text:
I've gone to yard sales for decades now, and from time to time I would call my purchasing there a commercial activity. After being through thousands of sales, and hosting a half dozen of my own, I'd like to share some pointers.
Many of the rest of you are avid yardsalers. If you have pointers please feel free to include them. Or maybe you want to take issue with a point. Gather loves controversy after all =:/
1) Make signs that can be read at a glance by a driver. Place them at every busy intersection up to 3 blocks away (but not further because that's a waste of your time). A regular sheet of typing paper is too small. Go at least twice that big, and then make sure you can read the street and number at 10 paces. Put firm backing on it so the wind doesn't fold it over.
2) Make the sale visible. If you're anywhere near a busy street, have the sale out front, rather than in back. Put up flags and balloons in the front yard (even if your sale is in back). If a friend has a house on a corner lot, consider getting permission to have your sale there.
3) Think about parking. The advantage of corner lots is you have parking in four directions. The decision of whether or not to stop will be driven largely by parking.
4) Have lots of stuff. Bring it all out. Get friends to bring over their unwanted items. This is another visibility issue and a get-them-to-stop strategy.
5) Don't make people ask, "How much is this?" First of all, they won't ask. They'll look around to see if there's something they really want and then maybe ask about that. You'll also want to focus your interactions on closing sales, not running back into the house to see whether Mike wants a quarter or fifty cents for something.Â
And someone you don't want to talk to at all will show up and ask, "What about this? What about this? What about this? What about this? What about this? What about this?" I guarantee it.
6) Don't put a ten cent price tag on anything. While you want the cost of things to be obvious, low price tags are a poor use of your time. Instead, set up a quarter table and a dollar table. If someone wants to offer you a dime, you can always say yes, but a dime and a quarter are the same thing to most people.
7) Get neighbor buy in. Two sales will attract a lot more people. A block sale or alley sale will bring 5 times as many. A neighborhood yard sale, with 40 or 50 or more sales will be like a 4th of July picnic. I could do a whole list of ten on neighborhood sales.
8) Take out an ad. Lots of people plan their routes. Don't limit yourself to the few who wander aimlessly.
9) Avoid abbreviations in your ad. Spell out the words "block", "alley", and "neighborhood". Include your zip code. Many shoppers search the newspapers website for community or "multi-family" (not "multi-fam") yard sales.
10) Have it on Saturday only. If you play your cards right, everything desireable is going to be gone after one day anyway. Eighty dollars per hour over one day beats thirty dollars per hour spread over three days. This will also let you put "saturday only" (in this case do both that and "sat only") in your ad. You can also put that on your signs. People use one-day-only as criteria for adding a sale to their list or skipping it. It will also stop Saturday shoppers that whiz on by "Thurs-Sat" signs.
Honestly, I don't want to stop here. There's more. I'll either add those as they occur to me, or I'll do a followup post.
Okay, do any other yardsalers want to advise the sellers? What makes a good yard sale? Feel free to disagree.
Click here for links to other Yard-Sale-oriented tales, including my weekly blog, To Buy or Not to Buy.


text:
'Showtime is back,' says Magic as Byron Scott becomes Lakers head coachJuly 29th, 2014, 8:34 pm by BY BILL ORAM
EL SEGUNDO – As one face from the past emerged into the Lakers present, so too did a few more. Out of a side door at the team's El Segundo practice facility strolled Magic Johnson, Jamaal Wilkes and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.
"Baby B!" Johnson exclaimed to the man sitting at the table in front of him.
Later, while posing for pictures with his arm around new Lakers coach Byron Scott, his former teammate, Johnson said, "Showtime is back, baby."
Somewhere, Mike D'Antoni was maybe ...Read the rest of this entry »

subset: commoncrawl


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|Farm / Producer
|What's Growing
|Faella Farm
|Fruit, Vegetables, Herbs, Honey + Maple, Dairy + Eggs, Nursery + Flowers, Spreads, Specialty, Dry Goods, Pet Food, Breeding Stock
|Pickup, Farm Stand
|Peace Dale, RI
51 mi
|Chicks Rule Farm
|Meat, Breeding Stock
|Farm Stand
|Durham, CT
81 mi
|Ox Hollow Farm
|Vegetables, Dairy + Eggs, Meat, Nursery + Flowers, Grains + Feeds, Specialty, Breeding Stock, Family Fun
|Delivery, Pickup, Farmers Markets, Farm Stand, PYO, CSA, Restaurants, Wholesale
|Roxbury, CT
107 mi
|Full Moon Farm
|Vegetables, Herbs, Meat, Nursery + Flowers, Grains + Feeds, Dry Goods, Breeding Stock
organic certified
|Hinesburg, VT
166 mi
Search a different town or zip:
... or search for a new food or business:
... or search for a new food or business:
Psst. Have information to add? E-mail your update to Noah at FarmFresh.org.
If you're a farmer, create an account to add or update your farm's information.


