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Another 24 hours is lost, and Congress has yet to agree on a plan that would stop sequestration. The automated budget cuts will deliver a hit to Montgomery County programs, including those designed to assist area senior citizens.
In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, House Speaker John Boehner said the cuts would be a product of Obama's "failed leadership."
"Most Americans are just hearing about this Washington creation for the first time: the sequester," Boehner writes in his column. "What they might not realize from Mr. Obama's statements is that it is a product of the president's own failed leadership. There is nothing wrong with cutting spending that much -- we should be cutting even more -- but the sequester is an ugly and dangerous way to do it."
But how would these federal goverment budget reductions impact local citizens? Montgomery County's senior citizens might be hardest hit. There are more than 225,000 residents over age 55 in Montgomery County, making it the county with the highest median age in the southeastern region of the state.
According to a White House press release, "Pennsylvania would lose approximately $849,000 in funds that provide meals for seniors."
Joanne Kline, executive director of the Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services department said that such a cut would greatly impact her programs.
"Area agencies on aging are funded by these very important funding 'strings,' and we're all in the same boat," explained Kline. She said that all Greater Philadelphia's surrounding county departments, including those in Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties, would also be hurt.
"We are waiting to hear when funds are allocated to the state, what will come down to us," she said.
One of the most crucial programs Kline fears may be impacted is the home-delivered meals program.
"It is so crucial for those that are unable to make their own meals," she said. "It is a huge nutritional issue. It keeps these people well and healthy."
Kline said assistance with meals can often be one of the first "accepted" services a senior will allow when his or her health begins to change.
"It is our most important program, and growing continually," she said.
While the home-delivered meals programs are largely operated by volunteer efforts, Kline's department relies on federal funding for the purchasing of the food. In 2012, the department delivered 247,131 meals to home clients, and 74,000 "congregate meals" (or those served in a nursing facility).
"We get nutritional money handed down through the state from Harrisburg," she said. "We are also assisted with lottery funds that come down to us. It is all a part of an allocation from the Department of Aging."
Reduced funds, Kline noted, would likely cause a waiting list to grow, meaning fewer seniors would be provided with meals.
"In Montgomery County, we have a growing list for those in home care," said Kline. "We have 200 on a waiting list, and most of those just need a bath and some in-home care."
With more reductions to funding, Kline estimates 20 to 30 more would be added to that waiting list for home-delivered meals.
"If that is all they needed, it is very sad," she said. "One of our most effective programs, and it is run by volunteers. All we need is that money for meals, and it goes a long way to keep folks at home and independent."
Cuts in funding would go beyond the home-delivered meals program, too. Kline noted that other areas of concern are for the Family Caregivers Support Program and the Ombudsman Program.
"Federal money which comes down is important," said Kline. "It protects folks from elder abuse and neglect cases. It is one of our most critical programs."
As presure also comes from a change in the Pennsylvania Lottery system, with a Gov. Tom Corbett-created plan to privatize the system, Kline worries that both of her major sources of funding would be up in the air.
"We are absolutely in favor of any program to increase our fudning to allow for more services, at a time when our population is growing so dramatically," she said. "We simply ask 'Are there ways we can look at different kinds of service dollars to fund these growing needs?'"
For part one in the series, read this story.


