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By Eli Yokley
Globe Staff Writer
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. —
After being sworn in Wednesday for the first session of the 97th General Assembly, six lawmakers from Southwest Missouri were among those who heard House Speaker Tim Jones vow to fight for education funding over Medicaid expansion.
Jones delivered an extensive speech — nearly 45 minutes — touting his agenda for the upcoming session. Jones said that after meetings with lawmakers and completing a 20-city statewide tour, he has put together a legislative agenda that he claims would make Missouri the "strongest state in the nation" in terms of economic, energy and education policy.
Jones tied his support of education to his opposition to expanding the state's Medicaid rolls, contending that such increased spending could damage funding for education in the long term.
"One of the top concerns we must address this session is protecting education funding from continued encroachment by the governor's welfare expansion funding demands," he said.
Gov. Jay Nixon, and House and Senate Democrats have proposed expanding eligibility for Medicaid in the state using funding provided through the 2010 federal health care law. They point to a study by the Missouri Hospital Association that asserts nearly 24,000 jobs could be created if the state were to accept the federal funding for expansion.
"It is not only the smart play economically, but the right thing to do for the people of this state," Rep. Jacob Hummel, D-St. Louis, the House minority floor leader, said in a speech before Jones talked.
The issue of Medicaid will likely be an extensive battle as lawmakers deliberate about the fiscal 2014 budget. That discussion will begin when Nixon takes the stage on Jan. 28 in the House chamber to deliver his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly.
While the two parties are seriously divided on the issue of health care expansion and many labor policy proposals, they may have some common ground on a new proposal to fund infrastructure improvements. Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, is working on legislation that would allow the state to use $1 billion in bond insurance to pay for road projects and improvements at the state's universities. Jones said Wednesday that he would proudly consider the proposals, which are similar to bonding proposals used by Republican governors in the past.
Rep. Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage, was one of the first lawmakers on his feet to cheer the proposal. He said in an interview that just like when school districts pass bonding proposals, the state would pay the bonds off over time and would come out on the back end with improvements.
"That is a proposal that Ron Richard and I worked on for a long time. It is going to be necessary for the state," he said. "If we have an opportunity to take advantage of interest rates that are very low and spread that out over 30 years, that makes a lot of sense to absolutely pursue that." Richard is a state senator from Joplin.
In addition to Flanigan, those sworn in for new terms included Reps. Charlie Davis, R-Webb City; Mike Kelley, R-Lamar; Bill Lant, R-rural Newton County; Bill Reiboldt, R-Neosho; and Bill White, R-Joplin.
Families and friends of the members filled the upper galleries of the House chamber to watch members be sworn in. Lant was sworn in for his second term. In an interview outside the House chamber, he said this time was significantly less stressful than the time before.
"It is a lot of excitement for those people in their first term," he said. "I was really able to enjoy it today. It was a fun day, and I enjoyed every minute of it."
IN JEFFERSON CITY, the next few days will be quiet on the legislative front as lawmakers prepare for the inaugural celebration for Gov. Jay Nixon and other constitutional officers. On the front steps of the Capitol building, the stage is set for Monday's inaugural ceremony. Rep. Bill Lant said he will be one of the members of a joint committee that will join Nixon on stage during Monday's festivities.


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By Joy Hampton
The Norman Transcript
NORMAN — The Norman City Council wants more details from the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau on how it plans to spend the extra $200,000 in transient guest tax next year.
At Tuesday's study session, council members questioned a lack of details in the annual budget NCVB recently presented for approval.
The NCVB submitted a single-page budget and a 47-page Destination Marketing Plan for Fiscal Year 2014, which begins July 1. The plan outlines a general strategy for marketing, but budget specifics such as payroll and itemized expenses are absent.
"The voters gave an increase in the guest tax, and out of respect to them, we need to show them where this money is going," said Council member Tom Kovach, who called the report "vacuous."
In April, Norman voters passed an initiative to increase the city's hotel/motel tax from 4 to 5 percent. Local hoteliers supported the increase to help NCVB promote Norman. The tax taps into outside dollars by taxing guests at area hotels.
As in most cities, the hotel tax is the primary funding mechanism for the convention and visitor's bureau. Unlike most cities, Norman parks and the arts also get portions of those tax dollars.
The NCVB annual budget was presented for approval to the Norman City Council last week, but Kovach asked for the item to be postponed until NCVB Executive Director Stephen Koranda could supply more specifics about the agency's plans for spending the extra money.
A portion of the money will be used to hire a media professional to help with marketing. Koranda said current staff will receive a 3 percent cost-of-living increase and the new position will pay $35,000. He said the benefit package accompanying that position has not been determined.
Council members also criticized the NCVB for wading into city politics by adopting formal stances on certain economic development issues.
Council members said their role is one of oversight of public funds and they are not trying to tell the NCVB how to do its job. They said there must be transparency and accountability for how the public's money is spent.
Mayor Cindy Rosenthal also said two people on the NCVB Board of Directors have been asked to resign.
"That concerns me," she said.
Koranda said that no one has been asked to resign.
Board members present at the council study session seemed stunned.
Each said they had no knowledge of anyone being asked to step down.
Joy Hampton

subset: commoncrawl


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RAP4 Moving Locations / iPhone Paintball Optic - MNP 06.10.2013 EP: 41
Now you can use your apple device as a rifle or pistol optic! And be sure to order any gear from RAP4 soon because we won't be shipping any orders from June 21st - July 1st due to our upcoming move!
We need your input for next week's episode, go to http://www.facebook.com/rap4usa and let us know what you want to see!


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Welcome to the Northern Indiana and Ohio Chevy Dealers' website.We're proud to be your leading resource for reputable Chevy dealers in the Fort Wayne, IN region specializing in new and pre-owned Chevrolet cars, trucks and SUVs, Chevrolet service & parts. As the leading dealers and customer resources in the Northern Ohio and Indiana area, our knowledgeable Chevy staff members prove our dedication daily by providing our customers with amazing Chevrolet service and quality maintenance. Our Chevy dealers have been selling and servicing drivers within Northern Indiana and Ohio for a long time - our experience is second to none.
Our Northern Indiana and Ohio Chevrolet dealerships are fully stocked with the latest Chevy cars, trucks & SUVs/crossovers, vans and hybrids including: Avalanche, Camaro, Cruze, >Cruze Eco, Corvette, Equinox, Express Van, 2013 Impala, 2014 Impala, Malilbu, Malibu Eco, Silverado, Sonic, Spark, Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, and Volt.
We proudly serve the surrounding the Fort Wayne, IN region communities, including: Angola, Auburn, Columbia City, Decatur, Hicksville, Huntington, Kendallville, New Haven, North Manchester, Ossian, Paulding,, and Wabash..


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The Wilbur and Orville Wright Papers
The Wilbur and Orville Wright Papers collection has been migrated to an improved presentation and will no longer be updated in American Memory. Please visit the new presentation!
From the Wilbur and Orville Wright Papers, Manuscript Division:
Diaries and Notebooks, 1900-19, undated
Wilbur and Orville Wright's diaries and notebooks, most of which document the brothers' flights at Kitty Hawk and elsewhere as well as their scientific data, formulas, and computations relating to the aerodynamic and design factors which enabled them to achieve flight. Arranged chronologically.
Family Papers, 1881-1944
Correspondence between members of the Wright family, mostly from Orville and Wilbur, their sister Katharine, and their father, Milton. Arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent.
General Correspondence, 1899-1952, undated
Letters sent to and received from friends, the general public, pioneer aviators, business associates, and famous individuals. Arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent.
Subject File, 1889-1949, undated
Correspondence, business papers, legal papers, printed matter, patents, blueprints, and writings. Arranged alphabetically by name, subject, institution, person, or type of material.
Scrapbooks, 1902-1914
Scrapbooks containing newspaper and magazine articles, mostly relating to the Wrights' and other flights, as well as memorabilia such as cartoons, guest badges, and dinner programs. Arranged chronologically.
From the Octave Chanute Papers, Manuscript Division:
Octave Chanute Papers, 1902-10
From the Wilbur and Orville Wright Papers, Prints and Photographs Division:
Glass negatives from the Papers of Wilbur and Orville Wright


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Browsing Tag
James Gunn
Poll: Most Embarrassing Moments of 2012
Before 2012 wraps up, please join me for one last awkward, slippery, cringe worthy trip down memory lane! In 2012 the comic book industry had its ...
Read More
'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Director Under Fire
The following editorial concerns subject matter that is not intended for everyone. Parental discretion is advised (because apparently naughty ...
Read More


