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By Jim Workman
The West Virginia Board of Education voted to return full control and authority to the McDowell County Board of Education effective July 1, during a meeting Wednesday morning at River View High School.
The state had control of the local school system for about 11-1/2 years.
"There are many passionate people in McDowell County," said state board member Gayle Manchin. "They care about their children, their families and their homes. A lot of people worked very hard.
"One of the lessons that we learned is that no one can do it alone. The children are the most important priority in front of us. The great news is that we have a community pulling together.
"The state board promises to be an ally," Manchin added. "We see this as a partnership. When the children of McDowell County succeed, the state of West Virginia succeeds.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
"This is a very positive day for this county," said state board member Lloyd Jackson. "We're so proud of what is going on today. We see a rebirth happening in McDowell County."
The Office of Education Performance Audits recommended the West Virginia Board of Education return local control of the county school system to McDowell pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the two boards effective July 1, 2013, subject to three conditions:
- The current appointed superintendent, Nelson Spencer, remains in that position for four years
- Training is provided to the McDowell County board in the following areas: personnel, finance, and board leadership
- The McDowell board be mindful that it is under the watchful eye of the WVBOE as noted in West Virginia Code 18-2E-5 (q)(2), which indicates the state board may intervene immediately in the operation of the county school system, "… if the state board finds the following: That the conditions precedent to intervention exist as provided in this section and that the state board had previously intervened in the same school system and had concluded the intervention within the preceding five years."
The findings of the audit were:
- The McDowell County Board of Education has completed all tasks set forth in the Exit Strategy Document.
- Previous deficiencies that emerged in the January 2010 OEPA report in personnel, policy development and facilities have been resolved in an exemplary manner.
- The school system is moving forward and showing progress.
- The superintendent is providing sound leadership and the schools are progressing.
State Board President Wade Linger stated, "The McDowell County School System has faced challenges but today teachers, parents and students should be proud of what they have accomplished. I am confident this school system will thrive and continue to grow stronger each day."
— E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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subset: commoncrawl