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Resurrecting this thread as I was using it to try and fix a problem...
I've been having problems with my Perfect Pass Wakeboard Pro on my '08 X-15 surging and/or slowing way down when I hit rollers, especially if it is multiple rollers when a couple boats pass. I went to play with the settings as suggested above to see if that would fix it and got confused. At least in wakeboard mode, mine only has KDW and not CS or NN settings. Are these other two in a different menu somewhere? Or in a mode other than wakeboard mode? Or is there a firmware update that I missed somewhere? Looking at the instructions in the pdf earlier in this thread, I've never seen that screen with CS and NN. Mine goes straight to the named riders list where only KDW is available.
If I can't get this sucker working better, I may fork out the $500 and upgrade to Stargazer so I can bypass the paddle wheel driven problems.
If your X-15 has the paddle wheel mounted the same as mine, the issue is where it is located on the hull. I was told this by the people at PP when I contacted them for guidance on the settings. Mine is by the center drain plug of the boat. So when going through rollers it is actually leaving the water and catching air. The folks at PP said it really should be more towards the stern to keep it from doing that. For me, increasing the filter factor (NN) helped reduce the issue drastically. It does however take a bit more time for the boat to settle into the correct speed.
You most likely know this. But my son would only advance the throttle to where the PP engaged. So when the boat needed to use more throttle it was not able to. I have to remind him to move the throttle a little extra forward.
I never saw those screens on my PP. On mine you only choose the mode when creating a new named rider, and when you choose wakeboard mode it only displays an option for KDW. Maybe it's buried in a menu somewhere. Or maybe once you have named rider lists you lose the ability to set NN and CS.
I need to go out one night where I can spend more time with it. Im usually monkeying with it on the water while somebody is waiting for me to be ready and I'm going from memory and don't have this forum or that PDF in front of me. If I can't find those settings in another menu, I'll try a factory reset and start for scratch.
My paddle wheel is indeed near the center drain plug. I used to never have a problem with this and initially suspected something was wrong with my paddle wheel (still possible). I think what's happened, however is that I've recently been riding with better riders who want the boat going a little faster. At 22mph and below I'm thinking that paddle wheel was less likely to come out even going through rollers, but at 23-24 it's causing much more of a problem. Hopefully I can correct this with settings. I don't want to spend the money on a Stargazer upgrade.
Last edited by kgrove; 02-18-2013 at 08:37 PM.
I am having some of the same issues. I am not even using the specified user settings bc mine was so bad. I messed with all the numbers with a little change, but I mostly just use the RPM mode now. I am going to try some of the numbers in this thread to see if a combination of them will help the problem. I have yet to try it with ballast in the boat so that may make it even more of a headache. Only a few more weeks until I can throw the boat in the water.
2012 X2 settings
Does anyone have the settings for an x2? We run stock ballast. Thanks
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Ruth Manges holds a bouquet of flowers presented to her during the 75th anniversary celebration for Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union. Ruth and her late husband Ronald were the first members at the credit union and an award is presented in his honor each year.
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By KATE MILEWSKI
TRAVERSE CITY — Keeping a nonprofit ski hill up and running isn't all fun and games, but Mt. Holiday employee Norm Bowbeer is hoping to add a few laughs to the fundraising process. Bowbeer is putting on the first Mt. Holiday Comedy Fundraiser to benefit the maintenance department at the recreation area at 6 p.m. today.
Bowbeer, who also hosts comedy night at Turtle Creek Casino, has heard many people mention the lack of open mic venues in Traverse City, so he decided to give local would-be comics an outlet and raise money for the ski hill all at once.
"We have old lifts and old tubes and we need money to buy new stuff," he said. "I just took the best of both things."
The revenue, which will come from registration fees from the comics, donations (which are all tax deductible) and an auction, will go entirely for things like new tools and parts.
Though this is the first time the fundraiser is taking place, reception has been good so far. Bowbeer has lined up nine local amateur comics plus comedienne Marti Johnson to be a guest judge. Johnson will also do an opening and closing set.
Comics can choose to either perform in the open mic segment or compete. For the competition, the registered comics will vie to win the coveted "Biggest Tool" trophy — made by Bowbeer himself using rusty tools and driftwood — through three five-minute sets of original material.
There's no charge to attend the event, which has garnered donations from local businesses, including gift cards from M22 and Diversions, as well as local restaurants, which will be used as prizes for the comics and for the auction.
While the comedy night will be fun, the ultimate goal is to raise $2,000 for the ski hill Bowbeer loves.
"I know the condition and it's not bad, but things break and we need new parts," he said. "I love that ski hill. It should be a lot of fun, a night of laughter and fundraising.
"There's nothing wrong with that."
To donate or perform, contact Bowbeer at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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This article was originally distributed via PRWeb. PRWeb, WorldNow and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.
University of Alabama is the Latest College to Notice The Display Shield®, a Secure and Weatherproof Digital Signage Enclosure
Orlando, FL (PRWEB) July 02, 2014
Media Vision and Protective Enclosures Company will be providing 240 The Display Shield® weatherproof cases for the University of Alabama to be placed throughout Bryant-Denny Stadium. Newly designed for 2014, The Display Shield® models DS4050H and DS5060H will encase back-to-back suspended monitors and will cover all menu boards and digital signs in the facility. Owners Representatives and Audio/Video consultants, Anthony James Partners, specified LG displays and The Display Shield® for the job. Protective Enclosures Company is the leading manufacturer of secure weatherproof TV and digital display enclosures. Over 4,500 Protective Enclosures Company products can be found in residential and commercial locations in 11 countries worldwide.
Of many competitors, Protective Enclosures Companys The Display Shield® products were selected for the project due to three main factors, which were affordability, weather-resistance and weight. The Display Shield® is cost efficient as it can be paired with almost any digital display and mount, instead of an expensive outdoor display.
The enclosures ultra-clear Lexan ® cover (shield) is manufactured using ¼ thick shatter-resistant polycarbonate, the same material used to produce bulletproof glass, for ultimate durability and screen protection. The Display Shield® is also actively ventilated with a thermostatically controlled 36CFM 115V filtered fan and two vents located on the upper side corners. The Display Shield® is water-resistant and will protect signage against rain and concession stand wash-downs; a huge benefit for the University of Alabama.
In addition, units weigh 50-75% less than alternative outdoor enclosures and are made of lightweight, yet highly durable and long lasting HMWPE outdoor plastics. The largest unit only weighs 58lbs and the smallest unit is 18lbs.
Though new to the commercial market, Protective Enclosures Company products can be found in W Hotels Worldwide, Marriott, Talladega Superspeedway, Southwest Airlines, TGI Fridays, Six Flags, Georgie Tech, University of Mississippi and more. Protective Enclosures Company CEO, Justin King, stated Protective Enclosures Companys patent pending lightweight outdoor plastic weatherproof enclosures, including The Display Shield®, are becoming popular signage protection choices for educational institutions due to affordability and durability that cant be found elsewhere.
Photo Credit: Matthew Tosh at http://www.flickr.com/photos/toshm/6426273093/
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11981388.htm
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McALESTER —
McAlester Public Schools officials decided Tuesday afternoon that fifth and sixth grade Parker Intermediate School students will attend classes at the McAlester Campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College, at 1802 E. College Ave., beginning Wednesday and continuing at least for the rest of this week.
"We have structural damage and at this time we're not able to use Parker," said MPS Superintendent Marsha Gore.
However, "We're going to have school, as usual," Gore said
Students who ordinarily ride buses to Parker should go ahead and catch their buses each morning at the normal time, Gore said. Buses will transport those students to the Eastern Campus.
Parents who ordinarily drive their children to Parker should now drive them to Eastern's McAlester Campus and drop them off at the breezeway between the two buildings at the campus, Gore said.
Classes are set to begin at 8 a.m. and to be dismissed at 3 p.m., she said.
Steps have been made to provide breakfast and lunch to the students at the Eastern Campus, she said.
Teachers and other school personnel will be at the breezeway to help guide the students and the school expects security to be on hand to help with traffic control.
Plans called for the Parker building to be inspected Wednesday by a structural engineer.
In the meantime, Gore urged everyone to be patient while dropping off, and picking up, the students at Eastern.
McAlester Public Schools Board of Education President, Dr. Janet Wansick and EOSC President Dr. Steve Smith helped make arrangements for the Parker students to attend Eastern.
Gore said school officials will be putting together some longer-range plans later this week related to the situation at Parker.
Meanwhile, Gore called an emergency meeting of Parker instructors, support staff and administrators, set for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the MPS central office.
Contact James Beaty at email@example.com.
For more on this story, see the print or electronic editions of the McAlester News-Capital. Click here for print edition home delivery or click here to see the Smart Edition for your computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone.