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Style, Shopping & Fashion
Costume drama? Get inspired by the stars this Halloween »
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From colour to decor, hundreds of living room pictures to inspire »
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From tiny kitchen tables to big dining rooms, inspiration for eating in style »
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Love cooking with seasonal ingredients? Join us for a luxury cookery day »
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You go, grill. Maximum wow, minimum fuss recipes for a barbecue feast »
The New York Times bestselling author and food blogger flips us pancakes »
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From dramatic designs to covetable accessories – our new guide is here »
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What I have learned living in Iowa is that no matter where you live, geography does not affect your musical taste. My older cousin Sizhao Wang, living in Xi'an, China, is an example of this. The 24 year-old has a bedroom full of posters of Usher. He has every CD, knows every song, and even took an airplane to see the live concert held in Beijing several years ago. But being 8,000 miles away means he has to wait a couple months to buy the CD, he can't go to a concert very often, and he can't buy a celebrity magazine to read the gossip. Yet with all these obstacles, my cousin still loves Usher.
Articles tagged with "in the news"
University of Iowa alumnus Michael Lynch was knocking out Spanish lyrics as if they were second nature during his recent blind audition on NBC's The Voice. Lynch, who joined Christina Aguilera's team for the competition, credits his study abroad experiences with polishing his Spanish skills.
In this three-part series for The Daily Iowan, UI international student from China Lu Shen shares her reflections on being an international student at the University of Iowa and in Iowa City.
The International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal (ICJB, North America), in collaboration with the UI Public Policy Center, Association for India's Development (AID) and Amnesty International, is organizing a screening of the award-winning documentary Bhopali on Tuesday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in the Levitt Auditorium, Boyd Law Building, followed by a Q&A and discussion.
Amy Bowes, a Study Abroad adviser at the University of Iowa, was lost. It was 2005, and she had just graduated from the UI with a degree in political science. She remembered the Peace Corps building she had seen while interning in Washington, D.C., and decided to volunteer. Six months later, she was teaching high-school English in Lesotho — a country in Africa. Bowes said she now uses her experiences of feeling unsure about travel and her future to relate with students on campus today.
Recently, I watched a friend's parent arrive on campus to help him move from one apartment to another. The scene made me recall my former life with my own parents, my family, and my hometown, Xi'an, China. It has been three years since I moved away from my home. Before I turned 18 years old, I never lived away from my family — my school was a mere five-minute drive from my home.
Recently, I got a phone call from one of my best friends since high school. She lives in China and attends university in Beijing. After our chat, I started thinking about the differences between college life for a Chinese student here and in China. As an international student, I love my life in Iowa City and the American opportunities I have to experience. Still, I embrace my Chinese roots.
In China, we order our dormitory food rather than choosing different kinds of food from a buffet. So American dormitory food is definitely more complex than Chinese. But the type of food is limited because only American options are available. I think it is better to add more types of food to the buffet, because more international students are coming here. Now, I've been here for three years and love everything about Iowa. But I am still on the journey to find different types of American food to eat.
John Manning, associate professor of tuba and euphonium at the UI, introduces the Series on Arts and Rights, or "SOAR," program in this Press-Citizen commentary. John will join others on the season opener of WorldCanvass Friday, Sept. 20, when the topic is "The Arts as Vocabulary."
Distinguished international communication scholar Chin-Chuan Lee will give two public sessions on the University of Iowa campus Sept. 18 and 19, both free and open to the public.
Some party hosts like the American music — such as the Billboard Top 100. Others like Chinese pop music. Only one thing is missing from these parties — more American students to play with us. It would bring our cultures together; they could bring their games to us, and we could show them our Mahjong, and we could learn from each other.
In response to a growing number of Chinese students, the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business has made an effort to improving language barriers with a number of faculty and staff members. At the heart of the topic stands the notion of specifically improving pronunciation of Chinese student names.
The University of Iowa Center for Human Rights (UICHR) will host a special forum on the conflict in Syria titled "Intervention in Syria: Law, Ethics, and Policy" from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, in Conference Room 2520D on the second floor of the University Capitol Centre in the Old Capitol Town Center.
The University of Iowa is trading English for Mandarin and Facebook for WeChat to reach out to international students.
The university has announced it will hire a new global external-relations coordinator to connect the university with international alumni through social media throughout the world. The new coordinator will be in charge of developing, maintaining, and nurturing a program of international alumni relationships.
The UI Center for Human Rights in the College of Law has released the 37th Human Rights Index, featuring alarming statistics on sex trafficking worldwide. In the United States alone, an estimated 14,500 to 17,500 women and children are trafficked into the U.S. each year, the vast majority in severe ways.


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Counseling and Testing Center
Mary E. Forney Hall, Rm 306
1210 Blake Avenue
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83844-3140
phone: 208-885-6716
fax: 208-885-4354
Counseling and Testing Center Hours
8:00 am-5:00 pm (academic year)
7:30 am-4:30 pm (summer)
Testing Phone: 885-5138
CTC After-hours Crisis Line: 208-885-6716
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Having a hard time deciding on a career or even a direction to try? We can help. Call the CTC (885-6716) to make an appointment for a free private consultation with a professional counselor.


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↓Skip to content
Laura Berman, professor of printmaking and acting chair of graphic design for 2014-2015, works with sequence and multiples in non-traditional formats. Currently her work explores installation and interaction in combination with hand printed images. She has created site-specific exhibitions at numerous galleries and museums, including Avenue of the Arts (Kansas City, Mo.), CBAT Gallery (Cardiff, Wales), Arthur Rogers Gallery (New Orleans, La.), Artspace (Raleigh, N.C.), Aspen Museum of Art (Aspen, Colo.), Center for Book Arts (New York), Dalarnas Museum of the Arts - Falun Printmaking Triennial (Falun, Sweden), Emerge Gallery (Greenville, N.C.), Grafikens Hus (Mariefred, Sweden), H&R Block Artspace (Kansas City, Mo.), International Print Center New York, and Telephonebooth (Kansas City, Mo.). She has been a visiting artist and has worked as an artist-in-residence at a number of institutions including Anderson Ranch Art Center (Colorado), Artspace (North Carolina), Atlantic Center for the Arts (Florida), Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop (New York) and Can Serrat International Arts Center (Spain). Berman directed the 2007 Southern Graphics Council Conference, in which 1,200 printmaking artists and enthusiasts from the world over converged in Kansas City, Mo. to experience precedent-setting print events, numerous and engaging print exhibitions and diverse dialogs and presentations that examined printmaking's relationship to other media and environments. Berman has taught at KCAI since 2002, and she was program head and interim chair of the printmaking department from 2004 to 2008. She is currently an associate professor of printmaking at the Kansas City Art Institute, where she teaches sophomore printmaking, book arts, papermaking and silkscreen courses. Berman's work is featured in The Book of Probes by David Carson / Marshall McLuhan and Printmaking at the Edge by Richard Noyce. She is represented by Dolphin Gallery in Kansas City.
Berman received her B.F.A. degree from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and her M.F.A. degree from Tulane University. email@example.com
Michael Kidwell is a designer with a unique professional history that includes industrial and graphic design experience in both consulting and corporate design offices. Brands that he has influenced through project work include Hallmark Cards, Homelite, John Deere, Mastercard, Samsonite, Sears/Craftsman and State Farm Insurance. His work has been patented, trademarked, nationally recognized and appeared in significant publications including BusinessWeek and Graphis.Prior to joining KCAI, he was a senior graphic designer for Hallmark Cards, responsible for the design and direction for corporate branded communications in electronic, print, and environmental forms. In his professional practice, as design principal for LXIII XI, he enjoys research as well as a rigorous process of refinement.Kidwell strives to balance the pursuit of excellence in graphic design with the demands of family life and a passion for cycling. He holds a B.F.A. degree in industrial design from the University of Kansas and an M.F.A. degree in graphic design from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
After graduating from the University of Kansas, Kelly Ludwig began designing professionally in 1982. Ludwig Design began first as a freelance endeavor in 1987 and evolved into a design and marketing agency, managing clients ranging from small businesses to major pharmaceutical companies as well as extensive book design and publishing projects.
Her design work has been recognized in many national and international publications and award shows, including Print Regional Design Annuals, the Rx Club of New York, Print's Best of Logos and Symbols and Society of Illustrators, as well as Kansas City's Art Directors and Omnis. She has also shared her knowledge and expertise in design and art direction by working with students in the field.
She has taught Professional Practice and Color, Form and Production, Image Visual Advocacy and Online Presence for the Artist at KCAI as well as packaging and logo design at Johnson County Community College.
Ludwig's love of self-taught and folk art has led her to all regions of the country, collecting art, meeting artists and photographing the visionary sites she encounters. This passion has resulted in authoring the 2007 book "Detour Art, Outsider, Folk Art, and Visionary Environments Coast to Coast." Her extensive collection recently returned from a two-year nationwide tour.
She has blended her passion for photography, design and travel experiences with the latest technology and created two travel apps for the iPhone, the award-winning "Best Road Trip Ever and "Road Trip 66." Detour Art, Travel-o-Pedia and Home Court Advantage are just a few titles in the long line of design and marketing projects Ludwig has personally created. Her photographs have been exhibited in a number of museums and books.
The best way to know if the Kansas City Art Institute is right for you is to experience it. Schedule a tour today.
Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.Kansas City Art Institute. 4415 Warwick Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64111 800-522-5224
North campus, 1801 N.W. Platte Road #275, Riverside, MO 64150