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"There are three amazing nominees for soul/R&B album tonight: one, a white kid from the Mickey Mouse Club, another the son of the dad from 'Growing Pains' and a strong soulful Caribbean woman of colour," said Sarah Silverman when presenting at the recent American Music Awards. "I don't know who will win, but I do know who should find this most ironic if she loses."
Justin Timberlake ended up winning. But we probably shouldn't be surprised anymore. It's been a peculiar year for commercial R&B music. Check a lot of "best of" lists for this year and you'll find a lot of interesting artists who are categorized as R&B in the mainstream eye. Call it the "gentrification of R&B" -- it's a broadening genre that is seeing a variety of pure-play, indie and hybrid approaches to the music. Blurred lines, indeed.
The issue of white artists liberally "borrowing" elements of traditionally black musical genres such as jazz, hip-hop or R&B is a story that's been told time and time again over the decades. For every Elvis, there was a Bo Diddley; for the Rolling Stones, there's Muddy Waters; Eminem, there's Biggie. And of course, this year it's about hailing a Justin Timberlake, a Robin Thicke, and even a Mayer Hawthorne at the top of the genre in the post-millennium.
It's a sensitive issue: while you don't want to bring up the dreaded "race card," it's hard to ignore the fact that an artist like Justin Timberlake is doing the same shtick as black artists but has a much easier time ascending the mainstream charts.
Looking at the top R&B and soul records of 2013, to say that it's cross-culturally diverse would be an understatement. But let's look at things from a critical lens. The record biz, despite being on an upswing, is still hurting. Limited budget, limited resources mean that every record has to be a hit. Taking chances often isn't an option; it's about hitting that critical mass and you're more likely to appeal to the mainstream (read: dominant Western culture) on a broader scale by backing blue-eyed soul singers such as Timberlake or Thicke over an artist of colour. So it's about one colour: green. But to say that race doesn't factor into the entire proceeding on some level is kidding ourselves.
Take, for example, Janelle Monae. Had a good year, but didn't make the dent into the commercial consciousness as we might have hoped. Would she have had a monster year if she was white? It's a bit facile to speculate but it often comes down to self-identification. Why would the mainstream need a Janet Jackson when it has a Britney Spears? Why would the mainstream need a Miguel when they have Timberlake?
And that's taking nothing away from Timberlake's talent: he's damn good. And he's just making music based on the R&B influences he grew up with. And the industry, seeing how Timberlake represents such a lucrative demographic, is all too willing to back that particular horse.
That said, it was a good, not great year for traditional R&B music. Honourable mentions go to artists like Kelela, Ciara, Fantasia, and even Brian McKnight who all created decent albums in 2013. But the definitive "Best of 2013" list is incredibly diverse with artists of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, all creating what they consider to be soul music.
Still. the irony Silverman astutely noted provides something to think about as you check out our best R&B albums of 2013 list (which, by the way, both Timberlake and Thicke are on, alongside Hawthorne and newcomer Rhye).
10. Robin Thicke - "Blurred Lines"
Robin Thicke manages to land at the end of this list by a hair; he is yet another testament to white artists doing their thing in a traditionally black genre in 2013. Yeah, "Blurred Lines" officially earned the title of "catchiest ear worm for the summer" this year — earning American-Canadian singer-songwriter Robin Thicke the breakout hit he's wanted since forever — but the song remains controversial both on the misogynistic and litigious side of things. Alan Thicke's baby boy incurred the wrath of many for the song's provocative lyrics and also ended up getting sued by, the estate of the late soul singer Marvin Gaye for "copyright infringement" for alleged similarities between the song and the classic "Got To Give It Up." But to be fair, as an album "Blurred Lines" actually holds up, especially considering that the blue-eyed soul singer can actually sing and write and has been doing so for years now without a mainstream hit. Before "Blurred Lines," that is.
9. Mayer Hawthorne - "Where Does This Door Go"
Ann Arbor, Michigan's Mayer Hawthorne truly found his groove in 2013 with third studio album "Where Does This Door Go." The Pharrell-produced album borrows elements of old-school soul through the lens of blue-eyed soul acts such as Steely Dan and Hall & Oates, transforming Hawthorne from someone who just dabbled in the genre to an artist finally taking things a bit more seriously. While his first two albums (2009's critically acclaimed "A Strange Arrangement" and 2011's "How Do You Do") felt a tad forced on the Motown soul tip, "Where Does This Door Go" holds up on repeated listens and stands as a promising direction for the "neo-soul" singer-songwriter.
8. Blood Orange - "Cupid Deluxe"
Released toward the end of the year, the fact that producer Dev Hynes's second album as Blood Orange is on this year is a testament to his strong brand of gritty, urban soul. As a long-time producer for artists such as Beyonce's little sis Solange Knowles, Florence Welch and the Chemical Brothers, with solo album "Cupid Deluxe" he lets his stylish aesthetic and diverse musical tendencies run wild, weaving in elements of classic R&B, pop and hip-hop to build a project that intrigues as it entrances.
7. Justin Timberlake - "The 20/20 Experience Part I"
If there's anyone who straddles the lines between crossover R&B and pop, it's Justin. The first part of his comeback two-parter "The 20/20 Experience" — which won an American Music Awards for Favorite Soul/R&B Album — is a reminder that Britney Spears' ex has successfully mined traditional R&B genre tropes for mass appeal and success. As a white soul singer, The Tennessee-raised Timberlake coins his falsetto-fuelled sound "Memphis Soul" and it's completely won over mainstream audiences.
6. Quadron - "Avalanche"
Producer Robin Hannibal truly had a great year, as evidenced by his second mention on this list. Danish duo Quadron, comprised of Hannibal and singer Coco O, dropped second album "Avalanche" to an unsuspecting soul-pop world and was an underrated hit. Off the strength of the poppy first single "Hey Love" — which was featured on TV's "Grey's Anatomy" — "Avalanche" takes its cues from soul by way of soft rock, pop and jazz to create one of the stronger efforts of 2013.
5. Zaki Ibrahim "Every Opposite"
If there ever was a feel-good Canadian soul music story for 2013, Zaki Ibrahim is it. Born in Nanaimo, B.C. and based in Toronto, Ibrahim's eclectic "Every Opposite" earns its worldly soul sound from being recorded in places such as South Africa. A surprise addition to this year's Polaris Music Prize shortlist, Ibrahim's success has been a long time coming.
4. Laura Mvula - "Sing to The Moon"
UK singer-songwriter Laura Mvula's album "Sing to The Moon" was perhaps one of the most intriguing R&B/soul projects of the year. With enthralling tracks like "She" and Green Garden," the 26-year old classically trained vocalist and composer masterfully brings together elements of orchestral soul, jazz and gospel — inviting comparisons to artists like Nina Simone — for an exceedingly strong debut album.
3. Rhye - "Woman"
Los Angeles duo Rhye's "Woman" was both a mystery and a revelation. The album arrived on the scene shrouded in a carefully crafted package that left many wondering who they were — and who was behind that androgynous contralto. Turns out it was Toronto-based singer Mike Milosh as the person behind the soulful curtain (backed by Danish producer Robin Hannibal) and "Woman" was R&B / soul backed by ethereal melodies and stirring production. A hidden gem for 2013, and an album worth listening to again and again.
2. Charles Bradley - "Victim Of Love"
If the soul-stirring sound and voice of Brooklyn-based Charles Bradley doesn't make you feel something inside, you should probably double check to see if you have a pulse. "Victim of Love" is surprisingly just the second studio album by the 65-year old vocalist and former James Brown impersonator. Classic soul in the vein of Brown, Otis Redding and Stax Records is having a bit of a revival time in the mainstream eye, giving artists like Bradley some long overdue time in the spotlight.
1. Janelle Monáe - "Electric Lady"
The album Janelle Monáe sonically unleashed to the world this year was simply electric. Second studio album "Electric Lady" was mind-blowing in the way it effortlessly melds throwback elements of jazz, funk, rock and soul into a futuristic body of work. The album remained a fixture on the R&B charts throughout 2013. Maybe it's her trademark tuxedo, the pompadour updo, or the effortless charisma she exudes, but the wunderkind from Kansas had a breakout year and "Electric Lady" stands as an instant classic.
By Anupa Mistry
10. Cam'ron - "Ghetto Heaven Vol. 1"
Overlong and cinematic, "Ghetto Heaven Vol. 1" is what Cam'ron resurfaced with in 2013. It's calamitous and non-committal and often tender, in typical Cam style. But what makes "Ghetto Heaven" required listening is the way Cam'ron continues to establish himself as the voice of the everyman through his allusions to social media ("Instagram Catfish") and hilariously apt sense of humour ("Talk To Me," "Come and Talk To Me"). Featured Track: "T.A.L.A.M"
9. Migos - "YRN"
The wacky ATL trio show out on "Young Rich Niggas," mixing Mother Goose chant-hooks ("Versace," "Hannah Montana") with equally playful, uncomplicated trap house tropes. They skitter about like kids playing tag and their collaborators – from Riff Raff, to Future to Drake (on the "Versace" remix) – are game to run along. That such idiosyncratic artists bend to Migos' giddy babble is a testament to the strength of their sound. It takes a lot to make something so deceptively simple work this well. Featured Track: "Hannah Montana"
8. Travis Scott, "Owl Pharoah"
As far as debuts go, Travis Scott's intricate post-rap paean "Owl Pharaoh" is a scorcher. (As far as EPs go, its overlong at 12 tracks). "Quintana" and "Blocka La Flame" are beautifully melodic fight songs; building blocks, hopefully, for Scott's future opus. If Kanye's "808s & Heartbreaks" could be considered the spiritual predecessor to this record, its clear Scott fully absorbed the aesthetic predilections of his rap god because, at points, "Owl Pharaoh" mirrors the aggressive arrhythmia and brooding interjections of "Yeezus" (which dropped three months later). Perhaps Yeezy, who worked on this record, did a little borrowing of his own?
7. Dom Kennedy - "Get Home Safely"
The latest in a steady stream of mixtape releases from the young Californian who makes laidback, pre-G-funk West Coast hip-hop for those who need a mellow reprieve from the assaultive synths and snares of #trending rap. GHS doesn't work as hard as Dom's previous "Yellow Album", but songs like "Black Bentleys" make it a captivating listen nonetheless – if only for the way his effusive flow and the Futuristics' floaty productions so expertly evoke the summertime. Featured Track: "South Central Love"
6. Chance The Rapper - "Acid Rap"
"Acid Rap," Chance's second mixtape, was the great unifier in a rap landscape that is increasingly stratified based on aesthetic preference. Chance, who hails from Chicago, manages to straddle indie, commercial, and street rap demographics, with this pseudo-whimsical, nostalgia-streaked mixtape that pays homage to rap classics as well as Chicago's vibrant musical traditions. He's a deft, playful, engaging rapper who, as "Pusha Man" shows, can spin tragedy (in this case, Chicago's ongoing street carnage) into earworm-y prose. Featured Track: "Pusha Man (feat. Nate Fox & Lili K)"
5. Earl Sweatshirt - "Doris"
We expected Earl to return from his boarding school sojourn giddy to be free, grateful for the rapturous "Odd Future" fanbase, and spitting venomous raps in the vein of his eponymous pre-fame 2011 mixtape. What we didn't expect was a kid practically sobered-up by the entirety of the experience. "Doris" isn't bratty or particularly vengeful; it's practically repentant and shot through with integrity. The lone piano on "Chum" and sinister bassline melody on "Hive," paired with Earl's doleful, dense delivery, are two of the best, most brilliant rap moments of 2013. Featured Track: "Hive"(ft. Vince Staples & Casey Veggies)
4. Isaiah Rashad - "Hurt Cobain"
This is an impressive, intelligent, introspective compilation mixtape from the newest addition to Kendrick Lamar's TDE crew, the only member from outside of California. A Tennessee native, Isaiah Rashad is a keen-eyed, breathless rapper who prefers a soundtrack of sweaty soul riffs and Erykah Badu samples, leaving all the grit and aggression to his delivery and performance – like a young, Southern-twanging Kanye West, minus the funnies. "S.B.B.B. (Goblins)" is the most uptempo, in-your-face track on here, and Rashad masters the pace without breaking a sweat. This isn't an official release – it's a compilation of previously released material – but it's a well-crafted introduction to the newest weapon in Kendrick's arsenal. Featured Track: "Hurt Cobain"
3. Drake - "Nothing Was The Same"
When this album came out, the shots against "Worst Behavior" by reviewers only served to reinforce their image as cloistered and clueless. What a song. It sends you barreling out the door after a disco nap, tips parties into a tailspin, and offers a variety of hashtags to help document the experience on social media (#WORST, #SHIT, #FLEXIN, etc.). With "NWTS," Drake reversed his #sadboys branding and made an album of tough tracks – without sacrificing any honesty. "From Time" and "Too Much" are beautiful songs, but am I the only one who skips them? If I wanted to feel feelings, I'd listen to "Take Care." Featured Track: "Started From The Bottom" (Explicit)
2. Kanye West - "Yeezus"
For an album intentionally positioned as a challenging listen and acquired taste, "Yeezus" is undeniable. That's what the critics will tell you, but cars are the real test and this summer a day didn't go without "Blood on the Leaves," or "Bound 2" blaring from open-windowed vehicles. So, maybe you have to struggle past the striated synths of "On Sight" before the good stuff – though the dusty soul break at its centre is such a jarringly confrontational touch – but "Yeezus" is a testament to the genius thing that 'Ye takes such pains to claim. He continues to expand the palette of both rap and popular music, in a way that Lady Gaga's paint-by-numbers pop art just can't.
1. Pusha T - "My Name Is My Name"
Over the past few years Pusha T's G.O.O.D. Music cameos, mixtapes, and Kanye West-indebted minimalist makeover built a small frenzy for a solo record amongst die-hard fans of the Clipse, his duo act with brother No Malice. And he followed through with a sleek, smart, and sinewy collection of rap songs. Push has always benefited from the guiding hand of a genius producer (with the Clipse it was Pharrell and the Neptunes), and on "MNIMN," we get the rap album Kanye could never do himself. "King Push" is the headiest, most confident rap intro of the year; the drums on "Suicide" are supreme; and, the Pusha/Kendrick Lamar tag-team on "Nosetalgia" prove lyricism and charisma can still co-exist. Featured Track: "King Push" (Explicit)
By Ben Boles
10. A Tribe Called Red – "Nation II Nation"
Teaming up with Tribal Spirit Music gave Ottawa's A Tribe Called Red greater access to raw powwow music recordings, which allowed them to refine their proudly aboriginal club sound even further than on their critically-acclaimed self-titled debut. Featured Track: "NDN Stakes" (live)
9. Bonobo – "The North Borders"
The fifth album by UK downtempo mainstay Bonobo saw the producer subtly honing his trademark warm organic sound, and making superb use of guest vocalists like neo-soul goddess Erykah Badu and Brooklyn singer songwriter Reverend Grey. Featured Track: "Cirrus"
8. Ryan Hemsworth – "Guilt Trips"
The much-hyped Canadian producer's debut album successfully brought together his eclectic influences into a cohesive album that nimbly jumps between ambient hip hop, futuristic R&B, and dramatic dance floor flourishes. Featured track: "Against A Wall" ft. Lofty305
7. Disclosure – "Settle"
It was impossible to avoid the sounds of the young Lawrence brothers in 2013, and their debut full-length album easily lived up to the hype generated by their early singles. House music that actually makes as much sense at home as it does in the club. Featured Track: "When A Fire Starts To Burn"
6. Daft Punk – "Random Access Memories"
The French electronic music veterans came up with a novel way of updating their sound: instead of combing through old disco records looking for bits to sample, try to reproduce the techniques and approaches that created those classics. A much-needed analog counterpoint to EDM's digital dominance. Featured Track: "Lose Yourself to Dance"
5. Jessy Lanza – "Pull My Hair Back"
You can hear co-producer Jeremy Greenspan's fingerprints all over Jessy Lanza's stunning debut album, but it's her distinctive touch and haunting vocals that give "Pull My Hair Back" a sensual lushness that Greenspan's work with his own duo, Junior Boys, never achieved. Featured track: "Pull My Hair Back"
4. James Blake – "Overgrown"
You could argue that James Blake has moved so far beyond his post-dubstep roots that it would be more appropriate to call him a pop singer than an electronic act, but how many traditional ballads feature this much bowel-vibrating bass? Featured Track: "Retrograde"
3. Boards of Canada – "Tomorrow's Harvest"
2013 may have been a great year for 90s-inspired sounds, but wasn't so great for comeback albums by IDM and downtempo artists of that era. Boards Of Canada, however, managed to find a way of updating their sound without sacrificing what we love about them. Featured track: "Reach for the Dead"
2. DJ Koze - "Amygdala"
German techno DJ/producer Stefan Kozalla took a gleefully psychedelic approach to his first solo album in nine years, and also revealed a surprising knack for twisted pop hooks. Despite featuring a large cast of collaborators, it holds together perfectly as a cohesive album statement. Featured track: "Nices Wölkchen feat. Apparat"
1. Machinedrum – "Vapor City"
Travis Stewart revisited the original concept of his Machinedrum project on Vapor City, exploring the relationship between double-time drum'n'bass rhythms and half-time hip-hop beats, infused with a large dose of R&B melody. Bewildering to people who knew him only through his work with Azealia Banks, but inspiring to the rest of us. Featured Track: "Gunshotta"
By Melody Lau
10. Sky Ferreira — "Night Time, My Time"
Plagued with a drug arrest scandal just prior to singer Sky Ferreira's debut album release, "Night Time, My Time" became a highly overlooked — and severely under-promoted, as Ferreira pointed out in a Twitter rant against her record label — album which truly deserved all of our attention. It's a rewarding debut given the numerous delays behind its release, but the final product showed a pop artist whose versatility is well documented in this collection of songs, which vary from '80s power pop to Cat Power-inspired somber ballads. Standout track: "You're Not the One"
9. Chvrches — "The Bones Of What You Believe"
Glasgow trio Chvrches, like many on this list, produced one of the year's best debut albums because of their ability to hone in a signature sound right off the bat. Their heavy synth barrage of vibrant electronics sounds perfected like a science, with every loop and programmed beat fitted into its very specific place to set off the perfect sound foundation for singer Lauren Mayberry's sharp, pointed words. A brazen display of modern technology, Chvrches' human touches is what completes their sound, creating an album that's simultaneously futuristic and charismatic. Standout track: "Lies"
8. Lady Gaga — "ARTPOP"
Lady Gaga gives us her best album yet with "ARTPOP," an aspiring work of meta-dance pop glory. It's a cluttered album, but one that reveals humanity in the pristinely presented pop star. Tracks erupt with strange arrangements and production, but buried in there are indeed many melodic gems that manifest into anthemic throwdowns. It's the sort of wonderfully self-indulgent affair that is expected from Gaga, yet still pleasantly surprising. Standout track: "G.U.Y."
7. Arcade Fire — "Reflektor"
Following up their Grammy Award-winning album "The Suburbs," Montreal indie-rockers Arcade Fire upped the ambition with a two-disc opus this year called "Reflektor." Embracing a more celebratory, upbeat sound that crosses over into pop territory -- with some help from LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy — "Reflektor" translates the band's reflective words into something worth dancing to as opposed to toiling over. It's a glittering piece of work that maintains the band's sincerity while exploring new sounds that are just as big and determined. Standout track: "Afterlife"
6. Miley Cyrus – "Bangerz"
We may have fixated on many of Miley Cyrus' actions this year – twerking, pot-smoking, pants-neglecting – but the true engine that drove the mania we saw before us was the pop star's transformative album, "Bangerz." A matured step outside of the safe bubblegum hooks of her past, Cyrus embraced a bombastic new look and sound that actually paid off. Singles "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball" are among some of the year's best songs with infectious melodies that possess a gift of longevity, a rarity in pop music today. But beyond that, the entire album proves to be an accurate portrait of a child star's growing pains: it's rebellious, it's shameless and it's everything one should expect from a 20-year-old woman trying to discover who she really is. Standout track: "Wrecking Ball"
5. Charli XCX - "True Romance"
Responsible for co-writing Swedish duo Icona Pop's breakout hit, "I Love It," British songwriter/pop star Charli XCX released her own full-length this year, crafting the perfect hooks for herself using similar traits from her most successful hit. Brash pop melodies combined with industrial, house and mainstream influences from many eras, Charli's collage sound is very much the patchwork of a young woman who grew up in the age of the Internet (she's only 21). Still, what stands out most is the star's writing abilities, which have since earned her opportunities to work with the Princess of Pop herself, Britney Spears. Standout track: "You (Ha Ha Ha)"
4. Ariana Grande — "Yours Truly"
Heavily lauded as the new Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande has some large, diva-sized shoes to fill and her debut album, "Yours Truly," delivers. Matching Carey's range, octave for octave, Grande's honeyed vocals soar above a set of equally saccharine ballad-pop piano and R&B-influenced songs. "Yours Truly" successfully pulls Grande out of the shadow of her predecessors and shines the spotlight forward on one of pop's brightest stars. Standout track: "Baby I"
3. Lorde – "Pure Heroine"
Pop took a new form in Ella Yelich-O'Connor, a.k.a. Lorde, this year. The now-17-year-old New Zealander burst onto the charts, spanning the board of genres from pop to R&B, with her breakout track "Royals," which decries the unrelatable opulence espoused in the songs of her contemporaries. Her debut full-length "Pure Heroine" follows suit, showcasing Lorde's innate skill for crafting direct and honest lyrics about how it feels to be a normal teenager while navigating around sparse electronic arrangements inspired by bands such as The xx. The confident Lorde has proven that she has a lot to say — sometimes even outside of her music, as her ever-growing list of beefs might indicate — and we're definitely excited to hear more from the young star in the years to come. Standout track: "Team"
2. Justin Timberlake – "The 20/20 Experience Part 1"
The music world welcomed back Justin Timberlake this year after a seven-year absence and "The 20/20 Experience Part 1" is just as lavish and extravagant as we had hoped for. Teaming up with longtime collaborator/producer Timbaland, "The 20/20 Experience" is Timberlake at his most polished and sophisticated as he flawlessly executes pop songs with his signature falsetto like the seasoned pro that he is. And even though the poorly thought-out mess that was "The 20/20 Experience Part 2" almost threatened to erase the progress of its more triumphant half, "Part 1" is a great, constant reminder that Timberlake does indeed belong on the charts even more than he does on the big screen. Standout track: "Mirrors"
1. Tegan and Sara – "Heartthrob"
Many would say that the sleek and polished pop of Tegan and Sara's seventh studio album "Heartthrob" was a huge departure from their past work, which dabbled in folk, punk and alternative rock. But what was always present in the band's 15-plus years of writing and recording was their innate knack for a good melody. Instead of churning out another riff-heavy rock album, Tegan and Sara bravely jumped ship into the synth-pop game, resulting in a product that still held their integrity in its direct, lovelorn lyrics, but packaged in a radio-friendlier exterior that truthfully suits the band better. Standout track: "Closer"
By Liisa Ladouceur
13. Monster Truck - "Furiosity"
Stepping up to the meat-and-potatoes rawk 'n' roll stage left void by Chad Kroeger getting busy with Avril instead of new Nickelback (#smallmercies), Hamilton's Monster Truck delivered riffs and roars aplenty on its debut full-length. The Junos anointed the band Breakthrough Group of the Year and "Furiosity" is a strong contender for next year's Rock Album statuette. Featured Song: "The Lion"
12. Classified - "Classified"
Long gone are the days when only one Canadian rap artist could get attention at once. Far from the shadow of Drake, East Coast rapper Classified rose to the top of the country's charts with his 15th (!) studio album and its bouncy hit singles "Inner Ninja" and "3 Foot Tall." The disc is packed with notable collaborators —Kardinal Offishall, Raekwon, "X-Factor" star Olly Mur — but the real guest star is Classified the producer; his sharp talents will serve him well if, as he told Huffington Post earlier this year, he takes a break being an MC. Featured Song: "That Ain't Classy"
11. Daniel Romano - "Come Cry with Me"
This new platter of classic country should come packaged with handkerchiefs, for Daniel Romano's olde tyme hurting songs — many of which sound like they could have premiered at the Grand Ole Opry 50 years ago — will have you weeping in your beer and/or pillow. Romano's traditional drawl, sequinned suits and his irony-free performance style has been slowly but surely grabbing the attention of George Jones and Waylon Jennings fans as well as young listeners discovering traditional country for the first time. Featured Song: "He Lets Her Memory Go (Wild)"
10. Arcade Fire - "Reflektor"
Because even the worst Arcade Fire album — too long by half, a dance record you can't dance to — is better than most other albums these days. It's time to admit it, this is Canada's U2, and not every one of the band's experiments will be a winner but ultimately they will all be remembered. Featured Song: "Reflektor"
9. Young Galaxy - "Ultramarine"
Pretty indie pop is reaching critical mass out there, but Young Galaxy (Montrealers by way of Vancouver) made something special on this fourth record, conjuring pure pleasure from many different moods. "Pretty Boy" is the best kind of 21st century new wave; "New Summer" can take over from the Hip's "Bobcaygeon" as your favourite cottage sunset jam; "Fever" is classic clap-a-long. Basically, "Ultramarine" is the album you wanted "Reflektor" to be. Featured Song: "New Summer"
8. Tim Hecker - "Virgins"
Breaking out of the niche musical community that embraced his early experiments in drones and minimalism, Tim Hecker reaches new heights with this gorgeous collection of orchestral pieces. The abstract, unconventional structures and glitches of distorted noise are still there, but choreographed alongside organic instruments like woodwinds and harpsichord into a heavenly body of work. Featured Song: "Live Room + Live Room Out"
7. Brendan Canning - "You Gots 2 Chill"
Brendan Canning's not kidding. The second solo record from the Broken Social Scene founder is seriously mellowwwwww. The vibe is more living room than chill-out room, and each moment is carefully placed, fully present, from the opening acoustic guitar instrumental "Post Fahey" through dreamy folk for the Nick Cave and Elliott Smith lovers out there to the melancholy closer "Last Song for the Summer Hideaway." A fine follow-up move after Canning's soundtrack for the Lindsay Lohan flop "Canyons," putting him back on the 2013 "winners" list. Featured Song: "Plugged In"


