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In today's Dungeon Master's Guide 2 preview, we continue exploring the first chapter, introducing the concept of companion characters, to help round out a party.
A paladin rescues an imprisoned knight who swears to follow her as a faithful companion for a year and a day. A shaman tends to the wounds of a young black bear, and the friendly animal follows the shaman on his quest. A wizard takes on an apprentice, a youthful elf eager to learn the ways of magic and use them to battle evil.
The young sidekick, the eager beast follower, and the faithful henchman feature regularly in fantasy novels, comics, and movies. Although adding an extra character to the adventuring group might make perfect sense from a story point of view, instantly recognizable pitfalls can make this decision a bad one:
If you can cope with these issues, adding an extra character can yield significant benefits. No matter how compelling the story angle, however, remember one rule: Add an extra character only when it helps fill out a small party or an underserved role. If fewer than five players participate in a game, your group probably struggles with standard encounters designed for groups of five PCs. In addition, your group probably lacks one or more character roles. Adding the right companion character can solve both problems.
Even in full-size groups, having a few companion characters available for use helps you cope with unexpected player absences. When the party's leader misses a gaming session, that friendly local priest of Kord willing to adventure with you can keep the game on track.
You can craft a companion character by adapting a monster from the Monster Manual or another source, or by building one from scratch, the same way you create an NPC opponent.
When you create a companion character, consider involving the players in the process, particularly any player whose character has strong ties to the companion character. For example, if the paladin PC decides to take on a squire, the paladin's player might want to determine the characteristics of that companion character.
You can allow that player to sketch out or design the squire, but you have ultimate veto authority. If you want to change something in the player's design, explain your reason to avoid appearing arbitrary or unfair. Maybe the companion character's race doesn't fit into your world, or maybe you think the powers the player chose for the character are inappropriate.
When you use an existing monster as a companion character, keep these rules in mind.
1. Level. Make a companion character of the same level as the party. You can adjust an existing monster's level up or down to bring it in line with the party's level. If you increase a monster's level to make it a companion character, advance it according to the rules in "Companion Characters in Play" on page 33. Reduce the companion character's level by reversing the same process. For example, if you reduce a human mage's level from 4 to 3, reduce her hit points by 4, lower her attack bonus and defense scores by 1, and apply a –1 penalty to her damage rolls.
2. Role. A monster's normal role helps determine its appropriate role in the party. Use the following guidelines to determine a monster's appropriateness for a particular role in the PC party.
Controller: Controller monsters obviously work well for this role. Look particularly for controllers with area attacks. Artillery monsters that use area attacks also count as controllers.
Defender: Soldiers make good defenders. If a creature can mark its enemies as an at-will attack, consider it a defender regardless of its monster role. Controller monsters, particularly ones that prefer to engage in melee and control a limited swath of the battlefield immediately around their own space, can act as defenders in a PC party.
Leader: Few monsters fit this role because only a small number have the ability to bolster their allies. A monster that has the leader subtype can function as a backup leader in the party, but many of these monsters have more complicated arrays of powers that make them otherwise inappropriate. Instead, choose a monster that fits the controller or defender role, and add the default power for leader companion characters detailed in step 8 for creating companion characters, "Assign Feature," on page 31.
Striker: Brutes, lurkers, and skirmishers function well as strikers. Artillery monsters that use single-target ranged attacks also fit the striker role.
3. Hit Points and Healing Surges. Do not use the monster's normal hit points. The role you assign to a companion character determines its hit points as shown on the Companion Character Statistics table on page 30. It also gains healing surges, according to the same table.
4. Defenses. If you want to tweak the monster's defenses, increase one or two defenses while reducing other defenses. Don't adjust any defense by more than 2 from the baseline given in the Companion Character Statistics table.
5. Powers. You might have to adjust a monster's powers to make them fit a companion character.
Recharge: If the creature has a power that recharges during the encounter, treat it as a normal, nonrechargeable encounter power.
Swapping Powers: If a monster's power causes trouble in the game because it's overly complicated or powerful, trade one of the creature's encounter attack powers for an encounter attack power from a class that shares the companion character's party role. Choose a power of a level equal to or lower than the companion character's level. For instance, you can trade a human mage's thunder burst attack for shock sphere (a 3rd-level wizard encounter power).
Avoid Record-Keeping Effects: Powers that have effects that a saving throw can end, or that a monster can sustain, burden the player (and frequently prove too powerful in the hands of a companion character). Either avoid these monsters or remove the aspect of the power that requires record-keeping. For example, change a "save ends" duration to make the effect last until the end of the companion character's next turn.
Avoid Immediate Actions: Players should have to worry about immediate actions for only one character at a time. If a player's PC has no immediate actions, allow his companion character to have one.
Beware of Gamebreakers: Don't allow a companion character to have abilities that allow that character (and potentially the party) to avoid common obstacles or ignore normal resource management, particularly in the heroic tier. Your own experience at the table can tell you what powers or abilities would offer too much of an advantage to the party. For example:
6. Magic Items. As a general rule, companion characters don't use magic items. A PC might give a magic item to a companion character, but if one does so, do not add the magic item's enhancement bonus to the companion character's statistics. The companion character's attack and defense values are already set at appropriate values for the character's level, so adding these bonuses could lead to an overpowered character.
A companion character can use only one daily magic item power per day. The character doesn't gain additional uses at higher tiers or when the party reaches a milestone.
August 17
Ch 1. Group Storytelling
August 21
Ch.1 Companion Characters
August 24
Ch. 2 Advanced Encounters
August 28
Ch. 2 Terrain
August 31
Ch. 3 Skill Challenges
September 4
Ch. 4 Customizing Monsters
September 7
Ch. 5 Adventures and Rewards
September 11
Ch. 6 Paragon Campaigns


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Jury selection begins in bribery trial of state Sen. Currie
Story | Sep 26, 2011 | 5:20 PM
Jury selection begins in bribery trial of state Sen. Currie
Story | Sep 26, 2011 | 5:20 PM
Leaders vow to fix Md. group homes
Story | Apr 14, 2005
Assailing Maryland's lax oversight of children's group homes, legislative leaders pledged yesterday to investigate and make major improvements, with some saying there needs to be an overhaul of the entire child welfare system. "There's a management...
Hackerman says secrecy about deal wasn't his idea
Story | Dec 8, 2004
Construction magnate Willard J. Hackerman said yesterday that it was not his idea to keep his identity secret in discussing his plan to buy St. Mary's County preservation land from the state. In his most detailed explanation yet about the aborted land...
Md. ponders deep health care cuts
Story | Sep 23, 2004
The state health department has drafted a $480 million list of potential program cuts that, if enacted, would deprive thousands of children of free health insurance coverage and shutter four mental health facilities, and could force women to pay for their...


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By JEROD CLAPP
In a surprise announcement Wednesday, Gov. Mike Pence gave a local university administrator the highest award the state has.
Indiana University Southeast Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Pence at a bill-signing ceremony at Ivy Tech Community College Southern Indiana in Sellersburg.
"I had absolutely no idea that was going to happen," Patterson-Randles said. "Apparently, a bunch of people were working behind the scenes and they completely snookered me."
Pence said Patterson-Randles' work on the campus has helped expand learning opportunities for Hoosiers in the area and commended her on getting the dorms built on campus.
Patterson-Randles, who is also a Kentucky Colonel and an Ohio Commodore, said she's glad to see IUS get some recognition from the state for its advances.
"I'm just really delighted that our progress here at IU Southeast has been recognized by the governor," Patterson-Randles said. "I think we've made remarkable strides over the last decade with our team of people. I consider this award and recognition not just for myself, but for everyone here who's been positive and constructive in terms of providing a quality education for our students and serving a public good in our community."
The Sagamore of the Wabash, according to state documents, refers to a person in a northeastern American Indian tribe that the chief would consult for advice.
This year, the outgoing chancellor at IU South Bend, Una Rae Meck, was also awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash.
Patterson-Randles said as she looks to her retirement at the end of June, she's honored to receive the award.
"I'm terribly, terribly pleased," Patterson-Randles said. "It's a wonderful recognition, and to receive it from the governor in person was a real special honor for me."