text: And that wasn't a good performance. botched the 3-3 attempt, toe-axeled all three double toes, and her lutz and flips weren't done well or with any height. Only jumps I wouldn't give -ve GOEs to are the loop (and that's pushing it with the 5-minute prep) and the 2axel. She earned her spot at worlds, but I hope she dumps this sorry excuse of a program. I'd rather her botch Poeta or Aranjuez instead


text:
Houston, TX- Fans of the "Howard Stern Show" have long heard all about Robin Quiver's personal battles with food addiction and bad diets. We recently caught up with the radio DJ to find out how she turned the tables on food and won the battle to finally eat healthier.
Learn more on the Vegucation of Robin.


text:
By CLINT FOSTER
The Mineral Wells Police Department rolled on a few assaults this past week, but two in particular featured suspects brandishing particularly unusual choices of weaponry, both on June 24.
The first was around 12:30 p.m. Police report a man was sitting in his home watching television when suddenly his cousin burst through his front door. According to reports, the cousin then proceeded to demand $10 as he held his Winchester 1026 air rifle – or as Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" would say: BB gun -- to the victim's forehead.
The assailant fled, leaving his weapon at the scene. The BB gun bandit remains at large.
Police report the second crime, occurring between 9:20 p.m. and 10:10 p.m., began as a typical domestic disturbance call. A man threatened to harm a woman with a machete.
The machete, initially thought to be fictional, turned up at another location. Regardless, the suspect was arrested for a terroristic threat.
Follow Clint on Twitter @Clint_Foster55


text:
Willard Carpenter, 85, 5401 Grasshopper Road passed away peacefully at his home early July 1, 2013.
He was born May 10, 1928 to the late Oma Wells and Henry Carpenter. Willard graduated from Knightdale High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Army. He went to work at NC State University as Director of Merchandising at the Student Supply Store retiring with 32 years of service.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC 27545 with Reverend George Fox and Reverend George Pullium officiating. Mr. Carpenter will lie in state in the church sanctuary prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends in the church sanctuary immediately following the committal service and other times at their home.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Myrtle Massengill Carpenter; daughters: Cynthia C. King and her husband David of Cary, Ann C. Rockett and her husband, Mark of Raleigh; grandchildren: Alexandra King, Justin King and Jonathan Rockett. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Christine Bunn.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC 27545.
The Carpenter family would like to express their sincere thanks for the loving care given by Hospice of Wake County, Willie Mae Rose and Ben Hopper. Condolences to the family may be sent to poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.


text:
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Warm for ice fishing and outdoor activities.
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- Was this a gift?:
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text:
By Logan Stewart
CHARLOTTE, NC – The campaign trail gets a little wilder this
summer when Discovery Place and the EpiCentre bring a nonpartisan
contest to Uptown Charlotte, offering a chance at victory for anyone
willing to get in the race.
Beginning July 30, a total of 24 specially-marked donkey
and elephant toy animals will be hidden throughout the EpiCentre and its
resident businesses. Each 'political animal' will be redeemable for two
tickets to Discovery Place, including entry to the National Geographic
Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes exhibition, plus two tickets
to Discovery Place's Charlotte Observer IMAX ® Dome Theatre to see polar
bears frolic in To The Arctic or the dinosaurs roar in Sea Rex...
(Note: The IMAX tickets are not valid for The Dark Knight Rises.)
The scavenger hunt, open to the public, offers a game-changing
opportunity to get involved in the culture and excitement of Discovery
Place, one of the state's most visited and beloved educational
destinations, while exploring the heart of the Democratic National
Convention's host city.
"Animals have a rare view of the world, whether they are
penguins, sharks, sea lions, elephants, donkeys or any other creature.
The Crittercam exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to see the
world the way animals do " said John Mackay, president and CEO of
Discovery Place, Inc. "This scavenger hunt is an entertaining way for us
to let the public see the way we can combine fun, education and science
during the advent of the DNC in Charlotte."
Showcasing the ongoing research of National Geographic's
Crittercam, a scientific video- and data-gathering tool safely worn by
wild animals, the Crittercam exhibition at Discovery Place invites
visitors to see the world through animal eyes. Encompassing more than 20
years of scientific invention and research collaborations, /Crittercam/
has uncovered stunning insights into animal life. The exhibition will be
at Discovery Place through September 16.
The twelve donkeys and twelve elephants will be secured in
hidden and visible locations throughout the EpiCentre and each will be
tagged with information about how to redeem the animal for Discovery
Place and IMAX tickets. To level the playing field, Discovery Place will
be offering daily social media clues on Facebook
(facebook.com/discoveryplace <http://www.facebook.com/discoveryplace>)
and Twitter (@discoveryplace <http://www.twitter.com/discoveryplace>).
The contest will continue until all 24 animals have been captured. For
more information call 704.372.6261 x300 or email email@example.com
"As a longstanding partner in Charlotte's arts and culture
scene, we are excited to be in the "epicenter" of national events that
will surround the region in the coming months," said Mackay. "And, if
you're wondering what the odds of finding tickets are…well, I would
speculate that it will all come down to turnout."
*About Discovery Place*
One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place
provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage people in
the active exploration of science and nature. The Museum brings
relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking
exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on
activities. Nearly a half-million people from all over the United States
engage with Discovery Place and its IMAX Dome Theatre each year.
Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street.
Convenient parking is available in the Museum's parking deck – the Carol
Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For
more information about Discovery Place, call 704-372-6261, visit
_www._discoveryplace.org <http://www.discoveryplace.org/>or connect with
Discovery Place on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/discoveryplace>,
Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/discoveryplace>and YouTube
Discovery Place Inc. owns and operates Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature
Museum and Discovery Place KIDS and is supported, in part, with funding
from the Arts & Science Council.