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Adjust Servings
Original recipe yields 2 dozen
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix the butter, sugar and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Sift the flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add this to the butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla, oatmeal, puffed rice cereal, and peanut butter. Mix until combined.
- Drop by heaping teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.
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Reviews (24)Rate This Recipe
So, usually if I drastically change a recipe I'll wait to review it until I can talk about it as written (or close to), but this is so ridiculously good, it's just not happening this time! As I was pulling the ingredients for this one, the Nutella was right next to the PB, practically staring me down. Once you spot the Nutella, how is regular PB going to satisfy? It's not! So (Nutella in hand), I realize that a little cocoa powder will probably keep the Nutella from getting lost in the other ingredients. Awesome, I had Hershey's Special Dark! I just subbed about 2 Tbsp cocoa powder for that amount of flour and subbed equal parts Nutella for PB. Dang! Using golf-ball sized scoops (flattened slightly works best), I pulled mine at 11 minutes; they were super tender and still moist inside, but with a little chewiness. I love the crunch from the rice crispies, and the slight crackling on the outside. I'm plotting additions of coconut, pecans, maybe even hazelnuts to hang out with the Nutella! Sorry that I don't know how they compare to the as-is version, but Chocolatey Joe is my new best friend.
I made these just exactly as described, but used Cocoa Krispies as I am in Europe and cannot get regular rice cereal. The result was yummy. My four-year-old son, office mates, family members all devoured them. Lovely mix of flavors and the crispy texture is a sure hit.
I just put these into the oven and everything looks great! I tasted some of the dough from the bowl and I love it! Thanks for sharing:)
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Amount Per Serving (12 total)
- Calories
- 277 cal
- 14%
- Fat
- 14.1 g
- 22%
- Carbs
- 34 g
- 11%
- Protein
- 5.4 g
- 11%
- Cholesterol
- 38 mg
- 13%
- Sodium
- 193 mg
- 8%
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
previous recipe:
Onesy-Twosy Cookies
next recipe:
Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies


