too much competition for a company that sells products that you can get anywhere....and cheaper... for companies to survive and thrive today they need some competitive advantage, through product differentiation, being low cost producer, etc.... Staples has none of that. They may eke out a living for some time, but the company is on the decline and I don't see much to reverse that. Shrinking their footprint costs money too - so they're in a posiiton of shrinking profits and increasing expenses....not an encouraging path..... there are many other companies to invest in which are growing and have great products, technologies, and patents. Stapes has the "that was easy" button. I'll pass on this company as an investment...... "that was easy" decision...
Sentiment: Sell


text:
This weekend, The Greg One and Dave (BoogaP) Peters invade San Diego for the third time this season. We will be all over the city, crashing all the hotspots and we want YOU to come party with us! As you know by now, Mr. Peters is officially the newest San Diego Sports Junkie, broadcasting LIVE on Tuesdays so call in to the show FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS! We will be in the Gaslamp, and any other place where the Boltfam likes to party so how about hitting us up with your favorite places to party! We will be tweeting our location from our tailgate position at the game so come hang with us.
Tags: BoltFam BoogaP Chargers Featured Popular San Diego The Greg One


text:
Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes Staff
Bringing You The Bull And Bear Case From The Markets Desk
Two of the top three credit rating agencies have cut France from the top-notch after Moody's did their worst on Monday after the bell. France's outlook had been negative since mid-February at Moody's, while Standard & Poor's had already cut them on January 13. Beyond the three countries mentioned above, only Austria and Finland have triple-AAA ratings at Moody's.
France's economic condition is slowly but surely deteriorating, Moody's noted. Paris' GDP estimates, which call for 0.3% growth in 2013 and 2% thereafter, were seen as overly optimistic. Despite a well diversified and large economy, a gradual loss of competitiveness has eroded its export-oriented industrial base. Falling demand from major trading partners like Spain and Italy haven't helped either.
Given the economic slowdown, France's fiscal outlook looks murky as well. Moody's noted the interconnection between France's banking and export sectors with the embattled European periphery. That exposure could make it difficult for President Francois Hollande to balance the budget by 2016.
Furthermore, France has increasingly been one of the pillars on which Europe's bailout facilities, from the EFSF to the ESM, have stood on. This reliance will only increase, especially as Spain is forced nearer to a bailout. This could put pressure on France's borrowing costs. Still, France's 10-year bonds have performed well, with yields trending down over the past 12-months, standing at 2.073% by Monday's close.
The European sovereign debt crisis seems to have flared up once again over the past few weeks, as Greece battles the Troika over further austerity and time-extensions. Athens is struggling and still needs the next tranche of bailout money, while the Troika has sought to extract further conditionality from the Hellenic Republic. France has pushed to grant Greece an extension, facing off with Germany and other Northern European nations.
At the same time, global banks have suffered both the coming back of Europe's crisis and the re-election of President Obama, stoking fears of the fiscal cliff in the U.S. Major Wall Street institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs are all down between 2% and 4% over the past month. International names like Deutsche Bank and Banco Santander have done poorly as well.
France's downgrade should come as no shock to markets that have learned to become immune to major credit rating cuts across Europe. Still, it's an indication that all is not well across the pond, and that market participants should keep an eye out for what appears to be a never-ending sovereign debt crisis.
I hate it when that happens. Better them than us I guess. But a general downward spiral seems to be the motion of the world anymore. Not good.
Due to the worsening economic situation, the fiscal outlook in France is also fraught with uncertainty.When the most people feel the threat of the collapse of the euro area is reduced,and the haze of the European crisis is spread Moody's suddenly cut French rating, Isn't it means that the European economy is far from out of the mire?


text:
Miniature Flags & Desk Sets
4 in. X 6 in. Miniature Armed Forces Flag Set$13.70Show your support for those who have served our country by decorating your desk or home with this Miniature Armed Forces Flag set. Centered around the American flag are the flags of each branch of the armed forces: Army, Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn More


text:
CSPC President Dr. David Abshire's book The Grace and Power of Civility: Commitment and Tolerance in the American Experience was reviewed by No Labels, a non-partisan organization urging America's leaders to put aside party in order to work together and find practical solutions to our nation's problems. To read the full review, click here.
In a time when our country is more polarized than ever, Dr. David Abshire, former Ambassador to NATO, writes a pamphlet tracing the history of commitment and tolerance. Abshire writes to revitalize the respect and dialogue that's been missing in American public life.