text:
Product Code: 58029
There is a minimum order quantity of 3 doors from this range. Unfortunately this product can not be delivered to Northern Ireland.
4-panel internal door with a woodgrain effect finish for a traditional look that brightens up any home. A door that has stood the test of time and remains as popular as ever. Supplied unfinished with a base coat primer for your own choice of paint or stain.
A standard core moulded door manufactured using one-piece moulded wood fibre facings, ideal for domestic use. Fixings not included.
£44.99 (inc. 20% VAT)
7 Working Days Delivery
Store Collection Unavailable
|Model No


text:
Bob West
The Port Arthur News
LU's White helped Stroud get back on track
Somewhere around 5 a.m. Sunday morning, roughly 9,900 miles from home, Chris Stroud nearly repeated a piece of thrilling history from last June.
Needing to chip-in for birdie on the 72nd hole to get into a playoff in the CIMB Classic — just as he did in the Traveler's Classic — Stroud's wedge from rough behind the green was tracking toward the cup. In the last couple of feet, however, his ball veered ever so slightly to the right and stopped maybe six inches away.
Southeast Texas' favorite pro golfer had to settle for a T3 and the second largest career payoff of $406,000 that puts him ninth on the PGA Tour money list for the 2013-14 season. It's the highest Stroud's ever been, not only on the money list but also in Fed Ex Cup points (11th) and in the Official World Golf Rankings (84th).
"I thought it was going in," Stroud said of his near miss at the final hole. "Thing is, it was such a much more difficult chip than the one at the Travelers. I was in gnarly rough on a downslope. If I landed the ball on the green, it would have gone 10 feet past. I picked out a piece of grass on the fringe as the target and landed right on it.
"The ball hit and kicked left and I said, 'oh, do it again baby.' I thought it was going in and that I would go on and win in a playoff. But there was too much moisture on the green. The ball slowed down and broke right at the end. It was a great shot, it just didn't go in."
Remarkably, only three weeks after struggling badly off the tee, shooting rounds of 76-72 and missing the cut at The Frys.com Classic that kicked off the new PGA Tour schedule, Stroud may be more confident in his game than at any time since turning pro. Marathon practice sessions with Lamar golf coach Brian White, and a meeting of the minds between the two, have the always optimistic Stroud more upbeat then ever.
Chris, in fact, is so ramped up he wasn't feeling any jet lag from his 21-hour return flight to Houston. He was in bed at 8:15 Monday night, up Tuesday morning at 5, phoned his favorite golf writer at 9, then headed off to Lochinvar Golf Club in Houston to meet with White.
"Good things are coming," said Stroud. "I feel like a light bulb has gone off in my head as a result of all the work with Whitey. We spent four eight-hour days in a row after the Frys. He came to Lochinvar, I went to Beaumont Country Club. It was really intense stuff. With Whitey's help, I finally figured out some things that are going to make a difference."
White, who was concerned recently when Stroud was talking about how important he felt it was to implement swing changes to get more length off the tee, more or less convinced Chris that added distance would be a byproduct of getting back to swinging the way he was when he left Lamar.
The message from his coach was: "Listen, as good as your short game is now, as well as you are putting, when your ball striking gets back to where it was coming out of college, you can be in contention every week. You are long enough. What I want you to do is stick to who your are. Just be Chris Stroud."
"That's pretty much what I told him," White said. "He was not vertical enough, not keeping his body closed. We worked as hard as we've ever worked. We started at 11 a.m. and practiced and played until dark. I feel like he really bought in. By the Friday of that week, I thought he looked the best I'd seen him in years. That's why I wasn't surprised when he almost won.
"I'm trying to get him to hit the ball straighter, to get him back to the way he used to swing. We went back to some of the drills we used to do. He didn't need to make major changes, just refine some things. I think this tournament will reinforce his confidence that this is the way he can be his best. I can see him going on to have a really big year."
Stroud couldn't agree more.
"Whitey and I are on the same page," Stroud said. "It has taken me this long to figure some things out. Whitey pointed out to me that over my first seven years on tour I averaged 283 yards off the tee. He made the point that last year was an aberration because my swing was off little. I'm still developing as a player. He's still developing as a coach. He's learning to explain things so they are easier to understand.
"Let me say this," Stroud continued. "I can't possibly give Whitey enough credit. I am so thankful I turned down offers to go other places and went to Lamar. For a young player looking to develop his game to where it's tour ready, there are few coaches as good as Whitey. Other schools may be able to offer more in some areas, but to me the most important thing is to have a coach who can make you better. Whitey can do that.
"He not only understands the golf swing, and how to teach it, I'm convinced he's the best putting coach in America. People talk Dave Pelz and Dave Stockton Jr., but Whitey can putt better than those guys and he knows the stroke better."
Stroud's next tournament is the McGladrey's Classic Nov. 7-10 at Sea Island, Ga. He also plans to play in the season-ending OHL Classic at Mayakoba Nov. 14-17. Between now and the time he heads for Sea Island, he'll be spending as much time with White as he can.
"We've really grown together as a team, Stroud said. "I'm going to be coming to Beaumont more than in the past so we can work together. When he's on the road with the Lamar golf team, I may go where they are. I'm changing my entire approach back to the way I did it when I was in college.
"I'm not going to play more than two weeks in a row. I'm going to prepare hard with Whitey, play a couple of tournaments, then take time off. I'm sharper when I'm fresh. I am so confident this is going to be my breakout year. I really believe I can break out like Jason Dufner did a couple of years ago."
So does Brian White.
Sports editor Bob West can be e-mailed at email@example.com


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AXA Advisors
273 Employee Reviews (View Most Recent)
5 people found this helpful
"RBG-Think long term if you want to make it here"
Pros – There is unlimited earning potential, you are in complete control of your own schedule, own your own book of business, and are able to provide valuable financial services and tools to those who need it. The employee benefits are pretty good including a generous stock option plan, a nice bonus structure, and residual pay.
It is a postion where if you can make it through the daily grind for 10+ years you will be very happy with the money made and is without a doubt a job you should only consider if you are truly looking for a long term position with a company. Don't work here if you only want to get 1-2 years of experience and move on, it's not worth it and there are better places to do that, but if you go in with a long term perspective it can be a good opportunity for those that are driven, competitive, and good in a sales/numbers environment.
Cons – It is one of the hardest jobs I've encountered and the numbers back it up as there is a little less than a 15% retention rate of employees after 4 years. A big part of this is there are a lot of costs associated with the job, for example: you rent your office space from the company and have to pay for it, the same with the mandatory company computer, as well as your licenses, the majority of the planning and organizational software necessary to do the job, and professional liability insurance among other expenses. It's not uncommon for my first salary paycheck ever month to go entirely to these costs.
You spend about the first 3 months of work without any form of salary so in additional to trying to learn about all the products and services, you are required to try to sell these products in order to make money, even though you do not know enough to adequately sell them. Additionally in the short term the pay isn't competitive with other companies in the industry, it gets better after about 5 years and catches up, but that is due to the compounded residual pay in addition to the bonus structure.
There is a terrible work/life balance as I typically find myself leaving home by 5:30am and getting back home after 10pm. This is mainly because the job is at it's core a sales job, which would be fine, but in addition to going through the typically sales process (prospecting, making calls, preparing for appointments, running appointments, closing the sale) you don't have an assistant of any type so you are also responsible for the administrative half of the sale (filling out paperwork, processing paperwork from start to finish, following up with and correcting any errors made by yourself, the client, or the home office-who unfortunately are very understaffed and as a result make an immense amount of mistakes). This gets better after time when you can afford to hire an assistant to handle the follow up and paperwork, but again that is an entirely out of pocket expense with no company support.
There isn't a very clear channel of communications at any level of the company. When paperwork needs to be followed up on you can easily wait on hold for 30+ minutes just to talk to 4 different people about the same problem before ever getting to someone who can solve it. There needs to be a restructuring and a serious reevaluation of how best to provide insurance.
Advice to Senior Management – Do more to develop and support new employees. There is no reason to be charging the employees to use office space just to increase the bottom line. It shouldn't be an acceptable practice or considered normal in the company to hire 20 people and after 10 have quit, lose another 5 on top of that just because even though they are good at the job, they simply can't afford to continue to work at the company. Something seriously needs to be done about that. Additionally, there needs to be some encouragement and support for a life outside of work. Your sales staff shouldn't be spending an extra 30 hours/ week doing activities that don't bring in money for themselves or the company. An easy fix would to be to provide a few administrative assistants that handle the follow up of paper work and take some of that responsibility from the financial professionals, so instead of paperwork the FP's can do what they are supposed to be doing, which is make sales and bring in money.
No, I would not recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company
1 person found this helpful
"Limited direction, poor management."
I worked at AXA Advisors full-time for more than 3 years
Pros: Excellent product brokerage division. Senior employees who have been in the industry for… Cons: Managers unable to retain quality employees, as the training and… Advice to Senior Management: Re-evaluate the RBG program as a whole. More


