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Five Essentials for Small Group Health
Doing Life Together Curriculum Series
With the new DVD curriculums available from Lifetogether, ordinary members can lead or "host" a group like never before. With more than 20 master teachers, this powerful, new multimedia series can help ordinary members host a small group—while providing training for new leaders. Click here to see our short informational video.
Churches all over the nation are recognizing a need to get small groups going in their congregations. But getting small groups started in a church and keeping the groups healthy are two completely different jobs.
As head of Touch Outreach Ministry, my job is to look at churches that have failed with small groups and to try to help them find health. As I've done that, I've seen several principles of health emerge:
- Relationships must be a priority. Holistic small groups can only work when relationships between group members are considered number one. And that means having regular contact outside of meetings. I've experienced a vast majority of the transformation in my life through a small group experience, and it happened because of this principle. The groups have been very intimate friends of mine with whom I can share transparently. They've loved me unconditionally, and we've been able to show Christ to one another. I didn't view it as an opt-in thing. Without it, it would be like not having enough air to breath. They've been that valuable.
- Leaders need adequate training. Jesus is the best example of this. He discipled his people. He spent a lot of time with them, and out of relationship they started mimicking him, doing things the way he did them. Lots of leaders were produced this way, and they did great things-like planting churches and going to the uttermost parts of the world.
Many churches get the process backwards. They want to give people a title and then train them. Jesus never did that. He spent three and a half years training and developing. Then he said, "You are my disciples." I think this is the way we ought to do it. We need to get people to serve in ministry and affirm them as we see their gifts. Then we can say "You're really good at this. Do you realize that? Wouldn't you like to be a leader?"
Another reason adequate training is so important is that it gives you the opportunity to get to know the character of potential leaders. One of my biggest fears is promoting people to small group leadership too quickly. Sometimes when churches are desperate for leaders, they'll fast-track people into leadership without really knowing their character. Then a year later they find out the person's marriage is on the rocks or they're addicted to pornography or something like that. Had they gotten to know these people and their personal problems, then they could've said, "Your house isn't in order. We're not going to give you leadership elsewhere."
- Everyone should be viewed as a leader. Everyone in the group has some spiritual gift and should be encouraged to develop it. These gifts often surface through leading. So everyone should be given the opportunity to lead in some way.
- Healthy groups divide and multiply. A healthy family raises children who want to become independent and start families of their own. They don't break relationship. They just move out and start their own family. They come back and visit, and eventually the parents might move back in with the kids. Small groups should function in the same way. It really bothers me when the "fifty-year-old kid" stays at home in our churches and never wants to be a leader.
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Diane von Furstenberg's safari-themed collection for GapKids
Diane von Furstenberg's second collection for GapKids launched Thursday, and the mini wrap dresses, safari-themed Tees and colorfully printed denim and leggings make for an even more exciting collection this time around. The collection, for girls up to age 14, ranges from $15 to $150 and is now at Gap stores worldwide and at gap.com.
Good buys for foodies 24 seafood recipes for restaurant-quality meals 13 amazing bacon recipes NYC weekend picks: Katy Perry Your pet photos: LI's dogs, cats and more 12 most unique ice cream flavors in NYC Summer style: What to wear to the office 20 amazing breakfast recipes Carmelo Anthony's fashion stylings Getting away to the hotels of Fire Island Fire Island getaways: Where to stay and play College dorm shopping checklist: 30 must-haves

subset: commoncrawl


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By Richard Whitby
The Daily Star
---- — Absentee ballots that could settle two elections in Delaware County won't be counted until at least Tuesday, an official with the county Board of Elections said Wednesday.
In the first race, for county court, Judge Carl Becker led challenger Gary Rosa by just 175 votes out of 16,495 cast, or 8,335 to 8,160.
Republican election commissioner William Campbell said that the board sent out 1,717 absentee ballots, and that, as of Wednesday morning, 1,473 of those ballots had been returned.
Campbell said the county would have an unofficial count Tuesday. However, the official result may be delayed until Nov. 19, he said, because of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Election Day executive order that allowed affidavit voting throughout the state.
The other undecided election was for the Town Council in Colchester, where a single vote separated Republican Gilbert Close and Democrat Bonnie Seegmiller. When the votes cast at polling places were tallied Tuesday night, Close led Seegmiller, 398 to 397.
One hundred absentee ballots were sent out, and 87 were returned to the Board of Elections, Campbell said.
Those absentee ballots will be counted Tuesday, he said.


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j-phonic K2
Developed and marketed by our independent sister company, Sensaphonics Japan, j-phonic K2 earphones are dual-driver, universal-fit earphones with a wide range of available options. These IEMs are available in two sound signatures, and with a wide range of options. The K2-s, for live stage monitoring, has the same flat response and reference-quality sound signature as our custom 2MAX and 2X-S...
JAYS q-JAYS Noise Isolating Earbuds (Black)
" Have been using it for a while...it's quite comfortable and sounds great...the price is ok for dual drivers headphones...maybe it's the cheapest one in the list...(i have seen so far...)...sound quality is line up the price u pay for :) " --Kill-K


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The Time Machine: An Invention
By H G Wells
Adapted and performed by R M Lloyd Parry
Nunkie, the company behind the acclaimed M R James Trilogy, bring H G Wellss science fiction classic to life, in a new, thrilling one-man show.
Dates announced for an extensive
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For a full performance schedule click...
The Ash Tree by M R James
Adapted and performed by R M Lloyd Parry
M R James's The Ash Tree is an unforgettable tale of sorcery and vengeance down the generations.
Curious Creatures - The Shorter Horror of M R James
and Two Strange Tales by Lucy M Boston
Read by Robert Lloyd Parry
Robert Lloyd Parry reads a collection of lesser known tales by two masters of the antiquarian ghost story...
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Mike Lunsford
Special to the Tribune-Star
---- —
I have no idea how many times I have written a story that begins with the wistful phrase, "When I was a boy. ..." It seems as though it hasn't been so often that I can't do it again, but instead of having you re-read it, I'll just say that I still remember fishing with my grandfather in Raccoon Creek, wading in the shallows while he walked the far banks, wet-fly fishing under the black willow limbs. While he was hoping that a sunfish would take the bait, I scooped up water-tumbled rocks by the handfuls and watched cottonwood leaves float by like miniature rafts.
Those were good times; everyone I loved then was still living, and it didn't seem to take much in those days to make me happy. Until I began writing, I kept those memories pretty much to myself, thinking all along that others may think that something as simple as skipping stones and watching the light play on moving water was outdated and a bit sappy.
I quit thinking that as readers seemed to approve of my reveries, but how happy I was to connect with a group of my school students, who, it seems have experienced some of the same things that I did so many years ago. Oddly enough, we came to that understanding at the Swope Art Museum last month as we stood near J. Ottis Adams' "The Iridescence of a Shallow Stream," an oil on canvas, painted in 1902, the same year that my old fly-fishing grandfather was born.
I know it is reasonably fashionable these days to bash teenagers, to think of "them" as lazy, text-messaging slaves to social media, fast food, over-consumption and self-centeredness. But I work with young people every day of the school year, and although I don't think I'll ever figure out their unnatural attraction to cell phones and sleeping late into the day, I can say that some of those who I teach are, for most part, quite a bit like I was when I squirmed in hard-as-rock school desks long ago.
Adams was just past 60 when he painted "Iridescence," a big, lovely, impressionistic landscape that, ironically, places the viewer in the middle of a fast-moving little Indiana stream, the light playing off the water's surface in a cascade of blues, golds, and greens. One of the "The Hoosier Group" that included William Forsyth, Richard Gruelle, Otto Stark, and the best-known of the five painters, T.C. Steele, Adams spent much of his time just as the century turned from the 19th to the 20th practicing his craft near Brooklyn, in Morgan County. The painting, which hung for years in the wonderful old Emeline Fairbanks Memorial Library, won a bronze medal at the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904.
We had gone to the Swope as part of an annual trip I take with my seniors to Terre Haute, not only because so many of my students may never step foot in a museum if I don't drag them onto a bus and do it, but also because this town has such an underappreciated gem in the Swope. I had asked the kids to discuss any six of the museum's works in a writing assignment, and although I often hovered to keep an eye and ear on what they were doing, I found that virtually every one of them spent a little extra time looking over Adams' grand exercise in glorifying the uncomplicated beauty of an Indiana creek.
Not long after I collected the assignment, I sat down at my desk, picked up a red pen, and began to do the slashing and scribbling for which my grading has become synonymous; I have been known to reduce even the cleanest and neatest of manuscripts to a bloody heap of arrows, lines and hypertensive commentary, but I found myself doing a lot more reading than marking when 'Iridescence' became the topic.
Among the third of the group that commented was Adam Byers, who probably can't tell you himself just why he's taking his fifth class with me in these past two years. He said the painting brought back "a lot of childhood memories" for him. Mary Jo Gruner, who always seems to have a smile on her face, whether it be sitting at her school desk or standing at the cash register at the local grocery, wrote, "I was really drawn to the light on the water." Adam Wilson, who, when away from the classroom and gymnasium, spends most of his spare time in the woods, added, "The painting connected to me so much. It reminded me of the time I spent playing and fishing as kid."
Cameron Frazier, our graduating class president, said the painting "reminds me of good times, just relaxing by the creeks in the summer and fishing with friends." Kori Wood, who'll be the class valedictorian, proved why she's no stranger to the Honor Roll; her entry read: "I felt a sense of nostalgia, of wanting to return to a stream I remember as a child. ... It flooded my mind with memories."
Sara Dickey, who I imagine has spent a day or two wading and rock-skipping too, wrote, "The painting makes me wish it was summertime and that we were all at the creek." Classmate Megan Higgins added that "there didn't seem to be a whole lot going on in 'Iridescence,' " but she liked it anyway.
The great Midwestern writer, Hamlin Garland, first gave Adams' circle of painters its name when he helped collect pieces for an art show in Chicago in 1894. He wrote, "These artists have helped the people of Indiana to see the beauty of their own quiet landscape."
My kids are far from being art experts after a single visit to a museum, nor am I, despite hours wandering the galleries of the Swope. But for a group that has, for the most part, grown up in small, small towns, and on farms, never very far from the sounds of tractors and running streams and gravel roads, I know of at least one artist they clearly understand. After all, they can still feel the cool water of his paint running across their feet.
Mike Lunsford can be reached by email at firstname.lastname@example.com, or c/o the Tribune-Star at PO Box 149, Terre Haute, IN 47808. You can learn more about his writing by going to his website at www.mikelunsford.com; he is currently working on his fourth book. Information for this column about J. Ottis Adams was taken from "Swope Art Museum, Selected Works from the Collection" by Laurette McCarthy, available for sale at the Swope at 25 S. 7th St., Terre Haute.