text:
Summary | Excerpt | Reading Guide | Reviews | Readalikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio
If you liked Magyk, try these:
'In poetic prose, Stewart and Riddell invent the magical realm that culminates at the Edge. The narrative will cast a spell over readers from the beginning with its utterly odd, off-kilter sense of logic and a vocabulary that is equal parts Dr. Seuss and Lewis Carroll'. Ages 10+.
Read-Alikes are one of the many benefits of membership. To see the complete list of this book's Read-Alikes, you need to be a member.
Members read and review books ahead
of publication. See what they think
in First Impressions!
Visitors can view a lot of BookBrowse for free. Full access is for members only
The Angel of Losses
"Family saga, mystery, and myth intersect in Feldman's debut novel." - Booklist
Solve this clue:
and be entered to win..
Books thatinspire you.Handpicked.
Books you'll stay up all night reading; books that will whisk you to faraway places and times, books that will expand your mind and inspire you -- the kinds of books you just can't wait to tell your friends about.


text:
This article was originally distributed via PRWeb. PRWeb, WorldNow and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.
Cambridge University Press experts analyze team language throughout tournament.
New York, NY (PRWEB) July 12, 2014
Experts at Cambridge University Press (The Press) have analyzed and assessed millions of words relating to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil to find words frequently used to describe each of the 32 nations.
Using the Cambridge English Corpus, a multi-billion word database of written and spoken English language from a huge range of media sources, the Language Research team at Cambridge has identified the words most typically associated with each of the teams throughout the tournament to give an indication of how each team has been perceived by media and fans alike.
With the curtain coming down on proceedings this Sunday, its perhaps no surprise that the powerful, focused and committed Germans made it to the showpiece showdown in Rio after demolishing hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte, while opponents Argentina are seen as the underdogs. Although the South Americans have been playing with confidence and flair, their performances have been seen as unconvincing on their route to the final.
The final proved a step too far for hosts Brazil, crashing out in spectacular fashion after a 1-7 defeat to the Germans, and the weight of the nation was clearly on their shoulders with 200 million people behind them. With the Seleção proving to be extremely popular, it was inevitable that players were going to be emotional in front of the home crowd in a desperate attempt for their first World Cup triumph since 2002. The Netherlands performances had seen them described as rampaging, stunning and strategic before their underwhelming exit from the competition last night.
With the US bowing out in the last 16, feelings towards the team were positive with the three most often used words to describe the team being determined, heroic and courageous.
However once the US were knocked out, the media took other nations to heart, particularly those in Central and South America. Colombia, arguably the darlings of the tournament, were seen as unpredictable, exciting and attacking on their way to the quarter-finals. Surprise package Costa Rica were also viewed as being dynamic and contenders, while their pace was also noted. After 120 minutes of frantic football against Belgium, the USA team certainly caught a few eyes with their determined and courageous attitude throughout the tournament, large parts of which were down to Tim Howards heroic performance.
Some teams which didnt fare as well were, unsurprisingly, Uruguay, with bite and disgrace associated with them following Luis Suarezs well-documented on-field antics, while 2010 champions Spain, who exited at the group stage, were described as poor, humiliated and defensive.
Dr Claire Dembry from Cambridge University Press said, The breadth of sources weve analyzed over the course of the tournament means we're able to give a unique insight into the mood surrounding each team.
Examining the Cambridge English Corpus and seeing how the media portray the various competing nations has given us an interesting insight into how national identity and stereotypes have been played out in the media.
Supporting infographic:
Illustration of the words used to describe each of the 32 teams in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final.
Notes to editors:
Words for each team are broken down below:
Team Word 1 Word 2 Word 3
Algeria determined pride together
Argentina confident flair unconvincing
Australia positive effort spirited
Belgium flair dark horse talent
Bosnia and Herzegovina injustice defensive forceful
Brazil emotional popular desperate
Cameroon hapless battle chaotic
Chile attacking tactical thrilling
Colombia unpredictable exciting attacking
Costa Rica dynamic pace battle
Croatia dangerous tactical competitive
Ecuador inconsistent strong potential
England exciting inexperienced disappointing
France organised defensive exciting
Germany powerful focused committed
Ghana money strike physical
Greece defensive cautious stubborn
Honduras spirit physical robust
Iran defend hope drought
Italy slow vulnerable pessimism
Ivory Coast pace physical struggle
Japan possession disappointing frustrated
Mexico determined tactical talented
Netherlands rampaging strategy stunning
Nigeria inexperienced speed tough
Portugal frustration ego disappointing
Russia drab error mediocre
South Korea woeful failure embarrassing
Spain defensive poor humiliation
Switzerland pace difficult talented
United States determined heroic courageous
Uruguay bite disgrace do-or-die
About Cambridge University Press:
For interview requests:
Cambridge University Press is able to put forward academic professionals for interview requests.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/07/prweb12009995.htm
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact email@example.com.
Can't find what you're looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2014 Worldnow and WBOC. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service