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Facebook LikesMeet Intel's SoFIA, the super-cheap smartphone chip created in Singapore
Google Plus SharesHow to recover deleted photos from a memory card
Nest's promised developer program is now live, bringing together connected features from Mercedes-Benz, Whirlpool, and Logitech to the company's smart thermostats and smoke detectors.
The Selia Touch-Free Kitchen Faucet from Pfister balances tech with functionality. You can turn it on with a wave of your hand, or keep it simple with an old-fashioned handle.17 hours ago
The Nanoleaf Bulb promises to turn any boring old light switch into a dimmer. Is it worth the price?17 hours ago
The ActiVocal Vocca is designed to transform old light bulbs into intelligent and voice-activated ones.1 day ago
This $200 Wi-Fi alarm clock is fairly bright, but its voice tech doesn't always get it right.2 days ago
You bring the bulb, Emberlight brings the brains.3 days ago
Nutri Ninja, a single-serve blender in the mold of NutriBullet, slices and dices your fruit with ease, but stops short of being a well-rounded machine.6 days ago
It lacks impressive power and speed, but for blending up portable fruity drinks the $40 Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Blender is a solid choice.6 days ago
GE will expand its smart range offerings beyond expansive built-in doubles with a new line of Profile freestanding ovens that you can control from your phone.6 days ago
One part super-charged microwave and the other convection oven, GE's combination Advantium double oven boasts the convenience of both faster cooking when you need serious speed and standard baking when you don't.6 days ago


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Feeding station
From Openwaterpedia
(Redirected from Hydration station)open water swimmers during an open water swimming or marathon swimming event.
The feeding station was a short platform fixed by anchors near the shore.
hydration station, feeding pontoon, feeding stop
Feeding at FINA 10K Marathon Swimming World Cup
External links
- Cool Boat Names In Open Water Swims
- Open Water Swimming
- Marathon Swimming
- The Chrysalis Effect: The Metamorphosis Of Open Water Swimming
- Officiating Intent In The Open Water World
- What Is The Correct Call In The Open Water?
- The Most Excellent Pontoons
- What Is The Correct Call In Open Water Swimming?
- World Open Water Swimming Association
- World Professional Marathon Swimming Federation
- Self-serve Station At USMS Championships In Las Vegas
- Mana Fiji SwimFest's Really Cool Hydration Station
- Well Done. Cruising In Coniston Water
- 50 Things Open Water Swimmer Should Not Do
- 100 Things Every Open Water Swimmer Should Know
- Compliments In The Open Water World
- The Perfect Open Water Swimming Venue
- Hydration Helpings


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A sweet new addition is coming to central Towson.
La Cakerie, an up-and-coming commerical bakery founded by , is opening its first retail store at 49 W. Chesapeake Ave. in mid-October. The bakery will specialize in morning pastries such as croissants, cupcakes and other desserts and savory items such as gourmet pretzels.
"I'm really hoping to bring in a European flair," said Hisley, who earned a bachelor's degree in baking and pastry arts, and has trained in bakeries throughout Europe. "But items like cupcakes also appeal to the American palette."
Hisley, who also claimed a second place win on Sweet Genius—another Food Network pastry competition—thinks his custom wedding cakes will also prove to be a successful line.
"I think there's a need in the Baltimore area for higher end cakes at affordable costs," said Hisley, a 2006 graduate.
Locals may also recognize Hisley as the former head pastry chef at , which has locations in Cockeysville and Bel Air. He left employment at Flavor to start his new venture with La Cakerie.
"I still have a great relationship with Flavor," he said.
La Cakerie will also offer minimal seating, but a good deal of space will be devoted to showcasing the bakery's committment to fresh, handmade products.
"We want to be able to dip a truffle or strawberry into chocolate and be able to hand it right to the customer," Hisley said.


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This Father's Day gift thing isn't really that complicated.
Dads like what they like — yes, even the "Three Stooges" — and that's just the way it is.
Take it from this Dad, if you get a gift that falls into his personal interest zone, you're going to be fine.
But what if Father's Day 2012 is staring you down and you're still at a loss about what to get? Don't sweat it. There's still time.
Here are some last-minute, easy-to-get, gift ideas that are better than a necktie and will be appreciated by nearly every Dad — well, by many of them, anyway, including (hint) me.
And check out our links at the bottom of this article for more great ideas.
1. Food. A Sunday brunch may be the way to go on Mother's Day, but Dads are different (you know, the whole Mars vs. Venus thing). Think steak, or maybe seafood. Make a reservation, if needed, and make sure the meal involves dessert. Check out our restaurant directory for ideas.
2. Time Out: How about a simple picnic, nature walk, or family bike ride? Even better, a day at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Lake Lanier, or a ballgame? (The Atlanta Braves are home against the Baltimore Orioles this weekend; the Gwinnett Braves host the Columbus Clippers).
3. Gift Cards: You think a gift card reveals your ability to procrastinate (well, it does). But Dads love these, especially if they are from stores they like. And now that almost every store has dozens of gift cards for sale — gas stations, retailers, iTunes, Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, etc. — it's an easy score. Just tell Dad you're going to the store to get some bread and milk and pick one up.
4. Cool tools: I have loved every flashlight, multi-tool and grooming device I've ever received, maybe because they're so easy for me to misplace. A word of warning: Don't buy a gadget that takes those coin-shaped watch batteries; they're a pain to deal with.
5. Beer! Now that it's legal to purchase beer on Sunday, you can wait until the very last minute to make a purchase. Many microbreweries, like Atlanta's Sweetwater Brewery, offer combo pack with their best varieties. lets you build your own six pack from hundreds of brand names.
Need more ideas? Check out these links:
- Limefish Studio has a great list that includes do-it-yourself projects.
- Gifts.com was a wide-range of items, and while it may be getting too late to order online, there are some great ideas you can take to a local store.
- Esquire Magazine has style in mind in its last-minute gift feature, including a surfer's watch.
- Inhabitat.com has a list of gifts for the "procrastinator's Papa," including planting a tree in Dad's name.
- Gottabemobile.com has some ideas for techies in its list of 15 gift ideas.
- Flavorwire.com has a list of 20 Father's Day gifts that don't suck.
- A full haircut experience leads a gift-idea video on Dailymotion.com
- If you are looking for a craft or a creative gift that will cost you nothing or close to it, check out Pinterest. Type Father's Day in the search box. You will find hundreds of ideas.
Got an idea to share? Tells us in the comments box below.


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High strength tow ropes at great prices.
John in OH
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TERENCE in TX
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Jared in IL
good product and does what it says.Read All Reviews
Ryan in MD
Well it got a little fray in it and when I was pulling another atv it snapped.Read All Reviews


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The only thing our promotional baby clothes need is your logo, then they start exuding their royal cuteness. Always made from the most baby-friendly materials and featuring endearing designs, Branders.com's promotional baby clothes with logo look more complete with your company name or artwork imprinted on them. And then they're ready to charm.
But we're not merely a promotional store. You can upload your logo artwork at Branders.com, and with our Design Studio, view in real time how it will look on the logo infant apparel you've selected. You can actually save an unlimited number of logos in your own Art Library for your other orders or for when you need to distribute more promotional baby apparel.
More than this, we provide free artwork enhancement service should you want our expert designers to further improve the design of your jpeg images. We can also send you free samples before you finalize anything. For certain, we are a one-stop shop for all things promotional. Shop, customize online samples, and track shipments easily, all from here.
With our diverse collection of promotional children apparel, you will, without question, be able to spur curiosity, if not outright gain customers. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee actually comes with the promise that your own clients will be as enamored with our baby apparel giveaways as you were. Give away as many rompers, mini T-shirts, bibs, onesies, blankets, and baby sweatshirts as you like. You get our products at the lowest prices anyway, so you need not worry of an outstanding bill.
Excited to see the finished items already? Sign up now to order our promotional baby clothes, so you can start gift-wrapping them in time for your next party.