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Experience the best in history programs and documentaries from WMHT. View history and documentary program descriptions and learn more about upcoming and previously aired programs below.
History & Documentary | Programs | Information
Historic Views of the Spa City
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The Track at Saratoga: America's Grandest Race Course
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Mark Twain
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FRONTLINE | Poor Kids
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Al Capone: Icon
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NOVA | Australia's First 4 Billion Years
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FRONTLINE | Separate and Unequal
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02/04/2013 — Mr. John Buckler, 82, of Oakland Ridge in Olive Hill, passed away Friday afternoon, Feb. 1, 2013, in Cornerstone Hospital in Huntington, W.Va.
He was born July 27, 1930, in Carter County, a son of the late Wayman and Pearl Holbrook Buckler.
John was of the Christian Holiness faith and was a lifelong farmer. He retired from Carter Caves where he worked as an electrician. John enjoyed farming and raising his cattle, and loved working in his bees.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one little brother, James Franklin Buckler.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice Joy Gee Buckler; three daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and John Carper, Nancy and Carl Withrow and Jennifer and Mark Evans, all of Olive Hill; four grandchildren that he dearly loved, Madison Evans, MaKayla Evans, Caden Townsend and Braden Townsend; one brother, Bill Buckler of Mansfield, Ohio; two sisters, Alma Burchett of Olive Hill and Ruby Jordan of Grayson; one brother-in-law, Ted Gee and wife Betty of Mineral Ridge, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill with Brother J. C. Caudill and Brother Raymond Steagall officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Olive Hill.
Friends may visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, and until the service hour Tuesday at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Highway 60, Olive Hill, KY 41164.
John Carper, Carl Withrow, Mark Evans, Terry Gee, Ted Gee and Jerry Caudill will serve as pallbearers.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.globefc.com


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High Speed Rail Is Key to Economic Development
Just as the Interstate Highway System keyed economic development, new rail can do so moving forward.
Patrick Hays is the mayor of North Little Rock, Ark.
With the adoption of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the largest public works undertaking in our nation's history began. Funded by an increased fuel tax--up to $0.03 per gallon--construction on the more than 40,000 miles of new Interstate began, and so did America's adoration for the automobile. The backbone of America's modern prosperity and of my own community, the Interstate Highway System has sustained us for generations and it will, of course, continue to provide for the movement goods and people to and through each of our communities. The country's population is growing incredibly fast compared to our European colleagues and it is becoming increasingly difficult to muster the votes needed to increase tax revenues for any reason, even for the purpose of investing in our transportation infrastructure. It is incumbent upon us--all of us--to maximize the resources available to make the biggest possible impact on the future of passenger and freight mobility in this country. We must seriously pursue complimentary modes of transportation to help ensure our continued economic growth, global competitiveness, and vitality--and I believe that high-speed intercity passenger rail must become a national priority and a collective pursuit.
High-speed intercity passenger rail, as the term implies and as it operates daily around the world is, well, fast. It is also exceedingly safe, comfortable, dependable, and energy efficient. Traveling at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour in some cases, these trains are the norm in parts of Europe and Asia and have become economic engines for the communities they serve. I live in Arkansas and serve on the Board of Directors of the Texas High-Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation because I want to see these trains flying to and through my community traveling toward Memphis and other easterly destinations, and I know that enhancing and improving the connectivity of Arkansas will always be of vital importance to the economic well-being of my state. We find ourselves today witnesses of a collision of great need and an impressive, revolutionary technology. The extent to which we capitalize on this moment of great opportunity and of great responsibility will help determine the extent to which our children and grandchildren are able to compete for future opportunities.
Working closely with private industry willing to invest large sums of their own money and eager to employ tens of thousands of Americans along the way, high-speed intercity passenger rail can and will hold the key to at least part of our mobility crises. The high speed rail corporation and organizations like it around the country that are led by cities, counties, and other community leaders in an effort to develop high-speed rail in their communities, hold the key to the successful implementation of these large, transformational infrastructure projects. Communicating clearly and confidently the needs of the communities to be served by rail, and working side-by-side with private industry to deliver the projects, the corporation represents just the kind of creative approach that must be leveraged if we are to be successful.
During his State of the Union address in January, President Obama renewed his commitment to develop high-speed intercity passenger rail along with a promise for a more efficient and effective government. It is clear that in order to succeed on both fronts, we must approach this endeavor with a commitment to succeed and a determination to settle for nothing less than world-class. When we become convinced of a great need, this country can put a man on the Moon. We must now work together to put him on a fast train. Doing so will transform the way in which we all live, work, and travel--and will reignite the spirit of American industry, manufacturing, and innovation. The America that I believe in is capable of succeeding. The America we must become has no other choice.


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August 2, 2014
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia's Board of Education has affirmed its firing of Jorea Marple as state schools superintendent.
The board voted 6-2 Thursday after public comment sharply critical of Marple's ouster. Nineteen people stood to praise Marple, denounce her firing or call for her reinstatement.
Thursday's vote followed a 90-minute closed door session by the board. Member Lloyd Jackson joined the five who had voted to fire Marple at a Nov. 15 meeting.
Concerns about whether the board had earlier followed the state open meetings law prompted Thursday's discussion. A pending legal challenge asks the Supreme Court to void Marple's firing under the open meetings law.
Thursday's meeting agenda also includes the hiring of a new superintendent. Board President Wade Linger has endorsed Randolph County schools chief James Phares for the job.


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DETROIT (AP) — Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr is working on a plan to train up to 100 new firefighters, move fire stations and supply new equipment.
Plan developer Edward J. Plawecki Jr. was commissioned by Orr, and said his work is a response to a severe shortage of personnel and equipment. Two years ago, Detroit had 1,027 firefighters; now, there are 796 firefighters, 40 operating fire stations and 20 ambulances.
Union leaders have been meeting regularly with Plawecki to draft the plan, which will be released in mid-September, according to Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley.
"The union has been asking for years to be able to be part of the solution, and it's turning out that we're being heard," said Dan McNamara, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 344. "The emergency manager and his team have reached out to us and want to see a plan from us, and we want to give them one because the safety of the residents is most important."
McNamara praised Orr and Plawecki and said it's the first time the city has listened to firefighters in decades.
The city will get 20 new ambulances in August and 20 more in October, Plawecki said. He said six to eight private ambulances will continue to be in service daily.
"We all recognize the city's broke," said Joe Barney, a union representative for Detroit emergency medical services workers. "We all recognize that it's going to have to get rebuilt. To get Detroit back to being a functional city, you've got to fix public services."


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Jonah Hex
|Release Date: June 18, 2010
|Running Time: 83 mins.
|MPAA Rating: PG 13
|Box Office: $10,539,414.00
|Genre: Action, Adaptation, Western
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Summary:Jonah Hex is a scarred drifter and bounty hunter of last resort, a tough and stoic gunslinger who can track down anyone and anything. Having survived death, Jonah's violent history is steeped in myth and legend, and has left him with one foot in the natural world and one on the "other side." His only human connection is with Leila, whose life in a brothel has left her with scars of her own. But Jonah's past is about to catch up with him when the U.S. military makes him an offer he can't refuse. In exchange for his freedom from the warrants on his head, he must track down and stop the dangerous terrorist Quentin Turnbull. But Turnbull, who is gathering an army and preparing to unleash Hell, i... Full Summary >>
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The federal government must perform more tests on adults before it can ethically move forward with controversial anthrax vaccine trials in children, members of a federal bioethics panel said.
"The safety of our children is paramount, and we have to get this right," said Amy Gutmann, chairwoman of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, in a phone call with reporters on Monday. "The commission concluded many steps would have to be taken before pediatric anthrax vaccine trials should be considered."


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Finding time to "sharpen the saw" is easier said than done. As recent faculty association survey noted, faculty have difficulty finding time to stay current in their field. This is not due to lack of desire, but the difficulty in allocating time for these activities. With the day-to-day demands of a high teaching load, faculty must explicitly allocate and preserve time for their development, or it simply will not happen.
Faculty members generally rely on their own sense of professionalism to determine what is needed to hone their instructional skills and stay current in their field.
While one's professional development plan is self-initiated, it must be coordinated with one's department and college. Funding for conferences and course load allocations are determined by department chairs. Leaves are reviewed by college Faculty Development committees, deans and department chairs, and by the administration.
Conversations with department and college leaders are critical for apportioning time and funding for these activities. In a survey last semester, less than half of the faculty noted that they reviewed their professional development plans with their department chair on a yearly basis.
To encourage more discussion between faculty and department chairs, a Faculty Development Planning Tool and Planning Worksheet are now available on the Learning & Teaching website. Department chairs and deans will discuss ideas on using the worksheet in June training meetings.
While department chairs may modify the format of planning worksheet to meet their department's specific needs, the posted worksheet provides a framework to look five years into the future. Undoubtedly specific plans will change over time, but the longer time frame allows for planning more self-directed periods of focus. Various aspects of faculty development have been defined in the following categories:
The Faculty Development Planning Tool provides more detailed explanations, examples, tips, and pitfalls to avoid when completing the planning worksheet.
Currently rated 5.0 by 4 people
Kenneth McCluskey
Thursday, March 17, 2011 2:55 PM
Faculty Development is key to any academic professionalism. The outline form is a handy tool.