text:
Updated at 4:35 p.m. Sept. 10, 2012
Nearly three dozen vehicles have been recovered in an ongoing investigation of 85 rental-car thefts including such high-end makes as Maserati, Mercedes and Land Rover, authorities said Friday.
Wesam Georges, 33, of El Cajon was arrested in connection with the thefts Thursday night in San Diego's Mid-City area, CHP Capt. Scott Parker, commander of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, said Monday.
Georges was released on $50,000 bond, according to Tanya Sierra of the District Attorney's Office, who added: "If we file charges, he is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 17 for arraignment at 1:30 downtown."
Parker said Friday that a tip Wednesday afternoon led to a ring "in the area of El Cajon" that targeted a single "well-known" rental-car company in San Diego.
Through a process called title washing, people who legally rented cars used false IDs to change the titles and sell the cars.
"The majority of the people are innocent purchasers," Parker said.
Offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles were involved, but paperwork sometimes went through businesses offering DMV-type services, Parker said.
About 85 stolen cars were sold to private parties, dealers and auto auctions inside and outside California, Parker said in a phone interview.
An hour before the interview, Parker said via email that "we did make an arrest and have recovered at this time 26 [vehicles] worth $1,359,371," or about $52,000 each.
But in the interview, Parker said 32 or 33 cars have now been recovered as member agencies continue a sweep.
"We're still working on it," Parker said. "But we anticipate further arrests."
He said almost half of the cars stolen were "very high-end cars like Land Rovers, Mercedes, Maseratis and Porsches."
A man working for San Diego Prestige told Patch that no Maseratis had been stolen from his La Jolla rental company but said nobody else rents Maseratis in San Diego County.
Asked if he knew of any other San Diego agencies that rent "exotics," he said just Prestige and a sister location in Los Angeles.
Parker said the tough part of the investigation is tracking down the cars, which have ended up throughout California and in several other states.
"It's obviously a very good case for us," he said of the task force, which is made up of many local agencies, including the Sheriff's Department and La Mesa and El Cajon police departments. "We're happy with the work our investigators are doing."
Parker, who also oversees the Highway Patrol's investigative service unit, recalled a title-washing case in Orange County several years ago involving 20-25 cars. But this could be the largest in local history.
The task force, also called RATT, was formed in 1992, says its website, which noted:
Our primary mission is to effectively communicate with stakeholders to reduce the incidents of vehicle and cargo theft and increase the apprehension and prosecution of professional auto thieves using regional, proactive investigative methods and public education programs.
RATT says that between 2006 and 2010 the auto theft rate has been reduced by 36 percent.
"This drop is attributed to not only the hard work of the investigators assigned to RATT, but to all the law enforcement agencies who combat vehicle theft on a daily basis in San Diego County," Parker said on the site.
According to a a May 2010 Orange County Register report, an employee of the Fullerton DMV office was among four arrested in a title-washing case involving luxury vehicles such as Mercedes-Benzes and Cadillac Escalades.