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Lawrence Hunter, Contributor
I write about the intersection of economics and politics.
It is time the critics of the Second Amendment put up and repeal it, or shut up about violating it. Their efforts to disarm and short-arm Americans violate the U.S. Constitution in Merriam Webster's first sense of the term—to "disregard" it.
Hard cases make bad law, which is why they are reserved for the Constitution, not left to the caprice of legislatures, the sophistry and casuistry of judges or the despotic rule making of the chief executive and his bureaucracy. And make no mistake, guns pose one of the hardest cases a free people confronts in the 21st century, a test of whether that people cherishes liberty above tyranny, values individual sovereignty above dependency on the state, and whether they dare any longer to live free.
A people cannot simultaneously live free and be bound to any human master or man-made institution, especially to politicians, judges, bureaucrats and faceless government agencies. The Second Amendment along with the other nine amendments of the Bill of Rights was designed to prevent individuals' enslavement to government, not just to guarantee people the right to hunt squirrels or sport shoot at targets, nor was it included in the Bill of Rights just to guarantee individuals the right to defend themselves against robbers, rapers and lunatics, or to make sure the states could raise a militia quick, on the cheap to defend against a foreign invader or domestic unrest.
The Second Amendment was designed to ensure that individuals retained the right and means to defend themselves against any illegitimate attempt to do them harm, be it an attempt by a private outlaw or government agents violating their trust under the color of law. The Second Amendment was meant to guarantee individuals the right to protect themselves against government as much as against private bad guys and gangs.
That is why the gun grabbers' assault on firearms is not only, not even primarily an attack merely on the means of self-defense but more fundamentally, the gun grabbers are engaged in a blatant attack on the very legitimacy of self-defense itself. It's not really about the guns; it is about the government's ability to demand submission of the people. Gun control is part and parcel of the ongoing collectivist effort to eviscerate individual sovereignty and replace it with dependence upon and allegiance to the state.
Americans provisionally delegated a limited amount of power over themselves to government, retaining their individual sovereignty in every respect and reserving to themselves the power not delegated to government, most importantly the right and power to abolish or replace any government that becomes destructive of the ends for which it was created. The Bill of Rights, especially the Second and Ninth Amendments, can only be properly understood and rightly interpreted in this context.
Politicians who insist on despoiling the Constitution just a little bit for some greater good (gun control for "collective security") are like a blackguard who lies to an innocent that she can yield to his advances, retain her virtue and risk getting only just a little bit pregnant—a seducer's lie. The people either have the right to own and bear arms, or they don't, and to the extent legislators, judges and bureaucrats disparage that right, they are violating the U.S. Constitution as it was originally conceived, and as it is currently amended. To those who would pretend the Second Amendment doesn't exist or insist it doesn't mean what it says, there is only one legitimate response: "If you don't like the Second Amendment, you may try to repeal it but short of that you may not disparage and usurp it, even a little bit, as long as it remains a part of the Constitution, no exceptions, no conniving revisions, no fabricated judicial balancing acts."
Gun control advocates attempt to avoid the real issue of gun rights—why the Founders felt so strongly about gun rights that they singled them out for special protection in the Bill of Rights—by demanding that individual rights be balanced against a counterfeit collective right to "security" from things that go bump in the night. But, the Bill of Rights was not a Bill of Entitlements that people had a right to demand from government; it was a Bill of Protections against the government itself. The Founders understood that the right to own and bear laws is as fundamental and as essential to maintaining liberty as are the rights of free speech, a free press, freedom of religion and the other protections against government encroachments on liberty delineated in the Bill of Rights.
That is why the most egregious of the fallacious arguments used to justify gun control are designed to short-arm the citizenry (e.g., banning so-called "assault rifles") by restricting the application of the Second Amendment to apply only to arms that do not pose a threat to the government's self-proclaimed monopoly on the use of force. To that end, the gun grabbers first must bamboozle people into believing the Second Amendment does not really protect an individual's right to own and bear firearms.
They do that by insisting on a tortured construction of the Second Amendment that converts individual rights into states rights. The short-arm artists assert that the Second Amendment's reference to the necessity of a "well-regulated militia" proves the amendment is all about state's rights, not individuals rights; it was written into the Bill of Rights simply to guarantee that state governments could assemble a fighting force quick, on the cheap to defend against foreign invasion and domestic disturbance. Consequently, Second-Amendment revisionists would have us believe the Second Amendment does little more than guarantee the right of states to maintain militias; and, since the state militias were replaced by the National Guard in the early twentieth century, the Second Amendment has virtually no contemporary significance. Gun controllers would, in effect, do to the Second Amendment what earlier collectivizers and centralizers did to the Tenth Amendment, namely render it a dead letter.
The truth is, the Founders understood a "well regulated" militia to mean a militia "functioning/operating properly," not a militia "controlled or managed by the government." This is clearly evidenced by Alexander Hamilton's discussion of militias in Federalist #29 and by one of the Oxford Dictionary's archaic definitions of "regulate;" "(b) Of troops: Properly disciplined."
The Founders intended that a well-regulated militia was to be the first, not the last line of defense against a foreign invader or social unrest. But, they also intended militias to be the last, not the first line of defense against tyrannical government. In other words, the Second Amendment was meant to be the constitutional protection for a person's musket behind the door, later the shotgun behind the door and today the M4 behind the door—a constitutional guarantee of the right of individuals to defend themselves against any and all miscreants, private or government, seeking to do them harm.
The unfettered right to own and bear arms consecrates individual sovereignty and ordains the right of self-defense. The Second Amendment symbolizes and proclaims individuals' right to defend themselves personally against any and all threatened deprivations of life, liberty or property, including attempted deprivations by the government. The symbolism of a heavily armed citizenry says loudly and unequivocally to the government, "Don't Tread On Me."
Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence said, "When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny."
Both Jefferson and James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, also knew that their government would never fear a people without guns, and they understood as well that the greatest threat to liberty was not foreign invasion or domestic unrest but rather a standing army and a militarized police force without fear of the people and capable of inflicting tyranny upon the people.
That is what prompted Madison to contrast the new national government he had helped create to the kingdoms of Europe, which he characterized as "afraid to trust the people with arms." Madison assured his fellow Americans that under the new Constitution as amended by the Bill of Rights, they need never fear their government because of "the advantage of being armed."
But, Noah Webster said it most succinctly and most eloquently:
"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States."
That is why the Founders looked to local militias as much to provide a check—in modern parlance, a "deterrent"—against government tyranny as against an invading foreign power. Guns are individuals' own personal nuclear deterrent against their own government gone rogue. Therefore, a heavily armed citizenry is the ultimate deterrent against tyranny.
A heavily armed citizenry is not about armed revolt; it is about defending oneself against armed government oppression. A heavily armed citizenry is not about overthrowing the government; it is about preventing the government from overthrowing liberty. A people stripped of their right of self defense is defenseless against their own government.
Or better yet, ban cigarettes. Now that will put a stop some deaths!
Not cigarettes, lighters or better known as Assault Matches.
Ummm…. No thanks.
I own several firearms that can be included in the ban. What have I done to deserve being singled out? What justification can you offer me to leave my home, rights, and family defenseless against attackers that very well would not listen to this law? Why should I give up something I enjoy for no better reason than someone else's inability to adequately protect those things precious to them? Am I to be punished for being ready, for my hobby, for my service?
It is when those who will not obey the law come calling that you will want me to have also not followed it. You will want me around to save those in danger, to protect those things precious to you, and to deal with the threat so you can go back to your safe life.
I have served, am serving, and will continue to serve and protect your right to disagree with me. I ask only that you respect mine until such a time as I give you reason to doubt my sincerity in offering.
"A heavily armed citizenry is not about armed revolt; it is about defending oneself against armed government oppression. A heavily armed citizenry is not about overthrowing the government; it is about preventing the government from overthrowing liberty. A people stripped of their right of self defense is defenseless against their own government."
Oppressive laws are subjective of course. The eleven states that were to form the Confederacy, believed that the Federal government laws were "oppressive". The issue of course was over states rights, which was really about slavery, which then morphed into secession rights. I don´t find any of those issues oppressive, do you? I´d say that the South got it wrong, and their resentment lingers still. They still embrace the Confederate battle flag. They are the biggest supporters of the "what if" scenario about a rogue government, simply because they lost that war. They need to move on from this position. There is a middle ground on gun ownership, but until they give up this notion of "what if", the country will continue to have mass murders, everyone will be horrified, and nothing will change.
For any who believe that repealing the 2nd amendment will eliminate the right to keep and bear arms let me point out that the 'right' predates the Constitution by a few million years. According to Jefferson, all of us have the right "to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." That right would be pretty hollow without the right to defend those things. As the tools of tyranny have evolved into ever more lethal forms, our defensive tools must evolve similarly.
Also, keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and madmen is simply not covered by the Constitution. Therefore, if a person cannot be trusted with a gun that person should either be kept in prison or executed. Harsh? Yes, but Newtown was pretty harsh too and none of the myriad laws, regulations and rules did a thing to prevent it.
I'm not a toolmaker or machinist, yet I can buy pipe, springs and nails from Home Depot to fabricate a very efficient gun. As has been said countless times: the gun isn't the problem. The human behind it is… as are those humans who refuse to learn from the past.
like Andrew replied I'm impressed that any one able to make $6206 in four weeks on the computer. have you seen this web site www.qwe13.com
Lawrence, your paranoia knows no bounds. You should study the law before you go off half-cocked.
The Second Amendment is not an absolute right. Just like the First Amendment, it is limited by time, place and circumstance. It's illegal to sell to kids, felons and the mentally ill. This is all very reasonable.
The courts ruling in 2008 and 2010 that a gun can be used to defend the home, and the 7th Circuit ruled in November that a loaded handgun can be carried in public for self defense. This is a very expansive right.
In the interest of public safety our "heavily armed citizenry" must apply for a CCW permit, or concealed carry permit, to carry a loaded gun in pubic. A handgun is an inherently dangerous instrument, and limits on who can take one outdoors are all very reasonable.
Articles like yours make normal people think that gun owners are indeed as crazy as the NRA's Wayne LaPierre.
Larry your infitile sychophantry with nuanced or narrow interpretations or misinterpretations by incompetent and laxical jurists with conflicting opinions and highly suspect declarations of enlightned disinterest knows no bounds. The Second Amendment is as absolute as is the first third fourth fifth sixth sevent eighth ninth and tenth amendments. The Authority for each of those is not vested in a person or group of people. The founders knew better than that. They placed the Authority which they realized would corrupt whoever weilded it, not with men but with the document itself. As they also realized that a piece of paper can represent ideals but cannot truly weild any power the possiblity of internal corruption from those who are elected to SERVE would be neutered. The abominations of amendments that come after the Twelfth Amendment are dismissed as being abjectly against the ideals of the founders and their wish to prevent centralization of power or authority. So before you go that route understand that those who usurped through the pen are no less guilty of treason than those who usurp with the sword. Those court rulings you speak so fondly of do not matter not one whit when the American Citizen decides enough is enough and comes to remove you and your ilk from what you see as your comfortable hall of power. When it comes down to the final straw The CCW and all the other red tape and legal checks on free exercise of liberty to invoke change will not amount to anything more than a grain of sand on the beach as the tide of liberty sweeps it away. Those who would interpret liberty as pertaining only to themselves and not to all will be the first ones targeted for the tarbrush and feather lined smoking jacket. You cannot legislate away liberty. You cannot constrain it. If you attempt to constrain it, it will simply roll over you as if you did not exist.
National Guard: "The National Guard of the United States is a joint activity of the United States Department of Defense UNITES STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE composed of reserve components of the UNITED STATES ARMY and the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, the Army National Guard of the United States for the Army and the Air National Guard of the United States for the Air Force."
Seems to me that the National Guard is part of the oppressive government that you say the Second amendment was put in place to counteract against.
As for me, I did my 23 years and 7 days on active duty. I was trained to use several weapons – the Model 1911 and the the M-1 (yeah, I go back a few years), the M-14, and the M-16. Now, why exactly is it that I shouldn't be allowed to own firearms?
Let's see, I've made similar references to giving up freedom for security about the "Patriot" Law and the recent assaults on the Fourth Amendment, but the idea of taking on the goverment militarily requires a far greater imposition on the populace than we are likely to see.
I don't have visions of the government taking over. What is wrong with these takeover scenarios is they require more than an educated populace will tolerate. Those with little or limited education are the ones subject to believing the lies and conspiracies of the few qualified for leadership. Paranoia always subjects itself to the most negative view.
This sounds like a pretty extreme view, incited by a conviction, without evidence or accepting highly exaggerated reports, that assumes a number of conditions or situations that you'll have trouble getting widespread agreement on. I remember all this same "guns against government" schtick in the 80s and 90s. What we ended up with were a bunch of neo-nazi racists that wanted to overthrow the government and kill a bunch of people. All were certain the government was going to enslave them, make them pay for supporting a bunch blacks laying around doing nothing.
Honk if you love your gun! I don't live in a world that's the wild west. I'm looking for a place where I can walk down the street without a bunch of trigger-happy paranoids looking for a reason to draw down on somebody. I've got the gonads to go out in the world without having my love accompany me. I don't have a problem with guns either, just their owners who believe their damn gun is the best thing in the world.
Everybody in my family has guns, some more than others, loaders, you name it, for hunting and sport. I don't know of a one of them so paranoid as to be keeping a gun to defend themselves from the government. You can't outdo me in any desire to keep the government out of my business, but I don't fear it, I vote.
Very few want to get rid of guns. Most just want to make it harder to kill large numbers of people. That is one of the really outrageous claims. What is a real problem is the idiot idea that if everybody walks around packing we'll all be safe. It didn't help much in the old West. I don't care if you keep your semi-automatic rifle, put in the closet, clean it and check it out at the range. The same with the big clips. If the government comes for you, load them up and defend yourself. Otherwise put them up. What the hell else are you going to do with them. Throw them up on your shoulder and pose for the press or the girls.
Trying to shift the balme onto the crazies doesn't work. This is a situation that takes two to tango. We have about as much chance of identifying and rounding up the crazies as we have of finding all the guns. I don't see much success in going after either one, only by working to control both will we have success.