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There are several books on reserve about Walt Whitman and his work. They are located at the circulation desk on the top floor. In addition, the following journals are available.
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Info: 540-857-7303
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Circulation: 540-857-6941
Fax: 857-6058


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PEOPLE Phaidon Press announced it has appointed Keith Fox as its new CEO. Fox was previously President of McGraw Hill Construction Division, President of BusinessWeek, and McGraw Hill Professional; he will work out of the New York offices. Jacky Klein will join Phaidon Press in June as Commissioning Editor, Art, working primarily out of the London offices. Previously, she was Commissioning Editor at Thames & Hudson London….Continue Reading
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The Great Irrigation Debate (Not exactly) - Robert Kourik and John Kempf - July 21, 2014
We have not yet posted the archive of this show. It will be done around mid-August, perhaps sooner. Robert Kourik is edible landscaper and...
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text: At some point every woman has wondered: What's God's purpose for me? God has a perfect plan for you, but many times life's experiences set you apart from God's wonderful plan. Based on Ezekiel 16:3-14, author Nolita Warren de Theo will take you in a journey occasionally painful, because it'll remind you of experiences you wish you could forget, but it's necessary for you to heal. You'll come victorious because He'll be with you along this journey. You'll be restored and ready to be the woman of His dreams.


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Anybody else have this?? My knees are aching so bad!! Feels like I have arthritis. Ouch!!
Postpartum Knee Pain??
Posted 07/30/2013
I do! I was told it's because of relaxin left in our bodies from pregnancy & that it goes away around 3 months
Posted 07/30/2013
Me too!! It hurts! Hopefully t starts to go away once LO hits that 3 month mark!
Posted 07/30/2013
I had it last time. It sucks but goes away. I couldn't kneel down at all.
DS1 Alex 4/19/02, DS2 Ethan 1/31/11 VBAC
DS3 Bennett 5/8/13 VBAC
5angels~6w, 6w, 7w, 8w and 15w Daisy.
Posted 07/30/2013
My child is almost 3 and a half months and I still feel like an arthritic old woman. I hope it leaves soon!
Karen (31) married to Drew (30) expecting our first little one in May 2013! And she came early at 37w2d Expecting another LO 11-2014
Posted 07/30/2013
OMG yes! I had never heard if this but yeah it's painful and I feel like an old woman.. Hope this guess away soon. Baby is now 12 weeks
Posted 07/30/2013
Funny, I've been experiencing the same thing, especially when coming down stairs, but blew it off to the extra weight I'm still hanging on to. Interesting.
Posted 07/30/2013
I have it too. I was just thinking it was due to my fibromyalgia flare. I hadn't even thought of the relaxin theory.
Posted 07/31/2013
Yes! Glad im not the only one who feels like an old woman.. im in my early 20s for crying out loud lol..
I thout it was bcz when I feed LO I sit with my legs crossed .. although that shudnt cause problems..
Feels horrible! LO is 3 months tmrw.. its a lil better but still there :/
I thout it was bcz when I feed LO I sit with my legs crossed .. although that shudnt cause problems..
Feels horrible! LO is 3 months tmrw.. its a lil better but still there :/
Posted 07/31/2013
It feels worse at night for me in my sleep, anyone else. Like my knee cap has a Charlie horse? Glad I'm not alone.
It's so hard to get back off the ground I feel as if in pregnant again haha
It's so hard to get back off the ground I feel as if in pregnant again haha
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Your growing child
Your 14-month-old: Week 1
Your toddler is mastering new skills left and right these days — from waving bye-bye to drinking from a cup. Read More
Your 14-month-old: Week 2
Is your formerly fearless child terrified of things that never seemed to bother her before? Read More
Your 14-month-old: Week 3
Is your toddler cranky? Pulling at his ear? It could be an ear infection. Read More
Your 14-month-old: Week 4
At 14 months, eating is a hands-on learning experience. Read More


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Ice Electronics
Vexilar FL-18 Ultra Pack with Pro View Ice-Ducer
Regular Price: $539.95
Special Price: $489.99Vexilar has a long and proud history of innovation in fishing products. They have been in the marine business since 1960, and have always been a small company with good hard working employees. Vexilar's goal has simply been to offer the sportsman innovative and quality products at affordable prices. Learn More


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After what has been dubbed a successful Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. last week, the president and the Democratic Party now get their turn.
The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 4. During the three-day convention, a case will be made to the American people that President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden need, and deserve, four more years to get the country back on track.
The argument being made is that the president inherited the worst economic situation since the Great Depression, but that it is moving in the right direction. Obama is expected to note that social issues are high on the Democratic agenda and for the first time the party will be making support for gay mariage part of its platform. However, the issue has never managed to garner enough votes to pass at any time it has been put on a ballot. Also, unemployment still remains higher than 8 percent and the national debt is at $16 trillion.
What will persuade you that Obama and Biden deserve to be re-elected in November? What do you want to hear from the speakers and the president during the DNC? Tell us in comments.


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Ray Van Horn Jr.
About myself, I have been an entertainment journalist and concert photographer for eight years and have conducted over 300 interviews with musicians, actors, directors, visual artists and authors, everyone from Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Bruce Campbell and Nina Blackwood to Mary Forsberg Weiland. My work has been published in multiple outlets such as Fangoria.com, Dee Snider's House of Hair Online, About.com, AMP, Metal Maniacs, Hails & Horns, Pit, DVD Review, Horror News.net, Music Dish and many others. My website The Metal Minute was awarded Best Personal Blog of 2009 by Metal Hammer magazine. I've been a reporter and photographer for local media such as Metromix, an affiliate of The Baltimore Sun, The Northern News and The Emmitsburg Dispatch. I am a former NHL analyst for The Hockey Nut and my fiction has appeared in numerous outlets including the trade paperback Playing Solitaire. I also won Quantum Muse's fiction contest in 1999. I recently finished my second novel, "SAVED BY ZERO" and am already at work on my next novel, tentatively titled "REUNION."
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Updated Jun 8, 2013 - 10:25 pm
D-backs vs. Giants - Sat.
By Arizona Sports
Originally published: Jun 8, 2013 - 8:48 pm
Originally published: Jun 8, 2013 - 8:48 pm
Attention ArizonaSports.com Comment Users: We have recently changed our comments boards.We would like you to be part of the conversation with all fans of Arizona sports teams by logging in with your Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Disqus account. Existing Arizona Sports (KTAR) account members will need to create a Disqus account or use one of the aforementioned social media logins. Thank you.
Most Popular
Diamondbacks News
- Rookie Ahmed makes difference in Diamondbacks' marathon win over Reds: By The Numbers
- Report: Diamondbacks willing to move closer Addison Reed
- Diamondbacks reinstate Jordan Pacheco, release Nick Evans
- ESPN Insider calls for D-backs to pawn Martin Prado off to Blue Jays
- Plate call overturned in D-backs' loss
- Keith Law, ESPN MLB Insider - Tuesday July 29ESPN MLB Insider Keith Law gauges the value in the D-backs� potential trade pieces.
- Derrick Hall - D-backs president and CEO - Thursday July 24Derrick Hall talks about the approaching trade deadline.
- Bickley Blast - Wednesday July 23Kirk Gibson could be close to being a part of another miracle.
- Kevin Towers, D-backs GM - Wednesday July 23D-backs GM Kevin Towers talks about the upcoming trade deadline.
- Kirk Gibson- D-backs Manager - Tuesday July 22Did the D-backs tell Brandon McCarthy not to throw his cutter?
- Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs first baseman - Friday July 18Paul Goldschmidt talks about the All-Star Game and his expectations for the season's second half.
- Our Guy Harry - Thursday July 17Our Guy Harry joins Dan and Vince in studio.
Team Leaders