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Amanda Pelipesky and Michael Manges have announced their engagement.
Amanda is the daughter of James and Mary Kay Pelipesky of Nanty Glo.
Michael is the son of Roxanne Manges of Central City and the late Alan Manges.
Amanda is a graduate of Blacklick Valley High School, Nanty Glo, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she received bachelor's degrees in fashion merchandising and early elementary education.
She is a collision center office manager employed by John Stuckey Ford and Subaru, Hollidaysburg.
Michael is a graduate of Shade High School, Cairnbrook, and Allegheny College of Maryland, where he received an associate degree in computer networking.
He is employed by Jigging Technologies as an aggregate technician.
An Oct. 12, 2013, wedding is planned.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.


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July 29, 2014
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A woman is dead after she tried to walk for help when her car got stuck during the snow storm in southwestern Utah.
Washington County Sheriff's detective Nate Abbott says the woman and a man were driving when their car got stuck in rural Washington County Tuesday night during the storm that hit the Rocky Mountain region.
He says the pair started walking for help, but the woman couldn't go any further and sought shelter while the man continued on.
He eventually took refuge close to a reservoir and stayed there until morning when he located some snowmobilers.
Search and rescue crews who used snowmobiles to look for the woman found her dead in the snow, a few miles from the car.
An autopsy is planned. No names were released.
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It's been a blast, St. Louis Park Patch, but alas, I'm moving on.
I'm writing to announce that this is my last day as editor of St. Louis Park Patch. Come Monday, I will be starting as a communications specialist for the city of St. Louis Park. So, I won't be going far!
I've truly enjoyed getting to know this community, which is why the job with the city has me so excited. It's been an honor to get to know so many of you, and I'd love to stay in touch. You can reach me anytime at my personal email, firstname.lastname@example.com.
But just because I'm leaving doesn't mean St. Louis Park Patch is going anywhere. I'm biased, but I think it's become a valuable local resource, and it will continue to be. To stay in touch with local Patch editors, please email email@example.com.
Also, do consider getting involved on the site if you haven't already done so. Patch is only as strong and successful as its readers make it. So, start a blog or create an event or post an announcement. The site shines when readers are active.
It's been fun. See you when I see you, St. Louis Park.
-Mike Rose


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The Real Victims in Israel and Palestine Are the Children
The children in Israel and Palestine need to be fed with food and education, not bombs and violence.
As most of us get ready to show our thanks by sitting down with friends and family and a great spread of food with a turkey at the center, the children in Gaza point their fingers at the sky, pretending they can defeat the K15 missiles and drones that they see flying above. This game that has been a part of daily life, and the culture in the Middle East is no game and is nothing to be thankful for.
Israel states they are simply defending themselves. They are sending "warnings" to evacuate. Yet numerous innocent men, women, and children are dying in the wake of these attacks that have been going on nonstop now for nearly a week.
[See a collection of political cartoons on the Middle East.]
Growing up with one Jewish parent, one Christian, I had always been raised to be "pro-Israel." Having spent an extended period of time there in 1996, my position changed to being "pro-peace."
There is a saying that violence begats violence. The constant bombing of Gaza only plays into Hamas's hands, as they run the hospitals, provide the food and the medicine. Perhaps that is why Hamas was freely elected by some of the Palestinian people.
Granted Hamas is a terrorist organization who refuses to revoke its charter and and also continues to refuse Israel's right to exist. But we forget the biggest victim in all of this.....and that is the children.
[Read the U.S. News Debate: Should the U.S. Discourage Israel From Attacking Iran?]
I ask you America, do some feel perhaps that an Israeli child's life is worth more than that of a Palestinian child's life? And for those that find that an odd or offensive question, I have another question for you to ponder: If 20 Israeli children had been killed by bombings in five days would there be outrage in our nation? And if so, where is the outrage for the nearly two dozen children that have been killed in the span of a week by Israel?
For every missile that is launched, and every bomb that is dropped, it is the children of Gaza who stand to suffer most. For they comprise more than 50 percent of the entire population of the 1.7 million people of Gaza, so they're an easier target just by their mere numbers. (More than half of Gaza is under 18). That is nearly a million children, America. We cry for the unborn. Where are the cries for these children? For those born who suffer from the bloodshed they have seen? Who have been used as human shields? Who dodge bullets to try to go to school—when their schools are open? They wet their beds, have nightmares, will grow up to be emotionally damaged and perhaps, when we teach them violence will only turn to violence in their future.
[See photos: Palestinian Death Toll Soars As Israel Attacks Continue.]
I was once told, if you're hungry and the devil gives you a sandwich, you will follow him. Hamas and other terrorists have proven that. Israel needs to feed these children with food and education, not bombs and violence and hatred. And until that happens, not matter who we send—be it the new Egyptian government to intervene, or even former President Bill Clinton as Sen. John McCain suggested—nothing will be accomplished.
And there will never be peace in the Middle East until we face that fact. And in continuing to ignore that, both Israel and the United States are perhaps creating our future enemies rather than allies.