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By Rex Crum, MarketWatch
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — The fallout over the weak business forecasts from the likes of NetApp Inc., Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. continued to be felt Wednesday, this time with the companies that make much of the gear for the tech giants ending up in the sector's crosshairs.
Electronics contract manufacturers Sanmina-SCI Corp. /quotes/zigman/12752906/delayed/quotes/nls/sanm SANM -1.81% and Benchmark Electronics Inc. /quotes/zigman/219588/delayed/quotes/nls/bhe BHE -3.01% felt the brunt of the negativity, as those companies' shares fell more than 3% each after RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryani cut his rating of Sanmina to underperform, or sell, from sector perform, or the equivalent of neutral, and also took down Benchmark to sector perform from outperform.
Sanmina closed the day down by 26 cents a share at $7.34, while Benchmark Electronics gave up 45 cents to close at $12.89.
/quotes/zigman/12752906/delayed/quotes/nls/sanm SANM 23.29, -0.43, -1.81%
Daryani also lowered his earnings and revenue forecasts for the rest of the year and 2012 on Sanmina, Benchmark and several other contract manufacturers including Flextronics International /quotes/zigman/56172/delayed/quotes/nls/flex FLEX -1.52% and Jabil Circuit Inc. /quotes/zigman/128454/delayed/quotes/nls/jbl JBL -3.20% . In a research note, Daryani said that the sector is already feeling the impact of the weak sales that some tech leaders said they experienced earlier this summer.
"While still early, we believe enterprise and networking OEMs [equipment manufacturers] saw a notable downtick in demand in the month of July as noted by both NetApp and Dell," Daryani said.
Daryani added that business for the big IT companies remains soft, "it will likely result in order cuts and inventory adjustments that will weigh negatively [on contract manufacturers]."
For the current business quarter, Daryani now expects Sanmina to earn 36 cents a share on $1.625 billion in sales, down from an earlier estimate of 42 cents a share on revenue of $1.675 billion. He also took Benchmark Electronics down to an earnings forecast of 30 cents a share on $580 million in revenue from a prior estimate of earnings of 31 cents a share on $600 million in sales.
Daryani also cut his earnings and sales forecast on Flextronics by 13% and 4%, respectively, and lowered his profit outlook on Jabil Circuit by 7% and curt his revenue estimate by 3%.
Companies such as Jabil and Flextronics are often at the whims of bellwethers like H-P /quotes/zigman/229301/delayed/quotes/nls/hpq HPQ -1.38% , Dell and Cisco Systems Inc. /quotes/zigman/20039/delayed/quotes/nls/csco CSCO -1.56% , which sometimes account for as much at 10% of a contract manufacturers revenue during a given fiscal quarter.
Last week, NetApp /quotes/zigman/109935/delayed/quotes/nls/ntap NTAP -0.72% , Dell and H-P each gave disappointing sales forecasts for either their current business quarters, or the rest of the year. Daryani said that because of such "demand dynamics" any uptick in business for most of the contract manufacturers through the end of the year will likely be muted at best.