text:
Michael Muretta struggled for years with mental illness.
His struggle reached a horrific end last August when the 47-year-old Williams Township man struck himself in the head with a hammer, causing fatal injuries.
That was the conclusion reached by investigators looking into Muretta's death, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said Thursday.
At a news conference at his office, Morganelli told reporters that Muretta's history --combined with physical evidence at his home and no evidence of anyone who wished him harm -- will lead the coroner to rule his death a suicide.
It's not clear whether Murettta intended to kill himself. The hammer blows may have been a response to the symptoms of the schizophrenia Muretta suffered from, which included hearing voices.
"His death may have been an unintended consequence," Morganelli said, but also noted that suicides often don't seem to make sense. "Mental illness is not rational."
Muretta was found inside his home on Morgan Hill Road on the afternoon of Aug. 29, after state police came to check on him.
In the days leading up to his death, people close to him noticed a change. There were signs of depression, Morganelli said, and also a "preoccupation with religious issues." (Investigators would later find a Bible and computer printouts of religious-themed webpages inside the home.)
"There was a real concern about his well-being," Morganelli said.
Police found Muretta still alive, but unresponsive and suffering from head injuries. He was taken to St. Luke's University Hospital and died later that day. At the time, police deemed his death suspicious.
But as they investigated, police found no evidence of anyone else inside the home, Morganelli said. All the doors were locked, and there was no sign anyone had come in or out of the only open window in the house.
A blood spatter expert found that the "void" that exists in homicide cases -- caused by blood splashing onto a killer -- wasn't present here.
And the wounds on Muretta's head were all concentrated in the same area, Morganelli said. That's not what a murder-by-hammer would look like.
"You'll see multiple wounds on the skull," he said. "It's usually a crime of passion."
Police also found no indication of anyone who wanted to harm Muretta.
Then there was his "long psychiatric history," Morganelli said.
In 1986, in Alpha, NJ, Muretta stabbed one of his neighbors, but was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia. His doctors said he suffered from delusions, and heard voices.
He had been seeking treatment in the past few years, but had stopped at the time of his death, Morganelli said. One of Muretta's relatives told police she had been urging him to get help.
"She was trying to get him to take his meds, but obviously, he wasn't," he said. Muretta's autopsy showed no medication in his system, although medication to treat depression was found at the home.
Morganelli said he met with members of Muretta's family Thursday morning, and said that "some of them" accepted these findings. Muretta's ex-wife told the Express-Times earlier this week that she thought his death was a homicide.
The investigation is closed, Morganelli said, unless new evidence surfaces.
Morganelli acknowledged that the notion of someone killing themselves in this fashion could be hard to accept. But Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim told him these cases aren't unheard of.
"Although unusual, it's not a case that stands by itself," he said.
Muretta had lived on Morgan Hill Road -- just outside of Easton -- since 1998. He was active in the community, serving on the Committee to Save Williams Township, which opposed the nearby Chrin Brothers landfill's exapnsion.


text:
The NHL's worst-kept secret becomes official today at 1: The Rangers and Flyers will meet in the Winter Classic Jan. 2 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. They'll also be the subjects of HBO's 24/7, as the Penguins and Capitals were last year. Today's announcement will be shown live on NHL.com and the NHL Network.
---Also out of Philly is some scary news that Scott Hartnell, one of the Flyers' heart and soul players, is being sidelined by an elevated heart rate and will see a cardiologist on Tuesday.
---Old friend Steve Montador is adjusting to life with the Blackhawks and to the Chicago restaurant scene.
---Also out of Chicago comes word the Hawks are going to try South Buffalo native Patrick Kane at center.
---In Pittsburgh, demolition began today of the old Civic (nee Mellon) Arena. The famous steel roof panels will be coming down first. That was a great old barn even if the visiting locker room was smaller than your average place for 10-year-olds in Amherst.
One of my best hockey memories was there: On Dec. 31, 1988, I happened to be in the stands for an afternoon game against the Devils when Mario Lemeiux collected eight points and became the only player in history to score five goals five ways in the same game: even strength, power play, short-handed, penalty shot and empty net. Incredible stuff.
---Across the street at Consol Energy Center, Sidney Crosby continues to skate with the team in controlled scrimmages but is still not cleared for contact.
---The Rangers leave tonight for Europe, where they will play four exhibition games before opening their season in Stockholm Oct. 7. But they will initially not be taking defenseman Marc Staal, who is still dealing with concussion symptoms after a hit from his brother, Eric, during a February game against Carolina.
---Mike Harrington