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8 Quart Aluminum Stock Pot
Whether you're slowly simmering or rapidly boiling, this Pedrini Aluminum Stock Pot is designed for easy cooking, easy cleanup and maximum performance. The heavy-gauge aluminum construction is responsive to temperature changes. Features a satin aluminum exterior finish, which is easy to clean. Hand wash. Holds 8 quarts.


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Adventist Medical Center's skilled surgical teams have earned state-wide recognition for their outstanding quality outcomes. Our newly built operating rooms are equipped with the latest diagnostic and surgical technology, designed with high-level patient care and safety in mind.
There are three main types of surgical options
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The Pre-Surgery Orientation (PSO) process is initiated by the surgeon's office when surgery is scheduled for a patient. Patients are given packets that include instructions on how to arrange a PSO appointment and a medical/anesthesia history form to fill out. Depending on a patient's needs, the PSO visit can last 15-60 minutes. Some patients are phoned rather than seen personally. During the visit, the PSO nurse gathers information, including medical history, pain assessment, dietary survey and instructs the patient about his/her upcoming surgery or procedure utilizing handouts, booklets and videos. Services include:
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Lisa, of Grown and Flown, writes: Lest you think we are obsessed with Sandy, and its dire aftermath, let me assure you that we are. Obsession is the final stage reached before the electric power is restored, and with it, our normal lives. For those of us just north of NYC this is the third time in just over a year that we have had a weather wipe-out and lost all of our utilities. We now recognize obsession as one of the classic and final stages of grief (storm-wise) as we try to will the Con Edison trucks to head to our neighborhoods.
Stages of grief during Sandy
Anticipation, it's coming. How big and how bad are the only questions unanswered.Preparation begins and with it a frenetic blur of activity. Anticipation is the nexus where dread and excitement cross paths.
Soon, though, there is just dread. Will the power go out? Will there be work or school, property damage or worse? It is the, "or worse" that takes us straight into the next stage.
Fear descends with the darkness as the wind, snow, ice or rain lash at our windows and doors. Even the bravest among us realizes the sheer destructive power of mother nature and fears her wrath. The churning fury outside seems to last longer and sound worse than anyone dared imagine.
And then the worst is over and there are floods of relief. There will be terrible, heartbreaking stories, and even the least religious in our midst will know that grace and good fortune have shone upon us. We are overcome with gratitude, for our safety, for the morning sunshine, for our homes and the new day.
The roads are blocked and trees and power lines strewn about like a toddler's toys. Discovering our little world remade, helping a neighbor and locating a cup of coffee are, for a few hours, an adventure. Finding out where the power works and what is the most optimistic timetable for repairs, for a moment, all seem novel.
But this will not last and soon, we realize the day is lost, or maybe a few days or the week. Nothing is going to happen. Plans are changed then cancelled, productivity grinds to a halt. It is an irritation and then an annoyance. Giving into nothingness is not easy.
Day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4: no longer amusing. Con Ed says Monday but a neighbor saw them working on the power lines. There is no gas and firewood stores are low. The night-time temperatures are in the 30's. Day 5, day 6 tempers fray, kids are bored, adults fed up asfrustration and helplessness descend.
Sitting in Starbucks for wi-fi, obsessing over the Con Ed site. Maybe the school district has more up-to-date information or the Patch. We wake up thinking today will be The Day.