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Our Service Learning program offers you an opportunity to serve at a wide variety of charitable and social agencies. So come with an open mind and heart, and join in the DCCCD commitment to serving the community, and to learning through service.We have a number of community agencies already participating in the Service Learning program. Here you will find where they are located, read a complete description, and get the contact information you need prior to making your decision about where to serve!
Watch this video to learn more about what students and community partners have to say about the benefits of Service Learning! Join us at a Service Learning Agency Fair to visit with representatives from some of our participating community agencies, you are sure to find one to match your interest - fairs will be hosted on the following campuses:
Monday, Feb. 3, 20149 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Mountain View College, West Hallway
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 201410 a.m. - 1 p.m.Richland College, El Paso Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 & Wednesday, Feb. 12, 201410 a.m. - 1 p.m.North Lake College, Student Life Center
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 201410 a.m. - 1 p.m.Brookhaven College, S Building Lobby
For more information:


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|found 2 items where the library's type is Public and the date implemented is 2008 and including only main facilities and the library automation system used is Unicorn and the library automation system previously installed was Athena. Showing page 1 of 1.
Brielle, NJ. Brielle Public Library. ( Brielle, New Jersey United States) [web site ] [Symphony] +
North Logan, UT. North Logan Public Library. ( North Logan, Utah United States) [web site ] [online catalog] [Symphony] +
About lib-web-cats
lib-web-cats (library web sites and catalogs) is a free directory of libraries throughout the world.
This directory is a component of Library Technology Guides.
Please contact Marshall Breeding if you have any corrections or concerns about this resource.


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CULVER CITY, Calif. -- Troubled retailer JC Penney has hit another snag after complaints that one of its tea kettles resembles Hitler.
The TODAY show reported that the kettle (pictured at bottom) appeared on a billboard in Culver City, Calif., and questions about the resemblance spread on social media.
JC Penney responded to the whole controversy with a sense of humor.
In response to a tweet from the Telegraph saying the kettle looked the Nazi leader, JC Penney tweeted:
"Certainly unintended. If we'd designed the kettle to look like something, we would've gone w/a snowman"
The Telegraph later noted that the kettle had sold out in JC Penney stores:
Kettle that looks like Hitler sells out soa.li/wi5LqXh— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) May 29, 2013


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The Great Debate (India)
Outsourcing faces new era of scrutiny
– Eric Auchard is a Reuters columnist. The opinions expressed are his own –
Outsourcing, Indian-style, is challenged as never before by an erosion in business confidence that makes corporate spending, even to generate quick cost-savings, harder to justify.
"No New Investment" is the order of the day; cost avoidance, the mantra; zero percent, the growth target in the current era of uncertainty.
Software service providers emerged out of the 2000-2002 technology spending bust with sales growing up to 50 percent a year as they won over companies to contract out inefficient operations instead of managing them in-house.


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CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill-Carrboro school administrator Graig Meyer and Chapel Hill Town Council member Laurin Easthom and have become the latest candidates to seek state Rep. Valerie Foushees N.C. House District 50 seat.
I have spent my entire career in public service, Meyer said in a statement Tuesday. I have always seen my personal mission as connecting people to the power and opportunities they need to reach their fullest potential.
I just care, Easthom said in an interview Friday. I really want to do what Ive been doing (on the council). I really like helping people out.
The pair join Durham businessman Tommy McNeil, who ran in 2008 for the Orange County Board of Commissioners and in 2012 for the Orange County Board of Education. McNeill, the owner of Mid-South Medical LLC, announced his bid shortly after Foushee was chosen Aug. 8 to fill former state Sen. Ellie Kinnairds District 23 seat.
Kinnaird resigned from the Senate Aug. 19 after 17 years, criticizing the Republican legislative agenda. She plans to spend the next year supporting other candidates and helping voters meet the states strict new voter ID law.
Foushee is expected to formally resign her House seat after receiving word that her nomination for Kinnairds seat has been accepted. At that point, the campaign to replace Foushee will begin in earnest and an N.C. House District 50 Democratic Party Executive Committee will be seated to name her replacement. The committee will include Orange and Durham county representatives.
Orange County Democratic Party Chairman Matt Hughes said last week he has spoken with several people interested in Foushees seat. He declined to offer any names.
Meyer is the director of Student Equity and Volunteer Services for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. Since 1998 he has been the coordinator of the districts Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate for minority students, which he continues to oversee in addition to the school districts new Parent University program.
I have a very simple view of the role of government, Meyer said in a statement Tuesday. Government should educate our children, care for our elders and provide for a safe, healthy and prosperous community for everyone.
In recent years, North Carolina has not had a government which will fulfill these roles, he continued. Should I be appointed to this seat, I am committed to seeking election in 2014 and embarking on a long-term effort to move North Carolina in a direction that will benefit people across the state.
"If you know me, you wont be surprised to know that my top priority will be investing in and improving our systems of early childhood, K-12, and higher education. Our states prosperity has always rested on the success of our educational system, and I believe that we can continue in that path for ever more.
Meyers oldest child was educated in the Orange County Schools. His wife is a teacher in the Durham Public Schools, where both of their sons have spent their elementary school years.
Easthom, a Baltimore native who grew up in North Carolina, is a dentist and has a masters degree in education. She was first elected to the council in 2005 and previously worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, helping people with disabilities return to work. She also has served on Chapel Hills Transportation Advisory Board, the Horace Williams Citizens Committee and the Orange-Chatham Sierra Club.
She lives in northern Chapel Hill with her husband and two daughters. Earlier this year, Easthom cited family and career responsibilities for her decision not to seek re-election to the Town Council. On Friday, Easthom said she doesnt plan to work full time after leaving the council, so there should be room in her schedule for family, too.
I just need to do something different, and Ive always wanted to pursue something on a more regional level, she said. The opportunity presented itself.
The changes in state government also inspired her to run, Easthom said. She is concerned about decisions made this year that will harm the right to vote, childrens education and the states Medicaid and medical care systems, she said.
As a mother and a medical professional, she said she has seen firsthand how people are being hurt. As an elected official, she also understands how important it is that people can freely exercise their right to vote.
She said the states legislative war on womens reproductive rights was the last straw.
If appointed to finish Foushees House term, Easthom said she will campaign for re-election next year.
I want to be part of the wave of changes reversing that and, hopefully, gaining back ground in 2014, she said.
Grubb: 919-932-8746


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Here's some good news for Red Hat: the Linux software market is expected to continue to enjoy robust growth over the next several years.
Linux subscription revenue is expected to grow 16.9 percent annually through 2013, according to a new study issued this week by market research firm IDC. The worldwide market is expected to cross the $1 billion threshold in 2012 and hit $1.2 billion in 2013.
The market expanded 23.4 percent from 2007 to 2008, IDC found.
Raleigh-based Red Hat is the No. 1 supplier of subscriptions for Linux software, an open-source operating system that competes with Microsoft's Windows.
The IDC study isn't entirely upbeat, however. The number of subscriptions for Linux software that runs servers is supposed to decrease slightly this year before recovering next year. Blame virtualization, which enables companies to make more efficient use of servers, according to the study.
Competition for the Linux market is mostly a two-horse race. Red Hat and rival Novell together reaped 94.5 percent of Linux revenue in 2008, IDC found.
Red Hat revenue rose 11 percent to $174.4 million in the quarter that ended May 31, a hike that outpaced analysts' expectations.