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Maryland Elections: GOP in danger, a gamble on gambling
In Maryland, voters are faced with a range of ballot questions as well as making their pick for president. Residents also will decide congressional races that pit lesser- known candidates against established incumbents.
Thursday - 11/01/2012, 08:01am EDT
Tags: Joseph Kurtz, Kate Ryan, Center Maryland
, July 30, 2014
Washington, DC
Now: 65 °FTonight: Mainly clear
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Joshua, Jason, and Nathan have dominated the JGP this season. But which of the 3 of them is most likely to ultimately be successful in the senior ranks?
Jason Brown
Joshua Farris
Nathan Chen
Joshua, Jason, and Nathan have dominated the JGP this season. But which of the 3 of them is most likely to ultimately be successful in the senior ranks?
Nathan Chen
Jason Brown
Joshua Farris
Looks like this poll will generate some constructive discussion.
Why "skaters" instead of just "men"?
"Randy [Starkman (1960-April 16, 2012)] lived by the same motto as the rest of us. The Olympics isnt every four years, its every single day. He just got it." --Canadian Olympic kayaker Adam van Koeverden
I have to say probably Josh - he has it all right now, the jumps, the spins, the PCS, everything. So unbelievably good. And he seems to have got over that period where he was getting injured (conveniently, with a change of coaches...touch wood!).
Jason will be amazingly good as a Senior though once he gets the 3A landed properly. At the moment, much as it pains me to say, he has too many question marks over him to get top spot.
I don't know about Nathan Chen because he hasn't really been out and about enough to judge. Yes, he's wonder-baby and everything. Will it survive his growth spurts which are sure to come? I think he tends to be a little over-scored at the moment, and it will be interesting to see his development.
All of them! But seriously they are all really good. Josh already has a 3a and 4t, Nathan has 3a and I don't doubt he will get quad(s) in the coming years, and well Jason needs a 3a and quad, but there's still time for him to get those, and at least he's trying the 3a in competition now and standing up on it even if it's cheated, but if he gets those then he should do well too. I don't doubt that the three of them could comprise the Olympic team for 2018. You know, if all goes well between now and then. *knock on wood*
I think they are all better/more interesting than the likes of Lysacek, Weir, Rippon, Miner, Aaron, etc. I do like Abbott (will obviously be too old to try for Pyeongchang though), Dornbush, Messing, and Mahbanoozadeh too though.
If Farris learns to express the music, I think I'll enjoy his skating the most. He already has the jumps - he just needs the artistry.
I don't know about everyone else but I feel like Josh Farris is pretty artistic already, he's really improved in that department since leaving Tom Z and helping choreograph his programs IMO. Obviously there's always room to improve, but to me he's definitely not just a jumper who really is a bit lacking the artistry department like someone like Max Aaron or Brandon Mroz is, to me what makes Josh so good is how he balances his good jumps with his strong spins highlighted by his flexibility, intricate step sequences, and sensitivity to the music. He could be more extroverted in his performance, however, and I can see how this aspect of his skating could cause some to see him as lacking artistry. He's apparently pretty shy and reserved off the ice, so I imagine it's hard not to shake that when competing.
only 2 votes for Brown but 19 votes for Farris ?
compared to Joshua and Nathan who has the jumps and artistry
we'll find out by seniors soon
though I don't bet much on Farris, he has already been left behind by Jason Brown and now Nathan Chen !
I love Jason Brown, but IMO, he will be the next Shawn Sawyer, ie, a spectacular skater, amazing and interesting, but not that successful in term of results.
I just hope they can all stay healthy and injury free. And that Jason will own that 3A soon so that he can be on a similar technical footing as the others!
asked the USFSA who they will cheat for , not who the public wants.
Right now it appears Brown will be the least successful. Unfortunately, jumps count a great deal, particularly in men's skating. In today's skating landscape, if you are a male competing at the senior level and don't own a 3Axel and a quad, you are gunning for 15th in the World Championships, tops. Plus, it doesn't look too bright for him that at the age of 17, he hasn't even landed the 3Axel cleanly in competition once and has never even attempted a quad in competition. I really would love to see him prove any naysayers wrong though. He's a terrific stylist and seems to be a great guy!
It's way too early to tell for Chen, who hasn't even passed the age that the puberty monster usually attacks most viciously. The puberty monster doesn't only claim female victims, sadly.
Farris's future at the moment appears the most predictably optimistic, in my opinion. I think he's way more talented than Lysacek and Weir were at the age of 17.
Last edited by museksk8r; 09-29-2012 at 12:17 AM.
^^ I agree about Farris. I think what he really needs to do at this point is to learn how to maximize his points under CoP. He is strong in jumps, spins, and footwork, his PCS are among the highest of all the junior men competing internationally, yet I feel like his scores, particularly his FS scores, are always a bit lower than I feel like he should be capable of achieving with his current skill set. Maybe it's the fact that he tends to have some mistakes in his FS, but even so, I think with a more CoP savvy program layout, he could boost his scores in the FS a bit, so that with mistakes he can still be in the 140s, and when near clean in the 150s. Obvious ways he could do this would be moving a second combo to the 2nd half (3lz-2t would make sense since it is not a particularly difficult combo for him), switching the 3lo at the end which he tends to under-rotate with another jump at the beginning so he can attempt it on fresh legs, changing the 3f-2t-2lo combo to a 3-1/2lo-3 combo, which would allow him to add a 2a in there somewhere and still attempt the same number of triples, putting an extra jumping pass in the 2nd half, and being vigilant about getting his spin and step levels (it seems like he'll commonly get lvl3 on a spin and lvl2 on steps when we know he is easily capable of the higher level, with +GOE even). Of course, all this could hurt his consistency, in which case it's not worth it, I just feel like it's not that uncommon to see skaters score mid 130s-mid 140s (what he earned for his last two FS) without attempting a quad or two 3a, sometimes without even any 3a, so theoretically, given his capabilities and planned layout, Josh should be able to score higher, and if he can, then watch out for him at Nationals!
Without a technical foundation, in senior men's, I just feel like so much of the rest of the factors don't matter enough. Right now it is looking like Chen has the equipment to keep on progressing technically though it is still sooo early in his physical development.


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Kevin Fishbain
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The Patriots probably cannot imagine a worse way to get eliminated from the playoffs than what happened on Sunday. They lost at home for the second year in a row, but this year it was to the hated Jets, the team that trash-talked them all week, the team they beat 45-3 in Week 13.
The Pats didn't just get beat. They looked silly and confused in each facet of the game. They went into their bag of tricks a few times, showing a sense of desperation. Even after the touchdown and two-point conversion that got them within 14-11, it still didn't look like the Patriots would have enough magic.
When the war of words finally ended and the two teams hit the field, the Jets were the better team, as they exposed the Patriots' inexperience and reliance on Tom Brady.
The loss rendered the Pats' 14-2 regular season, including that 45-3 win over the Jets, a moot point. The bright side Pats fans can take with the season over (although few expected it to end so soon) is the six draft picks New England has in the first three rounds and the youth of the current team that will just get better.
But that doesn't help the sour taste the Jets have left in the mouths of everyone in the Pats' organization.
The PFW Spin
I had said all along that, on paper, the Jets were a better team than the Patriots. They had better, or at least comparable, players at every position except quarterback. Granted, that's a pretty important position.
It's quarterback and coach that guided the Patriots to a 14-2 regular-season record. Brady won Pro Football Weekly/PFWA MVP, Belichick won PFW/PFWA Coach of the Year, and both were well-deserved. With so many players hurt and so many rookies playing regularly, the Patriots were not a 14-2 team, especially considering their schedule.
But Brady and Belichick were beat when it mattered most. Rex Ryan said all he had to do was be better than Belichick on Sunday, and he was. Ryan said he took a lot of suggestions of how to stop the Patriots, and it seemed he took a page out of Belichick's book himself — just have better personnel.
The Patriots' defense that was missing DL Ron Brace, Ty Warren and Mike Wright, DBs Leigh Bodden and Brandon McGowan and that regularly started four rookies and sometimes played up to six in a game, allowed the Pats to still win 14 games and lead the league in takeaways. How, exactly? Confusing coverages, disguises at the line of scrimmage, well-timed blitzes — Belichick-type work.
Well, that's what the Jets did, but they had better personnel.
It's no shock that the Patriots gave up 28 points. It's no surprise that the Jets' running backs, Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson, rushed for 119 yards on 27 carries (4.4 average) against an injury-depleted front seven. It's no surprise that Mark Sanchez had a 127.3 passer rating, Jerricho Cotchery had a 58-yard catch-and-run and Santonio Holmes had a great TD catch against the Patriots' 30th-ranked passing defense. It's also no surprise that Antonio Cromartie gained nearly 26 yards on his kickoff returns against one of the Patriots' weakest special-teams units.
The surprise is that the Pats didn't score 30 points for the first time since Week Nine, that Brady threw an interception for the first time since Week Six, that he recorded his lowest passer rating (89.0) since Week Seven and that they allowed a season-high five sacks.
All season long, the Patriots have won games because of Brady and an opportunistic defense — that had been their recipe for success. But it was Ryan's defense that created confusion and created the big takeaway. With Cromartie and Darrelle Revis jamming receivers at the line, and Jets safeties not allowing tight ends or Wes Welker to have room in space, Brady was often flustered in the pocket, something that contributed to a few of the sacks.
And that's what the Patriots did to Mark Sanchez in Week 13. The Pats would bring seven, eight guys into the box and rush only three. Sanchez looked confused and threw three picks. The Patriots' defense also had the luxury most of the year of playing with a lead, like they did in Week 13, and therefore didn't have to worry much about stopping the run.
The Jets took that out of the equation on Sunday, forcing an inexperienced defense to step up and make a play when necessary on the Jets' scoring drive to go up 10 in the fourth quarter, and the Pats couldn't do it. They never sacked Sanchez and didn't create a turnover.
Brady will get heat for his third consecutive playoffs loss, and he should. He said on Monday that he expected similar coverage that he saw the Jets throw at Peyton Manning, yet he wasn't able to adjust and move the football. "That definitely crossed our minds that they'd be doing similar-type things," he said on WEEI. He went on to take responsibility, adding, "I really let the team down and didn't play the way I was capable."
It might have been an MVP season for Brady and a masterful coaching job by Belichick, but in the one-and-done system of the NFL playoffs, that means nothing. The Patriots don't have to worry about a whole lot of rebuilding or turnover and the future is clearly bright after such significant contributions from younger players, but they will have to wait another year to win when it matters most.