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Jordan Maglich, Contributor
I write about white-collar crime, with a focus on Ponzi schemes.
On Friday, August 17, 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filed an emergency action in a North Carolina federal court, alleging that ZeekRewards and its founder, Paul R. Burks, were involved in one of
the largest Ponzi schemes in history. The move came as many began to question the legality of the operation and whether its promised 1.5% daily returns were simply 'too good to be true.' These fears were confirmed on Friday, with the unavailability of Zeek's website and the closure of its Lexington, N.C. headquarters serving as an ominous sign leading up to the SEC's announcement Friday evening that it had halted the scheme as it teetered on the "verge of collapse". The sheer number of victims, which authorities estimate tops 1 million, likely earns Zeek the infamous distinction as the largest Ponzi scheme in history by the number of investors, and will add a layer of complexity never seen before in trying to unravel the scheme and distribute funds to investors. For sake of comparison,the number of investors in Bernard Madoff's $65 billion Ponzi scheme, the largest in history by investor losses, was "only" in the thousands.
According to authorities, Zeek consisted of two related operations, Zeek Rewards and Zeekler. Zeekler was an international penny auction website that offered users the ability to win merchandise by placing one-cent "bids". Zeek Rewards was the investment arm of the operation, offering users the ability to share in up to 50% of daily "profits" by completing a daily set of tasks that included soliciting new customers and selling or giving away "bids" to new users. At the end of the day, users were paid "Profit Points" usually totaling 1.5% of their investment, and were given the choice either to receive their "profits" in cash or rollover the points to compound future returns. Many chose to re-invest, and due to the compounding nature of the Profit Points and the steady stream of new customers, authorities allege that the number of outstanding Profit Points was nearly 3 billion at the time the scheme was halted. The scheme depended on investors choosing to reinvest their profits, for according to the SEC, Zeek would have been insolvent in a matter of weeks, if not days, had investors chosen to receive their profits in cash.
No doubt in efforts to avoid the scrutiny of federal and state authorities, Zeek made it mandatory for new users to acknowledge that they "are NOT purchasing stock or any other form of 'investment' or equity" before becoming a member. While Zeek dubbed the operation as an "e-commerce subscription", the SEC disagreed, charging that, in reality, the company was engaging in the fraudulent offering of unregistered securities.
In its announcement, the SEC also stated that Paul Burks, Zeek's founder, was cooperating with authorities and had agreed to pay a $4 million civil penalty and relinquish all interests and assets in the company – all without admitting or denying any culpability. Burks cooperation should be seen as a positive sign for investors, as his knowledge of the scheme will significantly help authorities unravel the operation and account for all assets. According to the SEC, Zeek has paid over $375 million to investors to date, and currently holds approximately $225 million in investor funds in financial institutions all over the world. These funds were frozen in an emergency asset freeze granted by the North Carolina federal court, meaning that they cannot be dissipated or misappropriated during the course of the investigation.
Zeek and its affiliates have attracted scrutiny in recent weeks as investors increasingly began to doubt the operation's legitimacy. According to David Dalrymple, President of the Winston Salem Better Business Bureau ("BBB"), the BBB had been receiving complaints for some time, and within the last 30 days alone had received 30,000 inquiries about Zeek. Said Dalrymple, "In twelve years as the President here, I cannot compare that to any level of inquiry for any other business. Ever." Dalrymple stated that the BBB's analysis of Zeek had raised many red flags, and that it immediately notified criminal authorities.
While investor losses pale in comparison to those experienced by Madoff or Stanford investors, the sheer number of Zeek investors is on a magnitude that has never been dealt with before in a receivership or bankruptcy context. To illustrate, assuming Zeek had one million investors, a simple 1-page summary for each investor summarizing contributions and withdrawals, stacked together, would be 101.3 meters high, or roughly 300 feet. The staggering number of victims suggests that investigation of the fraud and establishment of a distribution process will likely be a drawn-out process involving hundreds, if not thousands, of people.
Going forward, the first step will be the appointment of a receiver by the North Carolina federal court. In an Order filed late Friday, United States District Judge Graham Mullen appointed Kenneth Bell as the temporary receiver, empowering him to take control of Zeek's assets and begin an investigation. Mr. Bell is a Partner at the Charlotte office of McGuireWoods, where his practice includes white collar crime. It is likely that Bell took control of Zeek's offices yesterday immediately after the Order was signed. In the Order, Judge Mullen also ordered Burks to provide a list of all assets, employees, and creditors of Zeek to the Receiver within 10 days, and a full accounting of assets, bank accounts, and other property within 30 days.
For now, the North Carolina Attorney General has established a hotline for concerned investors at (919) 716-6046.
(08/20) EDIT – Forbes has confirmed that Burks is being represented by Noell Tin of Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, a Charlotte, NC law firm.
(08/21) EDIT – The Receiver has announced the establishment of a Receivership website at www.zeekrewardsreceivership.com. Victims wishing to communicate with the Receiver should email firstname.lastname@example.com.
The SEC's announcement is here.
The SEC's complaint is here.
The Court's Order Appointing Receiver is here.
> Well, if everyone tried to sell Faceboook stock at the same time,
> the value of the stock would devalue to nothing, and investors
> would lose, too
Not true. First of all, the stock market economy is based on supply & demand. If there are buyers, of course everyone could sell all of their stock. What do you think happens when there is an acquisition? A buyer buys EVERYONE's stock. Secondly, Zeek Rewards was a total fraud and a Ponzi. Two completely different pieces of fruit you are comparing.
To Forbes – your story is not complete without covering the community of "Zeek critics" and the extraordinary efforts they went through to advise the public of the Ponzi. These digital good samaritans took to blogs, YouTube, forums, web 2.0 sites, and Facebook to try and get the truth out there. They did not have "insider knowledge" like the many Zeek consultants and lawyers, who surely had to have known it was a Ponzi, but they used logical deduction and pieced together all the facts and discrepancies, such as the math beyond the profit share and how the strategy of linguistic semantics employed by Zeek Rewards was eerily similar to that of Ad Surf Daily, another large Ponzi.
All this of this "group analysis" unfolded in the public eye in real-time, allowing anyone to participate whether Zeek supporter, critic, or honest person researching the business opportunity. What did these critics get for their good efforts? There were legal threats by Zeek against some of the critics. There was a cult-like atmosphere within the ZeekSupport forum and other Ponzi forums where propaganda ("repeating a lie often enough") and other psychological subterfuge occurred. You could write a fascinating piece on human psychology, greed, and good intentions if you follow the story inside the story of Zeek Rewards.
Tom Le: Thank you for pointing that out. Yes, there are several "Zeek Critics" that should be thanked: KSChang and his Analyzing Zeek Rewards blog. The behindMLM blog. The people who were posting on the so-called financial forums where these Ponzi's are promoted to educate and warn the public.
It will never be known just how many people all of them saved from investing, and yes they were investing contrary to what they claimed, in this Ponzi. It will never be known how many people they saved from investing even more money into this Ponzi. But they did, and they are owed a huge thank you.
You must either be rich or working for the government, where you don't have to worry about the needs of others. My friend, our government is a Ponzi scheme. They spend more of our money than they have, therefore, making it a Ponzi Scheme and also making it illegal to condemn others, especially with an honest intent. Don't be so sophisticated, or go on vactation and relax a little because I can tell that this is getting to your head!
Thanks for the call-out, Tom. We did what we could.
As I said many times, I'm much like Morpheus in "The Matrix".
"I can only show you the door. You are the one who must walk through it."
If they know there's another door, and they did not choose it, that's their choice.
We're not discussing the government.
As a derail, that's a pretty clumsy one.
Mixed emotions. Many people pinned their hopes on the scheme as a future income source, but it should never have been at the expense of future affiliate participants in the scheme. In other words, the auction site Zeekler needed to have been highly engaging, profitable and growing to support the profit distributions to the Zeek Rewards affiliates. That would have been a good model and benefited all. Instead, it seems the authorities contend that liabilities to existing affiliates were being funded by cash lodged by new affiliates – eventually in that scenario the bubble would burst. This should not reflect badly on the rest of the MLM industry however. At the end of the day, each business needs to have a product and service of worth for the 'opportunity' to be viable long-term.
This was written by SETH MURRAY, NOT ME, but it seems this guy knows his stuff & hit's the nail on the head!
I've personally researched Zeek Rewards' structure and activities. They were very clear that if I put money into it, that I was purchasing penny auction bids, bids which expire after a given amount of time. I could share in a portion of the net profitability of the company in proportion to the amount of bids I purchased, the amount that referred people purchased, and contingent upon my own personal promotional/advertising of their program. No particular return was promised. This is hardly different in principle from many affiliate-style programs. They were also very clear that this was not an investment, that I was not being paid dividends, etc.
I chose not to participate. Penny auctions were a completely new idea to me, but I don't see anything immoral about purchasing penny auction bids, knowing that those bids will expire in a set amount of time, and with the understanding that if I assist the company in its advertising as an affiliate I might get a percentage of the company's net profits. Having owned and operated businesses for more than a decade, I also know that profits cannot be guaranteed.
The SEC complaint claims just the opposite of these facts. It repeatedly calls participants "investors" and says they were promised "dividends." On that basis it then accuses Zeek of breaking various laws, says it was on the verge of financial collapse, and must be immediately shut down. The SEC conveniently claims the jurisdiction (authority) to do this to Zeek via its redefinition of the business and its participants.
Whether Zeek was on the verge of financial collapse is something I simply do not know. I also do not know if Zeek was completely fraudulent. Perhaps it was. What I do know is that almost all businesses go through extremely difficult financial periods, often multiple times during their existence. I also know that, if Zeek had a chance of surviving, it certainly does not now, thanks to the "assistance" of the federal government. I also know that practically no one in government has the experience or competency necessary to run a successful private business. The great irony here is that a structurally insolvent pyramid scheme — the largest and most dangerous one in history — has deliberately redefined a private company and its participants so that it can shut it down for being… an insolvent pyramid scheme. This stuff is too good to make up.
All businesses fail eventually, and buying something from a business, or receiving value on the basis of that purchase and related activity, does not constitute an investment in the legal sense. I say this as someone who routinely participates in formal investment and non-investment (trading) activities. I also know that it is not the function or within the competency of the SEC to go around redefining and shutting down private businesses just because they are cash tight.
If Zeek is a danger because it would fail if its affiliates all withdrew their participation, then the same is true not only of all affiliate-based businesses, but is especially true of the entire banking system. If only a fraction of participants chose to withdraw their own money from the any bank, that bank would collapse. Does that make us all "investors" in the bank? No, because like Zeek, we are clearly told the reality of the situation in advance.
There is something very smelly about this whole thing, but the source of the stench is not clear. The eagerness with which self-congratulatory commentators are celebrating Zeek's shutdown and pontificating about things which "look to good to be true" is annoying, but I understand it as part of human nature. Those grapes must be sour, you see.
In any event, the truth will be revealed not by any SEC findings, but when we all see whether the SEC compels redistribution of all funds back to the affiliates, and how much the SEC keeps for itself via fines and penalties — something which it already appears to be doing.
In all due respect to Seth Murray, all he had to do was run the financial numbers and he would have known immediately this was a Ponzi, was investing despite what they tried to call it, and it was unsustainable.
You see up until January of this year, all the Zeek advertising was calling it an investment. It wasn't until they hired a MLM Attorney firm did they then say you cannot call it investing. Oops.
Then add in they lied about the six countries they banned affiliates from, why they had to change banks, and those are just two of the most flagrant lies they told out of dozens.
Or we can discuss how they did not have an auction license to even legally hold penny auctions before April of 2012, but had been doing auctions since July of 2010 through Rex Ventures before forming Zeekler auctions.
Would you like for me to go on? But Mr. Murray is welcome to contact me to discuss it if he wishes, or you, or anyone else for that matter.