text:
- Mobile site
- E-Newsletters
- News feed
- Find us on Twitter
South Wales Argus on Twitter
- Find us on Facebook
South Wales Argus on Facebook
Asbestos levels at Cwmcarn school could be 'much lower' than first thought (From South Wales Argus)
Get involved: Send your photos, video, news & views by texting ARGUS NEWS to 80360 or email us
Gwent news RSS Feed
Asbestos levels at Cwmcarn school could be 'much lower' than first thought
3:32pm Monday 4th February 2013 in Gwent news By Natalie Crockett - Crime reporter
ASBESTOS levels at a Valleys school closed over health fears could be much lower than once thought, a new report reveals.
The Health and Safety Executive arranged for the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) to carry out testing at Cwmcarn High School, after an earlier investigation by Santia Asbestos Management Ltd suggested asbestos debris in the ceiling voids was responsible for above average concentrations of airborne asbestos fibres in classrooms.
Overall it concluded there was no evidence of a "quantifiable transfer" of asbestos fibres and found average concentrations in the occupied areas of the school were very low.
It added they were many times lower than those Santia measured and were well below the recognised limit of 0.0001 fibres per millilitre.
Instead the amounts were similar to those found in background levels in the atmosphere.
Attempts to disturb the fibres through opening doors and windows found again found levels remained below the level of quantification.
HSL said methods used by Santia were not accurate in counting asbestos fibres because it assumed all fibres present in the samples taken were asbestos, when in a school setting they could include paper, clothing, skin cell, school chalk and plasterboard fibres.
It added the only way the fibres could be correctly identified, as asbestos would be via electron microscopy.
The report said the presence of asbestos fibres was only a concern if they become airborne and are inhaled. Even then the probability of chance that any ill health would occur is very small, it said.
Caerphilly council has now agreed to pay for a management survey to be completed at the site in the next three weeks to decide whether pupils and teachers currently being housed at the former Coleg Gwent campus in Ebbw Vale can return to the site.
Chairman of governors, Gary Thomas said he was pleased the council was working with the school so they could agree a plan for the future.
A council spokesman said: "We are hopeful that a suitable solution can be found in respect of the problems at the school site and the council are anxious to work with the Governors and the head teacher on this issue.
"The council's main priority remains and will continue to be the welfare and education of the children attending school at Cwmcarn."
One parent said the upheaval of the school had hit children hard.
He said: "It's caused torment for the parents and for the children, they've had to have health counselling all based on the Santia report that now is completely at odds with the HSL report."
Comments (11)
Please log in to enable comment sorting
4:36pm Mon 4 Feb 13
bradybunch says...
Don't you mean 'the asbestos in the air in the school is NO higher than in the air outside the school!!!!!!!'
The children, staff & families have been put through so much stress and worry, for what. For nothing!!
4:50pm Mon 4 Feb 13
JWG1967 says...
It appears the consultants expected to find asbestos given the schools age and construction. It appears they used an imprecise method of identifying asbestos and they reported asbestos without actually double checking the accuracy of this report. On the basis of this flawed result they then recommended the demolition of the school. I hope that serious questions are put to these consultants in respect of their findings.
It is a concern that the authority chose not to undertake their own second opinion, which is like going to the doctors with a headache, being told it might be cancer or it might be migraine and booking yourself in for a one way trip to the euthanasia clinic instead of asking for an x ray.
In fact if the school had not stood firm it is quite possible that the authority would have ploughed on with what now appears to be unnecessary demolition works. Readers should remind themselves of what the authority did when the school asked for a second consultant to repeat the survey.
The cost of this is immense in terms of distress to pupils, their parents, staff, the village of Cwmcarn, users of the leisure centre and others.
Parents have moved their children's school bought new uniforms and those children have separated from their friends and have been shoehorned into other schools.
Parents have also had to worry about their children's health - although these results are great relief.
There is also the financial costs - not least of all the money committed by the authority to bus children to Ebbw Vale.
The very well paid chief executive of ccbc the director of education and their staff who engaged with these consultants should be made to face a public meeting to explain this farce.
I can only hope that the children can move back into Cwmcarn as quickly as they moved out.
4:58pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Goldy_Lookin_Clart says...
5:06pm Mon 4 Feb 13
lisann says...
6:47pm Mon 4 Feb 13
trigg_27 says...
In view of the new build housing estate being built less than a mile down the road, could it be that the council were hoping to be able to sell the land off to developers for a tidy sum?
Perhaps one of your journalists should start asking questions about what the council planned to do with the site if demolition works had taken place and how much short term profit the council would have gained?
6:54pm Mon 4 Feb 13
gemm24 says...
7:30pm Mon 4 Feb 13
bobmech1 says...
So that they can save Risca Comprehensive and Newbridge Comprehensive
They should now be forced to reimburse the school, pupils etc for the extra costs, monies spent on new uniforms and allow the children that they frightened from the school back
Questions need to be asked by local AM's and the Welsh Government about CBCC's behaviour
9:45pm Mon 4 Feb 13
JWG1967 says...
Combine the long term scare factor of asbestos, the low risk preferences of local authorities and money and what do you get.... The goose that lays the golden eggs - well at least if you are an asbestos consultant.
7:50am Tue 5 Feb 13
TanyaW says...
4:21pm Tue 5 Feb 13
Robert Shillabeer says...
8:56pm Tue 5 Feb 13
rlewis says...
Comments are closed on this article.