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Wanted: A home for about 100 dogs and cats. Must be somewhat isolated but near enough to populated areas for easy adoptions. Must be zoned agriculture. Also should have a reasonable price tag attached.
If you have something like that, Spencer Pet Rescue would love to hear from you. The rescue group needs to move by Dec. 31, said Jeanette Stunkel, rescue director.
The rescue group has been renting space at Spencer Kennels since 2005. But now there is not enough space for both entities to exist at 1405 E. Highway 50 in O'Fallon.
"Both entities have gotten very, very big," said Michelle Parker, owner of Spencer Kennels. "We have tried numerous times to expand but we just can't do it."
Stunkel thought it wouldn't be any big deal to find a new place. But it has been.
"We've been looking for around six months now," she said. "We decided to find a piece of land where we could build. How difficult could that be? Right?
"We didn't think it would be difficult. It's a nightmare."
The rescue group has a few specific needs. They need easy accessibility. She said they can't build too far out of the populated area or no one can find them.
One of their problems is that nobody wants a lot of dogs in the area. The potential for noise apparently is the problem.
"Horses are all right," she said. "They're not a nuisance. But dogs are."
They need at least two to three acres that is zoned agriculture, she said.
"Stuff is outrageously expensive," she said. "We have a donor who has given $25,000 as a start and we can borrow the rest."
"We adopt out 500 to 800 animals per year," Stunkel said. "What's going to happen to all these dogs?"
The rescue has begun refusing to accept pets until it knows where it will go.
"We can't take in anything right now," Stunkel said. "We have about 50-70 dogs and about 50-60 cats."
Stunkel said they have tried a lot of avenues and now they are appealing to the public.
"Maybe someone will have some land somewhere we can buy," she said.
To help, you can call Stunkel at 792-1625.
Have a column idea? Call Wally at 239-2506 or 800-642-3878; or email: email@example.com


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BY KEVIN HARRIS and RYAN INGRAM
Ray Reisinger drove in seven RBIs to lead the New Albany 9-10-year-old Baseball All-Stars to an 18-0 victory in four innings over Silver Creek in the District 5 Little League Tournament on Tuesday at Mt. Tabor Park.
Reisinger smacked two of New Albany's four home runs. Reisinger and teammates Hunter Sprigler and Austin Oppel each hit a homer in the first inning.
New Albany's Tucker Biven was the winning pitcher. He pitched one inning, as he gave up one hit. Biven struck out one and walked one.
NEXT: New Albany (3-0) vs. Highlander Youth Recreation, 5:30 p.m., Thursday; Silver Creek (0-3) vs. Charlestown, 8 p.m., Wednesday.
• Landers leads Silver Creek: Josh Landers went 2-for-2 with a triple to lead Silver Creek past Charlestown on Tuesday, 10-0. The Silver Creek pitching staff pitched a no-hitter.
NEXT: Silver Creek (3-0) vs. New Albany, 8 p.m., Friday; Charlestown (0-3) vs. Clarksville, 5:30 p.m., Thursday.
• Barrett strikes out 12 in shutout: Blake Barrett pitched all four innings for HYR in its 27-0 victory over Clarksville on Monday night. Barrett out 12 batters while allowing only three hits.
Aaron Brown went 4-for-4 with five RBIs to lead HYR offensively. Teammate Kellen Northam also had four hits in four at-bats, adding three RBIs.
NEXT: Clarksville (0-3) vs. Charlestown, 5:30 p.m., Thursday; HYR (1-2) vs. Jeff/GRC, 5:30 p.m., Saturday.
• New Albany downs Clarksville: New Albany stayed undefeated in the tournament on Tuesday by beating Clarksville, 16-0. Ty Lehman led New Albany at the plate, as every New Albany starter collected a hit.
NEXT: New Albany (3-0) vs. Jeff/GRC, 5:30 p.m., Friday; Clarksville (0-2) vs. Jeff/GRC, 5:30 p.m., today.
• Silver Creek downs Clarksville: Silver Creek improved to 2-0 on Tuesday with a 15-5 win over Clarksville. No details from this game were provided at press time.
NEXT: Silver Creek (2-0) vs. Jeff/GRC, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday; Clarksville (0-2) vs. Charlestown, 8 p.m., Wednesday.
• HYR edges out Charlestown: HYR outscored Charlestown 12-10 to secure the win on Monday night. Sam Weiser had three hits to lead HYR.
NEXT: Charlestown (0-2) vs. Clarksville, 8 p.m., today; HYR (1-1) vs. Silver Creek, 5:30 p.m., Thursday.
• Jeff rolls past New Albany: Jeff/GRC ran away with the win against New Albany on Monday night, 13-5. Pitcher Jacob Cochrum picked up the win for Jeff.
NEXT: Jeff/GRC (2-0) vs. Silver Creek, 5:30 p.m., today; New Albany (1-1) vs. Charlestown, 7 p.m., Friday.
• Jeff remains undefeated: On Monday at Grant Line Elementary School, Jeff/GRC narrowly captured the win, beating New Albany 6-5 to keep its record unblemished in pool play. Nangely Davila provided the majority of the offense for Jeff. Riley Chumbley scored twice for New Albany.
NEXT: Jeff/GRC (3-0) vs. Clarksville, 5:30 p.m., today; New Albany (2-1) vs. Charlestown, 8 p.m., today.
• Creek takes care of Charlestown: Kathlene Hawkins crossed the plate three times, and Lindsay Evans scored twice for Silver Creek (1-3) in its 9-4 win over Charlestown on Monday night.
NEXT: Charlestown (0-3) vs. New Albany, 8 p.m., today.