text:
Star Beacon
HARTFORD — Carrie Marie Fleming, 82, of Kinsman, Ohio, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at Meadow-brook Manor of Hartford, after an extended illness.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5th, at Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service, 8569 Main St., Kinsman, Ohio. Burial will follow in Kinsman Cemetery.
Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. until time of service, Saturday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Brethren of Bristol.


text:
By Tommy Cobb
Phoenix Correspondent
CHECOTAH – The 97th meeting of Oklahoma's longest uninterrupted rivalry took on a dual meaning for the Checotah Wildcats as they went into their contest with Eufaula. Not only were bragging rights of McIntosh County at stake, but a chance to remain in the driver's seat in District 3A-8.
The first half of the game showed the intensity of the rivalry. The second half was domination by a Wildcat team looking for a district title.
Checotah's Tyler Addy threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns and the Wildcat defense stopped Eufaula twice near the goal line as the Wildcats defeated Eufaula, 35-7, Friday night at Ogle Field.
"The first half was as intense as ever," said Checotah coach Brandon Turley. "Both teams came ready to play. The emotion made it a sloppy half. There were a lot of penalties."
Checotah entered the game in a four-way tie in district play with Stigler, Roland, and Spiro. Roland beat Spiro, and Stigler's 46-6 win over Valliant would set up the Wildcats to control their own destiny next week with a win in this game.
"The way I have it figured, if Stigler wins tonight then we need to win by two points next week to win the tiebreaker," Turley said.
But, before any of that could happen, Checotah (8-1, 5-1) needed to take care of business against the Ironheads, and did.
The Wildcats jumped out early with a spectacular catch by Deondre Owens, who came down with a deflected pass in the corner of the end zone for a 14-yard scoring strike that gave Checotah a 7-0 lead.
Checotah's defense did its job by stopping Eufaula (1-8, 1-5) on its first two series. But a muffed punt was recovered by Dakota Ocon at the Wildcat 11. It took Eufaula five plays before Michael Sinohui scored on a 1-yard run to tie the game 7-7.
Jerry Casey scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half as Checotah built a 21-7 lead. But the big story was the Wildcat defense, which stopped Eufaula twice after the Ironheads moved inside the Checotah 10-yard line.
On fourth down at the 6, Casey sacked Eufaula quarterback Dillon Larkin for a 12-yard loss. Then just before halftime, the Ironheads moved to the Checotah 1. A holding penalty nullified a touchdown run and the Checotah defense stopped a fourth down pass at the 11.
"I like the way we respond and never lose our composure," Turley said. "We were more settled in the second half. Deondre came up with a couple of highlight catches."
Checotah held the Ironheads to just 15 yards rushing in the second half and stopped Eufaula's deepest drive on fourth and two at the Wildcat 15.
Owens, who finished with eight catches for 140 yards and capped the Wildcat scoring with a 20-yard catch over the middle with a defender hanging all over him.
Michael Sinohui was the bright spot for the Ironheads' offense as he finished with 84 yards rushing on 19 carries. Both team combined for 24 penalties for 205 yards. Checotah now leads the series, 49-47-1.
Eufaula 7 0 0 0–7
Checotah 14 7 14 0–35
Scoring summary
First quarter
CHS – Deondre Owens 14 pass from Tyler Addy (Jacob Cambell kick) 7:42
EHS – Michael Sinohui 1 run (Jake Hunn kick) 3:15
CHS – Jerry Casey 4 run (Campbell kick) 0:41
Second quarter
CHS – Casey 1 run (Campbell kick) 4:19
Third quarter
CHS – Casey 12 pass from Addy (Campbell kick) 8:02
CHS – Owens 20 pass from Addy (Campbell kick) 2:35
Team Stats
First Downs 15 22
Rushes-Yards 42-91 30-84
Passing yards 83 301
Passes-CAI 10-20-1 22-30-0
Fumbles-Lost 2-0 2-1
Punts-Avg. 4-35 3-33
Penalties-Yards 13-106 11-99
Individual stats
Rushing – EHS, Michael Sinohui 19-84; CHS, Jake Coleman 11-42.
Passing – EHS, Dillon Larkin 10-19-1 83; CHS, Tyler Addy 19-24-0 279.
Receiving – EHS, Trey Moore 5-35; CHS, Deondre Owens 8-140.


text:
Availability: Econo Lodge Montmorency Falls
Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible, Non SmokingMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non SmokingMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non SmokingMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non SmokingMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Boischatel motel with a complimentary breakfast
With a stay at Econo Lodge Montmorency Falls in Boischatel, you'll be on a river and convenient to Royal Quebec Golf Club and Montmorency Falls.
This motel is within the region of Place Royale and Citadelle of Quebec.
Make yourself at home in one of the 32 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment.
Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access and tour/ticket assistance.
A complimentary continental breakfast is included.
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, multilingual staff, and coffee/tea in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Econo Lodge Montmorency Falls Amenities
- General
Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Boischatel motel also offers tour/ticket assistance, multilingual staff, and coffee/tea in the lobby. Complimentary self parking is available on site.
- Total number of rooms - 32
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free Wi-Fi
- Multilingual staff
- Free self parking
- Free RV, bus, truck parking
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi
Available in some public areas: Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
Free self parking, Free RV, bus, truck parking
- Room Amenities
- Climate control
- Complimentary weekday newspaper
- Free local calls
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Cable TV service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dining
Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast.
- Accessibility
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
Econo Lodge Montmorency Falls Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is noon
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, JCB International, MasterCard, Visa
- Pets
Pets allowed, Maximum number of pets per room 2, Pet maximum weight in lb is 20
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Pet fee: CAD 15 per pet, per night
- Additional Details
The property allows pets in smoking rooms only and has other pet restrictions (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.