subset: commoncrawl


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DeKalb County high school basketball teams moved on to the Class AAAAA state playoffs Final Four at the expense of fellow DeKalb teams on Tuesday night.
Miller Grove in Lithonia swept a pair of Top 10 match ups at home against fellow DeKalb and Region 6-AAAAA opponent Tucker to pick up two of the Final Four spots.
The No. 3 ranked and 2012 Class AAAA state champion Lady Wolverines (25-5) got nine fourth quarter points from senior guard Katie Hunt to rally for a 50-40 victory over the No. 2 ranked Tucker Lady Tigers (25-5).
Miller Grove trailed by as much as nine points (28-19) with 6:50 to play in the third quarter and had to chip away at the Tucker lead trailing just 33-30 on Klarissa Weaver's layup on a pass from Tashi Thompson as the period came to an end.
Hunt took over in the third period and gave Miller Grove its first lead (35-34) since a 6-5 at the 2:32 mark of the first quarter with a steal and foul for a three-point play with 7:02 to play in the game.
Nuba Jackson answered for Tucker with a three-pointer to regain the lead at 37-35, but Miller Grove got baskets from Shaquanda Durden and Thompson to take the lead for good at 40-38 with 5:07 to play in the game.
Hunt helped Miller Grove finish strong with a pair of steals that turned in a layup and two free throws to give the Lady Wolverines a 46-40 lead with 1:37 to play. Hunt finished off the game with two free throws for the final margin of 50-40.
Hunt finished with 13 points leading the Lady Wolverines while Klarissa Weaver added 10 points and nine rebounds. Nuba Jackson who had 14 first half points to help Tucker to a 24-17 halftime lead finished with a game-high 17 points.
Miller Grove goes to the Class AAAAA girls' Final Four against the winner of Effingham County (25-5) and Thomas County Central (18-10) with the game time set for 4 p.m. at Kennesaw State University on Saturday.
James Walker and Alterique Gilbert combined to lead a 12-0 fourth quarter rally to send No. 1 ranked Miller Grove (28-3) into the Final Four for the sixth consecutive season with a 60-55 victory over No. 6 Tucker (20-10).
Tucker which trailed 23-15 at the half put together a 10-0 run beginning at the 5:57 mark of the third quarter to take its first lead of the game on a dunk by Jabari Craig on a pass from Jon Dunmeyer. The 30-29 lead was aided by four consecutive free throws from Dunmeyer after a foul and technical on Miller Grove just before Craig's dunk.
Devanta Reynolds hit a pair of free throws with 5:07 to play to give the Tigers their largest lead of the night at 46-39.
The Wolverines went to a press and started forcing the Tigers into turnovers (9 in the fourth quarter) while Gilbert and then Walker took control.
Gilbert drove the lane to start the 12-0 with a floater over a Tucker defender and then hitting a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 46-43. Earl Bryant's layup trimmed it to 46-45 with 3:45 to play.
Walker then scored the next six points getting inside to benefit from a pair of nice feeds from Keith Pinckney and a tip in over a Tucker defender as Miller Grove regained the lead at 51-48 with 2:06 to play. His play was also aided by the Wolverine defense which forced a 10 second call on the Tigers brining the ball up the court and then a five second call on an inbounds play for two of the nine Tucker turnovers in the period.
Another Craig dunk and a Miller Grove turnover gave Tucker the ball trailing 57-52, but a turnover set up free throws by Walker and Pinckney to seal the victory.
Pinckney and Gilbert finished with 15 points leading Miller Grove while Walker collected 11 and had 9 rebounds. Devonta Reynolds had 15 points and Devante Fitzgerald and Jon Dunmeyer added 14 each for the Tigers.
The four-time Class AAAA state champions Wolverines move on to the Class AAAAA boys' semifinals against the No. 3 Northside-Columbus (22-4)-Jenkins-Savannah (22-8) winner at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at Kennesaw State University.
The No. 4 ranked Southwest DeKalb Lady Panthers (22-8) avenged an early season loss to fellow DeKalb and Region 6-AAAAA foe Stephenson in Stone Mountain by rallying from a 34-32 halftime deficit for a 67-60 victory over the No. 7 ranked Lady Jaguars (25-6).
Nicole Martin hit for 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Davion Wingate and Miaya Crowder added 15 points each in the victory.
Southwest moves into the state semifinals for the fifth time in six seasons and meets No. 5 Forest Park (24-7) in a game set for 7 p.m. at Kennesaw State University. Southwest defeated Forest Park 65-33 earlier in January and also knocked Forest Park out of the state playoff semifinals in 2010 on the way to their third consecutive Class AAAA state title.
In Class AAAA girls' state tournament play, the No. 1 ranked Columbia Lady Eagles (25-3) reached the state semifinals for the fourth consecutive season with convincing 68-27 victory on the road over River Ridge (22-9).
Columbia advances to take on No. 4 ranked Jonesboro (26-4) a 51-39 winner over Howard (20-8), in the 7 p.m. contest at Fort Valley State University on Saturday.
The No. 3 ranked Redan Lady Raiders (25-3) had their season come to an end as Sandy Creek (24-6), the No. 4 seed from Region 5, continues its run in the postseason with a 50-47 victory at Redan.
Tuesday, Feb. 26
Class AAAAA
SW DeKalb (22-8) 67, Stephenson (25-6) 60, season over
Miller Grove (25-5) 50, Tucker (25-5) 40, season over
Class AAAA
Sandy Creek (24-6) 50, Redan (25-3) 47, season over
Columbia (25-3) 68, River Ridge (22-9) 27
Class AAAAA
Miller Grove (28-3) 60, Tucker (20-10) 55
Wednesday, Feb. 27
Class AAAA
Marist (23-4) at Columbia (25-3), 6 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 2
Class AAAAA at Kennesaw State University
Miller Grove (28-3) vs. Northside-Columbus/Jenkins-Savannah winner, 8:30
Class AAAAA at Kennesaw State University
Miller Grove (25-5) vs. Effingham Co./Thomas Co. Central winner, 4 p.m.
SW DeKalb (22-8) vs. Forest Park (24-7), 7 p.m.
Class AAAA at Fort Valley State University
Columbia (25-3) vs. Jonesboro (26-4), 7 p.m.
Mark Brock is the Information Officer/Statistician/Web Manager for DeKalb County Schools Athletics
DeKalb Teams Reach Final Four With Tuesday Wins
Lithonia's Miller Grove is among those that have their way to the state tournament.
DeKalb County high school basketball teams moved on to the Class AAAAA state playoffs Final Four at the expense of fellow DeKalb teams on Tuesday night.
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Book your room at Americana Hotel
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Americana Hotel is ideally situated in a neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia called Crystal City across the Potomac River from Washington, D. C. Since 1963, our family-owned-and-operated hotel has never wavered from its commitment to complete guest satisfaction with every stay. Business and leisure travelers alike are sure to appreciate our comfortable accommodations and well-appointed amenities that include free shuttle service and a complimentary continental breakfast. We are only 1 mile from the Nations capital and within walking distance of two Metro stops. Americana Hotel is located in close vicinity to D. C. s major airports, convention centers, sports arenas, sightseeing attractions, universities, shopping hubs and dining destinations. Amidst all this excitement, it is easy to encounter unplanned expenses. We offer a number of value-added features to all of our guests Free Shuttle Service, Free Parking, Free Wireless Internet, and Free Continental Breakfast. When you are looking for a Washington D. C. area hotel, you will find our comfortable accommodations, courteous staff and great location to be an unbeatable combination.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
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After a long day of following the NHL's deadline deals, here's my top winners and losers from on trade market (in no particular order):
* Los Angeles - The Kings do everything well…except score goals. If F Marian Gaborik stays healthy (and with him, that's always a big if), he provides that dangerous offensive threat that has big, strong forwards like Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards up front. Better yet, the Kings reportedly got Columbus to pick up half of Gaborik's contract.
* Buffalo - The Sabres are still the worst team in the league standings. Expect them to rank near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, if not the league, next season. But the Sabres took a big step forward thanks to new GM Tim Murray's deals before and at the deadline.
Murray moved players he needed to move – G Ryan Miller (St. Louis) and F Matt Moulson (Minnesota). He also stockpiled picks that should lead to some top players – Erie Otters C Connor McDavid, perhaps? – over the next three years.
* N.Y. Islanders - GM Garth Snow waited until the last second to trade Vanek…and got way too little in return. Sadly, it could have been worse. The deadline could have passed without a deal, and the Islanders would have lost Vanek to free agency without getting absolutely nothing in return.
Meanwhile, Gillis didn't trade F Ryan Kesler, who apparently doesn't want to stay in Vancouver. It all makes sense, doesn't it?
* Winnipeg – The novelty surrounding the NHL's return to Winnipeg has worn off. It's time for the Jets to make the playoffs. So what was done for the stretch run? Nothing. Worse yet, the Jets lost promising rookie F Mark Scheifele to a reported knee injury.
Meanwhile, the jury is still out on…
* N.Y. Rangers - They need the offense newly
* Pittsburgh – It's difficult to second-guess an organization as successful as the Penguins. But they needed help on D, given the absence of Kris Letang and Paul Martin. Yet they acquired a pair of role players up front – Marcel Goc and Lee Stempniak.
*** McDavid and the 2015 NHL Entry Draft was a topic of conversation on the NHL trade deadline day. How did McDavid feel about that? Find out here…