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Ron Paul has long warned Americans of the dangers of a federal government-supported police state, and now, it seems his worst fears are coming to life. A 16-year-old Ron Paul supporter has been questioned by the FBI after he created a YouTube video for a school project which highlights how America is slipping into a police state.
That's right, a child has been questioned by the authorities solely because of his support for libertarian Ron Paul. Let alone that the video earned Justin Hallman an A+ with his teacher in his American Government class.
Here are the details of the case: Hallman put together the video, which focuses on Ron Paul, Anonymous, military drills taking place in American cities, and free speech for his high school government class. One month later, he was at his family home when FBI agents knocked on the door saying to Hallman's mother that "We need to talk to your son."
Apparently, the FBI tried to recruit Hallman to spy on Anonymous. He told Infowars, "They wanted me to be an informant, to possibly put my life in danger, to help them arrest and gain intel on occupy protesters and hackers."
The authorities also asked him about his support for Ron Paul and the Illuminati secret society. "They also asked me why I had talked to my teacher about the Illuminati. I told them it was just harmless talk about the 1776 Illuminati that formed from the enlightenment era. I said my teacher said they are/were terrorists and not to talk about them (this caused the FBI agents to look puzzled and they changed the subject very fast to Anonymous). In the end they finally left for an "important meeting," he said.
For Ron Paul supporters, the incident serves as yet another example of what the Paul campaign has faced all year long: threats, harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse, and silencing by the Republican establishment, mainstream media, and the government in an effort to put down the insurgent movement. Ron Paul supporters have long warned of the dangers of a police state (and regularly talk about the surging TSA budget in the aftermath of 9/11), so the FBI incident comes as no surprise.
Still, with the police investigating a 16-year-old for his support for Ron Paul, it seems that their fears have arrived.


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HOUSTON—He's 88 years old and he gets around in a wheelchair, but George H.W. Bush, a guy who sits behind the on-deck circle at Minute Maid Park with his wife, still loves good barbecue, Astros baseball and an occasional dirty joke.
George H.W. Bush, the only Houstonian elected president of the United States, celebrates his birthday Tuesday at his summer home in Maine. Once an energetic college athlete who pitched for Yale's baseball team, he has finally succumbed to warnings that he might fall and break a hip. So he spends much of his days rolling around in wheelchairs.
But there is a special joy to living so long as an ex-president. To the delight of his friends, he has survived long enough to enjoy a renewed appreciation of his presidency and a revival of his popularity, a phenomenon a presidential biographer calls "Poppy chic."
"He's doing remarkably well, for 88 years of age and to have Parkinson's disease as he does in his lower extremities," said James Baker, his longtime confidante and former secretary of state. "He has difficulty getting around now. He gets around on a scooter. But he's still full of vim and vigor. His sense of humor is every bit as good as it always was."
The former president's apparent frailty is misleading, say his friends and family, who affectionately assure he's in good health.
"It's good, mentally," says Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor who's also one of the president's sons. "He's slower. He can't walk. He's held up by a stroller. So that's hard for a guy that's been so vital and vigorous in life, you know. But he's a joy to be with."
The rest of the world may remember him as the one-term president who succeeded President Ronald Reagan, won the first Persian Gulf War and led the free world as the Berlin Wall fell. But after he left the White House and returned to Texas, his reputation only grew among his fellow Houstonians. Everyone, it seemed, knew somebody who'd encountered the former president and walked away delightfully surprised with his gentlemanly graciousness and easygoing personality.
"He's extremely approachable," said LLinda McReynolds, who lived next door to the Bushes in the Tanglewood subdivision. "President Bush is in top form, mentally. And when you visit with him, you know that."
When Otto's, his favorite barbecue joint, closed in 2010, Bush surprised unsuspecting customers by showing up for one last meal. A woman standing in line in front of him offered to buy his lunch, but she was delighted when he returned the favor.
"Well, that's so nice of you," the president told her. "How about me buying you lunch?"
His last public appearance happened last week, when he returned to the White House for the unveiling of his son's presidential portrait. And for the first time in recorded history, one president nearly wept over the presence of another president who happened to be his father.
"I am honored to be hanging near a man who gave me the greatest gift possible: Unconditional love," said former president George W. Bush. "And that would be number 41."
Americans voted Bush 41 out of office after only one term. And yet, with his 88th birthday, there's a renewed appreciation for what he was able to accomplish during those four years. A new HBO documentary premiering this week is calling new attention to his presidency. The New York Times just last weekend quoted presidential biographer Jon Meacham calling the phenomenon "Poppy chic."
"I think what you're seeing is really just the natural consequence of the fact that here's a president who accomplished a lot of things and at the time it was not appreciated," Baker said. "But it is very much appreciated today. And I think what's wonderful is that he has lived to see that and to hear it."


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Mar 14 2013
Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng won this year's Man Asian Literary Prize for his novel The Garden of Evening Mists.
Mr. Tan, the first Malaysian national to win the $30,000 prize, beat contenders from Pakistan, Japan, and Turkey (Nobel winner Orhan Pamuk).
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Books thatinspire you.Handpicked.
Books you'll stay up all night reading; books that will whisk you to faraway places and times, books that will expand your mind and inspire you -- the kinds of books you just can't wait to tell your friends about.


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Pure Space
1315 NW Overton, Portland, OR 97209
Tel: (503) 476-1151
Eligibility: This course is sponsored by Pure Pong in the Pearl in an effort to promote the sport, and strengthen the Table Tennis community with the addition of certified coaches. The course is open to all interested Table Tennis Coaches and persons wishing to become certified as ITTF-PTT Level 1 Coaches. Coaches completing all the course requirements will receive both ITTF and PTT (Paralympic) Level 1 Certification. Additionally, coaches completing this course and are not USATT Certified will also be awarded "State" Level Coaches Certification by the USATT.
Course Conductor: ITTF Course Conductor, Christian Lillieroos will conduct the course. Christian was the 1997 & 2002 USA Table Tennis Coach of the Year. He was also the Head Coach of Texas Wesleyan University Table Tennis Team, the premiere university table tennis program in North America. Oregon Coach Tim Aikey will serve as the local organizer.
Equipment: Pure Pong in the Pearl will provide all equipment necessary to participate in the course including:
Eligibility: No prerequisites required. The course is designed for coaches to teach beginning players, rating from 0-1800.
Course Description: Participants will learn to coach beginners up to 1800. This course is also designed to initiate a more thorough understanding of the game's fundamental strategies and principles. Participants are expected to have read the ITTF coaching level one manual before the course starts.
ITTF Level 1 is the first level officially recognized by ITTF and consists of the following requirements:
Christian helped develop the Paralympic table tennis course which will be covered the last day of the course. Coaches that complete the course will be ITTF + PTT Level 1 Coaches.
Also included in the cost of the course is Christian's beginner DVD for all participants.
Course Schedule:
Costs: $225.00 per person plus each coach must purchase the ITTF Level 1 Manual, available from PaddlePalace.com for $29.95. Coaches are responsible for their own transportation and room and board arrangements. Limited amount of spaces, $100 deposit to hold spot required. Deposit is nonrefundable after June 31st. The remaining $125.00 is to be paid in full on the first day of the course, July 24th.
If you have any questions, please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com and I would be happy to help.
Entry Form – ITTF/PTT Level 1 Course - July 24-28, 2013 limited amount of entries.
First name: _____________________ Last Name______________________________
Street Address: _________________________________________________________
City: _____________________ State: _____________ Zip: ___________________
Email: ________________________________Phone: __________________________
Are you currently a certified USATT Coach: (Y/N) If yes, what level: ________
Please make check payable to: Tim Aikey
Please mail form and $100 deposit to:
Tim Aikey, 3609 SE 42nd Ave, Portland, Oregon, 97206
Download Flyer