text:
By Tim Talley
The Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma death row inmate scheduled to be executed in September for the death of a woman 34 years ago waived his right to seek clemency from the state Pardon and Parole Board, the board's acting executive director said Friday.
Anthony Rozelle Banks, 61, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for the June 6, 1979, killing of Sun "Kim" Travis, a 24-year-old Korean national who was abducted from a parking lot at her Tulsa apartment complex, raped and shot in the head. Her partially clothed body was found in a roadside ditch.
Banks, who is also serving a life sentence for the unrelated 1978 shooting death of a Tulsa convenience store clerk, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Sept. 10 and has the right to ask the Pardon and Parole Board to recommend that Gov. Mary Fallin commute his death sentence to life in prison.
But the board's acting director, Tracy George, said Banks waived his clemency hearing. Banks' defense attorney, Thomas Hird of the Federal Public Defender's Office in Oklahoma City, confirmed that Banks waived the hearing but declined further comment.
Banks and a co-defendant, Allen Wayne Nelson, 53, were not charged in Travis' death until August 1997, when their DNA was detected in evidence found on Travis' body and clothing. A Tulsa County jury convicted Nelson of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life in prison.
Banks was already in prison when he was linked to Travis' death following his conviction for the April 11, 1978, slaying of David Fremin, who was shot and killed during an armed robbery. Banks was convicted of first-degree murder by a Tulsa County jury that imposed the death penalty in that case. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new trial in 1994, saying prosecutors failed to disclose evidence to the defense that the jury could have used to find Banks innocent. The court also said Banks received ineffective counsel.
Rather than face the possibility of being sentenced to death again, Banks pleaded guilty to the murder charge in exchange for a sentence of life in prison.


text:
A master planner hired to guide Joplin's recovery from the deadly May 2011 tornado plans to present his first slate of projects to city elected leaders Monday night.
As enrollment rates increase at universities across the country, counselors say they face more difficulties handling student mental health concerns. And as KBIA's Scott Kanowsky reports, the University of Missouri system is feeling the strain as well.
Dr. David Wallace is standing in front of a class of college students, a PowerPoint projection lit behind him. It is Suicide Prevention Week at MU, so Wallace is giving tips on coping with severe mental health problems.


text:
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text:
July 29, 2014
CLEVELAND (AP) - An Ohio man has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and killing three women whose bodies were found wrapped in trash bags earlier this month.
Thirty-five-year-old Michael Madison appeared via a video feed from jail for his arraignment Wednesday in Cleveland. The judge continued his $6 million bond and said she would appoint two attorneys to represent him.
A pretrial hearing was set for Tuesday morning.
Madison is facing six charges of aggravated murder, two for each victim under different killing theories. Other charges include three counts of kidnapping.
East Cleveland police found one body July 19 when a caller reported a foul smell coming from a garage. Two more bodies were found the next day.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


text:
GALLOWAY, N.J. - The Absegami High School Class of 2012 experienced a graduation like no other Thursday night, June 7.
The ceremony was barely complete when the gathered storm clouds, which threatened to unload on the graduation from the start, opened up.
First there was lightning. Then there was thunder. Then, there was rain, and finally hail. The remaining assembled spectators and graduates made a mad dash for their cars, under the bleachers, under school overhangs, and any other shelter that might be provided before administrators were able to open the doors to the school and let them in.
Reeds Road Elementary School was also opened, as was the Roland Rogers Elementary School gymnasium, although in the end, it wasn't needed. Galloway Police did a sweep of the school and the area to check on injuries, missing items and people reported missing.
According to Galloway Police Lt. Paul Dooner, whose son was among the graduates Thursday night, between eight and 10 injuries, mostly seizures and asthma were reported. Two people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, according to Dooner.
The school was able to be cleared and the parking lots were empty around 8 p.m.
Project Graduation will go on as planned, according to Absegami Principal Dr. Jeri-Lynn Gatto.
"I've seen rain at graduations before," Gatto said. "I saw it coming. I knew it was going to rain. The hail was a bit of a surprise. That was not on the Weather Channel."
"It was definitely something to remember," Absegami graduate Anthony Chong said. "It's something we'll never forget."
"I knew it was going to rain," Absegami graduate Alex Barragan said. "The clouds looked like they were moving in a weird way."
The graduation began at 6 p.m. at the football stadium in front of a packed house of spectators with dark clouds approaching. The clouds stopped while Valedictorian Laura Petro and Salutatorian Danielle Smith delivered their speeches.
For a moment, it seemed as though the rain would hold off until the ceremonies ended. Administrators did their part, barely taking a breath between names and diplomas were conferred on the 437 graduates. Flashes of lightning appeared, and became more frequent as the administrators reached those with last names beginning with 'G.'
The more the thunder and lightning intensified, the quicker spectators began to file out. The announcement of a graduate's name became synonymous with spectators heading for the exit, graduates joining soon therafter.
As the storm began, one couldn't tell if the screams were directed at loved ones graduating or the thunder and lightning that appeared to be creeping ever closer.
All the names were called, and everyone received their diplomas. It was then a mad rush for the exits.
Groups of people attempted to outrace the thunder and lightning. Fear turned to disbelief as these same people began to be hit with hail.
While intense, the storm concluded quickly. Police combed the area looking for those who may have been hurt or lost, as well as missing items. The Galloway Police detail of eight officers expanded to at least 16.
Galloway EMTs, including Director of Galloway Township Ambulance Squad Michael Brandenburger, were available.
Ultimately, the storm ended, and friends and family members were able to reconnect. While there was a sense that most escaped unharmed, some were still hit with a look of stunned disbelief.
It was a graduation like no other, and one that will not soon be forgotten.


text:
Andover - Brockton — Eleanor (Parrotta) Melucci, 99, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2012, at the home her caring niece Veronica Paregis in Raynham. She was formerly of the Shawsheen Village section of Andover and was married to the late Dr. Edmond R. Melucci, where they resided for many years. After his passing, she moved to Brockton to live with her sister Florence Harris until recently she moved in with her niece. She was active in the Shawsheen Village Women's Club, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Society and the Greater Lawrence Women's Medical Society.
She was predeceased by her sisters Susan Leone of Andover, Rose Nolan of Brockton, brothers Lawrence Perrotta and Louis Perrotta, both of Brockton. She is survived by her sister Florence Harris and brother Anthony Perrotta, both of Brockton and 13 nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 24, 2012, in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.


text:
Generic Name: acyclovir (oral) (a SYE klo veer)
Brand Names: Zovirax
Order Zovirax Cream online. Safe and secure online ordering. Discreet and confidential.
Guaranteed delivery.
What is Zovirax?
Zovirax (acyclovir) is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Zovirax will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Zovirax is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Zovirax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Take Zovirax for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
Order Zovirax Cream online. Safe and secure online ordering. Discreet and confidential.
Guaranteed delivery.
Before taking this medicine
Do not take Zovirax if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). Before taking Zovirax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. Zovirax is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Acyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take Zovirax without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take Zovirax?
Take Zovirax exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking Zovirax to keep your kidneys working properly.
Zovirax can be taken with or without food. Taking Zovirax with food may decrease stomach upset.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zovirax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.
Store Zovirax at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.
What should I avoid?
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
Zovirax will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Zovirax side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zovirax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
pain in your lower back;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
easy bruising or bleeding; or
unusual weakness.
Less serious Zovirax side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
headache, feeling light-headed; or
swelling in your hands or feet.
This is not a complete list of Zovirax side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Zovirax?
Before taking Zovirax, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use Zovirax, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs that can affect Zovirax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More about Zovirax (acyclovir)
Consumer resources
Professional resources
Other formulations
Related treatment guides
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about Zovirax.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2014 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.03. Revision Date: 10/12/2009 1:42:09 PM.


text:
Rollover crash
MONT BELVIEU, Texas – One person was killed and five others were injured in a rollover crash on Highway 146 in Mont Belvieu early Tuesday morning, police said.
Three of the injured victims were children. Three helicopters were brought in to transport the victims to the hospital.
Officers said the crash happened shortly before 1 a.m. north of FM 3360. There was no early word as to what caused the crash, which involved only one vehicle.
The highway was closed for several hours but was reopened before 6 a.m.