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Your Guide to Maximizing Medicare
Choosing the best coverage options could save you hundreds of dollars a year
Linda Jones spent much of her late 50s and early 60s worrying about how she would find affordable health insurance if she lost the group medical benefits provided by her job at the University of Oklahoma. "I had to negotiate a deal with the university in order to stay employed and covered by their insurance until I reached Medicare age," says Jones, 66. She qualified for Medicare last year, which costs $96.40 each month and is automatically deducted from her Social Security check. Compared with individual policy costs, Jones's government health insurance is inexpensive. Still, Medicare alone won't cover all of her retirement medical expenses.
As Jones discovered, retirees must navigate Medicare's alphabet-soup application process and choose among competing prescription drug plans that may not cover all the necessary medications. Here's how to get the most out of the Medicare system:
Enroll right away. Medicare beneficiaries may sign up during a seven-month window beginning three months before their 65th birthday. Apply right away to avoid Medicare Part B premium increases of 10 percent for each 12-month period you delay enrollment. Seniors still employed and covered by a group health plan after age 65 should enroll within eight months of leaving the job to prevent the penalty. If you purchase a private Medigap policy within six months of signing up for Medicare Part B, insurance companies cannot refuse to sell you a policy or charge more because of health problems. Medigap policies, labeled A through L by the government, all have specific benefits so you can shop around based on price.
[Check out America's Best Affordable Places to Retire.]
Budget for uncovered costs. Medicare's out-of-pocket expenses can add up over your lifetime. The physician coinsurance, which is 20 percent, has no out-of-pocket limit, cautions Jonathan Gruber, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For example, if you used $100,000 of physician services in a year, you would owe $20,000. According to calculations by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a couple, both age 65 in 2009, will need $210,000 to have a 50 percent chance of affording their retirement medical needs. That number assumes the couple does not have employment-based retiree health benefits and purchases Medicare Part B medical insurance, Part D prescription drug coverage, and a Medigap policy.
EBRI's calculation is similar to Fidelity's estimate that a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2009 will need approximately $240,000 to cover retiree medical expenses. However, EBRI went further, stating that the couple will need $338,000 to have a 90 percent chance of being able to pay their medical bills. These estimates do not include the savings needed for long-term care, above-average prescription use, or the expenses associated with retiring before becoming eligible for Medicare—all of which could increase healthcare costs. "Most nursing home expenses aren't covered at all," cautions Jonathan Skinner, a professor of economics at Dartmouth. "Medicare will cover time in a skilled nursing facility for only a limited time." Other services not covered by Medicare include eye exams, dental care, eyeglasses, and hearing aids.
[See these Three Groups that Will Soon Face Higher Medicare Premiums.]
Compare prescription drug plans. Even though Medicare beneficiaries can choose from more than 40 prescription drug plans in each state, only 6 to 9 percent of seniors selected the lowest-cost plan for their drug needs in 2006, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis. Kaiser calculates that seniors could have saved an average of $360 to $520 annually by comparing prices. Dorothy Kostriken, 75, a family psychologist in Arcata, Calif., says she saved $800 after switching into a lower-cost prescription drug plan in January. "By shopping around, you can find a plan that is much cheaper," she says. "You have to have perseverance in looking at all the options." Compare expected out-of-pocket costs for drugs under the various local plans at medicare.gov. Retirees can switch into new plans once a year during the open enrollment period.


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Supporters have dubbed it the "Breaking Bad" bill.
For five seasons, the AMC TV series has been a hit for the cable network and an economic boon to the state of New Mexico, where the drama starring Bryan Cranston is set and produced.
Supporters have dubbed it the "Breaking Bad" bill.
For five seasons, the AMC TV series has been a hit for the cable network and an economic boon to the state of New Mexico, where the drama starring Bryan Cranston is set and produced.
Now that the series is shooting its final season, however, New Mexico is attempting to beef up its film incentive to attract new dramas to help restore the state's position as one of the leading destinations for film production outside of California.
PHOTOS: Hollywood Backlot moments
State legislators recently unanimously approved a bill that would boost New Mexico's TV production refundable tax credit to 30% from 25%. The incentive works like a rebate, giving filmmakers credit toward what they spend on crews and vendors in the state. To qualify, TV productions would have to film at least six episodes in New Mexico and hire local crews.
The credit also allows producers to bring in outside crews so long as they make a good faith effort to hire in state and contribute to local job training programs. Producers of feature films also could get an additional 5% rebate on what they spend to hire local crews.
If the state Senate and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez approve the bill, it could be passed as early as the spring, raising the competitive stakes for California, which offers a tax credit of 20% to 25% of qualified spending. The proposed legislation comes at a time when Los Angeles already has seen a sharp falloff in production of one-hour dramas and television pilots because of competition from New York and other states.
The proposed legislation also is intended to put New Mexico in a more competitive position relative to other states, especially Georgia, Louisiana and New York, that already offer a 30% credit.
New Mexico still attracts some big productions — "The Avengers" and "The Lone Ranger" filmed there — because of its proximity to L.A., its local crew base and varied geography. But it's no longer considered the chief rival to California as it was five years ago, when Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, aggressively courted the film industry with rebates, loans and job training programs. Massive new production facilities sprouted, and several vendors and support companies followed suit.
PHOTOS: Hollywood Backlot - 'Breaking Bad'
The state's film business fell off sharply after Martinez, a Republican who vowed to curtail government spending, proposed big cuts in the program in early 2011. Eventually, Martinez backed away from plans to gut the film and TV credit, but the state imposed new restrictions on the incentive, including a $50-million cap on annual tax credits.
Film spending in New Mexico in fiscal 2012 dropped nearly 20% to $225 million compared with fiscal 2011, according to the New Mexico Film Office.
"Any time a state makes public claims they may not support the program, it makes the industry very nervous," said Joe Chianese, a senior vice president at Entertainment Partners, which advises the industry on film and television tax credits. "These [proposed] changes are very positive and it demonstrates that they are very supportive of the industry."
Matt Rauchberg, senior vice president of Albuquerque Studios, which emerged from bankruptcy in September 2011, strongly backs the "Breaking Bad" bill.
"The last year was pretty slow," said Rauchberg, adding that "Breaking Bad" takes up two soundstages while six others are vacant. State lawmakers have a "perfectly clear understanding of the benefits of the film industry and they want to do anything they can to bring it back."
Filmmaker blends vintage photos with green screen technology in 'Saving Lincoln'
'Bukowski' movie helps spur modest rise in local film production
Duos lofty idea yields film spotlighting downtown L.A.
Where the cameras roll: Sample of neighborhoods with permitted TV, film and commercial shoots scheduled this week. Permits are subject to last-minute changes. Sources: FilmL.A. Inc., cities of Beverly Hills, Pasadena and Santa Clarita. Thomas Suh Lauder / Los Angeles Times
INTERACTIVE: TVs highest paid stars
ON LOCATION: People and places behind what's onscreen
PHOTOS: Hollywood back lot moments


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St. Louis, Mo. - November 18, 2011 - Despite career-best performances from seniors Lauren Torvi and Itza Nieves, the Springfield College women's volleyball team dropped a five-set battle to Carthage College in the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals on Friday afternoon.
The final set scores proved to by 24-26, 25-18, 25-21, 19-25, 15-6 in favor of Carthage.
Springfield's historic season comes to a close with a 34-3 record as it advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight for just the third time in program history since turning Division III. Carthage, which improved to 33-7, will take on Christopher Newport on Saturday at 3:30 in the NCAA Championship Semifinals. The Captains advanced to the national semifinals on Friday afternoon after rallying to defeat SUNY Cortland in four sets.
In the first ever meeting between the Pride and the Lady Reds, Torvi carried the Pride's offense, matching a career-high 22 kills at an incredible .435 clip. Nieves anchored the Pride's defense as she stymied the Carthage attack while posting a career-high 33 digs. Tessa Smolinski came on strong towards the end and finished with 18 kills and 11 digs, while Meaghan Hart notched 16 digs in her final collegiate game.
Michelle Madeja led Carthage with 20 kills. Cindy Cavanagh had 19 kills with a .516 attack percentage and three block assists, while Lauren Dembkowski added 14 kills. Setter Drewann Pancratz averaged 9.6 assists per set.
Springfield raced out to a 7-3 lead in the first set, as Torvi hahd her way early. However, Carthage rallied and eventually broke a 16-16 tied with four unanswered points to take a 20-16 lead. Carthage was up by three, 23-20, before the Pride battled back with three straight to tied the set at 23-23. Following a tie at 24-all, Springfield took the final two points for a 26-24 decision after consecutive Lady Red attack errors.
The Pride roared out of the gate to start the second set as it led 10-2 and forced the Lady Reds into both of their timeouts in the opening 12 points. However, Carthage would regroup and score 23 of the sets final 31 points to even the match at a set apiece. Following a point by the Pride to make it 15-11, the Lady Reds fired back with a 7-0 run to take a three-point lead, 18-15. Leading by two, 20-18, Carthage took the final five points to win by seven, 25-18.
Carthage took a 5-1 lead in set three, which eventually ballooned to five points, 14-9. The Pride pulled to within three at 21-18 after on big kill by Torvi, only to have Carthage run off three-straight points to go up by six, 24-18. After a tough two opening sets, Smolinski finally started to heat up and led Springfield to get back within three-points again, 24-21. The Lady Reds used another kill from Madeja to take a 2-1 lead.
Springfield put forth a dominating fourth-set performance as it racked up 18 kills and a sensational .514 clip after totaling a combined 31 kills in the first three sets. After inching out to an 11-6 lead in set four, the Lady Reds got it back to a point on three occasions, before Springfield opened up a four-point lead, 19-15. The Pride extended their margin to seven, 23-16 after a monster block by Smolinski and Mary Consol, before it forced a fifth set after another Smolinski kill.
A couple of Springfield miscues helped Carthage open up a 5-1 lead in the fifth set. After the Pride pulled to within two, 5-3, following a Consol ace, the Lady Reds took charge with a 10-3 spurt to close out the set with a 15-6 win. The Pride were limited to just two kills in the fifth, while Carthage posted 11 kills at a .435 clip.