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I had the fortune of covering this weekend's Green Festival in Washington, DC. The event, located in the capital's Convention Center, had vendors showcasing everything from hybrid car engines to environmentally friendly detergents, eco-friendly upholstery to vegan and vegetarian fare, 100% recycled clothing to disposable, compostable plates made from palm leaves. It was both amazing and inspiring, and there was truly something for everyone.
One of the things was very clear is that little steps make a big difference, and we can all do our part by making even one change. Like today ~ whether you are a vegan like me, a vegetarian, or even a proud meat eater, you can still participate in World Vegetarian Day. Choose one meal, or all three, and make it vegetarian. Replace your whole milk for a non-dairy version like almond or soy, have felafel or a veggie burger instead of a turkey & cheese sandwich, and have pasta with veggies and a salad or vegetable sushi instead of steak, seafood or poultry for dinner. If you want to try a new recipe for today, see what I whipped up last week using some of the most colorful and flavorful characters from this season's produce. I hope you enjoy!
4 large beets, washed, peeled, ends cut off, diced in large pieces (I used the candy cane variety)
1 fennel bulb, no shoots, rinsed and sliced (discard the hard center core)
2 Macintosh apples, washed, cored, and diced in large pieces
1/8 c grape seed oil
1 TBSP dried rosemary
1/2 tsp + 1 tsp kosher salt
2 TBSP brown sugar
1 1/2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1 TBSP butter (I use the vegan brands)
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium sized baking dish place the beets, fennel and apples. Atop them drizzle the oil, rosemary and 1/2 tsp salt. Place the dish in the oven to bake for one hour.
At the hour mark, stir in the apple cider vinegar, remaining salt and brown sugar.
Bake another 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and stir in the butter to finish it off.
Allow the dish come to room temperature, letting the flavors continue to blend. Serve with a leafy green salad and, if you choose, a glass of crisp white wine.
Note: If you want the apples to be more firm, as they do break down quite a bit over the course of the hour, don't add them to the baking dish until after the first 30 minutes have passed.
For more vegan recipes, tips and suggestions about where to find the best in local vegan fare go to www.thetrendyvegan.com.


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This community event is an opportunity for parents, youths and school personnel to learn more about the local school climate in Allegheny County schools and discuss strategies for providing an Opportunity to Learn for all children.
We will focus on issues of school climate, the impact of exclusionary school discipline on the entire school community, and racial disparities in school suspensions. Participants will brainstorm strategies to expand opportunities to learn for all students, particularly for the most at-risk student populations, while working to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.
This event is free but all participants must RSVP.
Accessible by public transportation: Buses 71A, 87 and 89


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---- — JAMES ALBRECHT, 70, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at Munson Medical Center.
Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m., at the Feast of Victory Lutheran Church, Acme. A complete obituary will be in a later edition of the Record-Eagle.
JAMES ROBERT APPS, 72, of Beaver Creek Township, passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012.
A service will be held at 2 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 3, at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
Arrangements are entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
DAVID A. DUNLOP, 56, formerly of Lake Ann and Traverse City, died Nov. 27, 2012, at McLaren Northern Michigan, Petoskey.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Lake Ann Township Hall, Lake Ann.
Lintz Funeral Home, Indian River, served the family.
COLEEN G. O'BRIEN, 77, of Kalkaska, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012.
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.
MARIS CORINNE SPAULDING, 18, of Central Lake, died peacefully Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, at DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m., at the Central Lake High School Gymnasium. Pastor Gary Bekkering will officiate. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 9 p.m., at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.
Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.


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The sweet smell of oats cooking is familiar to all who work or visit near the General Mills plant on the city's watefront at the mouth of the Buffalo River. For 109 years the plant has been grinding flour and, for much of that time, making Cheerios and other cereals.
The reason it started here is obvious. Lake freighters bringing grain from the midwest had to off-load in Buffalo because there was no way around Niagara Falls - except the slow-going, low-freight Erie Barge Canal. Flour and cereal made here could be easily shipped by rail or truck.
But why has it remained here? Modern plants have been built elsewhere, and the grain could be milled closer to the farms. The answer: the people. There are third-generation workers who love the plant and know its value to the city. They have helped keep it efficient and modern. Plant manager David Tincher credits the labor force with making the plant among the best in the General Mills family.
The sweet smell of a proud tradition.
- Grove Potter


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WP SlimStat gives you full control of your web analytics by tracking visitors from all referrers, including search engines and social networks. It monitors events, mouse coordinates and custom actions. It can also be used to record information about returning customers, email campaigns and downloads. Thousands of WordPress sites are already using it.
Is yours one of them?


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Quest's Fun Zone offers a range of fun, adventure-based activity programs for children aged 5 to 15.
Our "Fun Days" operate on selected days (link to calendar) during holiday periods and provide a full day of action and unique experiences while our daily "Fun Zone" activities throughout Laguna Phuket's Summer Family Festival period are the highlight of the summer holidays.
Add to that our themed birthday parties, special events and memorable school trips and you get some of Phuket's greatest adventures.
Please select the theme of you birthday party from following:
|Laguna Explorer
Travel around Laguna collecting information, earning points and completing objectives.
| Wet 'n' Wild
Aqua fun for everyone. Prepare to get wet.
| Sport Skills
Instructors teach basic skills to all ages and abilities in a range of different sports.
| Kids vs. Wild
Get back to nature and learn survival skills and techniques.
| Wacky Games
Fun, wild and wacky games. Lots of laughs.
| Adventure Antics
Adventurous games, projects and jungle-based activities.
| Little Chefs
Culinary creations for kids.
| Treasure Hunt
Follow our pirate map to the buried treasure, completing riddles and puzzles along the way.
| Green Planet
Give something back to the planet in these eco-friendly adventures.
| Slip 'n' Splash
Cool off and splash around in these soggy games.
| Castaways
Desert island adventures and natural crafts.
| Mission: Fun
Daring secret missions for budding Spy Kids.
For more information, please call 076-314253 or email: email@example.com
- (Suzanne, Phuket, Oct 2010)
- Debbi (Dubai)
- Albert (Hong Kong)
- Angela, Phuket, May 2011
- Ayu, Shanghai, June 2012


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Dave Lennox Signature® Collection
CBX40UHV Variable Speed Air Handler
The quietest and most efficient air handler you can buy5
Using innovative variable speed technology, the CBX40UHV provides a continuous flow of air, which helps reduce drafts, sound levels and energy costs. A built-in filtration system gives you the advantage of powerful allergen control.
Here are some of the top features of the CBX40UHV:
More-efficient operation reduces electric consumption and conserves resources.
Variable speed blower motor allows enhanced humidity control, improved air quality and more consistent temperature for added comfort.
Factory-installed MERV 16 Precision Pleat™ media filter provides healthier indoor air.
SilentComfort™ technology delivers the ultimate in quiet, consistent cooling and heating.
Features and Benefits
Energy Efficiency
Quiet Operation
Home Comfort
Environmental Responsibility
Reliable Performance
Warranty and Specs
CBX40UHV Product Literature
Product Brochures
EnglishCBX40UHV Air Handler Product Brochure
Installation Manuals
EnglishCBX40UHV Air Handler Installation Manual
Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 8 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5 by RRR66 There is only one choice. Having owned two previous Lennox systems I was aware of the quality and reliability of the product. July 8, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by MontrealGuy Best Air Handler This is a very powerful air handler with a good filtration system. I like it a lot and it's build quality is very good. The electric heat elements also work very well and it allows me to feel warm in the cold winters where heat pumps can't perform as well. The iconfort capabilty is something that all houses should have, it makes everything so convenient. Also some say it whisper quiet but I think it is noisey. I don't know, it may be because of poor insulation in the furnace room, maybe the duct work is of poor qulaity (my house is really old) but I find it noisey. But the noise is something worth giving up for the quality and power. July 26, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by TeamTurtle Whisper Quiet This air handler is whisper quiet; we cannot tell when it is running from the sound of it alone. We walk by one of the vents and go, "Oh, it's on!" February 24, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by kever Enjoying it so far Reviewing, but haven't really had time with the system. We have been enjoying it so far, quiet. December 22, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by ed347 Noisier than expected This unit is loud when the variable speed fan is slowing down. Loud enough that it will wake us up through the night. I expected a very quiet unit from what I was told, now I have to put insulation on my basement ceiling to quiet the noise. I was told by the company this noise is normal. December 13, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by JTinNC Good combination of features for the value. I upgraded from an a single stage to a two stage heat pump and I am very glad I did. The CBX series variable speed air handler is quiet and efficient. The longer run time in stage one cooling allows for improved dehumidification while saving energy. December 5, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by HappyinPA Like the built in air purification system. This unit is amazingly quiet and has great air filtration built in to ease allergies. November 19, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Mitzi77 Perfect Comfort My Home Before was blah or just to much air at one time, the thermostat was the battle ground with everybody touching it up or down....Now since the CBX40V, we never have anything to complain about and the hands are never on the Thermostat...WOW what Great Comfort Lennox has brought into our lives.. Thanks Dave September 27, 2012