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A teddy makes a great companion at any age and this cute teddy bear makes a perfect gift for any occasion. The bear sits approx 18 cm tall and you can personalise his cream jumper with any message up to 60 characters in pink thread.
This silver plated photo frame album is a great way to share those special moments or remember a special day. The album can hold up to 72 6 x 4 photos and can be personalised with any message up to 40 characters. Measurements: 18 x 13 x 4.5 cm.
A teddy makes a great companion at any age and this cute teddy bear makes a perfect gift for any occasion. The bear sits approx 18 cm tall and you can personalise his cream jumper with any message up to 60 characters in pink thread.Colours: Blue, Pink.
Personalised Hearts Candle
- In Stock
78 reviews
- Delivery
Your love will burn bright with this personalised hearts candle.
The white candle features a hearts motif under which can order a personal message of up to 60 characters to be printed.
This thoughtful and charming personalised gift is the perfect way to mark a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary, Valentine's day or birthday.
This personalised gift is sure to delight your loved one and we also have other great Valentines gifts in this range, including a personalised iPhone cover (see item number 363PD) and a personalised mug with Forever Friends graphics (363ND).
Useful info:
- Can be personalised with a message up to 60 characters
- Hearts motif
- Thoughtful personalised gift
- Personalised Hearts Candle
A unique and wonderful gift. This is an exquisite Speyside single malt whisky from a small independent distillery in the heart of Scotland's Cairngorms National Park. A beautiful single highland malt, pale mid amber in colour with gold highlights, a soft medium sweet nose and perfect dry peaty flavour.
The label is printed using the highest quality waterproof inks and water resistant paper stocks and are highly resistant to scratching.
This whisky comes in a beautiful silk lined gift box, to make it extra special.
Personalise the bottle label with: The name of the recipient and a unique and personal message. Paul Smith Hope you have a wonderful Birthday, Love Anna X.
This lovely wooden chopping board will make a fantastic gift for many occasions, such as a new home, engagement or wedding present. To make this a unique gift, personalise with a message of 40 characters. We suggest the couple's name and a date, but any message can be entered and this will be presented at the top and bottom of the board.
A great way to remember your special day with this personalised 7x5 Mr and Mrs Wooden Photo Frame.
his stunning wooden frame can be personalised with and message at the bottom of the frame. The 'Mr and Mrs' is fixed text at the top of the frame. The frame is designed to fit portrait and can display a picture size of 7x5 inch.
Useful Info:
- Please do not use all capitals in your message.
- Holds a 7x5 photo.
- Personalisation : Message up to 40 characters.
- Personalised Mr and Mrs Wooden Photo Frame
This beautiful wooden heart is a great gift for a Wedding or Anniversary or new home. You can personalise with any surname. 'Mr and Mrs' is standard text. The surname will be capitalised as standard but please refrain from using all capitals on the date text. Heart is 10 cm high. Personalisation: Surname up to 15 characters.
Any man will be proud to be seen in these Personalised Black Stone Cufflinks.
A thoughtful and unique gift for any occasion, the minimalist design with black inset stone will look stunning against a light coloured shirt.
To make this a truly unique gift you can personalise these cufflinks with 3 initials (please include 3 full stops if required).
Useful info:
- Personalised Black Stone Cufflinks
- Personalise with 3 initials
- Black inset stone
- Unique gift for any occasion
Personalise this Wedding wine glass for your special occasion.
This beautiful wine glass is a great gift for wedding guests. You can personalise with any name. 'Beautiful Bridesmaid' is standard text. The name will be capitalised as standard however please refrain from using capitals in the role text. Glass is 21.5 cm high.
Personalisation: Name up to 8 characters.
What a great start to the morning after with these personalised Mr and Mrs Mugs. These beautiful mugs are a great keepsake for any bride and groom to enjoy every morning. The mugs can be personalised with any surname. The surname will be capitalised as standard. Mugs are 8.6 cm high. Personalisation: Surname up to 15 characters.
Personalised Guardian Angel Keyring - A Charming Keepsake For Loved Ones!
An exquisite gift for a precious person in your life, this silver Angel keyring can be engraved with a name or personalized message.
This keyring is the perfect present to celebrate milestone birthdays, anniversaries and retirements of friends and family. The sophisticated silver design is defined with sparkling diamante detail.
Words up to 30 characters can be engraved onto a separate circular panel – making this keepsake gift something to be treasured.
Useful info:
- Personalised angel keyring
- Silver with diamante detail
- Can be engraved with message up to 30 characters
- Separate panel for message
- Dimensions: 4cm x 3.5cm
- Great gift idea


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Narrow your search
Social media is a company's best friend -- until it involves copyrights and trademarks. The latest example: Sports broadcasters are cracking down on 6-second clips of the World Cup.
After Brazilian star Neymar is seen donning a pair of colorful Beats headphones, soccer's governing body makes it clear that Sony is the games' official sponsor.
This is easily the best sports game on mobile devices, bringing realistic soccer to your touch screen and a ton of content and game modes to explore.
Pricing not available
The FIFA World open beta is now available to players in Australia, joining Russian and Brazilian football fans in the game's testing stages.
The oxygenated operator is bundling Microsoft's console with a top-end Nokia smart phone.
Fancy watching the draw live, wherever you are? Now you can with FIFA's app for iOS and Android.
FIFA 14 is in shops across the country -- and you can customise your game box with your team's players, thanks to a printable download.
EA's popular kickabout simulator is free-to-play, meaning you'll be paying for in-game transactions if you choose.
FIFA Soccer 13 on the Wii U might lack some of the series' latest tweaks, but it still plays an enjoyable and thoroughly rewarding game of football.
Everyone who pre-orders an Xbox One will get a free copy of the football game.