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So many of you have ready DarqueKnights thread about re-wiring his SDA's with some decently expensive speaker wire. I am debating looking at doing this with my RTA 11TL's at some point in the future. I dont need too much length wise and since I am looking at long term upgrading these top to bottom slowly over time I thought this might be a easy for me to do tweak, like replacing the tweeters, adding dynamat & jbweld to the drivers and making armalex gaskets.
I am curious as to what gauge speaker wire you would recommend using (14 or 16), and some thoughts on a couple different cables I am debating using. I have a local hi-fi shop near me that will cut me a somewhat decent deal on the Audioquest speaker wire they sell by the foot. With also liking Kimber as a brand (but not sure if its right for this application) I kinda have the following list of possible cables.
I am still waiting to make any speaker cable or IC purchase on a demo of cables from DouglasConnection. As such if I go with his speaker cables I may use the same or similar cable internally so the speakers are wired from amp to driver with the same cables. This would probably be the same if I went with Kimber so I would more than likely be using 4VS internally if its something people would suggest using.
I am open to ANY other suggestions or thoughts about this. Keep in mind this is all in the planning stages at this point.
AudioQuest Type 2 CL3 - 2.95 a foot
AudioQuest Type 4 CL3 - 4.95 a foot
AudioQuest G2 - price unknown
AudioQuest X2 - price unknown
Kimber Kable 4PR ~ 6 bucks per foot but not sure how easy to work with it is
Kimber Kable 4VS ~ 12.20 per foot but not sure how easy to work with it is
Kimber Kable KWIK-16 - 1.40 per foot available in 20 foot spool
Kimber Kable KWIK-12 - 2.50 per foot but only available in 50 foot spool
DouglasConnection DIY cable -
Comments/suggestions welcome.


text: The people who put "Les Misérables" on screen dreamed a mighty dream, they really did. They dreamed of filming one of the most popular of modern theatrical musicals — 60 million tickets sold in 42 countries and 21 languages since its 1980 Paris debut — in a way that had not been done before, enhancing the emotion of what was already a hugely emotional piece. And, despite some built-in obstacles, they succeeded to a surprising extent.


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A five-car collision was the scene of a drunken-driving arrest last week.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
A 45-year-old Milwaukee man was said by witnesses to be driving 70 to 80 mph in the 1700 block of North Mayfair Road when he slammed into a car trying to change lanes at 2:19 p.m. Dec. 10.
That car caromed off his and into another car, causing a chain reaction.
A 50-year-old man was sent to the hospital as a result of the collision.
The Milwaukee man was found behind the wheel with glassy eyes, slurred speech and smelling of alcohol.
Police also found 4.5 grams of marijuana on the man. He admitted to drinking one and a half 24-ounce cans of beer before taking a muscle relaxer.
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Home / Agriculture
The new field general is here: the R4045 Sprayer. 346 horses. 1,200-gal. tank. Up to 120-ft. booms. Imagine the acres you can conquer.
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See It. Drive It. Own It.Take the time to test drive a John Deere so you can experience the difference for yourself.
Find the equipment that best meets your needs with our Product Selector.
A strategy for your business, John Deere FarmSight™ integrates technology and equipment to link operators, farm managers, and dealers. You can gather and manage information about your operation easier than ever before.
You won't find a better investment for pulling heavy-duty scrapers.
ExactEmerge™ and MaxEmerge™ 5
The all-new John Deere family of row units


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In a wildlife program unlike any other seen before, you will journey to discover the story of life itself. This program examines the long held beliefs that have been the foundation of natural selection for more than 150 years. How much can animals change? Why do so many species depend upon one another to survive? Where does instinct and intelligence come from? And what do the designs of creatures alive today reveal about their history?
Learn about the abilities of parrot fish and dolphins, the habits of ostriches and wildebeast, and the skills and instincts of cheetahs, giraffes and lions.
Filmed and researched over a five year period in more than ten different countries, Life's Story explores all these issues and many more in one of the most visually stunning and informative wildlife productions available today.


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Tagged: maymay
Download Flau Records' FADER Mix
Lately I've been smitten with the dainty, organic sounds released by Flau, the Japanese indie label run by Yasuhiko Fukuzono (who also records and DJs as aus). The records Flau releases are sonically quite diverse, … read more »
POSTED August 28, 2012 12:45PM IN MP3 / STREAMS Comments (3) TAGS: aus, cuushe, Electronic/Dance, Fader Mix, flau, madegg, maymay
Video: MayMay, "All Is Still"
The debut, self-titled EP from Portland singer/songwriter Laurel Simmons' MayMay project comes out today, though the songs were recorded four years ago, in 2008. "All Is Still" features cello accompaniment by Heather Woods Broderick, of … read more »
POSTED April 16, 2012 2:45PM IN MUSIC VIDEO TAGS: folk, maymay, Portland


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TERRE HAUTE — The following individuals were Booked into the Vigo County Jail by area law enforcement on Wednesday and Thursday, based on jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers but are not final until the Vigo County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
Whitney R. Shaw, 22, 800 block of East Royce Drive, Terre Haute. Booked 7:34 a.m. Operating while intoxicated.
Kelvin R. McCloud, 49, 1400 block of Maple Avenue, Terre Haute. Booked 3:10 p.m. Failure to appear (two counts) and false reporting.
Shaughn M. Haring, 41, 5400 block of Lagoon Court, Terre Haute. Booked 3:52 p.m. Receiving stolen property.
Rafael A. Santana Jr., 31, 3100 block of West 17th Street, Cleveland. Booked 4:08 p.m. Probation violation.
Ebony L. Ford, 22, no address, Terre Haute. Booked 4:31 p.m. Probation violation.
Christopher L. DeMoss, 30, 4400 block of East County Road 850 North, Otwell. Booked 4:48 p.m. Probation violation.
Jeremiah D. Jackson, 30, 300 block of South Meridian, Jasonville. Booked 4:54 p.m. Failure to appear.
Jesse K. Laffoon, 29, 2300 block of Fifth Avenue, Terre Haute. Booked 5:08 p.m. Failure to appear.
Rachel A. Meneely, 30, 2300 block of Fifth Avenue, Terre Haute. Booked 5:18 p.m. Bond revocation.
Roberto Linarez Jr., 20, 10 Foulkes Drive, Terre Haute. Booked 5:37 p.m. Bond revocation.
Chad E. Downey, 35, 2000 block of Park Street, Terre Haute. Booked 7:19 p.m. Probation violation (two counts).
Jerry D. Smith, 22, 1400 block of South 25th Street, Terre Haute. Booked 9:48 p.m. Failure to appear.
Adrian M. Mullenix, 32, 3400 block of East County Road 100 North, Centerpoint. Booked 11:10 p.m. Operating while intoxicated and failure to appear.
Amy R. Keller, 39, 1400 block of Fourth Avenue, Terre Haute. Booked 1:14 a.m. Operating while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance.
Christopher L. Morgan, 28, 1900 block of North 30th Street, Terre Haute. Booked 1:19 a.m. Failure to appear.
Kiana D. Johnson, 20, 1600 block of South Center Street, Terre Haute. Booked 1:35 a.m. Battery.
Ryshawn Thornton, 22, 2300 block of Tippecanoe Street, Terre Haute. Booked 3:08 a.m. Possession of marijuana/hash and operating while intoxicated.
Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


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When did hiding meaning in one's work become acceptable?
Among contemporary artists, especially those who work abstractly, it's become the norm.
More Songs about Buildings and Food: Michael Gable and Natalie Petrosky, on view at Summit Artspace through Feb. 23, offers many fine examples of how (and perhaps why) today's young artists do it.
This strong show of handsome abstract paintings and drawings is filled with work in which meaning, content, and most references to outside influences have been obscured, or partially or wholly obliterated.
Even the exhibit's title underscores the compulsion to conceal. It comes from a 1978 Talking Heads album that according to artist Mike Gable "speaks to the variety of references in my work and my reluctance to accept them."
His co-exhibitor, Natalie Petrosky, says something similar about her work, in which she uses thread to wrap, bind, stitch and draw objects and imagery onto her paintings. She also says she stitches "images or sentences into the backside of a canvas and let the under-stitching show on the front … to obscure valuable content underneath, while maintaining the structure of the image."
Likewise, says Gable, "I build stuff up and wipe things off using a lot of turpentine" so that images aren't too recognizable or focus too much on just one area.
Many of Gable's paintings seem to reference Monet's Water Lilies paintings, especially the mossy green depths between images of floating flowers.
Monet did paint about concealed or secret thoughts, but these were meant to evoke a poetical reading of his work, not to hide its meaning entirely. We can sense that in the darkened depths of his late works, where it becomes more and more obvious that he is looking into water and thinking about eternity. As we look at these Monet paintings, we become aware of the depth beneath the surface and the unknown that lingers there.
But in Gable's works, which so beautifully evoke watery reflections, imagery is obscured in order to conceal, not reveal.
That's not to say that nothing is revealed.
We see that the focus in Gable's work is refracted, as it would be in the slightly disturbed surface of standing water, say in a street puddle where traffic is constantly causing the water to slightly tremble and blur or break apart the reflected image.
But we feel that something has been removed from these images, something is hidden or missed. It's as if we see the standing water as we pass it by, going too fast to catch it completely.
In Petrosky's paintings, on the other hand, her penchant for needlework, either as binding or as "under-stitching," comes across as addition, not subtraction.
We feel that she's striving to bring serendipity into her compositions, or at the very least, to rid it of an abundance of intentionality, reflecting the need that so many contemporary artists have to undermine the craftsmanship that they worked in the early part of their artistic journey to master.
Her needlework-enhanced paintings are thus simultaneously inclusive and exclusive, mysterious and attractive, foreign and familiar.
What prompts these artists and others to call upon strategies of obfuscation, obliteration and ambiguity? Why are we made to puzzle at their endeavors?
Partly, it's a strategy to slow us down. We've become so adept at reading images, what with movies and television where each picture only lasts a few seconds, that artists must do something to make us stop and look.
And it's part of our abstract arts heritage where recognizable imagery is frowned upon and every effort is made to focus instead upon the surface of the work, the texture, the brushwork, the "happy accidents" that drive away thoughts of the labor-intensiveness (i.e., craftsmanship) in a work of art.
We are told to bring our own thoughts, insights, knowledge and abilities to each work. We are told we get out of a work what we bring to it, and to be fair that's what we're asked to do with dance, poetry, music, architecture or any of the other forms of art that populate our world.
It's just more difficult to accept in the visual arts because for so long they were our only form of representation. They were our "photographs," and we were encouraged to look upon the craftsmanship, the precision and accuracy of the work's ability to represent reality.
But the visual arts are no longer our only cameras, nor are they our only means of seeing the world objectively.
We have mechanical and digital devices that do that without the need (or the ability on their own) to think, compose, manipulate and/or edit.
What the visual arts do today (or what many think they should do) is to make us pause, really look and perhaps even think.
That's what this show does, and it does it quite well.
Dorothy Shinn writes about art and architecture for the Akron Beacon Journal. Send information to her at the Akron Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Freshman applications to University of California schools for the 2013 school year reached a record high of more than 174,700, with Latinos making up the largest portion of applicants for the first time.
All nine undergraduate campuses saw an increase in freshman applicants from the previous year, with a systemwide increase of 10.7%, according to figures released by the UC system Friday. Latino students accounted for 32%.