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Richard Behar, Contributor
Investigative journalist, at work on a book about Bernie Madoff.
This article appears in the July 16 issue of Forbes magazine.
It's presidential inauguration time in Washington. Not for the person who will helm the federal government–that comes in six months–but instead for Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the man taking the reins of an organization even more lumbering, and far less accountable: the World Bank.
With 188 member countries and an army of 9,000 employees and consultants, Kim will lead one of the world's most powerful institutions–charged with saving the world's poor–but also one of its most dysfunctional. It is an endlessly expanding virtual nation-state with supranational powers, a 2011 aid portfolio of $57 billion and little oversight by the governments that fund it. And–according to dozens of interviews over the past few weeks, atop hundreds more over the past five years, plus a review of thousands of pages of internal documents– problems have gotten worse, not better, at the World Bank despite more than a decade of reform attempts. Kim, the Dartmouth College president tapped by President Obama to lead the bank, stands little chance of fixing things, say insiders, unless he is prepared to completely revamp the current system. "The inmates are running the asylum," says a former director.
Part of the problem is philosophical: No one, starting with outgoing president Robert Zoellick, has laid out an articulated vision for what the World Bank's role is in the 21st century. For example, economic superpower China remains one of the bank's largest and most valued clients, even as it doles out development money to other countries and bullies the bank from aggressively investigating corruption.
Part of the problem is structural: Internal reports, reviewed by FORBES, show, for example, that even after Zoellick implemented a budget freeze some officials operated an off-budget system that defies cost control, while others used revolving doors to game the system to make fortunes for themselves or enhance their positions within the bank. Why not track all the cash? Good luck: Bank sources cite up to $2 billion that may have gone unaccounted for recently amid computer glitches.
Sadly, the last part is cultural: The bank, those inside and outside it say, is so obsessed with reputational risk that it reflexively covers up anything that could appear negative, rather than address it. Whistle-blower witch hunts (see box, p. 92) undermine the one sure way to root out problems at a Washington headquarters dominated by fearful yes-men and yes-women, who–wary of a quick expulsion back to their own countries– rarely offer their true opinions.
Zoellick declined to speak with FORBES for this piece, though that's not surprising. I've covered the bank for the past five years and have been ritually denied access to anyone in a mid-to-top-level post. The blockade ended just before FORBES went to press, when the bank conducted a carefully monitored conference call with two staffers who run the global "Open Data" initiative. The bank's media relations spokesman was permitted to be quoted by name. That this is considered openness epitomizes the problems that Kim now inherits.
Like most out-of-control bureaucracies, the World Bank started with lofty and idealistic goals. Facing a planet in ruins near the end of World War II, it was created along with the International Monetary Fund at a conference of leading Western economists trying to find ways to address the economic instabilities that they believed led to war–and to guarantee it would never happen again.
Having successfully helped rebuild Europe and Japan, the World Bank eventually expanded into a truly global agency, notably in the 1970s under the leadership of Robert McNamara, who took on the goal of a poverty-free planet in his search for redemption after his role in the Vietnam War. Donor nations fund the bank with billions of dollars annually, which it then doles out to fight poverty worldwide.
In terms of its governance, the World Bank has always operated under a gentleman's agreement that allows the U.S.–its largest shareholder with 16% of the vote–to pick its president, while the other 187 member-governments flow into a 25-member board. The process for its funding, grants and loans is absurdly complicated, but in essence it combines capital from its donor countries, plus self-generated income through the sale of bonds. While often confused with the IMF, which provides financial stability to governments, the World Bank's role is at least supposed to be only development projects–like building dams, roads, schools, even fish farms–although it has muddied those boundaries over the last 20 years. Unlike the IMF, the bank deals with both the public and private sectors, and as the number of projects and amounts of money have escalated, so has the mischief, corruption and cover-ups, since no agency has the power to audit them.
In 2005 George W. Bush tapped Paul Wolfowitz as president to clean the place up. To his credit, Wolfowitz made rooting out corruption his primary mission. But the former Pentagon official also came in like an occupying power. According to internal documents obtained by FORBES, the board and Wolfowitz engaged in a game of trench warfare so vicious that the minutes of some board meetings had to be sanitized to keep the world from knowing what was really going on.
Perhaps Wolfowitz's heavy-handed style would have eventually paid dividends. He did, after all, declare war on the bureaucracy. But he also fell prey to the insular culture, giving his girlfriend at the bank special considerations that undercut his credibility and led to his resignation.
Can Kim cross the deep-rooted obstacles in the World bank to change the influential institution for the better?
Hope that he can and he will, within the next couple of years. (vzc1943, mtd1943)
Whose interests is Multilateralism serving?
Multilateralism is a term in international relations that refers to multiple countries working in concert on a given issue. Although since the beginning of the modern period between 1500 and 1800, with excessive maritime navigation, the triangular commerce and the rivalries between dominating nations of Europe, there were treaties or multilateral consultations which could be given the credit for ending slavery and on agreements on the management of the world-wide maritime space of which the spice trade road with India; history reports that the first modern instances of multilateralism occurred in the nineteenth century in Europe after the end of the Napoleonic Wars where the great powers met to redraw the map of Europe at the Congress of Vienna. Conferences such as the Conference of Berlin in 1884 (during which participating powers divided African territories among themselves) helped reduce great power conflicts among European nations coveting Africa's resources. These forums for concertations and negotiations were instrumental in keeping relative peace during the 19th century in Europe. .
The concert system was utterly destroyed by the First World War. After the 1914-1916 conflict, the League of Nations is created in order to try to prevent conflicts of similar scale. Today, there are myriad multilateral institutions of varying scope and subject matter, not all of them belonging or maintained within the UN system.
The multilateral system has encountered mounting challenges since the end of the Cold War. The United States has become increasingly dominant on the world stage in terms of military and economic power, which has led certain countries (Iran, China, and India) to question the United Nation's multilateral relevance. Concurrently, a perception has developed that the United States is more inclined to act unilaterally in situations with international implications.
With the Obama administration, an attempt to realign the course of US foreign policy to multilateralism is been observed. However, the desire to assert power and to please key allies in specific strategic issues is heavily twisting multilateralism to become a system to be used to serve unilateral interests. Both in economic and geopolitical decisions, the use of military "macht" for the advancement of unilateral and sometimes coalesced singled interests are jeopardizing world peace and interests of the "unmächtig".
Many proponents of multilateralism are suggesting redeployment. In an article published in the NYtimes on October 24, 2008, Robert B. Zoellick, president of the World Bank Group talks about a New Multilateralism that is to rely on national leadership and cooperation. Beyond the G-7 deemed not sufficient, Robert B. Zoellick pleads for a better group for a different time; a core group of finance ministers who would assume responsibility for anticipating issues, sharing information, mobilizing efforts to solve problems, and at least managing differences. He further advocates for a new steering group including Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the G-7.
Once again the tendency is to continue to le multilateralism be defined by the powerful, and managed by the same powerful. To the eye of the many "unmächtig", the purpose of this is solely to create the framework suitable to certain kind of businesses, to the exploitation of mineral rich countries, for the development of richer and more powerful nations, and to their own expansion. The only way to get there being to subscribe and support this agenda, and favor an even not so genuine kind of "growth".
The urgency to rethink multilateralism is a matter of good governance
System users'expectations and satisfaction are key metrics that can and should be used to measure pertinence and efficiency, and to retool a system intended to bring positive and sustainable change. Expectations and satisfaction is not only for the wealthy, mächtig ones who created the system but for those unmächtig that are part of this global bargain.
After Berlin in 1884, how to prove Africans that any similar gathering would not have the same purpose? And when they do, one should recognize their anti democratic scandalous intend and contend.
Conflicts avoidance among the powerful, which guided the first efforts in multilateralism need rethinking because of the fundamental meaning of conflict which should and must include the feeling of brutal exploitation, total lack of recognition a good number of mineral rich but military poor countries have.
Sustainable peace is conditioned by mutual trust in the concert of nations and in all kind of transactions engaging any individual of group of nations.
Transparency, fairness and accountability are not to be requested when it allows a certain firm to win a bid. It is integral part of the international bargain game, if all have to trust the system.
On another angle, the equation of the military force that seems to prevail owing to having been chosen by those that define the rules and yielding advantages from the system should be substituted to weighted system integrating the resources for which the appetite is at the center of all the geopolitical militaro -economical battles that guide the global business today. Refusing to give voice to the countries of which the resources are subject of these lusts is synonymous with gangsterism.