text:
The Science Club of St. Louis Community College-Wildwood presents Larry Lazar and Jim Seko from the Climate Reality Project. They will bring facts about the climate crisis into the mainstream and engage the public in a conversation about how to solve it. This event is free and open to all and held in the Multipurpose Room of the STLCC-Wildwood campus.
Copyright ©2014 Planck LLC d/b/a Patch Media. All rights reserved | Patch Network


text:
Gender: Female
Years in Practice: 28 Years
Languages Spoken: English, French, Spanish
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Graduation Date: 1986
Hospital Affiliations: Harrison Medical Center, Saint Joseph Medical Center
Specialties: Allergy & Immunology
©2005-2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.


text:
New districts
would be large
Senate Bill 325 would bring major changes to the Wake County Board of Education.
The bill says nothing about students, school programs or financing. It is about seats for the board of education: politics in the schools.
The bill would create two types of districts. Seven seats would be filled by a representative from an area, numbered 1-7. The other two seats would be from lettered districts. Think of the county as a doughnut: District A is the doughnut; District B is the hole. This is reminiscent of when there were separate Raleigh City Schools.
Voters would vote for a candidate in a numbered district and a candidate in a lettered district. The sponsor has said that every voter would have at least one board member from his/her area. Maybe not. District A includes parts of eight municipalities, plus additional unincorporated areas. It would be possible for a board member to not be familiar with parts of his/her area, much less its schools.
My numbered district extends from the Durham County line, south through Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina, and then swings up past Wake Tech to U.S. 70 in Garner. Both of my board members could live next door to each other.
The proposed board districts are too large. The maps show evidence of gerrymandering. I oppose SB 325.
Bob Williams


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Is Nick Punto a "Winner"?
by, 03-07-2012 at 07:54 PM (1071 Views)
Original post from twinsrubes.blogspot.com.
The following is dedicated specifically to baakre's mother-in-law, a.k.a. Nick Punto's #1 Fan. Having taken the winter off from even thinking much about the Twins after last season's 99-loss performance; I am just now getting around to racking my brain to figure out what happened between 2010 and 2011. This morning, the solution came to me: the Twins lost Nick Punto! Could it be? Is Punto a "winner"? Was he a significant piece of this roster for all those years and all those Central Division titles, so much so that it caused a first-to-worst debacle? Let me see if I can prove this idea true...or even close.
First of all, the Twins with Nick Punto on the roster from 2004-2010 were 619-517 (.545 win percentage). During those 7 seasons, the Twins won 4 division titles. It's pretty hard to argue with that. Without Nick Punto last season, the Twins were 63-99 (.389), losing the 2nd most games in Twins history. That was good for last place in the division. Punto, meanwhile, played 63 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011 while battling a few injuries. If you remember, the Cardinals did pretty decent last season.
Punto hit a solid .278 in 166 plate appearances last season, with an impressive OPS of .809. He struck out only 21 times, drawing 25 walks, and posting a .388 OBP. Punto made only 3 errors in the field posting a .984 fielding percentage. If not for multiple injuries, which tend to be a pretty consistent issue for Punto, he was headed for a pretty solid season with the World Champs. Punto has played only 4 seasons where he appeared in more than 100 games. 2 of those 4 seasons were Central Division championship seasons for the Twins.
Punto's replacements in the middle infield last year were mainly Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Alexi Casilla, Matt Tolbert, and Trevor Plouffe. The combination of those 4 players hit for a .234 average (243/1037), with an on-base percentage under .300. Thanks for that Nishioka. They also combined for 41 errors and a fielding percentage of .963.
This is about as extensive of research I needed to do to realize I was wasting my time trying to prove Nick Punto's worth. I never was a Punto-basher, but I wouldn't say I was a fan. I did appreciate him, though. I actually enjoyed watching him dive for ground balls, line drives, and 1st base. I always wanted him to be that player that every good team needs - a jack-of-all-trades 110% kind of player. The fact is, Nick Punto's absence was not the reason for 63-99. I wish I could have uncovered something here, but there just isn't that much difference between the guys we had and Punto. It's hard to compare statistics with Nick's lack of playing time last season. Could the Twins have used Punto last season? Absolutely. Would the Twins have won even 70 games with Punto? Probably not. I do miss Nick Punto a little, though.
Follow Twins Rubes on Twitter @twinsrubes.


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Deluxe RoomMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children)
Executive Room, 1 Queen BedMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children)
Executive SuiteMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children)
Modern Chinatown hotel near Central Business District
Near Clarke Quay
Located in Chinatown at the fringe of Singapore's Central Business District, Furama City Centre is just within walking distance to the riverfront Clarke Quay. Orchard Road is also nearby.
Outdoor pool
An outdoor pool includes a waterfall and a sundeck. The Tiffany Café & Restaurant serves international buffet and à la carte selections from a halal kitchen. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
Wireless Internet
Guestrooms come with wireless Internet access, coffee/tea makers, minibars, in-room safes, and direct-dial phones. TVs offer local and cable channels. Bathrooms have separate showers and tubs.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
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- Swimming pool
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- General
Furama City Centre offers a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café. 24-hour room service is available. Recreational amenities at Furama City Centre include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. This Singapore hotel also offers a concierge desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Onsite parking is complimentary; accessible parking is available. A limo or town car service are also available.
Small and large meeting/conference rooms are available for business functions and a banquet hall and ballroom can be used for events. Audiovisual equipment and event catering can be provided.
- 24-hour front desk
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Available in some public areas: Wireless Internet access - ( $25.00 SGD / per 24-hour period )
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Free self parking, Parking (limited spaces)
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- Air conditioning
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Tiffany Café & Restaurant - International buffet and a la carte selections prepared in a halal kitchen. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily.
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Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
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- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Breakfast fee: SGD 30 per person (approximately)
- Fee for in-room high-speed Internet (wired): SGD 25 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
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5 Ways to Simplify Retirement Accounts
Here is how to consolidate your retirement investments.
Over the years, the government has introduced many different tax advantaged accounts in an effort to encourage everyone to save for retirement. Many of us start a 401(k) once we land our first job. Fast forward a few years and we already have at least one Roth IRA, traditional IRA, 401(k), and a taxable investment account.
The problem only gets worst from there. We want to see if that new broker is better, so we sign up for another account. We see a promotion offer for free trades. One more. Then we get married and the family retirement accounts likely double. Twice the funds (and fun).
[See 3 Retirement Worst Case Scenarios to Avoid.]
For some people, this is no problem. They seem to like day trading more than their day jobs anyway. But if just thinking about all those different logins makes you sweat, don't fret. Retirement accounts can be a hassle to manage, but with some simple steps, you can more easily stay on top of it. Here are five ways to reduce the clutter.
1. Have fewer accounts. Too many people have multiple Roth IRAs at different brokerage firms or 401(k)'s from every one of their previous employers. Wherever you want your assets to be, have a maximum of one account of each specific type.
2. Use the same company. If you and your spouse both have multiple retirement accounts, at least have them all under the same company. By setting it up this way, you can see all accounts under one login for more visibility and better management.
3. Scrutinize investments. Diversity is important in your overall portfolio, but you can over diversify too. Owning funds that invest in different sectors and asset classes is good. But investing in similar funds under different accounts requires more work than necessary. Do your homework and pick a good fund. Don't buy six different S&P 500 index funds even though you have six different investment accounts.
[See 5 Reasons to Start Investing for Retirement Today.]
4. Look at the big picture. It's easier if you look at all your accounts as a whole. There's no rule that says you can't have your whole Roth IRA balance in one fund or stock if it doesn't violate your overall diversification strategy. As long as the entire retirement portfolio is diversified, even buying one fund in each of your accounts may make sense.
5. Stop micromanaging. This is, after all, your retirement portfolio. Day trading may be exciting, but your retirement account should be based on a strategy for long term appreciation. Stop checking your balance multiple times a day and your mind, as well as your life, will get to relax.
David Ning runs MoneyNing, a personal finance site aimed at helping others change their habits for a better financial future. He suggests that everyone to sign up for an online savings account to get more out of our hard earned money.