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The Journal Sentinel's team of Packers beat writers provide the latest news, notes and analysis
Fantasy Football Timeout: 2012 perfect draft
Hindsight may be 20/20. But hindsight armed with statistics can be brutal.
What seems so obvious now – of course Alfred Morris was poised for a breakout year; didn't you see him in the preseason? – wasn't quite so crystal clear to most of us just five short months ago.
It's all part of our elusive quest for the perfect draft, the Holy Grail of fantasy football. One of these days, I'm going to achieve it. Probably right after I cure cancer, win the lottery and break up with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Until then, I'll keep torturing myself – and you – by exploring what could have been had we made all the right decisions during our preseason draft.
As always, we start with a few key assumptions. First, we're in a 10-team non-keeper league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, and one tight end, kicker and team defense. Second, we are drafting from the middle (fifth) position in a snake format, meaning we won't have a shot at Arian Foster. Third, since all drafts play out differently, we'll need a little luck along the way. Finally, our goal is nothing short of total domination and the abject humiliation of our opponents.
Now, with the fifth pick of the 2012 Fantasy Draft, we should have selected…
Round 1. Drew Brees, QB, Saints. Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady would do just fine, but Brees gets the nod for his stellar consistency and superior performance during the fantasy postseason.
Round 2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. Fantasyland's MVP fell to the third round in many drafts, but let's not tempt fate.
Round 3. Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears. A.J. Green got off to a faster start, but Marshall was more consistent throughout the season and finished stronger. He had only two games with fewer than 90 yards or a touchdown and reached the end zone in nine different weeks.
Round 4. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys. Once he caught fire in Week 10, Bryant was arguably the most valuable player on any fantasy roster. He'll propel us to a title down the stretch.
Round 5. Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers. He'll win Week 9 for us all by himself. We now own the No. 1 QB and two of the top three RBs and WRs in the business.
Round 6. Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos. The best part about drafting the Comeback Player of the Year is that we'll get to complain to our league-mates about how much trouble we have choosing between our two awesome QBs each week.
Round 7. Eric Decker, WR, Broncos. We'd love to deploy both of Manning's starting wideouts, but Decker can be secured a round or two later than Demaryius Thomas and he'll deliver nearly as much firepower.
Round 8. Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots. Easy to overlook in New England's pass-happy offense, Ridley rode his quiet consistency to a Top 10 ranking.
Round 9. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons. The future Hall of Famer is still an elite fantasy performer, yet he was typically the 10th tight end selected in the draft.
Round 10. Bears defense/special teams. For most of the season, no other unit even came close. Chicago led the league in turnovers and defensive scoring, and gave up the third-fewest points.
Round 11. Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers. We'll probably never start him, but it was nice to see Crabtree finally emerge as a viable fantasy performer.
Round 12. Randall Cobb, WR, Packers. Late-round sleepers are meant to be stashed away for a few weeks, in hopes that they'll begin contributing by mid-year. Cobb started paying dividends in Week 5.
Round 13. James Jones, WR, Packers. What the heck? He mixed in some stinkers, but no receiver visited the end zone more than Jones.
Round 14. Seahawks defense/special teams. We don't normally advocate drafting two defenses, but why should we allow a competitor to benefit from Seattle's elite unit? We'll even favor them down the stretch over the Bears.
Round 15. Heath Miller, TE, Steelers. Miller had a career year, finishing among the Top 5 tight ends, and he wasn't even drafted in most leagues.
Round 16. Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins. Our backfield now includes two rookies and a guy coming off major reconstructive knee surgery. Perfect.
Round 17. Blair Walsh, K, Vikings. As usual, several of the best kickers are available in the final round, including the rookie that outshined them all.
There you have it. Just like we drew it up, right?
Be sure to follow the Fantasy Fools blog for all the offseason news you can use, and we'll be back to chase the perfect draft again in August.
Ladd Biro has been named Football Writer of the Year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association for two consecutive years (2010 and 2011). Follow all his advice at the Fantasy Fools blog (fantasy-fools.blogspot.com), on Facebook and via Twitter (@ladd_biro).
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You were fine until you drafted a backup #1 QB in the 6th round. Complete waste, especially after bragging about how consistent Brees was. Why would you need to draft Manning when you have the benefit of hindsight and can see Brees' week by week performance?
I'll second that WiFri!! However having drafted Brady in the first, Morris in the 8th, Bryant in the 7th, and James Jones in the 15th, I earned a 3-peat championship in our ongoing 15 year league! To say in a hindsight article drafting Payton as a backup in the 6th makes little sense. I say little as there is some benefit to having him on your roster simply for the reason nobody else has him.


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NORMAN — The Bank of Union in El Reno was closed today by the Oklahoma State Banking Department, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with BancFirst of Oklahoma City to assume all of the deposits of The Bank of Union.
The two branches of The Bank of Union will reopen as branches of BancFirst during their normal business hours. Depositors of The Bank of Union will automatically become depositors of BancFirst.
Deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC, so there is no need for customers to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage up to applicable limits. Customers of The Bank of Union should continue to use their existing branch until they receive notice from BancFirst that it has completed systems changes to allow other BancFirst branches to process their accounts as well.
This evening and over the weekend, depositors of The Bank of Union can access their money by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.
As of September 30, The Bank of Union had approximately $331.4 million in total assets and $328.8 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, BancFirst agreed to purchase approximately $225.5 million of the failed bank's assets.
The FDIC will retain the remaining assets for later disposition.
Customers with questions about Friday's transaction should call the FDIC toll-free at 1-800-405-8251. The phone number will be operational this evening until 9 p.m.; on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.; on Monday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and thereafter from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interested parties also can visit the FDIC's website at fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/bankofunion.html.


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MTA invites treasurers, membership and other local leaders to attend one of five regional treasurer trainings at a location near you. This session provides an overview of the primary responsibilities of a Local Association Treasurer, including the management and reporting of accurate membership and financial data. The course will include a high-level review of the components necessary to build and maintain a financially strong local association. It will also provide information regarding the tax requirements of a local association. Finally, the course will provide instruction pertaining to the collection and transmittal of membership data from the local association to the school district and the MTA. The following is a basic outline of topics that will be discussed within the session:
Tuesday, October 13:30 - 6:30 p.m.Reading Memorial High SchoolDistance Learning Center62 Oakland RoadReading, MA 01867
Online registration for the Reading workshop is now closed. To register, call Maureen Noyes, 617-878-8305.
NEW DATE! Thursday, October 33:30 - 6:30 p.m.Cape Cod Regional Technical High School351 Pleasant Lake AvenueHarwich, MA 02645
Register for Cape Cod workshop.
Tuesday, October 83:30 - 7 p.m. MTA Braintree Service CenterCochran Conference Room100 Grandview RoadBraintree, MA 02184
Register for Braintree workshop.
Financial and membership materials for local association treasurers, including the 2013 handbook, are available here. (User name and password required.)
Subscribe to MTA News Headlines by Email
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By Brenda L. Holmes
PLAINFIELD — Sgt. Terry Hall, a 42-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, will make presentations about body safety to all of the elementary school students within the Plainfield Community School Corporation.
Parents and the community are invited to a special presentation 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Brentwood Elementary School, 1630 Oliver Ave., in the cafeteria.
Karen Nay is the home school advisor at Brentwood Elementary. She said the program has been offered within the Plainfield district over several years.
"We try to have the program every three years," she said. "But the last time we had it was in 2008."
"He has interviewed child molesters who are in prison to get inside their heads," Nay said. "He passes this information on to parents and the community."
Children are not allowed to attend this program. Childcare will be provided in the school's library.
Hall will discuss the myths of child molestation.
* Most offenders of sexual abuse are strangers.
* Sexual abuse of children most often occurs in poor neighborhoods and among uneducated people.
* Girls are the victims.
* Offenders are always men.
* Children imagine sexual experiences and make up stories about them.
Hall then has several age-appropriate conversations with all the Plainfield elementary school children over the next few days.
"Terry literally tells the kids how to keep their bodies safe," Nay said. "He tries to make children understand why adults may touch them for good reasons such as a doctor."
She said he also makes sure they understand the difference in a bad touch situation and that they do not have to allow just any adult to touch them.
"It is a well-rounded program," Nay said. "He really gets down and talks to them on their level."


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French Language Prize awarded to writer Vassilis Alexakis – Statement by Yamina Benguigui, Minister Delegate for Francophonie (October 10, 2012)
Yamina Benguigui, Minister Delegate for Francophonie, congratulates Vassilis Alexakis, the new winner of the French Language Prize. She pays tribute to the work of this ardent supporter of the French language who has promoted his dual French and Greek culture. Mr. Alexakis will receive his award at the book fair in Brive-la-Gaillarde which will take place from November 9 to 11.
Through his works, such as "La Langue maternelle" and "Les Mots étrangers," Vassilis Alexakis has been able to demonstrate that respect for multilingualism is a fundamental value.
Created in 1986, the French Language Prize is awarded each year to a francophone author who contributes to promoting the richness of the French language.
In the run-up to the 14th Francophonie Summit, the minister delegate welcomes the enthusiasm for the French language in world literature. French is currently spoken by 220 million people around the world and will be spoken by 700 million people by 2050.


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Joe: Ninetales with a 45 Beauty Point Stat gain. Total Beauty Stats = 90
P/Arts: Gengar with a 30 Coolness Point Stat gain. Total Cool Stats = 60
Joe: Ninetales with a 45 Beauty Point Stat gain. Total Beauty Stats = 90
P/Arts: Gengar with a 30 Coolness Point Stat gain. Total Cool Stats = 60
Picking up. =DOriginally Posted by Hells Empress
Now, dropping Ninetales off for her last 10 Beauty Points with this Blue Pokeblock.
Yay! =P
Joe: Ninetales with a 10 Beauty Point stat gain. Total Beauty Stats = 100
Pickin' him up, thanks. ^^Originally Posted by Hells Empress
Picking up. =D Yay, full Beautyness! =POriginally Posted by Hells Empress
P/Arts: Gengar with a 60 Coolness Point Stat gain. Total Cool Stats = 100
Welcome to the PokéSpa, the place to visit if you want your Pokémon in the best possible condition for those all important Contests in the FB Contest Halls. Whether you want your Pokémon more Beautiful than a Beautifly, as Cute as it can be, Cooler than James Dean, Smarter than Einstein or Tougher than the Terminator, this is the place it all happens.
When registering your Pokémon, a payment of one Pokéblock will be needed. All you need to do is specify which Pokémon of yours will be staying with us and which Pokéblock you will be feeding them. Also state the Nature of your Pokémon - this is very important as we really don't want to be dealing with any unpleasant incidents when feeding time comes around. After three days your Pokémon will be boosted in its chosen category and will be ready to win you that Contest Ribbon in no time at all.
- Dropoffs are on Sundays only.
- Only one Pokémon per visit.
- Only one Pokéblock at a time.
- State clearly in your post the Pokémon you are dropping off, the Nature of the Pokémon and which Pokéblock you will be using.
- Post a link to the confirmation post in the Pokéblock Shop to confirm the Pokéblock you are using.
- If your Pokémon has previously gained stats from the PokéSpa in the category you are currently raising, please post a link to the confirmation post of their last stat gain in that category (linking to every stat gain isn't necessary, only its last one).
- Your Pokémon will stay in the PokéSpa for three full days, and cannot be used anywhere else while here.
- Do not take your Pokémon out of the Spa until confirmation has been issued. If it hasn't you will lose the points for that week along with your Pokéblock, and if persistent early pickups occur you may even lose that Pokémon.
Dropping off Faiyaa's Houndoom (Rash Nature) w/ no Beauty Points for her first 45 points using this Indigo Pokeblock he got via trade
Thank you.
Faiyaa: Houndoom with a 45 Point Beauty stat gain. Total Beauty Stats = 45
Dark Fire: Blaziken with a 20 Point Tough stat gain. Total Tough Stats = 20
Picking up my Blaziken. Thanks.Originally Posted by Hells Empress
Picking up Faiyaa's Houndoom...rather late >>; *cough* but It's all good now, right Flare?
Flare: *bites Jeff's hand*
;; I deserve that.
Anyway...dropping off Faiyaa's Houndoom with 45 Beauty Points and a Rash Nature for a 20 Point Beauty gain using This Pokeblock he recieved in a trade.
Thank you Tess.
Dropping off my Blaziken
- 20 Previous Tough Points.
- Olive Block (20 Tough Points)
- Naughty Nature


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We moved. The entertainment room is smaller...
I have Monitor 60's as fronts, CS2 as center and Monitor 30's for rear surrounds.
Unfortunately it looks like I'll need to sell the Monitors 60's-- too big for room.
I'm thinking about keeping the CS2 which I really like, using the Monitor 30s as fronts and getting OWM3's for rear surrounds. Any thoughts on whether this will work nicely or any other suggestions?
Thanks very much.