My comment will focus on one particular point:
"When arriving at the bank he was flabbergasted at the glass ceiling for women–despite 20 years of studies and internal promises to change it. Within five years he could boast that half of his top managers were female."
Indeed, Robert Zoellick should be recognized for his commendable effort to end gender discrimination in the Bank. He led the effort to end gender inequality and made sure that his management follows through with his direction. The result is nothing short of commendable. As a woman I salute Zolleick for his leadership on this front.
But, as a person of African origin I hold him accountable for leaving the Bank far worse off than he inherited it when it comes to racial discrimination. During his five years tenure racial disparity got worse. The segregation of blacks in the African regional vice presidency increased while the exclusion of staff from other vice presidencies got significantly worse. This is documented in the Bank's own racial diversity report. The number of racial discrimination cases that were filed with the Tribunal increaed significantly. Several victims of discrimination appealed to him but to no avail. He refused to meet with them often forwarding their pleas to the former HR vice president (Hasan Tuluy) who was part of the racial discrimination problem.
Dr. Bo v. World Bank is an example how Zoellick pushed gender equality agenda at the expense of racial equality agenda. Here is Dr. Bo's story.
Having gone through a very extensive competitive process, Dr. Bo (a Sub Saharan African) was short-listed, interviewed by senior managers and selected to fill the Chief Economist position for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region of the Bank. His appointment was stopped by Zoellick, who insisted the Bank "can do even better" and instructed his senior management to reopen the competition process expanding the list including women and candidates with "a better name recognition in the MENA region." It is widely reported that the Bank takes arbitrary actions when a black candidate is selected or seen as a frontrunner for a position. The President's instruction "to do even better" without clearly defining what that means is a telling example.
After the Bank failed to find a woman candidate who met one of the key selection criteria for the job, "deep knowledge about the MENA region," the Bank dropped the requirement altogether. Obviously, a candidate without knowledge of the region cannot have name recognition in the region as an expert. Therefore, it, too, was dropped from the criteria and Dr. Bo's selection was ruled out and the position was given to another candidate (a woman). This is conspicuous considering the current chief economists for Latin America, East Asia and South Asia regions are from their respective regions with name recognition. According to the Bank's definition, "discrimination takes place where staff who are in basically similar situations are treated differently." Why was Dr. Bo's appointment treated differently from the other regional chief economists? Why did the search for a candidate "with a better name recognition," presumably better than Dr. Bo, end up selecting a candidate without name recognition? Did the Bank "do even better?" by appointing a candidate who did not meet the above noted two selection criteria? Did the Bank "do even better" by not appointing Dr. Bo, who met all the selection criteria?
Could the Bank's action be justified by diversity consideration? That argument will be difficult to make considering that the Bank's own diversity data shows blacks are by far behind any other group when it comes to diversity and representation. This is particularly true at management level outside of Sub-Saharan Africa region. The Bank's disregard of the fact that Dr. Bo is among the leading experts of MENA economies with name recognition; belongs to the region and possesses extensive knowledge of its social, economic and legal conditions; and is of an African descent not only reflects a callous violation of established due process but also undermines the Bank's often touted diversity objective with regards to representation of professionals of African descent.
These days, it is important for ambitious political leaders or major public institutions to guarantee that the most widely-read press ignore stories like this. Please make note of what news groups such as Reuters and the Financial Times decide to report in this story's aftermath. Collusion requires participants. Need one be reminded about why everyone was so outraged in the aftermath of the UK News Corp. scandal?
Mr. Behar has left out how the Bush Administration attempted to prevent Paul Wolfowitz' resignation from the presidency of the World Bank by threatening to reveal sensitive information about the Executive Directors on the Board. Herman Wijffels, the Dutch Executive Director at the World Bank, led the Board's inquiry into illegal pay raises to Wolfowitz' romantic interest, Shaha Riza. Riza, who worked at the World Bank prior to Wolfowitz' appointment, received a 35% raise just months after Wolfowitz assumed the presidency of the World Bank.
Wijffels reported, "There has been spying into my past in a shocking manner. In my case there was nothing to find. Very clear efforts to disqualify my fellow Directors led to consternation." I am a Yale Law educated lawyer and University of Amsterdam educated economist who worked in the World Bank's legal department for 20 years. I reported to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, then chaired by Vice President Joe Biden, the risks to the reputation of the United States. Robert Zoellick fired me in retaliation in 2007.
I also reported the corrupt take-over of Philippines National Bank, the second largest bank in the Philippines. Lucio Tan, a crony of Joseph Estrada, then President of the Philippines, acquired stock owned by government employees in Philippines National Bank in violation of Philippines securities laws. Tan owned Philippines Airlines, in default on its loans from PNB. The government of the Philippines loaned $493 million to PNB after PNB's depositors made heavy withdrawals. $200 million of a loan from the World Bank and a $200 million loan from Japan were cancelled. Estrada was ultimately impeached, and in 2007 an anti-corruption court in the Philippines required Estrada to refund graft he had plundered.
The World Bank's Country Director in the Philippines reassigned me when I asked him to warn the Philippines' government that the World Bank could not disburse its loan. The World Bank's Internal Audit Department refused to correct the satisfactory evaluation of the World Bank's supervision performance or the flawed report of the Institutional Integrity Department to the Audit Committee of the Board of Executive Directors.
The Audit Committee requested an inquiry into the Institutional Integrity Department. The Paul Volcker Panel investigation into the Institutional Integrity Department was discredited after "deliberate and substantial interference with this supposedly independent commission" came to light. http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2010/04/06-3
The World Bank stonewalled four letters from Congress into my disclosures. The World Bank also stonewalled a Government Accountability Office inquiry into transparency at the World Bank requested by Senators Richard Lugar, Evan Bayh, and Patrick Leahy. http://citizenoversight.com/pdf/blwb.pdf I warned the Joint Economic Committee that an accurate political science stakeholder analysis predicted the United States would lose the Gentlemen's Agreement for the US to appoint the president of the World Bank without rule of law at the World Bank. The analysis uses modern game theory to simulate a bargaining process among stakeholders and is 90% accurate.
The 187 member countries of the World Bank rescinded the 66 year old Gentlemen's Agreement in 2010. http://www.imf.org/external/np/cm/2010/042510.htm The US Congress is requiring results that eliminate retaliation against whistleblowers in the 2012 appropriations legislation for the World Bank capital increase. You can read more about my whistleblower retaliation case in the US Court of Appeals, DC Circuit at www.kahudes.net
I have read your story as well as the response ofthe World Bank on its website. In my opinion, the Bank should give you full access to look in and substantiate your statements.
I worked at the Bank as a consultant. There is some truth in the points you have made. The Bank did finance projects for political reasons without any possibility of success. When told that the project has no potential to succeed, the Bank just stopped using the services.
One must not forget that the Bank has done some very useful work in the developing world and countries like Korea, Mexico, India, Brazil, China cannot deny the contribution of the Bank in its efforts to grow.
The Bank hires the best possible talent from the world but its Board consists of political appointees who may not be as talented. But the Board takes final decisions on all issues on political considerations.
Mr. Behar's article was interesting and important. The World Bank needs greater public scrutiny. Unfortunately, the article missed the biggest problem of all with the World Bank and that is its ideological blinders. I work in the area of economics of education and, with colleagues, just finished a book on the World Bank and education. We had about 15 authors and every one pointed out how the fundamentalist free market ideology of the World Bank limited their approach to education problems, biased their use of research and evaluation, and narrowed their approach to policy. This is equally true of other fields like health, infrastructure, agriculture, water, etc.
Many Forbes readers may approve of this bias, but that represents their particular point of view. While the World Bank hires very competent people, they generally share an ideological perspective and other views are ignored. In economics, conservative (known as neoliberal throughout most of the world) views predominate, liberal and progressive economists are not hired or are silenced. Former Bank staff have written of the "thought police" that enforce ideological conformity within the institution. This should be embarrassing. To solve our most pressing social problems, the World Bank should open itself to the much broader debates about public policy that we see around the world among politicians, academics, journalists, civil society, and the general populace.
Steven J. Klees
Harold R. W. Benjamin Professor of International and Comparative Education
University of Maryland
It is doubtful that Dr. Jim Yong Kim will be able to 'right the ship' or 'clean house' at the World Bank. His previous track record, especially his short tenure as President of Dartmouth College, speaks volumes to his leadership, or lack-thereof (lack of follow though on initiatives; ignoring the out-of-control Greek system, etc.). It will be the same old, same old at the World Bank.
Very interesting article. The World Bank's sister organization, the IMF, is also catching some flak also. Note the recent GS-like resignation letter: http://cnnibusiness.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/doyle.pdf