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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iowa Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the Senate passed the five-year, bipartisan farm bill sending it to the president for his signature.
Loebsack has been fighting for over two years to get a long term, comprehensive farm bill passed and sent to the president in order to give Iowa farmers and rural communities the stability they need. Loebsack led the fight to ensure the bill would include robust funding for the Energy Title, which gives farmers and rural small businesses the ability to continue to create jobs and grow the rural economy in a value-added and sustainable way.
"I am pleased that the farmers and rural communities across Iowa and the nation will finally be able to have the stability they need to make decisions and investments that create jobs with confidence. This long-term bill will finally put an end to the year-to-year uncertainty. I am optimistic that the President will swiftly sign this bipartisan legislation into law."


text: Ready for some savage mutant action? Yeah you are. Feast your eyes on this exclusive clip from Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines in which one of the mutants stabs a girl and force-feeds her her own entrails. Nice. If you couldn't tell from that description, this might be just a teensy bit NSFW. Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines is out now on blu-ray and DVD. up124


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In trying to explain the correct golf swing and perfect follow-through to 14 energetic youngsters at Anderson Park last Wednesday, Carrboro Recreation and Parks SNAG (Starting New at Golf) instructor Shelton Higgins used an analogy he felt was relevant to youngsters.
"Strike a pose," Higgins said to the generation fed a diet of Picasa, Twitter Pix and Instagram, with the obligatory helping of "selfies." "Swing, follow through, and strike a pose for the camera."
The challenge of making golf relatable to young athletes strikes at the heart of the four-week introductory program, which teaches children aged 7-12 the basic grip, alignment, posture, etiquette and the core values of sportsmanship, all through fun and engaging activities.
"We try to teach core values – respect, courtesy, honesty – but we use golf as the vehicle," said Higgins, who added that the program follows a time-tested and successful format.
"We have lesson plan that are followed by each chapter. We go through training, and we all use the same course that generates success. This is our outreach program, and it meets four times. We also have our core ('First Tee') program which lasts for eight weeks," he said.
While the programs themselves mean business, the tools of the trade look fun, colorful, and unintimidating.
"The equipment utilized as part of the First Tee National School Program's SNAG initiative is modified, developmentally appropriate golf equipment consisting of oversized clubs, tennis-style balls, and a variety of targets," the First Tee of the Triangle website ( www.thefirstteetriangle.org) stated.
Starting with SNAG for first-timers, young golfers graduate to different levels according to their experience and abilities.
"When kids first come out, they're at the 'Player' level," Higgins explained, "and then there are tests and book skills they have to know to graduate and go to the 'Par' level. From 'Par,' they go to 'Birdie;' from 'Birdie' they go to 'Eagle,' and from 'Eagle' they go to 'Ace.'"
Higgins said the overall program is designed for kids of all abilities however.
"We work with everyone from the next Tiger Woods to the next, well … not Tiger Woods," he said, chuckling, "But there are tons of kids with talent, especially in our (top) programs. Two of the top players from our program are a guy and a girl right now, and they've now played Pebble Beach. I had a seven-year old in my program who was a North Carolina champion."
Begun 13 years ago as the vision of local developers and "kid advocates," the First Tee of the Triangle has since worked with thousands young people in Wake County elementary schools as part of the First Tee National School Program.
"The mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf," according to the First Tee national website (www.thefirsttee.org).
Having just moved to Chapel Hill from Norway, Tom and Tone Winsgaard saw a flier for the program at Scroggs Elementary School, where their sons Magnus, 12, and Jesper, 10, go to school.
"This is their first time," Tom Winsgaard said. "We just found out about it yesterday."
While most youngsters' first inclination is to try to power the shot, Magnus Winsgaard was already ahead of the game.
"I like controlling (the shot)," he said. "I'm working on technique."
Brandon McMahon, 7, echoed the mature approach to the game.
"I like hitting at the targets," he said.
For Maya Peterson, 7, it was all about "smashing" the ball, and after the first lesson, she talked about lesson two the entire week that followed.
"I liked the hitting part," Maya's friend Mavis Harrison, 7, echoed.
Higgins was pleased with the turnout for the program, promoted through Carrboro Recreation and Parks.
"We started with 11, and I think we're up to 14 kids now," he said. "14's a good number. I've had some classes with around 30. Usually I try to have around seven for each instructor."
Working with Higgins was Garrett Davitt, who works at the Old Chatham Golf Course and volunteers his time with the kids.
"(It's enough) just to see them get excited about the game," Davitt said. "I just like being around these kids: they're great."
Carrboro Recreation and Parks recreation supervisor Charles Harrington said the program would likely be offered again in the spring.
"Our hope is to continue our partnership with The First Tee of the Triangle again next spring with classes likely in April or May," Harrington said. "Once the dates have been established, they'll be included in our winter/spring brochure which will be released in December for registration beginning in early January, and the cost will be $10 per person."
For more information on Carrboro's next SNAG program, visit the Carrboro Recreation and Parks website at www.carrbororec.org or call (919) 918-7364.
Higgins said he hopes the kids he's reaching this fall will continue with First Tee programs in the future.
"We teach them the basics that build a strong foundation, but this is entry level here, so a goal is to eventually get them onto a golf course," he said. "Hopefully they'll be interested in one of our core programs on the golf course with real clubs."
Like a perfect golf swing, the SNAG program itself all about the follow-through. All that's left is to "strike a pose."