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The Joplin Globe
ROGERS, Ark. —
Webb City recovered from a 24-16 halftime deficit and defeated Fort Smith Southside 46-40 Thursday night in the first round of the Arvest Bank Hoopfest.
Logan Williams led a balanced offense in the Cardinals' season opener with 12 points. Nate Brown had 10 points, and Phoenix Johnson, Jalen Vaden and Kohl Slaughter each had seven points.
Andrew Hindman led Fort Smith Southside with 11 points, including two 3-pointers.
"We played up and down. We had a slow start and were behind at the half," said Webb City assistant coach Jeremy Butler. "We came back and had a good, solid third quarter and held on at the end. It was a pretty close game throughout."
The Cardinals took a 29-28 lead by outscoring Southside 13-4 in the third quarter.
Webb City will play either Rogers, Ark. or Mount Vernon at 7 p.m. today.


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June 18th, 2009
By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now
Calling the fight against cancer "one of the most notorious public health failures of the 20th century" four leading cancer and environmental experts called on Congress and the Obama Administration this week to acknowledge the role environmental carcinogens play in triggering cancer and dedicate more money to cancer prevention.
In a letter to Congressional leaders, the national medical and scientific experts said they were concerned that prevention has received little attention in the Obama Cancer Plan. They noted that health care costs could not be brought under control without a better plan to fight the disease that claims 1,500 American lives daily and costs $89 billion a year to diagnose and treat. (Costs rise to $219 billion annually, when lost productivity and premature death costs are factored in).


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It's been said that as parents, it is our job to work ourselves out of a job. Or to see our children to that place of adulthood where our job description is significantly and irreversibly altered.
We do that by shining our parenting light into our adult world (as an example) and into our children's world (as a nurturer).
I want to encourage you to continue to shine in the humble servant's position that is parenthood. It is a job in which you may not get a lot of accolades, but shine anyway.
Two years ago, I began writing for Patch. Though I had hundreds of publication credits to my name, this was something new: the discipline of weekly deadlines. Writing "The Growth Chart" grew me in completely unexpected ways. And it was good. It was also a great adventure, because I was now a columnist! I could write about whatever subjects I chose!
In that time, some of my favorites have included series on: discipline, infant development/bonding through lap games and face-to-face communication, talking to our children about issues of sexual integrity, true beauty, volunteerism, encouraging children to find their own unique bent — gifts and talents, and of course, stories about my own beloved children.
At the core of all of these articles, really, is Light.
My goal in writing, from the beginning, was not so much to provide answers as it was to open dialogue and encourage critical thinking. To help us spur one another on, as parents. To enlighten one another. It has always been my hope to encourage parents to model authentic living for children so they can be the very best they can be.
That's why I love the name "The Growth Chart."
Sometimes we don't realize how much our children have grown until we put them up against the wall and draw the latest line, then look back at where they've been. The same is true for us parents. We have to look back to where we've come from to see the real growth. Unlike marks on a wall, our parenting achievements seem less tangible, yet they are there, if we look closely.
We find them in our little ones' hugs. Or improved grades. Or athletic achievements or perseverance. Or when it's your kid in the spotlight, singing that solo. We see it in the kindnesses they show to others or the blessing they can be even to strangers. Every time our son or daughter opens a door for someone or shows a small kindness, it is a positive mark on our parenting wall. When they finish pre-school or elementary school or high school or college, or have their own little ones, we see the strength of their own good choices and how those impact their world with Light.
These are all marks on our Growth Chart.
Two years ago, when I wrote my bio for Patch, I said that I love hats, and I wear a lot of them, but that my Mommy hat was my most favorite. That is still true. There is nothing more fulfilling or meaningful in this life than to invest in the life of a child — especially your own.
There is nothing I want more at this point in my life than to invest myself fully in my children. They may be teenagers, but the fact is that they need me now, perhaps more than ever. I want to be fully present in their lives and help them to know my love and support as never before.
I look forward to that. It is my light to shine. It is my highest calling, and I pray they will find me worthy. I know that you feel that way, too.
Trust that you are indeed worthy. Take a moment to tip your hat to the parent in the mirror. That Mom or Dad deserves to be honored.
Thank you, Dear Patch Reader, for your loyalty to "The Growth Chart." It has been a wonderful two years. Thank you to my Facebook Friends who followed and commented, to Patch readers who opened dialogue and sent me messages telling me how much they appreciated my words. Most of all, I want to thank my children, who came along willingly on this journey, allowing their stories to be told often, without complaint or embarrassment. Kody and Kay — you are the most amazing children I have ever known, and I am so proud that I get to be your Mama. .
To my editor, Morgan Day: you are great fun and I love you dearly. You have been wonderful to work for and a true encouragement in my life. Thank you for valuing my column and for looking forward to reading it each week, even though you are not yet a parent (training ground for someday when you don the Mommy Cap!) I know the day that you had to tell me that the run of this column was drawing to a close (with the year's end) was not an easy day for you. But you handled that task, as you have everything about your position, with grace and appreciation. You are not merely my editor; you have become my friend.
So it is with these words of thanks and encouragement to all of you that I write this final column of "The Growth Chart." I have grown more than I could have anticipated, and I know that you have too.
As promised, this series "Light" will continue into the New Year. But here's the catch: I'm relying on you, Patch parents, to make that happen.
I believe with my whole heart that we parents are created to be light for our children, and in that way, we are, as Jesus said, "the light of the world." The light is carried in us and through us and passed along to our children, who carry it into their world. And their children's. And on and on it goes.
I will miss the opportunity to dialogue with you. But I know you are capable parents, full of Light.
I tip my hat to all who carry that torch.


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By Nick Snow
STILLWATER, Okla. —
A couple weeks ago the Stillwater High School cross country teams struggled in the Cowboy Jamboree, with the men finishing 20th and the women finishing 26th.
But with those struggles came a much-needed learning experience — something Stillwater coach Dan Zeroski hopes pays off as the Pioneers host Enid and Ponca City on the same course that hosted the jamboree.
"We know that course and we train on that course," Zeroski said. "That gives us an advantage. Being a hilly, tough course, training on a course like that can give you a big advantage."
Stillwater may have the advantage when it comes to knowing the course, but Stillwater will be without several members of its varsity squad — including Sam Smith, who injured his toe on the first hill in the jamboree.
"Sam won't be running for another week or so," Zeroski said. "We're actually not running our top three runners (Tuesday) because we want them to focus on the Chili Pepper Invitational on Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark. It's just going to be a good, hard training race."
The Pioneers and Lady Pioneers may not have an entire varsity team suited up for the race, but Zeroski said that doesn't mean Stillwater doesn't expect to be competitive.
Instead, Zeroski is hoping that some of the younger runners will step up to fill the voids while possibly trying to earn a spot on the varsity roster in the final few weeks.
"We'll have our varsity pull back a little bit, but for the rest of those guys, this will be one of their last meets," Zeroski said. "You can only take you're top seven men and top seven women to regionals, so this is an opportunity for them to show us what they're capable of."
Having already faced Ponca City and Enid in several meets earlier in the year, Zeroski isn't as concerned about how his team stacks up. He's more concerned about getting a quality runs out of his athletes.
"We don't put that much emphasis on this meet because there's only three teams," Zeroski said. "We just want the kids to go out, run well and get a good quality workout. Enid should win the women's race pretty easily, but we should win the men's side."
With regionals a few weeks away, Zeroski said that Tuesday's meet and the Chili Pepper Invitational will be the building block for Stillwater's preparation for regionals.
"Each week our times have to keep coming down," Zeroski said. "If not, other teams' are so we have to be matching them each week. We ran well at Edmond on Friday, so we're hoping to keep building momentum for regionals and state."