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Three Strikes Information
Book Page
Mike's Corner
News Articles
Three Strikes' Law
Three Strike Crimes
Contact Us
Last Updated 13 February 2013
"Three Strikes and You're Out" 15 Year Report
shows an average of 1,000,000 serious or violent crimes are prevented every 5 years and 10,000 Californians spared from becoming murder victims since its passage in 1994. One amazing fact is that although California's population has gone up by 14,000,000 residents since its passage crime has not gone up proportionately. A remarkable stastic indeed. We've made a
distributable PDF version
Mike Reynolds has written some remarks
to introduce this monumental study.
Recently released
, the
Preliminary FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2012
shows marked increases for all categories of crime throughout California. Keep in mind that the 2012 data are for only 6 months!
In 1995 this was BIG NEWS.
In fact, it was apparent to Three Strikes most vocal critiques, among them the editors of this paper in which this article ran.
View the article as it appeared on that day in 1995.
In light of the recent introduction of an initiative to diminish 3 Strikes by a Stanford Law professor, you would think that a Bay Area Law School would be the last place you would expect to find a
positive review on 3 Strikes
We are often asked, "How did 3 Strikes get started? What was its origin?"
The story is best told in a segment from ABC's 20 20 TV show with Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs.
It was first aired January 19, 1994.
A complete account can be found in the book, "3 Strikes and You're Out: A Promise to Kimber," from Quill Driver Books, authors Mike Reynolds, Bill Jones, and Dan Evans.
It should be noted that upon Douglas Walker's release from prison that he returned to a life of crime and acquired 2 more felony convictions, both were strikes. Walker is now doing 10 years of a 12 year sentence.
With the arrest of multiple murder suspect, John Wesley Ewell, whose wife is the state treasurer of FACTS (the Families to Amend California's Three Strikes law), information is coming to light questioning the wisdom of Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley's lenient and liberal application of the nation's foremost sentencing law. With a serious and sometimes violent criminal history stretching back to the 1980s, Ewell was the beneficiary of numerous opportunities for Cooley to remand Ewell to prison custody but did not. Ewell could have been sentenced several times to 25 to life, thus preventing Ewell freedom to progress from robbery and felony fraud (2 previous serious and violent strikes) to morph into a serial killer.
Mike Reynolds prepared comments
on this incident for our visitors and the link to the
LA Times story is available here
Introducing two studies pertinent to the arguments that are about to be had, Three Strikes has posted a
two-in-one on The Myth of the (so-called) Low-Risk State Prisoner and The Rearrest of State Prisoners Following Relase from Prison
. The stats are a frightening forecast of what Californian's can expect should Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature be successful in downsizing the prison population by some 27,000 inmates. You'll need Adobe's Reader to view and/or print them.
Soundly defeated! Proposition 66 went down in defeat by 640,903 votes, a 6.8% difference between greater public safety and certain murder and mayhem.
"Three Strikes and You're Out" honored its Tenth Anniversary March 2004
Our report shows that 2 million Californians were spared victim status
, $28.5 billion in pain, suffering and damage was saved and still no new prisons built during that time. We've made a
distributable PDF version
available also.
This is a
partial listing of criminals
currently serving time under Three Strikes sentencing guidlines that WOULD HAVE BEEN BE RELEASED IF PROPOSITION 66 HAD PASS last November 2, 2004.
The LA Times carried a story 31 May 2004
about how Jerry Keenan, who owns a Sacramento insurance brokerage, put up $1.56 million to get his son, convicted of 2 manslaughter charges, out of prison. Mike Reynolds said, "It's a dark day for Californians when one man can put up enough money to overturn the most successful law in the US in order to get his son out of prison, with disregard to the thousands upon thousands of serious and violent criminals it will turn lose to prey upon society." Please see
Contra Costa County District Attorney Pipes' analysis
of those likely to be released.
Please see our
News Articles Page
, for the first AP article from Wednesday. We also have Adobe AcroReader PDF files of the justices reasoning available.
California's Three Strikes sentencing law has not overflowed the state's prisons.
In fact, there is a slight 0.7% increase, (+1,193) this year (2006).
Click here
to go to the California State Department of Corrections website to view this statistic. Scroll down to ABOUT PRISONS.
California's crime rate is down 32.7% versus a 13.0% drop for the rest of the nation!
New York state added 34,000 police to achieve an even greater reduction than California - 33.4% in the 6 major categories. One thing is clear: It is the fear of being caught and punished that has reduced crime in these states.
Click here
to view to our online copy of the FBI report.
"'Three Strikes' was implemented before a chorus of nay sayers and critics, but now after four years of historic reductions in crime, their complaints are becoming increasingly drowned out by the undeniable reality that Californians are the safest they have been in the past 30 years."
Dan Lungren, former California State Attorney General
CA Attorney General Report 1998
"Five years later, we now have evidence that fewer crimes are being committed, fewer inmates than expected are going to prison, and more career criminals on parole have left the state for more crime-tolerant locales."
Bill Jones, Secretary of the State of California.
CA Secretary of State Report, Feb. 1999
"Contrary to popular opinion, this analysis suggests that discretion is not being used haphazardly or irresponsibly. Rather, this study offers reassurance that prosecutors are acting in accordance to the standard
in the furtherance of justice
set forth by the legislature."
An unofficial private study,
JE Walsh, Assistant Professor CSULA, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics.
"Many things must be considered in measuring the impact of Three Strikes. Has it been effective in removing career criminals from the general population? Clearly the answer is yes. Has it been effective in obtaining more pleas, particularly with second strike offenders? Clearly the answer is yes. Has it been effective in mandating prison sentences for career criminals as opposed to probation and minimal treatment releasing them back into the community? Clearly the answer is yes. If you don't believe me, ask a District Attorney." A
Judge James Ardaiz
Must Read Information
Note: Use your browser's navigation arrows to get back here.
States that have some form of 3-STRIKES law are
listed here
"California's Three Strikes sentencing law has even helped bring down crime throughout the United States."
Link to this article.
"Though it is true that minorities are incarcerated at a disproportionate ratio compared to the rest of the population, minority communities are experiencing the greatest drops in crime rates."
Link to this article.
"Though it seems that Three Strikes locks up petty thieves for simple crimes, keep in mind that a criminal must have
2 prior serious or violent felonies
to receive 25 years or life."
Link to this article.
"It's been said that California voters were hoodwinked into voting for Three Strikes." "It wasn't clear to the voters," it is claimed, "that after 2 serious or violent felonies a third non-violent or non-serious felony would send someone to prison for life." It isn't true!
Link to this article.


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The Dawson Community College softball program invites all former players back to campus October 9 at 1pm & 3pm and October 10 at 10am & noon for the 2010 DCC Softball Alumni Weekend.
In conjunction with the Alumni Softball reunion, players will be able to meet and welcome head softball coach Jim LeProwse as he begins his first season with DCC's Lady Buccaneer softball program. "I am excited to meet some of the former players and see what they have done in their lives since playing softball at DCC" said LeProwse.
LeProwse brings with him more than 15 years of coaching experience in softball, baseball, football and track. Most notably, he has spent the last three years developing, building and coaching the Montana Tech fast pitch program, a club team that has successfully competed against club and intercollegiate teams across the region.
All former softball players from every decade are encouraged to attend both days. To ensure you receive the latest information, please update your contact information with Coach Jim LeProwse. E-mail Jim at [email protected] or call (406) 498-8707 to update your information.
For more information on the Buccaneer fast pitch program and DCC's other intercollegiate sports, visit us on the web at www.dawson.edu/athletics or call DCC Athletic Director Joyce Ayre at 1.800.821.8320 (ext. 447). Student athletes who are interested in playing softball at DCC are encouraged to contact Jim LeProwse or complete a Prospective Player Questionnaire online which is emailed to the coach.