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Put on Blinders Part II
Felicia | Oct 14, 2011 | Comments 27
Some time ago, in 2008, I wrote a post about putting on blinders. In essence the post encourages readers to turn off the TV and all of its negativity and concentrate on goals.
Well, after a brief glimpse of the TV this morning, I feel it's necessary to write an update to that post. This update is a bit more revealing and I think it's necessary. Why am I writing this? I'm writing this because I'm sick and tired of negativity and the "Sky is Falling" hysteria that I see offline and online in the freelance writing community.
A Little History
We all have been through rough times and I want to share just a bit of mine. I've learned that my rough times were brought on as a result of lack of planning, short sightedness, ego and ignorance. Yes, market conditions contributed a small part to my hard times, but I realize I (we) brought it on ourselves.
My hubby and I both worked in the city (NYC) and earned decent salaries. Our courtship involved spending a lot of money. Not necessarily the wisest of expenditures, but we spent a lot of money.
Because we worked near each other we would meet for $100 lunches (this was back in the late 1980's so $100 or more for lunch was a lot). If we spent $100 for lunch, just imagine what our dinner bills were.
After we got married we spent money like crazy. Things started to change after we had kids. Children have a way of making you realize what is important and what isn't. We started thinking; why work all those hours, pay ridiculous prices for daycare just so we can buy material things?
In a Deep Hole
Even though we had good salaries, we also had accumulated quite a bit of debt. Buying all of those material things was fun at the time of purchase, but we became slaves to the monthly payments. Our debt is what kept us on the 9-5 merry-go-round.
We decided to bite the bullet because the guilt of leaving the kids in daycare was eating us alive. We pulled in our belt and I left my job after the birth of our second child. Within six months of quitting my job, we got the horrible news that my husband was downsized. In other words, we had two kids, lots of debt and no income.
The Stripping of the Ego
We were both at an age and a salary level that made it difficult to find replacement income. With the ever-shrinking job market, finding a job at any salary level was nearly impossible. We had to make some tough decisions.
We gave back the cars we could no longer afford and bought two Hoopties. You guys know what a hooptie is. I'll put it to you this way; we bought 2 hoopties for less than $1,000 and drove them for a year. They were ugly but we maintained them and kept them going.
Words of advice: If you ever run into financial difficulties and need to buy a hooptie, look for a Toyota or a Subaru.
My hubby and I have fond memories of our hoopties. We still get a great belly laugh every time we drive up a steep hill. In our old hoopties we would have to get a good running start while approaching the hill and then literally stand on the accelerator while going up the hill. I swear we left brain-sized dents on the roof of the car as we stood on the accelerator. They're also fondly called Fred Flintsone mobiles.
Here we were, two corporate executive types driving hoopties and dodging calls from bill collectors. I knew things were really bad when I called a debt consolidation service and they told us our situation was too dire for them to help us.
Moving Forward
While times were financially tough back then, the one thing we knew in our gut was "this too shall pass." Fortunately the kids were very young and they don't remember much of these tough times. We tried to keep them fed, happy and loved.
Enough of the Hard Times Sob Story, Let's Lighten Things Up
As my daughter woke me from a sound sleep this morning to ask me to drive her to the bus stop (it was raining and she didn't want her hair to get messed up), I caught a glimpse of the news saying that the average household income has dropped 7%. When I got back from the bus stop, I watched as media big wigs and pontificating pundits went on at length about how bad things are.
The job market is tight, people are out of work, gas prices are rising, income is dropping, the sky is falling and …what about Timmy?
All I can say is give it a rest! My goodness, things are changing. The job market is drying up but is it really? The old job market is drying up in favor of a new job market. IBM, Bulova and the Horse and Buggy job market dried up too in favor of a new and different job market. The cheese moved (Who Moved My Cheese?). It's time to take off the shackles of the old way of thinking and embrace the new. This isn't easy, but it must be done.
Things are Worse (or so they'd like you to believe)
Going back for a moment to my poor pitiful me story about how we got into our financial rut (I left out the part about the real estate market and our venture into landlordship and a few other real bone head moves), I'm in better shape now than I was a year or two ago. You see, the type of financial hole we dug is real deep. The hole is too deep to get out of in one, two or even three years. We're still digging out of it but we owe less and make more now than we did a year ago.
According to the media, this shouldn't be. The pundits would have me believe that I'm worse off than I was a few years ago. They're wrong. Each year we get closer to becoming debt free and we continue to add to our income. So, for us, we see the silver lining. The glass is half full, not half empty.
OK, Now Let's Talk about Freelance Writing
Think of the drama attached to the following words:
- Panda
- Demand Studios/eHow
- Richard Rosenblatt
- Suite 101
- HubPages
- Google AdSense
- SEO/Page Rank
- Plagiarists
- Backlinks
And the list can go on. Each of the above invokes some sort of drama in the online writing community. There is hoopla, theories, pundits, hatters, lovers, brown nosers and more. Just the mention of the word Panda and online writers start wondering what they need to do to keep Panda happy (tame it, feed it, ignore it…pick one).
Some writers are down right pissed off at Richard Rosenblatt and his Demand Media empire while others quiver at the thought of an email from big brother Google. I've heard that Suite, HubPages and other online writing venues were scams and that a website isn't worth a thing unless it has thousands of backlinks.
There are pontificating pundits, experts and advisors online too. If I spent my time following them all, I'd be dizzy from going around in circles. What I've learned in my time of writing online is that you (spelled Y-O-U) through your determination, focus and experimentation are the best person to decide how to become successful online.
Here's what I learned about online freelance writing:
- Quality trumps quantity
- My gut is a better indicator of what's right and what to write than any expert I've listened to
- Determination, focus and consistency yield results
- Authenticity beats airs and ego any day (Ken at Blogging for Dads has this quality licked!)
- And last, but definitely not least, the School of Hard Knocks is my best educator. In other words, you don't need a college degree to be a successful online writer.
So there you have it. My rags to un-tattered cloth story. Geez, all this and I haven't even had a cup of coffee. I'm putting on my running shoes to run off the rest of this energy!
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Filed Under: Motivation
About the Author: Felicia A. Williams is a freelance writer and blogger. She spends the majority of her time with her family and writing. If she's not writing or commenting on NJFM, she's either outside smelling the roses or writing articles for one of her other sites which include Tidbits and Stuff, BLULOW, A Dose of Health and a few other sites/blogs scattered around the internet.
Comments (27)
Wow, thanks Felicia, this was right on time for me! My husband and I are going through similar financial difficulties right now and this post was so motivating for me. I also feel that it's such a waste of time to listen to all of the negative headlines, they will only get you down and keep you constantly wondering what will go wrong next. Living like that will kill you! I've learned that I must stay positive and make the best out of MY OWN situation. There's a silver lining for everyone, but sometimes you have to look at the cloud from a different direction to see it.
I LOVE this site! You have provided much inspiration & motivation for me on my journey to being a fulltime WAHM!
Natalie recently posted..Sometimes I have good ideas…
Great post! I connected with the post, as most of us have, in that been there/done that sort of way. In fact, I am still in the been there/working to be done with that phase. Except my debt came from a previous, young and dumb marriage right out of high school. I was in college, got massive amount of student loans and credit cards that were spent on everything but an education.
But, hey, hindsight it worth a million dollars and if I had had a million dollars, I wouldn't have all this debt.
Melissa recently posted..Panda, You Got Me Again!
I don't have any high earnings at Hubpages because I haven't written enough and been too involved, but I can say that ever since I signed up for HP's ad program (almost completely replacing Adsense ads), my monthly income has been rising steadily. I'm guessing that single digit dollar amounts probably don't prove anything one way or another, but it translates to a 60% rise of income since I joined the HP ad program. Either I have enough traffic, articles and comments that it's a self feeding beast (more like a fruitfly with those numbers ) – or my writing is just amazing and the rise reflects that on a miniscule scale. Either way, so far for me, this has given me confidence that it is possible to create residual income streams and that it is possible to do so even in this economy (I know that's a worn out phrase – it hurt my ears to write it).