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As if opponents needed another reason to worry about Canisius College softball.
The Golden Griffins announced today that Al Dirschberger is joining the coaching staff. Dirschberger recently retired as the head softball coach at Niagara where he spent 22 years. While there he earned Coach of the Year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference twice -- in 2000 and 2007. He coached three conference players of the year, three rookies of the year and a total of 36 all-conference players.
"I obviously coached against Al for a long time when he was at Niagara, but we also coached together for three years in the Empire State Games," Canisius head coach Mike Rappl said in a press release from the school. "I am really looking forward to adding him to our staff. He knows the game and he knows the MAAC. I feel this is going to be very, very beneficial to our program here at Canisius."
This past season was difficult for the Griffs, who went 20-30 overall but went 11-5 in the MAAC and earned the third season in the conference tournament for its 21st appearance in 23 years of the MAAC tourney. The Griffs return 10 position players and three pitchers in 2013.
And for those scoring at home, Dirschberger is the third former Niagara head coach to end up at rival Canisius joining Mike McRae (baseball) and Dermot McGrane (men's soccer).
--- Amy Moritz


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Across Øresund Swim
From Openwaterpedia
The Across Øresund Swim is an 8 km open water swimming competition between Hamlets castle Elsinore in Denmark and the Scanian city of Helsingborg in Sweden, an open water swimming event that has had an annual tradition for over 100 years. Video of Øresundssvømning (swimming across the Oresund) can be seen here.
It is managed by Manne Sådär Lorentzon from Ängelholm, Skåne, Sweden.


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The Denver Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates 66 years of providing high quality symphonic concerts and outreach..
DBA members receive 50% off tickets for the 2013-14 season. Tickets must be purchased online using promo code COBAR. Kids 12 and under are free.
Click here to order.
DBA members receive 15% off tickets for the 2013–14 season. Tickets must be purchased online using promo code COBAR.
The 2013–14 Season presents a wealth of world-class artistry performed by the critically acclaimed Colorado Symphony, the region's only full-time professional orchestra. Whether your preference is Masterworks, Pops, or the fun-filled Family Series, you will experience the rare talent and unique versatility of the orchestra!
DBA members receive 20% off Masterworks (Fri/Sun ONLY), Pops (NO Holiday/NO Classic Rock), Inside The Score, Family. Spotlight is excluded.
Use Promotional Code: COBAR
All service charges apply. Not valid on previous purchases. Subject to availability.
DBA members receive discounted tickets to Avs games throughout the 2013/14 season. Use the link below to get information on pricing and to purchase your tickets.
Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m.
vs New York Rangers
Click here for pricing and to purchase tickets.
Welcome to the biggest, most robust and diverse season yet of Newman Center Presents! DBA members receive $10 off all tickets in price levels 1, 2 and 3 for the following performances in 2013 (Chris Thile is excluded).
Tickets are now available for purchase on-line at www.newmancenterpresents.com using promo code COBAR.
DBA members receive a 15% discount on Tuesday and Friday performances (Rigoletto - March 18 and 21; Carmen - May 6 and 11).
Use discount code COBAR when ordering online at www.operacolorado.org.
Questions? Please contact Alexa Drago at 303-824-5313 or email@example.com


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Millburn Township will save $204,207 in 2013 as part of a series of pension reforms signed into law last year.
The cuts are thanks to the reforms agreed upon by the New Jersey legislative bodies and signed into law by Governor Chris Christie in June 2011. The bill, aimed at increasing contributions to health benefits and pension payments for public employees, makes various changes to the manner in which the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), the Judicial Retirement System (JRS), the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), and the State Police Retirement System (SPRS)
Millburn employees will pay an additional $81,228 into their pension fund next year, while the village's police and firefighters will pay $122,979.
In addition to the extra $204,207 in savings for the employees' pensions, Millburn residents will also save $75,838 from the pensions for employees of the Millburn Public Schools.
"Our willingness to make the tough choices and achieve progress on meaningful reforms in a bipartisan way is continuing to deliver millions in long-term, sustainable property tax relief for Essex County middle-class families," Christie said in a statement. "Our commitment to taxpayers is to continue down the path of commonsense reforms that bring down the cost of government while providing tax relief. We have an obligation to ease our overburdened middle class by delivering direct tax relief, ending the practice of cash payouts for unused sick days, promoting shared services, and closing the loopholes in the 2 percent property tax cap. I urge the legislature to continue to work as a partner, rather than an impediment, and act on our middle-class reform agenda."
According to a statement by the governor's office, new lower bills will be provided to local governments showing savings of nearly $13 million for Essex County and statewide savings of $116 million due to the pension management reforms. Pension contributions paid by local governments and funded by local property taxpayers are falling by $116 million statewide, with over $43 million in local government savings coming from the PFRS and over $72 million coming from the PERS.
The reforms are projected to save state and local taxpayers over $120 billion over 30 years. Last year, the first year of implementing pension reform, local taxpayers saved $267 million statewide. For the current fiscal year 2013, pension costs for local governments are a projected $241 million less this year than they would have otherwise been without reform.


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Reporters may contact: Ann Abbas
SMU Public Affairs
(214) 768-7655
June 14, 2001
Click on the photo below to view or download a high-resolution .jpg version.
DALLAS (SMU) -- Dallas-based business leader Gerald J. Ford has been named chair-elect of Southern Methodist University's Board of Trustees. Ford was unanimously elected at the board meeting on May 11. He will succeed current Board Chair Ruth Altshuler when her term expires in spring 2002.
"Gerald Ford is a loyal alumnus who has given generous support and leadership to programs throughout the university, including Dedman College, Dedman School of Law, Edwin L. Cox School of Business and SMU athletics," SMU President R. Gerald Turner said. "As chair of the Board of Trustees beginning next year, he will continue the tradition of outstanding leadership that strengthens and guides our progress."
Ford has been a member of the SMU Board of Trustees since 1992. He is chair of the board's Finance Committee and a member of its Executive Committee, Trusteeship Committee, Committee on Athletics and Executive Committee of the Campaign for SMU. He also currently serves as co-chair of the Dedman College Campaign Committee and on the Executive Board of Dedman School of Law. He is a former member of the Executive Boards of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Edwin L. Cox School of Business, John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series.
Ford is chair of the board and chief executive officer of Golden State Bancorp Inc., headquartered in San Francisco. It is a holding company for the nation's second largest thrift institution and California's fourth largest bank. He also is board chair and CEO of Liberté Investors Inc., an investment firm. Described as a quintessential entrepreneurial banker, the West Texas native began his banking career by purchasing a number of small banks in rural areas of the state.
"Under the administration of President Turner, this has been an era of unprecedented progress for SMU, and Gerald Ford is an excellent choice to work with him in continuing the momentum," said current Board Chair Ruth Altshuler. "When he takes office in May 2002, we will have completed the largest capital campaign in SMU's history, due in part to Mr. Ford's generosity. With his entrepreneurial and management skills, he will ably lead SMU in the planning stages for the next campaign, which will raise even more resources for academic enhancements."
Ford earned two degrees from SMU -- a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1966 and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law in 1969. In 1995 he received the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 1997 he received SMU's Mustang Award honoring those whose longtime service and philanthropy have had a lasting impact on the university. The Gerald J. Ford Stadium, completed in September 2000, is named in his honor.
Ford provided the lead gift of $20 million for the new campus football stadium. He also has supported the SMU Annual Fund, Law Alumni Fund, President's Scholars program and Dedman College programs.
Ford's civic activities include service as a trustee of the Children's Medical Foundation and Southwestern Medical Foundation, member of the Dallas Citizens Council and director of the Dallas Boys and Girls Clubs, Inc.