text:
All it took was a simple email, and Suvir Saran was ready to throw his superstar chef status behind the cause of Thursday's , a fundraising effort that also helps bring awareness to HIV/AIDS.
"I don't want people to dine out much, but when they do they should dine out for a cause," Saran says.
Dining out should be an event, an enjoyable one, and why not couple that with helping to raise money for a good cause, he says.
In particular, it's this cause—Dining Out for Life—that Saran hopes will get people talking about the disease he says has crippled the world.
"We all know someone who has died from AIDS. Nobody has been left innocent," he says.
The annual event is part of a national campaign to call attention to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and more than 40 Bay Area restaurants will donate at least 25 percent of food sales on Thursday to The Health Trust AIDS Services, which supports about 800 people with AIDS in Santa Clara County by providing food and other services.
Among the participating restaurants in Campbell are , and plus several locations in Cupertino, Menlo Park and Mountain View. A full list of restaurants can be found on The Health Trust's website, but there won't be any mention of Saran's surprise visits—one of which may be in Cupertino.
Campbell-headquartered has a food warehouse—The Heath Trust Food Basket—in San Jose, which provides nutritious food to about 400 clients who go to the center and an additional 50 who are completely homebound, according to Vandana Pant, development director. Saran will hold a talk and healthy-cooking demonstration there, joined by San Francisco chef, cookbook author and early HIV/AIDS activist Joyce Goldstein.
The conversation around eating food for health and the relevance of changing diets to have a positive health impact on AIDS patients is really just the tip of the iceberg, Pant says.
"Food is a great opportunity around which to have difficult conversations," she says. "Food is a central nexus that allows people to cross all kinds of barriers."
New Dehli-born Saran, who is now competing in Bravo TV's Top Chef Masters, is the executive chef of Devi restaurant in New York City, the only Indian restaurant in America with a Michelin star. He is the author of two cookbooks. He is also gay.
A self-described "shock jock" and "irreverent" spokesman for HIV/AIDS awareness, Saran seems the perfect fit for these events. He says things to get people thinking, and talking.
"It's giving a voice to a cause, especially a cause that some people are uncomfortable with," Saran says.
As people live longer with AIDS, it is now a more chronic illness, Pant says, but there is still a "huge sense of stigma" surrounding the topic.
Because of his celebrity status, Saran says he believes he can say things publicly about HIV/AIDS that others cannot, for fear of being politically incorrect, or of being punished in some way for their words.
"A lot of people have to worry about what they say. They worry that if they are honest they may lose their job."
As his own boss, Saran doesn't face that concern.
So he speaks out as often as he can about the need to get a vaccine and to promote healthy and nutritious cooking—at home, he stresses. And he hopes Dining Out for Life and the other events associated with it—such as a Q&A with , a James Beard Award-winning food writer, on Friday at the Indian Community Center in Milpitas—will get people thinking, talking and acting.
"Why is it in this day and age, we still haven't discovered a vaccine for HIV/AIDS?" he asks. "I hope at least two or three people will get angry and join the bandwagon that's demanding a change now."
Dining Out for Life raised $48,000 last year for The Health Trust organization, and its organizers hope Saran's celebrity status will draw more attention.
Peter Cooperstein, owner of Amici's, said his restaurants have participated in the event for several years, donating some $13,000 from 11 locations last year, about half of which was donated to The Health Trust and the other portion to the Stop AIDS Project from their San Francisco and East Bay locations.
"It's really such a Bay Area event," Cooperstein says. "We do other events and get involved in a lot of other causes; there aren't any unimportant causes. But this event strikes a bigger chord in the community than some of the others."


text:
On Sunday, October 28, 2012 the Brand-X Rallye Team presents "WHOOSH WITCH 45". This is a Halloween gimmick rallye, the oldest continuously Halloween rallye in Chicagoland. Beware of large leprechauns, ghosts and witches. We encourage you to wear costumes, with trophies for the best adult and best child costumes and the best 'tricker treater'. Bones, flesh, leafy stuff, and eye of newt available at the Coven (known as Gale Street Inn in Mundelein).
Starting point: Woodfield Mall, parking area B2, near the Firestone Tire Center. Entry fee $20.00 per car with 2 people, $1 for each additional person over the age of six. Registration begins at 11:15 AM. Free rallye school for beginners at 11:45 AM. First car off at 12:45 PM. For information call Jack O'Lantern at 708-254-9000 (leave a message if he does not answer). Visit our website www.brandxrallyeteam.com for valuable first timer coupons and additional information. Also, follow us at ''brandxrallyeteam'' on Twitter.
Copyright ©2014 Planck LLC d/b/a Patch Media. All rights reserved | Patch Network