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|Good - 434 reviews
This charming Platte City/Kansas City hotel provides relaxation, affordable rates, thoughtful amenities, event space and easy access to attractions and businesses. With our convenient location near all the attractions in Platte City and just a short drive to Kansas City; guests are able to explore so much of the area without having to travel far. With World...
Overall Rating - Good - 434 reviews
Excellent 10.0
The beds are comfortable, room is clean and staff is friendly.
Continental breakfast is below average. Get rid of the sausage, eggs, and potatoes their disgusting.Overall this is the 3rd time we've stayed there, and I really I'm really comfortable with it.
Good 7.0
My husband and I stayed here for 2 nights. Staff was friendly at check-in. Other family members were coming in on the second day of our stay and we requested a room near ours for their overnight stay. When the other members of our family checked in they did not get a room anywhere near ours. We were on the 3rd floor and they were on the 1st floor. When we asked at the desk why they weren't on the same floor we were told that they had a housekeeper quit and didn't have the opportunity to clean any of the rooms on the 3rd floor before check-in. Not a huge deal but certainly was a disappointment. The hotel itself was clean and the room was comfortable. Internet worked well. The pool area was nice and clean. Breakfast was good with usual selections of hot and cold items.
|Good - 76 reviews
Missouri off Highway 73, the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Lansing - Leavenworth is set in eastern Kansas within 20 minutes of Kansas City International Airport (MCI), I-70 and I-435. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, stay with a name you can trust near progressive businesses, exciting speedways and the beautiful Missouri River. Our ho...
Overall Rating - Good - 76 reviews
Excellent 9.0
Good service at front desk. Good breakfast options.
Lock on back entrance was busted. Not a secure hotel. No key required for entry.
Good 7.0
The staff was very friendly and didn't mind my crazy daughter haha. It was a very nice and quiet room.
I thought it was a little pricey
|Good - 113 reviews
Super 8 Platte City is located just 5 minutes north of Kansas City International Airport on I-29 at Exit 18. Park Before You Fly Package Available, call Motel direct 816-858-2888. We offer free airport shuttle service for those guests who book Park Before You Fly packages directly with our hotel only. No other room bookings are eligible for shuttle services...
Overall Rating - Good - 113 reviews
Poor 1.0
Proximity to the interstate
Absolutely disgusting!! They stuck me in a smoking room that smelled worse than anything I've ever slept in!! The ceiling and walls were literally dripping with cigarette tar, not to mention all of the terrible repairs. Worst hotel experience of my life.DO NOT BOOK HERE!! Old, filthy and full of terrible repairs.
Poor 1.0
Nothing. They tried to put us in a smoking room. When we asked for a different room they put us in a room with a double bed.
Too far from where we needed to be.
|Good - 115 reviews
Comfort Inn KCI provides a complimentary airport shuttle from 4:30am -12:00am, Park and Fly Packages available. Free breakfast from 5:00am to 9:00am includes biscuits,gravy,waffles,hard boiled eggs, cereal, pastries, breads, fruit and more. Indoor heated pool,hot tub and fitness center. Free high speed wireless Internet. In-room hospitality center with micro...
Overall Rating - Good - 115 reviews
Excellent 10.0
The location was great and we loved the hot breakfast.
Okay 5.0
Nice place
Wanted to park and fly. Thought was included in price, was told it will be 50$ more to do that at arrival! This website said free parking!
|Good - 65 reviews
Located near Fort Leavenworth, Lansing State Prison and St Marys Academy/College. Also near many area attractions including Kansas Speedway, Sandstone Park, Cabelas, Nebraska Furniture Mart and The Legends Shopping & Dining district. Kansas City nearby attractions include the Sprint Center Arena and Power & Light District.Every room includes free hard wir...
Overall Rating - Good - 65 reviews
Good 8.0
Didn't have much time to enjoy the hotel since I stay was business related. Bed could of been better.
To enter and exit my trailer was a challenge.
Good 8.0
Clean room and good staff. The environment was good for a resting.For the price and star rating this is a good hotel. The staff is nice and the room is clean. Generally I found the environment quiet and conducive for resting.
|Okay - 12 reviews
Free Continental Breakfast Free Hi Speed Internet In room Coffee Makers Microwave/Refrigerator in every room Guest coin operated washer and dryer on property Free Local Phone Calls and Long Distance Access Color Cable TVs Seasonal Outdoor Pool Walking Distance to Many Restaurants Located Near Historic Fort Leavenworth Near Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary an...
Overall Rating - Okay - 12 reviews
Poor 2.0
We walked in our non-smoking room and it smelled like cigarettes. I grabbed a cup to use and there was hairs in it (I'm guessing a mans beard hairs) the try the cups/ice cube holder was on was completely gross-I don't think they ever clean it. Housekeeping never came back to clean our room (they knocked on our door woke us up) we said we didn't need anything right now and they never came back to clean our room. So we went to get clean towels around midnight and no one was to be found at the front desk. And the bed was garbage! I had such a back ache the next morning. Not happy with our stay at all
Good 8.0
I have stayed at many of the hotels in the Leavenworth area, and would say that this Days Inn is the cleanest by far. I didn't realize how much I had taken for granted that there would always be a clean shower and linens in my hotel room when I checked in! Also, the staff at this facility was so helpful and polite. I arrived very, very late, and in a storm. The staff was so patient, despite the late hour, and made sure the room I was assigned was exactly what I wanted. The Days Inn is located within walking distance of restaurants, gas stations and some shopping, which is so convenient when you are short on time when traveling.
|Okay - 139 reviews
Free Airport Shuttle with Park Before You Fly Package, 15.00 USD fee for other bookings -LPS6- Free Continental Breakfast Free Wireless Highspeed Internet Excess Available Easy Freeway Access Ample Large Vehicle Parking Large Indoor Heated Pool Coffeemakers and Hairdryers in all rooms Some Rooms with Microwave/Fridge 5 Miles to Airport NASCAR Trac...
Overall Rating - Okay - 139 reviews
Good 8.0
Hotel staff very nice ,kept my room really clean ,they help you make ur breakfast ,all you can eat pancakes ,cereal ,snack cakes ,drinks.. Indoor pool , decent.
Could use some updating.It's 40 minutes from Kansas City
Good 8.0
PRICE! Less than--- per night where neighboring properties were over---. Old but serviceable furnitureSPARTAN in furnishing and amenities, which didn't matter because i was just there fro a safe place to sleep. If you want new carpeting then go to Hampton, three miles away and pay three times as much.
|Mediocre - 84 reviews
You'll be centrally located in Leavenworth with a stay at Americas Best Value Inn, convenient to Fort Leavenworth. This hotel is within the region of Weston Bend State Park and Pirtle Winery. Make yourself at home in one of the 48 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cab...
Overall Rating - Mediocre - 84 reviews
Poor 1.0
The hotel was filthy. The rooms had broken furniture and bugs. We had a room on the second floor that had an ant infestation. There were no screens in the windows. We checked in at 4:30 PM and our rooms were still not ready, despite a 3 PM check in time.The only redeeming quality of the hotel was its location. It's walking distance to fast food restaurants. If you stay here, you'll have to go elsewhere for breakfast. The 'breakfast' the hotel provides is stale cereal and a couple of moldy looking baked goods. The hotel clerk gave me someone else's credit card receipt. Luckily, the full number was not on there.
Poor 1.0
price and wi-fi
hot tub broken, pool not on until we arrived, ceiling in pool area moldy and falling down. aweful smell to rooms and got double beds not queen. ran out of cereal at breakfast. no maid services one of the days.claims to be best in town and didn't have half they advertised having. very easy to find and is surrounded by numerous food choices.
|no reviews
Condotels offers Lansing apartment accommodation in the same area as Fort Leavenworth. Apartment accommodations come with washers/dryers, air conditioning, DVD players and irons/ironing boards. Practical amenities include kitchens, dishwashers, stovetops and cookware/dishes/utensils. They also have free Wi-Fi. Free parking is available on-site
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Located next to Leavenworth's oldest public park, Union Park Guest House offers a relaxing home away from home. The spacious home offers privacy if you are here on business, visiting family or the well earned vacation. One bedroom with an adjoining room that converts to a second bedroom allows 4 guests to occupy this home. Enjoy breakfast on the large deck o...
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Need a change of pace? Snuggle and sleep in our Victorian home that feels like a home. Slip between fresh sheets and awake to Dotty's fabulous breakfast. Party at O'Malley's Irish Pub and we will leave the light on for you!
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We invite you to Laurel Brooke Bed & Breakfast, nestled in a grove of trees on 40 acres surrounded by a pecan grove, fruit orchard and vineyard. Located seven miles north of Weston on one of the highest hills in Platte County, this barn was renovated by Amish craftmen. Their craftmanship is also displayed in the brick pillars at the entrance, the windmill at...
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Teacup releases BarcodeMaker 2D
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By GRETCHEN MURRAY
Special to the Record-Eagle
---- — BENZONIA -- Grow Benzie opened its new incubator kitchen a scant two months ago, but the facility already is proving to be a valuable resource for Benzie County entrepreneurs.
The nonprofit farmstead's 1,600-square-foot commercial kitchen in Benzonia offers workspace at reasonable hourly rates to small food production businesses that don't have their own licensed facility. And volunteer instructors are ready to offer advice and suggestions for others interested in testing the waters in the local food production marketplace.
At the moment one person is using the kitchen's equipment to make bread, and 10 others are going through the application process, Grow Benzie director Deb Query said.
Grow Benzie will take its program a step further this fall by offering a free, eight-week series of workshops titled "Making It Count" and designed to lead participants through the basic steps of starting their own food product business.
Kitchen manager Lisa Manrow said the national and global movement toward buying locally is ripe with interest in food product startups.
"Benzie has a large agricultural community, and overall the growing-local food movement is inspiring people to turn their food interests into personal businesses," Manrow said.
The Monday evening workshops begin Sept. 9 and continue through Oct. 28, each starting with an informal potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by the weekly presentation at 6:30 p.m.
The Sept. 9 workshop "How We Did It" introduces Simone Scarpace of Wee Bee Jammin', her Bear Lake retail store and online business that features locally produced jam and honey products.
"Simone will share how she turned a fun pastime into a full-time business that started in a similar incubator kitchen, and we're excited to have her start off the series by sharing her inspiring story," Manrow said.
Scarpace began making her products in 2008 at The Starting Block incubator kitchen in Hart and turned to her recipe file after becoming discontented with a job that required steady weekend work.
"I'd been making jam for over 30 years when fruit was in season, then giving it as gifts," Scarpace said. "I wanted to try marketing it on my own, and from the get-go the people at the kitchen had all kinds of ideas for making the business work."
Scarpace said that the opportunity to network with others and get ideas from her peers made the 3-1/2 years it took to get the business established a positive experience.
"There were a lot of helping hands for me, and I want to do that, as well. There's room for everybody in this field," she said.
Subsequent sessions include "Marketing Part I: Your Label" on Sept. 16 with Marcus Christian of Pickle Print and Marketing of Traverse City. Christian will discuss creating an attractive label and using it in developing a brand.
"Taking Reasonable Risks" on Sept. 23 will feature Sue Webber from Webber Insurance in Benzonia. She'll offer suggestions on insurance coverage and tips on finding the best rates.
The Sept. 30 workshop, "Marketing Part II: Price? Package? Promotion?" will be a case study of Food for Thought with Timothy Young from Food for Thought presenting overall marketing for a food product business, along with Grow Benzie board member Peter French.
The series continues in October with "Getting Started." Manrow provides the basic steps to acquaint participants with the incubator kitchen on Oct. 7.
The Oct. 14 program topic will be announced at a later time, but the Oct. 21 program "I'll Sell Your Product" will feature Alex Pineau from Evergreen Market in Williamsburg offering information on wholesaling, including the use of price sheets and web presence.
Sessions conclude Oct. 28 with the presentation "How to Package Your Product" by Mary and Terry from TM Klein & Sons of St. Charles, who will discuss the various types, sizes, shapes and costs of food-safe packaging.
"The goal is for someone really interested in food production to attend the entire series, or if someone thinks there are one or two missing links in their food processing endeavor, and they want to learn more about a subject they can attend that specific workshop," Manrow said. "It's also a place for like-minded folks starting into the food production business to be able to network together."
The free workshops are open to everyone. Pre-registration is not required. Grow Benzie is located at 5885 M-115 in Benzonia. For details, call Deb Query, 231-882-9510, email email@example.com or visit: www.growbenzie.org.