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Essex Uni scientists win Euro grant (From Gazette)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting GAZETTE NEWS to 80360, or email
Essex Uni scientists win Euro grant
1:00pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in News By Will Lodge, Senior reporter
SCIENTISTS at Essex University have a share of a €2 million grant to improve internet connectivity.
The 36-month SODALES project is trying to improve the connection between homes and the local network hub.
Professor Stuart Walker leads the university team which along with four commercial partners from Spain, Portugal, Germany and Israel has won the European Commission grant.
They hope to develop street-based wireless base stations which can beam a faster signal directly into the home. Having the technology by the roadside means it can also be easier to upgrade and cheaper to install as it will not involve engineers needing access to customers' homes.
The university's Access Networks Laboratory will be used to test and develop the project and the consortium hopes for a commercially viable prototype at the end.
- SODALES stands for Software-Defined Access using Low-Energy Subsystems.
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North Star™ Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Exposure
- Sun or Shade
- Season
- Winter
- Mature Size
- 24 - 32 Inches
Evergreen shrub is easy to maintain as a compact, dense globe. Deer resistant. Superior winter color. Good low maintenance hedge.
Plant Needs
Makes a great low hedge or border for formal plantings. Add it to any garden for winter interest.
Prefers moist, well drained soil. Tolerates heavy pruning but is not necessary. Little care is needed, but may be pruned to shape as desired in summer.
This new variety of boxwood is a cold hardy, dense globe that requires little if any pruning to form a low, dense, thick hedge. Shiny dark green leaves maintain good winter color. Use NORTH STAR as a low-growing hedge, or even to create the borders of a formal herb garden. It's a beautiful evergreen that will provide four seasons of enjoyment in the landscape.
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One of the earliest forms of pasta, macaroni is made from durum wheat and is shaped in short tubes with holes down the middle. Although artisanal brands may be made by hand using traditional methods, commercial varieties are produced using state-of-the-art pasta machines. Other varieties of macaroni include elbow macaroni (short and curved) and macaronicini (small shapes).
Macaroni can be bought dried or fresh. The former takes longer to cook, but is recommended as it gives a better texture. It is available in numerous sizes and flavours, including wholewheat variety. Buy large shapes for stuffing and baked dishes.
Kept in an airtight jar in a dry place away from direct sunlight, macaroni will keep for several months.
Cook macaroni in salted, boiling water, following the packet instructions. It is most widely used in macaroni cheese, served with sauces, or baked in savoury and sweet gratins.
Article by Sejal Sukhadwala
Type the ingredients you want to use, then click Go. For better results you can use quotation marks around phrases (e.g. "chicken breast"). Alternatively you can search by chef, programme, cuisine, diet, or dish (e.g. Lasagne).
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By Ben HallInvestigative Reporter
State inspectors found some of the demolition material associated with the new Music City had been dumped illegally. Construction supervisors are promising to do a better job.
Crews started tearing down buildings earlier this month touting big plans for an environmentally friendly project.
"Most of the material that we'll demolish will end up not in a landfill but at a recycler. An example, the steel will go to a steel recycler," said Senior Project Manager Larry Atema on February 8.
NewsChannel 5 Investigates obtained video shot less than a week after demolition began.
It showed crews filling dump trucks at the convention center site with unsorted demolition material, then dumping the material at a site in Hermitage.
"It should not have happened," said Atema. "I think what is important at least to us, when we first learned of it, we went out and less than 12 hours later we had the steel picked out of the debris."
NewsChannel 5 found more than just steel at the site. We discovered electrical wiring, metal siding and styrofoam mixed in with what was supposed to be just crushed cement.
"These sorts of things present hazards to the environment, the groundwater, the surface water. So, they are required to go into a permitted facility," said Environmental Geologist Mark Quarels.
State investigators inspected the site and also found things like tar paper and carpet. The state temporarily stopped all dumping there, and issued a notice of violation for illegal dumping.
Mark Koester's company owns the property. He said construction crews did a poor job of sorting through the material before they dumped it on the site. Crews immediately began cleaning the site by hand.
"I'm not sure what happened, but what they told me is that they were under a lot of pressure to get that stuff out of there, and that's what they did," said Koester.
Atema said crews will have to do a better job of sorting. He said that the crews are now looking more closely at what leaves the demolition site.
On the positive side, he said that in the past all of the material would have ended up in a landfill, but this is a new process.
"The subcontractors working on this don't like this to happen," said Atema. "It did. So, we fix it, and we try to do better. We move on."
The state citation said the amount of unacceptable material was extremely small when compared to all the concrete at the site. State investigators promised to keep monitoring the site. It is re-opened and crews are taking crushed concrete back to the site.
e-mail: email@example.com
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Nike Brasilia 6 Medium Duffel Bag
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Nike Brasilia 6 Medium Sized Duffel Bag
Hit the gym in style with this Nike duffel bag. The Brasilia 6 offers plenty of practical storage space for your sports equipment.
The bag features a main compartment that provides ample room for your kit, as well as a zip compartment at either end for smaller items such as a water bottle, shower gel and deodorant. Designed to be reliable and durable, it boasts a water-resistant tarpaulin base and a tough polyester upper.
The adjustable shoulder strap gives you a custom fit with a shoulder pad for comfort, whilst the hand straps can be conveniently joined together with a padded handle.
Signature branding is provided with a Swoosh to the side and end panels, and large contrast lettering to the strap.
Useful info:
- Duffel bag by Nike
- Brasilia 6
- Medium size
- Dual zip
- Padded shoulder strap
- Handheld strap
- Water-resistant base
- Large contrast Swoosh to body
- Small Swoosh to side
- Contrast lettering to strap
- Dimensions: L 62 x W 30 x H 33cm
Colour: Black. Wool.
Animal Penrith Backpack with Water Bottle
- In Stock
1 reviewColour: Grey. Wool.
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Oakley Jupiter Backpack with Cooler - Grey
- In Stock
2 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Oakley Jupiter Backpack with Cooler
Everything in the world can and will be made better. So goes the saying by Oakley founder Jim Jannard. The Jupiter backpack is evidence of this innovative approach.
Consisting of a large main compartment with mesh exterior pockets, this versatile backpack is the ultimate storage solution on the move. The dual side straps keep wet items separate, whilst the fleece-lined eyewear pocket keeps you sunnies safe and scratch-free.
A tarp lined cooler sits to the bottom of the bag, holding up to eight cans of your favourite cold beverage, whilst the padded straps ensure maximum comfort on long journeys.
Useful info:
- Backpack by Oakley
- Jupiter
- Large main compartment
- Tarp lined cooler
- Mesh exterior pockets
- Dual side straps
- Fleece-lined eyewear pocket
- Padded straps
Colour: Black. PU.
Eastpak Getter Backpack
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Main compartment with padded laptop sleeve, front compartment with organiser, ergonomic padded shaped shoulder straps with sternum strap, compression straps, tuck away webbing board straps, two zippered front stash pockets, multi purpose side pockets, top accessory pocket with headphone and cord option, comfortable quilted back, key clip, integrated travel pass sleeve.
Superdry Montana Backpack
Bringing together personality and practicality, this rucksack by Superdry brings an instant pop of colour to your off-duty wardrobe.
With plenty of space inside the backpack, the padded compartment keeps your laptop or tablet safe – perfect for when you're heading to class or getting your head down in the library. The contrast zip pocket to the front is ideal for pens and anything else that you need to hand, whilst the padded shoulder straps keep you comfortable.
Team this backpack with your jeans, a tee and a varsity jacket. Add a pair of low-profile plimsolls to complete your campus look.
Useful info:
- Backpack by Superdry
- Montana
- Padded compartment
- Structured shape
- Contrast front zip pocket
- Buttoned side pockets
- Padded straps
Mi-Pac Polka Print Backpack- Navy
This printed backpack by Mi-Pac adds a playful charm to your daytime looks this season.
With classic appeal and an iconic colour way this backpack adds an authenticity to your city chick style. A fun-filled polka dot print covers the front zipped pocket for a pop of whimsy. Fill the roomy interior with your daily essentials and store your laptop safely in the padded sleeve.
Wear this backpack with a chambray shirt, boyfriend jeans and adidas Stan Smiths for a blog-worthy daytime outfit.
Useful info:
- Printed backpack by Mi-Pac
- Polka dot print panel
- Faux suede bottom
- Adjustable padded straps
- Top carry handle
- Zipped front pocket
- Internal padded sleeve
- Size: H46, W36 cm
Mi-Pac Paisley Bandana Backpack - Red
This paisley bandana backpack by Mi-Pac transforms your daytime wardrobe with a flash of fiery urban chic.
Bold stripes of intricate paisley pattern brighten and beautify this backpack, while the hot red hue makes a statement as you work it with your off-duty looks. The roomy interior includes a padded sleeve for your laptop and the outer zip pocket is perfect for keeping your daily essentials to hand. Finishing this pop piece off with a classic touch is the faux suede bottom.
Wear this backpack with a loose white shirt, skinny jeans and low top converse for a look that says "I just left the catwalk".
Useful info:
- Printed backpack by Mi-Pac
- Paisley print detailing
- Faux suede bottom
- Adjustable padded straps
- Top carry handle
- Zipped front pocket
- Internal padded sleeve
- Size: H46, W36 cm
Colour: Black/Multi. Polyester. Wipe clean only.
Harry Messenger Bag
- In Stock
6 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Harry Shoulder Strap Messenger Bag
An essential everyday piece, the Harry Messenger bag offers versatile storage when you're on the move, whilst the metallic blue colourway delivers a blast of on-trend style.
The main zip pocket and twin zip pockets to the front give you ample space for your laptop, folders and lunch as well as your phone, keys and wallet.
The twin handles mean you can grab and go, whilst the detachable shoulder strap can be adjusted to suit your carrying style.
Useful info:
- Harry Messenger bag
- 2 handles
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Zip main pocket
- Twin zip pockets to front
- Zip inside pocket
- Contrast straps
Printed adidas artwork. Printed Performance logo. Adjustable padded shoulderstrap. 2 inside dividers. Folded and stitched handles and snap button. Detachable shoe bag. Dimensions: 22 x 60 x 30 cm.Colour: Black. Polyester. Wipe clean only.