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Awesome. If you're looking for a car track set, look no further. First, the set comes with two cars that have LED lights on the bottom (you can change the settings to adjust the type of pattern the car will leave on the track). Yes, the cars leave a trace of LIGHT. Did we mention that the tracks will light up in the dark from the LED lights? Our testers loved both leaving LED on all the way--this lit up the entire inside of the track or putting the LED lights on pulse...which left a broken pattern on the track. Either way - this is a hit. The tracks go together well and come with suction cups so that you can make two ramps and race the cars. The company tells us that there is a patent pending, we just know this is sooo much fun.
Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
If you're a fan of Hot Wheels Wall Tracks, you'll want to know about this latest addition to the line. The Power Tower features a central corkscrew track that brings the cars up to the top of the structure. Comes with one Hot Wheels car (we always think these sets should come with at least two!) and the magical 3M Command Strips that make it possible to temporarily place the structure on the wall. (We'd recommend not placing on wallpaper. During one of our first trials we did not pull the strip down sufficiently and as a result removed some paint from the wall. This was on us. If you follow the instructions, the Command Strips work well.)
This set kept three of our toy testers well entertained. What's nice about these sets is that they can be combined with others to create a truly amazing wall of tracks. Something some of us only dreamed about as kids!
Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
We asked our 19-year old summer intern, Matthew Weinstein, to test this vehicle and give us a review. This was the right toy for the right tester! Here is his review: "One of the most thrilling toys to come through in quite a while. The Porsche will have children and parents jumping up and down with excitement. The car itself is a thing of beauty that matches its real counterpart. Through use of a free app the user connects to the Porsche with Bluetooth. Once connected the car's movement can be controlled two ways. The first uses modern tilting-technology to accelerate and turn the car, while the second method utilizes two old fashioned joysticks that appear on the screen of your device. The latter is much easier to control. The joysticks allow a precision of movement that the wildness of tilting a device does not. The Porsche also comes fully equipped with hazard and head-lights. This SilverLit product is as near perfection as a remote controlled R/C can get, but I�ll have to wait for the bat-mobile version with working rocket boosters before I am truly happy."
Age: Later School Years, Tweens, Teens, Adult. Award Year: 2012.
The latest in the line of RC vehicles from Mattel's Tyco line. It moves forward, it does circles--most interestingly, it moves side to side. With a range of 65 feet, you can really put this car to the test on all types of terrain. We did not have access to snow (it promises to handle snow as well). Our big complaint was that the vehicle does not come with the charger (an additional $30) - making this a $90 remote control vehicle. Apart from the expense, we're really much happier (as are our testers) when everything is included.
Age: Later School Years, Tweens, Teens. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
"Amazingly fast" for such a small rc car was the uniform reaction the RC Nitro Speeders. Comes with it's own carrying case that also serves as the charger and remote control. We tested the Mustang, but there are other vehicles in this micro line of racers including a Chevy Camero and a Ford Fiesta. We would be careful with these cars around pets that may mistake them for a snack!
Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
Star Wars fans are likely to have this remote controlled Millennium Falcon on the top of their wish list. It is very lightweight and takes a certain amount of practice to get it to fly well which is the only reason it's not on the Platinum List. It's not the type of toy that you can hand off to your 8 year old and they will be good to go right from the start. That said our tween and teen testers really liked adjusting the trim and working on their own ability to work the remote control. And it is the Millennium Falcon after all!
Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens, Teens. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
Our testers gave this Iron Man inspired RC a rave review. Red, yellow with a big thick bumper in the front--this car was easy to steer. The "controllers work really well", "it really moves fast!" noted our kid testers and the parents commented that they really like the moderate price. Silverlit also has a sleeker (all black and grey) RC for older fans ($29.99). The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.
Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
We're going to start with the warning. This amazing toy comes with three loose small batteries (the kind that look like metal buttons). Now while this toy is marked for 8 & up as a result, we know that Hot Wheels are bought for much younger kids. We almost decided to pass on this toy entirely because these batteries can pose a safety risk to small children. That said, the toy is appropriately marked and it is super cool. If you have an adult in your life that longs for the Hot Wheels of their childhood, you need to get them one of these! Ok, here's how it works. The car goes completely flat. That's right. It collapses so that you can put it into the flat controller. Yes, I said controller--the controller doubles as the case but also is actually the controller for your RC HOT WHEELS!! Unbelievable but true. One of our favorites of the season!
Age: Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
Hands down one of those super cool toys that everyone wants a turn trying. The new DISNEY TRON movie will launch December 17th and while we haven't seen the movie, we can tell you that the toys are fun. The Tron Legacy Zero Gravity RC will drive all over your walls AND upside down. To add to the fun, it lights up as it goes leaving a light trail. The vehicle is controlled by a wireless remote control and can go both backwards and forwards pretty quickly. The sound is a tad too loud (so that if you're supposed to be asleep you're parents will know you're still playing with this great vehicle).
Age: Later School Years, Tweens, Teens. Award Year: 2010.
Wow! was pretty much the universal review of the new remote-controlled helicopter from Spinmaster with a built in video camera. "It really works" noted one of our senior toy testers. The age range is appropriately marked 12 & up. The on-board video camera can capture five minutes of video and is meant to be used indoors exclusively (of course our toy testers enjoyed bending the rules on this one). Our testers also thought the video was decent- (320 x 240 pixels at full color). It can also capture photos at 640 x 480. Comes with its own USB cable so that you can download the files on your computer. The company has also added a video eiditing platform at www.airhogs.com. Takes 3AAA batteries but you can charge the heli through your computer. The batteries are for the controller.
Our testers also really loved the control they had over the new Missile Launching Helicopter--but even our tween and teen testers thought the actual missiles (hard plastic projectiles) were not particularly a safe bet. They did think that it was the most sensitive heli they had played with and were able to land it on particular pieces of furniture (and cross beams!) in their house. We love when kids tell us that we should tell the company to replace the missles with foam or just get rid of them altogether!
The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.
Age: Later School Years, Tweens, Teens. Award Year: 2010.
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Instructions for submitting product to the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio for review.
Contact the Toyportfolio by phone at (212) 598-0502 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Products reviewed by the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio are provided by the manufacturer at their cost. The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio does not require or accept fees for reviewing products.


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Location: Walla Walla, Washington
Website: http://www.whitman.edu
Type: Private
Federal Circuit: 9th Circuit
Whitman College has been given the speech code rating Red. A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Read more here.
Red Light Policies
Student Handbook: Sexual Harassment 13-14
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies, StatementExamples...include: Unwelcome statements, jokes, gestures, pictures, intentional nonconsensual
touching of an intimate body area, gender-based bullying, stereotyping, or
other conduct that demeans, harasses, or intimidates.
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Harassment 13-14
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies, StatementCovert or overt abuse, harassment, or intimidation of members of the college
community or others is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment
on the basis of race, ethnic origin, disability, creed, gender, or sexual orientation.
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Disruptive Conduct 13-14
Speech Code Category: Policies on Tolerance, Respect, and Civility, StatementLewd, indecent, obscene expressions or disorderly conduct that infringes on the
rights of others or disrupts the educational mission of the college is prohibited.
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Information Technology Policies 13-14
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies, StatementActivities that violate the Acceptable Use Policy include, but are not limited to, those in the following list:
Using electronic mail or other Information Technology resources to abuse, harass, or intimidate members of the college community and others on any basis including race, ethnic origin, creed, gender, or sexual orientation. Users are reminded that sexually suggestive materials displayed inappropriately in public places, the classroom, or the workplace may constitute sexual harassment.
Action Against Hate: Definitions 13-14
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech, StatementThe key difference between hate crimes and hate incidents (or bias incidents - the two terms are often used interchangeably) is that hate crimes are acts included under hate crime laws and hate incidents are not. The motivation for both is the same - bias against a particular group of people - but hate incidents are not, technically, crimes. They are often covered under campus conduct rules; at Whitman, a hate incident may be addressed in this way if the perpetrator is a Whitman student, staff member, or faculty member.
Student Handbook: Student Rights and Responsibilities- Statement of Rights 13-14
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression, StatementEvery student has a right to conditions which are conducive to learning and favorable to the pursuit of higher education. These rights include freedom of speech, expression, and association ....


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|Release Date: August 26, 2011
|Running Time: 107 mins.
|MPAA Rating: PG 13
|Box Office: $36,665,854.00
|Genre: Action, Drama, Foreign, Thriller
• Check Out 'Colombiana' Starring Zoe Saldana On Blu-ray, DVD Dec. 20
• Spotted: Zoe Saldana Shopping For A Christmas Tree
• 'Contagion' Tops Weekend Box Office
• 'The Help' Once Again Wins Weekend Box Office
• Zoe Saldana: 'I Didn't Suffer A Nervous Breakdown'
More News >>
Zoe Saldana
Jordi Mollà
Lennie James
Amandla Stenberg
All Cast & Crew >>
Summary:Cataleya is a young woman who has grown up to be an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child. Turning herself into a professional killer and working for her uncle, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to hunt down and get revenge on the mobster responsible for her parents' deaths.
Photo Gallery:
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4960 Vera Cruz Rd # Em, Emmaus, PA 18049
In addition to picnic pavilions and athletic fields, Upper Milford's largest park contains a chunk of woods. In that…More woods are shallow depressions that some people might dismiss as the kinds of holes created when high winds uproot large trees. In fact, the indentions are the only remaining evidence that Native Americans quarried jasper from pits throughout this area for thousands of years before European settlers drove them out.
The smooth but sharp stone, which comes in autumn hues of red, brown and yellow, was worked into arrowheads, knives and other tools. Objects fashioned from this jasper have have found in archeological sites in several neighboring states.


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Q. My son ordered a skin care treatment for his acne from the television. It had a money back guarantee written on the box. It stated if you are unhappy with the product to return with 30 days. He was unhappy and returned the product within the allotted time. The company ended up charging his credit card. When he contacted the skin care company they said the product was never received. My son tried to dispute this charge with his credit card company. The credit card company told him he would have to work this out with the skin care company. What can be done?
A. The problem is there is no proof that the product was returned. What your son should have done was send the product back to the company by certified mail, return receipt requested. This way the company would have to have signed the receipt showing it was received. This would have protected your son. I understand the guarantee on the box never stated for it to be sent certified mail, but without it, it's your son's word against theirs; and of course they are going to stick by their story. The Bucks County Consumer Protection agency advises to write a letter to the skin care company disputing the charge. Keep a copy of the dispute letter for yourself. If they don't respond, contact us and we will try to mediate for you. Consumers who need to return an item should always take the time to go to the post office and send the item back certified mail, return receipt requested. It will cost you a few dollars, but in the long run it can save you a lot of money and aggravation.