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Baton Rouge, La.—The Department of Health and Hospitals released today final External Quality Review Organization (EQRO) reports that show that the Bayou Health Plans collectively earned high marks for compliance with more than 4,000 state and federal requirements. Compliance with requirements from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is key to demonstrating that they Bayou Health Plans are effectively managing the health care of the more than 900,000 individuals enrolled in the State's Medicaid managed care program. This is the first EQRO report to be issued for Bayou Health, which was implemented in by the Department of Health and Hospitals in 2012.
"This external review of Bayou Health is further evidence that the transformation of Louisiana's Medicaid program is effective both for those individuals it serves and also for the health care providers across the state," DHH Secretary Kathy Kliebert said. "Bayou Health has dramatically increased access to new resources that better promote coordination of care and management of chronic diseases. This external review is an important indicator that what we're doing works and it is an important tool for us to use as we work to continually improve service to our members."
The External Quality Review (EQR) is conducted by an independent third-party to analyze and evaluate the collected information on quality, timeliness and access to health care services of a managed care organization to its Medicaid recipients. An EQRO must be conducted by an organization with staff that has a demonstrated knowledge and experience with Medicaid recipients, policies, data systems and processes, and with managed care delivery systems, organizations and financing, as well as quality assessment and improvement methods. The EQR staff must also have demonstrated skill with research design and methodology, and with statistical analysis. IPRO was the EQRO that conducted the review of the Bayou Health Plans. The review covered February 2012 through June 30, 2013.
"We actively manage and monitor the health plans through regular meetings with leadership from each of the plans and through quarterly business reviews of their management of Medicaid services," said DHH Undersecretary Jerry Phillips. "This external report helps to confirm that our method of managing and tracking the progress of our Medicaid contractors, for Bayou Health and other programs, is working. We will continue to –set high expectations for our health plan partners to improve care, but I am very pleased with what the external review shows us."
Each of the five Bayou Health Plans was reviewed separately by the EQRO. Their individual requirements and scores are as follows:
The reports are posted online at MakingMedicaidBetter.com. DHH also tracks and publishes reports on numerous other administrative measures that are available on its Bayou Health "reporting and accountability" portal at MakingMedicaidBetter.com.
Bayou Health empowers Medicaid recipients to choose a Health Plan to fit their needs from a group of five different plans. In addition to the evidence of contractual and regulatory compliance demonstrated by the EQR report, DHH has observed tremendous improvements in the quality of care delivered under Bayou Health. Over the course of the first year of implementation of the Bayou Health program, there were numerous noteworthy accomplishments, including:
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's Twitter account and Facebook.


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This article can also be found in the Premium Editorial Download "Storage magazine: Inside the new Symmetrix DMX model offerings."
Download it now to read this article plus other related content.
Storage services groups have two main goals: to offer great storage services to business units and end users, and to cut IT costs. Although achieving these goals should be a primary focus, the storage group doesn't work in a vacuum. Storage service plans need to be well coordinated with overall IT strategy, direction and initiatives. This is exactly where things get dicey. Years of hype, technology churn and marginal ROI are driving major changes in IT departments. Outside influences like regulatory compliance and security threats will receive more and more IT attention. And budget dollars, which once ran like water, will continue to be tight for a long time.
Before proceeding with any independent plans, storage service managers need to prepare for these impending changes. Three of the most important trends to get ready for are IT governance, security strategy and the budget crunch.
Restoring sanity in IT governance
Let's face it, the period of time from 1995 through 2000 amounted to a five-year fire drill. Those days are gone forever. CIOs realize that they need a much stricter regimen of processes and procedures to improve operations, lower costs and cope with complexity. IT governance defines every day processes and procedures like configuration management, change management, incident management, availability management, capacity management and service-level management in a step-by-step, detailed manner. The two most
These best practices aren't the sexy part of IT that vendors and analyst tend to talk about, but they do help companies improve upon IT services and reduce costs. The results can be impressive. After adding ITIL standards to IT operations, Proctor & Gamble reduced its IT operating costs by 8%, while Help Desk calls declined by 10%.
Before putting your own operations plan in place, storage service managers should find out if the company is planning on moving toward an ITIL or CobiT model. If the answer is yes, structure the storage operations processes and procedures with this in mind. This will require a full understanding of what information needs to be collected and documented, what metrics will be required and which other groups within IT the storage services group will be working with. Training will also be important. The CIO will probably foot the bill for global ITIL or CobiT training, but the storage services group may want to customize a training class for its own purposes.
If your firm has no plans to move toward formal corporate governance, it's still worthwhile to look at the ITIL and CobiT specifications as a potential best practice model. After a review, storage service managers may come up with a few good ideas of their own. After all, these are widely supported international standards.
Security concerns
Companies have embraced the Internet as a vital business and communications tools but these benefits come with a price--greater security risk. According to the CERT Coordination Center, a center of Internet security expertise, computer viruses alone cost companies $15 billion in 2001. Many firms felt this pain directly by way of unwanted guests like Code Red or Nimda.
In a recent Morgan Stanley survey of 225 CIOs, security was their number two priority. This is especially true for companies in regulated industries. For example, the Graham-Leach-Bliley bill places new security requirements on financial services firm, while the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting (HIPPA) Act of 1996 creates pressures on healthcare providers.
When it comes to information security, many companies and IT departments are in transition. In the past, security was viewed as a technology problem that firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virus protection could address. Numerous firms now realize that a technology-based view of security was too narrow and have expanded their efforts to include a combination of physical security, corporate security policies, and cultural changes. Like corporate governance, companies look to outside standards such as ISO 17799 for guidance in this area. ISO 17799 is a comprehensive set of security best practices including business continuity planning, system development and maintenance, physical/environmental security and security policy.
What has all this security activity have to do with storage services? Plenty. Just as with ITIL and CobiT, security is bound to introduce the need for new processes and skills within the storage group:
- Storage devices and software will need to be tested and monitored for security vulnerabilities;
- When any vulnerability arises, devices will need to be assessed for risk and patched as necessary, which may mean taking storage offline at a moment's notice;
- The storage team will be required to participate in a security emergency response team to isolate problems, minimize damage and perform computer forensics;
- Physical security may need to be enhanced and supported by sophisticated authentication technologies like biometrics;
- Due to the sensitive nature of the corporate data, managers may be required to do extensive background checks on potential hires; and finally
- If your company plans on implementing ISO 17799, the storage services group will have to coordinate with the security officer on a whole new set of guidelines for business continuity planning.
If your company has a chief information security officer, (CISO) make sure you open communications with them to understand any impending changes that will impact the storage group. If there is a plan to go forward with ISO 17799, get familiar with the specification and get involved with the planning effort. Upfront planning will help the storage services group adjust strategy, amend budgets and factor new costs into its service offerings.
This was first published in February 2003


text: The baccalaureate degree programs of Clarion University are designed to provide students with both a specialized and a liberal education. Through a specialized education, students obtain some depth of knowledge in an academic discipline and perhaps in a career area. Through a liberal education, students develop a basis and a context both for their specialized studies and for their lives within and beyond the university. At its best, general education encourages students to develop academic skills, acquire liberal knowledge, shape individual values, and apply all three (skills, knowledge, and values) to their academic, professional, personal, and public lives.


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Co-operative Studios — Virtual
Co-operative Studios is currently seeking Film Production Interns with editing/graphic designing and advanced social media skills . This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in film prod…
Application Deadline: Available Year-round
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OC Digital Studio and eHomes.com — Mission Viejo, CA
We are looking for several interns with some experience who can film and work with cameras in our newly build "latest technology" infused 3 Walls- Green Room Cyclomama. We need 2 video camera operator…
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Film Production / Literary Management
Caliber Media — Los Angeles, CA
Caliber Media is a bi-coastal full service Management and Production Company founded by Jack Heller and Dallas Sonnier in 2008. Since its inception, Caliber has produced over 15 feature films inducing…
Application Deadline: 7/31/2014
Film Production
Smooth Sound Multimedia — Van Nuys, CA
This internship is focused in the Film Business. Some of the responsibilities that are involved are: Promoting, Advertising, and Marketing (ONLINE and OFFLINE) -Twitter, Facebook, Craigslist etc. Assi…
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Au Bon Punk — New York, NY
Emerging creative agency is looking for the missing key element of our dream team. Our production house/family includes highly talented filmmakers, photographers, producers, writers, musicians, PR and…
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Film Production Internship
Checkerboard Film Foundation — New York, NY
Checkerboard Film Foundation is seeking an intern who wants to gain experience in documentary production and non-profit administration to assist us with our principal activities from mid September thr…
Application Deadline: 7/31/2014
Film Production Office Intern
Film Company — Paramus, NJ
Looking for intern/assistant to help our producers with multiple day to day tasks and projects. We need someone who is efficient, pays attention to details, reliable, resourceful, and a problem solver…
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Film Production Company Intern
jenkev productions, Inc. — Los Angeles, CA
We are a film production and post-production company based in Los Angeles. Specializing in the development and application of new media technologies with an emphasis on international co-production, we…
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Special Event — Virtual
Aspiring director looking for a project manager, makeup artist, director of photography (or light designer), runners and sound person to collaborate on a short film, "Deadline". The film will be 5min …
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Dillywood Inc. — New York, NY
We are a film production company based in Chelsea in New York City. We produce projects worldwide, everything from Hollywood feature films, to documentaries helmed by leaders in socially conscious mov…
Application Deadline: Available Year-round