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Ouachita River RiverSweep Volunteer and Payoff
I have been volunteering my time to the Oauchita River sweep for the last 3 years. I do it just to get out and about and make my contribution back to the community. Nothing is ever expected in return. In doing this, I have been tv before which I had comments from people saying, "geez Kelsi, you are everywhere".
I got something in return again this year in the form of some new found sunglasses. haha
There was black case looking thing floating around in the pond at Kiroli Park, It was almost out of my reach. I stretched as much as I could with me little Grab-It and snagged the case out the water. Come to find out, it was a Costa Del Mar sunglasses case. I quickly opened it to find a decent pair of glasses along with their warranty information. SCORE!
What's even better is that they are even my style of glasses.
Finders keepers


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We're going to deviate from walkathons and talk about readathons. A readathon (or read a thon) is geared to kids ranging from the earliest readers all the way through high school. Readers gather pledges based on how many minutes they read, much like walkathon-ers gather pledges for laps they walk.
Schools and other groups wishing to to host a readathon should definitely take advantage of the Raise a Reader Program, sponsored by the International Reading Association, Parents magazine, and Parents.com. While technically not designed specifically for readathons, the program happens to be ideal. Benefits:
- The program allows students to log their reading minutes as they devour books throughout the spring, using a free service provided by BigTent.
- Students who log reading minutes will be entered for individual prizes
- The free program includes a personalized school page where you, your students, and parents can watch your school's progress
- One winning school with the most logged minutes per student will receive a $5,000 library grant.
Click here to get more info and sign up before February 28. The reading begins on March 8. Raise funds, raise readers, raise school spirit all at once.
Filed under: maximizing funds, technology, useful stuff | Tagged: fundraising, readathon, useful stuff | Leave a comment »


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HOUSTON – A 73-year-old woman is recovering from her injuries after she was hit by a car that went through the wall of a local church Saturday in northwest Houston.
Annie Brooks was setting the alarm at the Word of Truth Revival Worship Center, when outside of the church, a driver hit her parked car pushing it through the wall.
"As it went through the wall it hit her, knocked her like 40 feet. It broke her leg, her tibia, her fibula and her ankle," Kenneth Brooks, son of crash victim, said.
"I had a chance to speak to my mom. She was coherent. She was able to understand what I was saying and she's going to be all right," he added.
The driver of the car and her young son were not hurt. She was ticketed and then released.
It's not clear what caused the accident.
The church will hold normal services tomorrow.


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"Do you think the U.S. should withdraw SOME troops from Iraq by the end of the year, or do you think the U.S. should keep the SAME NUMBER of troops in Iraq through the end of the year?" If "Withdraw": "Do you think the U.S. should withdraw ALL troops from Iraq by the end of the year, or do you think the U.S. should keep SOME troops in Iraq through the end of the year?" Half sample, MoE ± 4.5
"Which comes closer to your view about U.S. troops in Iraq? The U.S. should set a timetable for withdrawal by announcing that it will remove all of its troops from Iraq by a certain date. The U.S. should keep troops in Iraq as long as necessary without setting any timetable for withdrawal." Options rotated. Half sample, MoE ± 4.5.
"Which comes closer to your view about the war in Iraq? You think the U.S. will DEFINITELY win the war in Iraq. You think the U.S. will PROBABLY win the war in Iraq. You think the U.S. CAN win the war in Iraq, but you don't think it WILL win. OR, You do not think the U.S. CAN win the war in Iraq."
Everywhere I look in the MSM the number 60% is used to describe those who "disapprove" of or "oppose" the Iraq war…what does that really mean?…that wasn't clear from reading news and opinion pieces."
To sum up: only 29% say we cannot win. As you remember only 26% said we should withdraw all. To me, that 26-29% is the hard core "anti-war" element who will definitely vote or support the Democrats position on the war. Then there are the 36-40% on the other side who essentially approve of the war and will vote or support the Republicans on the war.
An interesting question would be to interpose, with the question of "will we win" is "is it worth it?"
It's also worth pointing out that it's kind of hard to engage social unrest and sectarian antagonism in combat. If the place descends into civil war, how can we possibly 'win?'
But if I were a betting man, I would bet that only a negligible portion, if any, of the 60% who "oppose" the Iraq war do so "because they think we're not prosecuting it vigorously enough."
Shhhhhhhh McQ! You'll blow the cover on the favorite liberal talking point on how everyone really is against the war.
It seems to me that you very much don't want to believe that public opinion has soured as much as it has on the war.
The "play to win or don't play at all" crowd is larger than you may think.
Since I personally know of a couple of people who think the war wasn't prosecuted vigorously enough, there certainly are some people who believe that and are not especially happy with the way the war in Iraq is run at the moment.
Not at all. It's obvious it has soured (the 60% number is pretty consistent).
My point was that I highly doubt that these people—when asked whether they support or oppose the Iraq War—are answering "I oppose it."
It seems that you don't want to believe that 60% of Americans could think the Iraq War was a bad idea. So, instead, you posit that a significant franction of that 60% are in fact people support the war but feel it has been inadequately prosecuted.
There are no doubt many people who fit your description, but these people seem very unlikely—to me at least—to tell a pollster they "oppose the war."
"Well the numbers in this poll, [my emphasis] if you actually examine them,, don't support your thesis (and thus the purpose of the post). So how, again, do you explain that? I've provided numbers and an analysis. All I've gotten from you is "it isn't very likely because I don't believe people would say X". That's not much of an argument, AL."
Just because you list a whole lot of poll data doesn't make your analysis more solid, because the data you cite isn't on point.
In the end, you are simply asserting a belief that some significant percentage of the 60% of people who oppose the war do so because they think it should be more agressively prosecuted.
You dwell a lot on the fact that not everyone thinks we should immediately withdraw. But I don't see what that proves.
No one could have been more against the invasion of Iraq than I was. I think it was a colossal mistake. But I am not in favor of immediate withdraw. In fact, I'm not even sure I support a timeline for withdrawal. There are many people like me.
The same is true of your emphasis on the 19% percent who say we can win, but probably won't. I think you're reading way too much into that number.
I would fall into that category if I was polled. Saying that you think something "can" be won just means that you don't think that outcome is totally impossible. Who knows, maybe we'll catch a break and everything will just work itself out. Anything's possible.
"...and if they try to turn that into political hay, they may regret it depending on how they do so."
Buy Dale's Book!


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HP Pavilion 15t Haswell Core i5 Dual 16" Laptop
$555 + free shippingSHOP NOW
Posted 5 days 12 hr ago
HP Home & Home Office Store offers its 5.1-lb. HP Pavilion 15t-n200 Intel Haswell Core i5 1.6GHz 15.6" Laptop, model no. G1V32AV, for $579.99. Coupon code "PC599Q2" cuts it to $554.99. With free shipping, that's $10 under our mention from two days ago, $195 off list, and the lowest total price we could find. Features include an Intel Core i5-4200U 1.6GHz Haswell dual-core processor, 15.6" 1366x768 LCD, 8GB RAM, 750GB hard drive, DVD burner, 802.11n wireless, USB 3.0, webcam, 4-cell battery, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.


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'As Maine goes," the old saying went, "so goes the nation." Not anymore. Nowadays, North Carolina is America's bellwether. It is here that the potent forces transforming America – changing demographics, fiscal crises and strident partisanship – are colliding most fiercely, creating a perfect storm of anger, confusion and, perhaps, opportunity.
On the surface, the most bitter political fights across North Carolina and the nation revolve around social policies, especially health care, welfare programs and education. At heart, all rest on fundamental questions of community – on whom we see as our neighbors and how we define our obligations to one another. In politics, they often revolve around our willingness, usually through taxes, to reach out to and sacrifice for someone else. North Carolina's unique history makes it ground zero for this debate.
Numbers tell part of the story. Since 1990, about 2 million people have migrated to North Carolina. During the last decade, only Texas and Florida have absorbed higher numbers of transplants.
This is especially remarkable because, for much of the 20th century, North Carolina had the highest percentage of native-born residents in the country. In 1910, 95 percent of the residents were Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred. By 1950, this figure still stood at 85 percent. Today, about 42 percent of residents were born outside the state. We are a community in serious flux.
This broad transformation – from a stable home-grown population to a rapidly changing society of emigrants and immigrants – offers a clear lens for seeing where the state has been and where it is going. North Carolina distinguished itself during the 20th century as the most forward-thinking Southern state. Building on a tradition of smart public investment symbolized by its university system, North Carolina became known as the good roads state, laying down hard surfaces from Murphy to Manteo. Today, North Carolina and the vast state of Texas have the most miles of state-maintained roads in the country.
In the 1940s, it became the first state to provide ongoing funding to an orchestra, the North Carolina Symphony. In the 1950s, as plans were developed for the visionary Research Triangle Park, it created the nation's first state-built museum, the North Carolina Museum of Art.
How did such a poor state have the wisdom to make such far-reaching choices? Most histories focus on the talented artists, wealthy philanthropists and enlightened political leaders who led the charge. Their efforts were crucial, but this shortchanges the willingness of the people to pay for and support these enterprises. They did so for a variety of reasons but among these was the broad understanding that they were benefiting themselves – and people like themselves.
Today, North Carolinians are embroiled in fierce fights over questions of the public good, and there are legitimate concerns about the proper role and size of government and its ability to efficiently improve people's lives. But underlying all these is the fraying of the social fabric, a loosening sense of connection with one's fellow citizens in a rapidly changing landscape.
Ironically, as bias against blacks, women and other once-marginalized groups has decreased in recent decades, so has the level of social trust. While many a furrowed brow has pondered America's decreasing faith in government – it hit an all-time low this year – less attention has been focused on the fact that we don't trust each other, either. In an AP-GfK poll conducted last month, only about a third of Americans surveyed said most people can be trusted.
Studies show that the level of "social trust" – a belief in the honesty, integrity and reliability of others – is correlated with inequality and diversity. A Pew Center survey found that "the highest levels of social trust are in the homogeneous, egalitarian, well-to-do countries of Scandinavia." Bottom line: It is difficult to persuade people to sacrifice for the common good when they don't know and don't trust their neighbors. This is even harder when government is not just seeking money for roads almost everyone uses but for social welfare programs that directly benefit only some residents.
This insight explains our angry, us-against-them politics, but it does not show a way out. It demonstrates that the politics of division is self-defeating; it is hard to build a community by tearing it apart. It challenges us to find new solutions to new problems. Will we?
As North Carolina goes, so goes the nation.
Contributing columnist J. Peder Zane can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.