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|Item Price
Items 0
Magnificent find from Bordeaux's 2010 vintage
This little gem is one of our favourite discoveries for some time.
It was sent to us to taste by Frederic Casteja of Borie Manoux, the name behind such prestigious Châteaux as Batailley, Trottevielle and Domaine de l'Eglise. The fruit is sourced from a property in the Entre deux Mers region and bottled by Borie Manoux at their cellars. Naturally, our interest was piqued and we are delighted to report the wine did not disappoint.
Very fragrant with notes of raspberry, plum and gentle spice. Pure and fresh with velvety red fruits on the palate and soft rounded tannins. Blended from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, this is medium bodied, soft and easy drinking and made in a classic style. Very enjoyable with summer pasta dishes or simply grilled meats.
|Drink By Dec 2016
|Bottle Size 750.0 cl
|Alcohol 13.0 %
|Serve at °C


text: Home Sweet Home Personalized Vinyl Wall Art - Current Catalog Shopping Cart: 0 items Sign up for exclusive email promotions Checks Address Labels Greeting Cards Holidays and Events Gift Ideas Personalized Gifts For Your Home Auto Accessories For Your Kitchen Health and Personal Care Household Helpers Indoor Décor Magnets Outdoor Decor Wall Décor Wall Canvas Wall Prints Wall Vinyl Décor Wall Plaques Rugs and Mats Stationery Personalized Stationery Calendars Home Office Wrapping Paper Photo Gift Center Dollar Deals Sale Home > For Your Home > Wall Décor Home Sweet HomePersonalized Vinyl Wall Art Personalized Free! Add this traditional quote to your home décor, then personalize it with your family name! Vinyl wall art adheres right to your wall and is easy as 1, 2, 3!1. Rub customized design onto transfer tape.2. Position exactly where you want it.3. Burnish onto wall.That's all there is to it! You'll love the way it looks. To remove, simply heat with a blow dryer and peel away; leaves no sticky residue. Black lettering; 7 1/2" x 18".Specify 1 line, up to 18 characters and spaces. Product Code Product Description Qty Price 476557 Home Sweet HomePersonalized Vinyl Wall Art $12.99 This item requires personalization. NOTE: To avoid errors, please do not refresh this page or hit the back button while we process your order. All-Occasion CountryValue Pack Was: $8.99Now: $6.99 Bright BirthdayStickers $4.00 Home|Featured Merchants|Tips|Contact Us|Privacy & Security|Site Map|1-800-848-2848|Request Free Catalog © 1998, 2014 Current USA, Inc.


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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Larry got a behind the scenes of Coast Guard Florida.
Larry interviewed Al Roker and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard about a brand new show on the Weather Channel featuring the brave men and women of the Coast Guard in Florida.
Every Wednesday there's a new episode highlighting one of the most under-appreciated branches of the military.
This is based off the popular show Coast Guard Alaska. Al Roker helped create and produce this show and Larry talked to him about how busy he is and what to expect this season.


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'God Prepared Me for This': Interview with Jerry Jenkins
Jerry Jenkins talks about how Left Behind has changed his life.
BY: Interview by Paul O'Donnell
How has the series changed your relationship with the Lord?
I feel the accountability and stewardship pressures of both the resources and the visibility. If anything, because it has happened over the last few years--I'm 54 now--it has, if anything, humbled me. That might not have been the case 20 years ago. I want to finish well.
Do you consider yourself anointed or tasked by God to write these books?
I can't say I've felt particularly anointed or tasked, but in a strange way I do feel God prepared me for this. This is not false humility, but there have been times when I wondered why He didn't choose a better writer if He was going to pour out His blessing on a series like this. But I was raised in this tradition, knew this story, believed it, studied it, spent decades in the writing trenches, and even the way I was raised allowed me to interact with respect and deference to Dr. LaHaye. It's just been an incredible ride, and who knows, we may try something like it again soon.
You're in an enviable position, with almost complete freedom to write what you want. Is there anything you'd like to write but feel you couldn't get away with it?
I have a novel burning in me, but don't even consider that I wouldn't get away with it. Book two of my Soon trilogy, "Silenced," comes out in July. Down the road, I can't wait to get to the one I have in mind.
Some say Left Behind has bred an expectation that catastrophic events are leading to a better world, not a worse one. Do you agree?
That type of an assessment comes from someone who has not read the books but thinks he or she knows what's in them. The first chapter of the first book begins with the Rapture, which ushers in a seven-year period of tribulation that will be the absolute worst time in history. Our message is that we are coming to that time, possibly soon, and no one should want to be left behind to have to experience it. During the Rapture when believers are snatched away from the earth, chaos will ensue, with their cars, trucks, buses and planes crashing, etc. So many unbelievers will die from that alone. Of the people who survive the Rapture, only one in four will remain seven years later.
After that, yes, Christ returns to set up his 1,000-year reign on earth and that will be idyllic, but nothing that's happening now is leading to that. It's leading first to the horrible tribulation period.
You and Dr. LaHaye count among the successes of Left Behind the number of people who have come to Christ after reading one of the books. Has one book this power more than the others?
The first book, primarily. But we have been careful to weave into every book's story what we like to call a believable, reproducible conversion experience that includes a character praying the prayer of faith. People often tell us they prayed that prayer along with the character. Between us, Dr. LaHaye and I have heard personally from more than 3,000 such people.
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The mission of the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI) is to provide cutting-edge professional development to school district superintendents and other senior education executives to inspire innovation and leadership excellence in K12 education.
This mission is accomplished through top-tier live events focused on intensive networking and collaboration with innovative solution providers, and through engagement in virtual communities to promote ongoing discussion, debate, and the sharing of professional resources and leadership initiatives.
Did you know that District Administration has both a daily email newsletter containing K12 news, contracts awarded and product announcments as well as a monthly newsletter for District CIOs? Subscribe here.
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YOU'RE PLANNING TO COME (BACK) TO JAMAICA, BUT HAVE SOME CRITICAL QUESTIONS RIGHT?For example:
BE HONEST with me now, do you really feel that you know all that you need to?
Well, The Jamaica Insider Guide is finally here, with all that and a lot more must have information - compiled by yours truly!
First hand, practical, highly organized, easy to read, 'inside' tips & tricks that you can download, print and take with you right now - first time or 25th time!
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Jamaica Insider Guide illustrates a very informative overview of the island of Jamaica; the most complete impression of culture, people and places that I have ever come across.
Wellesley, this is your best work yet, and even when it seems that you have already done it all with my-island-jamaica.com; still you continue to excel and inspire!" -Karrie, CaribbeanFunCruises.com
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|"Wellesley I have always known that my country is a superb place to vacation and your ebook has confirmed it with all the superlatives :)
I have learnt so much and as I read, my mind is racing as to how many places I shall visit now each month with my girls!
Thanks again for this 1" - Cheryl, Kingston
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Troup resigns as Southside boys basketball coach
Tue. July 23, 2013 at 11:02 p.m. | By J.J. Hicks Staff Writer
Southside boys basketball coach Kevin Troup resigned from the position Tuesday. (Photo by Nick Johnston | Gadsden Times | File)
Kevin Troup resigned Tuesday as the boys varsity basketball coach at Southside High School.
Troup's resignation was accepted at an Etowah County Board of Education meeting Tuesday, as was the recommendation for his replacement, Chad Holderfield.
Troup had been the Panthers' coach since 2007. He led the school to four Etowah County tournament championships and a pair of area titles in his six seasons at the helm. In 2010, Southside reached the Northeast Regional for the first time in school history. He led the Panthers to a 107-57 record during his time there.
"Kevin decided to resign as the basketball coach," Southside athletic director and football coach Marty Smith said. "He will continue to teach. He has handled everything with class."
Troup turned in his letter of resignation on July 15.
"Nothing was wrong at Southside," Troup said. "Everything at Southside was great. All the parents, the community were great."
Troup and Smith cited family reasons for the change — specifically, Troup's daughter, Haley, who will be entering her freshman year when the school term begins in August.
"Haley has decided that she wants to go back to Gadsden City and play with the girls that she grew up with. Kevin, being the father that he is, wanting to make sure he can see her play and support her, decided to step back as coach," Smith said. "That was the only reason for his resignation, as far as I know. Kevin is a good family man who believes in that bond.
"Haley was not unhappy at Southside. She enjoyed playing for coach (Kim) Nails and the girls we have here. I understand and support the family's decision."
"I thought at first that I could balance it," Kevin Troup said of continuing to coach at Southside while his daughter attended Gadsden City and played basketball for the Titans. "She went to Mitchell School from kindergarten through fourth grade and has always maintained a close relationship with that group of friends. I looked at it every way I could to try and balance it, but I can't be the head coach at this 5A program while my daughter is playing at Gadsden City on the same night. I can't miss her playing. I need to be a dad first and a coach second."
Haley Troup is a two-time member of The Gadsden Times' All-Etowah County basketball team despite her youth. Kevin Troup will be an assistant varsity girls' basketball coach for the Titans while maintaining his teaching duties at Southside.
"I'm really excited to be able to coach my own kid," Kevin Troup said.
Holderfield was the Panthers' junior varsity boys basketball coach before his promotion.
"I feel so honored and blessed," Holderfield said. "I've been at Southside for seven or eight years now and I've built a lot of relationships here. I really enjoy being around the kids. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work with them and about the future of our program."
Holderfield believes that his predecessor did a lot in helping him get to where he is now.
"Kevin has been a great guy and a great mentor to me," Holderfield said. "I've learned a lot about basketball from him. I'm thankful for all the time he spent with me helping me to be a better coach. I'm really going to miss him."
Kevin Troup and Smith both believe Holderfield is the right man for the job.
"I think coach Holderfield will do a phenomenal job," Kevin Troup said.
"I am very proud of Chad," Smith said. "The relationship he has with the kids is outstanding. Chad is an excellent teacher of the fundamentals of the game.
"The opportunity for these kids with somebody they already trust to move forward is exciting for them."
Prior to his stint with the Panthers, Troup led his alma mater, Emma Sansom, for five seasons. He went 98-32 with the Rebels.
He was the assistant athletic director at Gadsden City before being hired at Southside.