I completely agree that success is different for everyone, some might find their niche on Demand (definitely not me!), others on Squidoo, Hubpages and Suite 101, and others with their own blogs. I will still be working on my blogs because I like to be untethered, but I think I will continue to write for Hubpages also and see what comes of it.
I remember reading some you-have-to-fail-to-succeed article the other day. I think there is something in common between the article and your story. Apart from persistence and positivity, I think having someone close to you to support you is also important.
I do have a college degree in communication, but much of what I learned isn't completely valid anymore. Like any field, experience is what gives you an edge.
Experience is also what shows you that the sky is always falling on those who aren't good at their jobs and never falling on those who are.
Gip @ So Much More Life recently posted..Escaping A Life Of Logos
I wanted to also comment that this was a much needed motivational post. I've shared with you a bit about my story, but I'll share a little tidbit here, as it relates to this post:
Three years ago, I became homeless. I stayed in a couple of shelters for homeless veterans. I moved from the shelter world to one of those suite/hotel thingies that you pay for by the day, by the week etc. I've been here a year and some change. It's been a tremendous challenge when I've had to process so much, try to motivate myself, no support system, and not receiving the disability check I should have.
Anyway, I woke up super early to get on the bus, as I have no car ( I would KILL for even a hoopdie, haven't heard that term in a MINUTE!)and I was trying to talk myself out of feeling bad. I was super stressed, and figuring out how I can stretch a few dollars (literally) to get what I needed for food and for toiletries. Then, as I was riding the bus, I saw that I rode past one of the shelters that I used to stay in. The window was open. I saw the residents getting their breakfast. Then it hit me.
I had a few dollars but at least I had re-gained my personal freedom. I was going to come back to my home/room, eat the breakfast that I wanted to eat, and work the job of my choice, from my home/room.
I saw the last part of a documentary where a guy was saying that he grew up extremely poor, and his mother used to tell him that when life knocks you down, you've GOT to get back up. I thought to myself that it's not about getting knocked back down, it's the GETTING BACK UP. It's being content in what I have, and I told myself, "I swear before God, this WILL get better". (this being my currently having my back against the wall).
My journey now is learning how to not get knocked down so much. It wears you out. However, I'm glad to be in a place of strength of being able to say what you did, that this episode,moment,day, etc. will pass.
I'm looking at tightening my belt. I really don't have disposable income, but even that $2.00 treat for breakfast, the $4.00 every now and then fast food treat, the however many dollars I spend at the corner store for candy bars, a package of pop-tarts, etc, I can cut those out. These figures don't seem like much at all, but when you're THAT BROKE, that money can be spent elsewhere on things I certainly need.
Anyway, not to hog the post, I'm going to speak on my thoughts more on my blog, but I just felt like "the spirit" is moving amongst like-minded people this morning. I'm trying to work but the server is down. I took the free time to read this post. It was exactly the encouragement that I needed, so THANK YOU.
Oh, my goodness! This is my absolute favorite post from you of all times. It's so deep on so many different levels and has a level of personal resonance for me that's way too complex to share without taking on a veil of transparency that I'm not ready to don at this time.
Felicia, you continue to inspire, motivate, and encourage us. You make us laugh, you make us cry. You point us towards guideposts that will propel us to success.
Thank you for all that you do. I'll probably be back later to comment further, but for right now I'm just going to dab the tears that slipped from my eyes as I was reading this and get back to work.
Angela recently posted..What is Your Place in Eternity?
Holy Crap! You mentioned me!
Ken Muise recently posted..Take Your Money And Shove It: My Feelings About HubPages and Squidoo
I believe that messages come to us when we need them, and you're message was just what was needed this morning! I was laid off from the corporate world yesterday, but have been following your blog for a couple of years now. Why? Because I had a feeling this was coming, and I too, wanted to stay home with my kids. I signed on with Textbroker and CA, created a blog, and started dabbling.
Layoffs hurt, but now is the time to pull up the ol' bootstraps and start writing. You have proven it can be done, that there is a life outside of 9-5! Thank you, Felicia!
Dawn recently posted..Blogging and Submissions
Felicia, What a wonderful post. I like your mantra, "This too shall pass." It is one that I have recited many times in my life. I always look forward to your post, because you never fail to enlighten and educate your readers. You give of your wisdom. You give of your spirit. You give of yourself. If there is a Mother Teresa of the Blogosphere it would be you. Thank you for continually teaching, inspiring and motivating us. Karma will return the blessings. In the meantime, keep doing what you do so well.
Loretta recently posted..Naked Pregnant Celebrities on Parade
This is great advice about putting on blinders, especially if you are out of work.
I went through a period 3 years ago where my husband was laid off the first week of December and rarely had more than 2 days of work for the next 8 months. We stopped watching the evening news because it was depressing.
The same with Demand Studios. I wrote articles for Chron, Motley Fool, eHow Business, and Home & Garden. The $25 titles dried up a month ago without notice, and the garden titles dried up more than a week ago. Rather than complain that there is nothing to write, I go with the flow and write $16 appliance repair articles until I reach the amount of money that I need to earn. The sky is not falling – it simply has some cloudy days.
Diane recently posted..Small Appliance Repair Tips
"The sky is not falling – it simply has some cloudy days."
Great quote Diane!
Another inspiring post as usual. Sounds like me. I am just sticking my head down and barreling forward one day at a time.
cashflowmantra recently posted..Why I Use Limit Orders When I Trade Stocks and Options
Hoopties, huh? Never heard that term but sure have had a few! I actually drove a 68 Chevy Malibu for about 10 years. It had been salvaged and looked pretty rough (you know, mismatched fenders, etc) but I got it AND $400 for my Capri, so who cares about looks? What I was after was two doors, enough room in the back for two car seats and a third child, and a bench seat with three seatbelts in the front for two adults and the fourth child. I know – only two doors with car seats back there? Well, I didn't want my kids to be able to open doors at will – no doors, no problem. The beauty of that car was I could usually make it run myself. For instance, won't start? Pour some pepsi on the battery terminals and give the connections a little twist. Which reminds me of my first car, a 66 Mustang. Imagine me and two friends, all under 20, opening the hood and starting it with a screwdriver. Those were the days!
On a more relevant note, you are so right, Felicia. Why the media always insists the sky is falling is beyond me – I guess the gloom and doom attracts more readers. But where's the good news? What about those of us who AREN'T worse off? Like you, I am better off than I was a year or so ago. And this has been true consistently over time. We live and learn, weather some financial setbacks and come out stronger. If this isn't happening, we need to take a hard look at our financial decisions and lifestyle choices, and then make needed changes. After all, with very few exceptions, we do get to choose our reality.
Crystal recently posted..Our Univited Guest
Wow, and thanks for sharing! Many of us have been in similar hard knock places. As a single mom, I ended up in bankruptcy. Now one of my kids had to do the same due to a terrible economy and debt. I tell them both, and also note to self, get out of debt and stay out of it. You do not know what is going to come tomorrow other than another bill. Your future income is promised to others you owe. Keep that money for your own needs.
Seriously, there is very little "stuff" that a person "needs" to buy. Video games, all that crap…I am certainly not keeping either the retail or car markets going.
Recently, I have been reading up on the Buddhist way of thinking. Cause and effect, action-reaction, and not reacting to things that previously might have caused anger and stress. I think I like this better.
Oh well, each to their own life lessons. As much as a person may know and/or be told about by others, most people (I believe) need to learn by their own experiences. What sets apart the successful person is that they are able to recognize, acknowledge and deal with their experiences rather than ignoring them or hoping problems will just go away. Debt does not go away. Better to pay cash.
Yes, the job market is very different today than ever before. It requires a new way of thinking and a new approach to making whatever amount of money is necessary to live the life we choose or want to aspire to have.
Gosh, now I AM feeling old!