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After Tony-nominated performances in Company and Speed-the-Plow, Raúl Esparza is calling the Ethel Barrymore Theatre home yet again as math scholar Valentine Coverly in the Broadway revival of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia. Esparza welcomed Broadway.com to his backstage dressing room (where Marlon Brando was a former tenant!) to show off his five must-have items for a successful show. Click below for a guided tour by Esparza as he presents his impressive bar and the fancy cologne he's chosen to wear onstage.
"Wicked" original cast member Norbert Leo Butz sings "Dancing Through Life"January 20, 2010
Pippin's Ciara Renée gives us a sample of one of the many JT songs to be featured in Broadway Sings Justin Timberlake at 54 Below on July 14.July 9, 2014
In this special episode of Fly Girl, Wicked star Lindsay Mendez takes us along for a very, very, very early appearance on the Today Show and brings us into the wings during the curtain call at the show's 10th anniversary performance!November 7, 2013
In the final (?) episode of Looks Not Books, Matilda's Lesli Margherita answers a ton of questions from her fans! Also, we get a sneak peek at rehearsals for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and a preview of Marcus: The Musical.November 26, 2013
Broadway favorite Sierra Boggess takes home the Favorite Replacement prize for her turn as Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera.May 7, 2013
Phoenix stars Julia Stiles and James Wirt chat about the new dark romantic comedy—and why it's sometimes worth driving across the country to pursue a one-night stand. See them live beginning July 28 at the Cherry Lane Theatre!July 15, 2014
In the second episode of her backstage vlog, Lesli Margherita brings viewers to Sardi's to hang up her own special portrait, peeks inside the Matilda boys' dressing room and sits down with exiting maggots Samantha Sturm and Ryan Steele.October 15, 2013
Tag along with Kyle Dean Massey as he pushes through a two-show day in Pippin on Broadway. SPOILER ALERT: it's hard!April 10, 2014
Tony winner Idina Menzel stops by Show People and finds out some amazing news about how much Broadway fans love her new show If/Then.June 3, 2014
Heathers the Musical will rule the hallways at New World Stages beginning March 15! Broadway.com got a sneak peek of the new musical adaptation in rehearsal. It's very.February 21, 2014
Cabaret stars Alan Cumming, Michelle Williams, Danny Burstein, Linda Emond and more on telling an important story, singing iconic songs and fondling the beautiful ensemble in this musical revival.April 25, 2014
Disney favorites from far and wide came out to celebrate the opening night of Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014. See the stars in action on the (magic) red carpet!March 21, 2014


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MISO & ALE, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a constantly evolving culinary enigma serving up gastropub inspired fare. "What is a gastropub?" you may ask. Click here to find out. We source fresh, local seasonal ingredients whenever possible, creating our dishes with innovative technique to provide our diners with an experience that is a playful exploration of the senses.
With no permanent location yet, MISO & ALE is out and about serving up its unique food and beverage concoctions at various locations around Honolulu. Stay tuned to our blog, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter to find out where we'll be next. Who knows? We may make an popping up in a neighborhood near you…
Chris Okuhara
Chef x Owner
Christopher Okuhara, a self-proclaimed culinary samurai from the Kapahulu prefecture, began his culinary career at the ripe age of 14 working as a dishwasher at his family's restaurant, Likelike Drive Inn. Not too long after assuming the position of dishwasher, he was told that he wasted too much water in his attempts to rid all the saute pans of oil. Consequently, he was moved to line cook where he found his calling.
In his time spent away from the dish pit and line, Chris obtained his A.S. in Culinary Arts from Kapiolani Community College. His resume includes many well known dining establishments around Honolulu such as the Okuhara house, also known as his house, Hoku's at the Kahala Mandarin Hotel, and Waialae Country Club. He has also held the position of opening Sous Chef at the YWCA in downtown Honolulu and Sous Chef at Beach House at the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki.
Chris's zodiac sign is Cancer (crab), and is born in the year of the boar (pig). He enjoys surfing, (he's not that good, but don't tell him), singing karaoke (anything by Celine Dion), and spending time with his daughter, Jordan, the general manager of MISO & ALE. He can also recite any Linkin Park song in its entirety upon request.
Gavin Murai
Director of Visual Appeal
Gavin Murai, was born in the diverse city of Honolulu. Much of his early years revolved around surfing, spending much of his time exploring the reefs around east Oahu. With his love for the surf lifestyle and passion for art, he spent many years employed in the surf industry, working for locally owned and operated Turbo Surf and Billabong, while gaining his Studio Art degree at the University of Hawaii.
Desiring a change of pace, he left the surf industry in his early 20′s to work at The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong. It is there he gained an appreciation for the restaurant industry and the culinary arts, travelling to many destinations around the world to eat and explore, including Japan, Hong Kong, and South America.
Currently, he resides wherever the plane lands, the bus stops, or he lays his head. Much of his work is a visual archive of his upbringing in Hawaii, affinity with the 1950′s, and travels throughout the world.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please contact us via e-mail, Twitter, or Facebook.


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Data Centre > Data Networking
Texan firm buys disaster recovery bods Neverfail
Artisan Infrastructure taken it over
IEEE gets to work on 25G Ethernet MAC standards
Ethernet wonks seek one standard to bind them all, instead of parallel streams
Sysadmin Day 2014: Quick, there's still time to get the beers in
He walked over the broken glass, killed the thugs... and er... reconnected the cables*
Fortinet fawns over fast-if-unfashionable ASIC
How else can you get a firewall to Terabit-per-second performance?
IBM soups up SoftLayer for supers with Infiniband tech
Amazon-beating, Google-ganking, Microsoft-muddling high-speed IO lands
FRIKKIN' LASERS could REPLACE fibre-optic comms cables
Fire a laser, make an air tube, do stuff. Simple, innit?
VeloCloud stitches together virty WAN
Not so much wide area as wide aerial
IoT has too many platforms, says IoT platform startup
Octoblu pitches management / comms platform
Cisco's first 8 Tbps MONSTER router goes live at Telstra
The A380 of IP now flying packets between Sydney and Melbourne
Kill queues for fast data centres: MIT boffins
Arbitration for in-DC network traffic
Data centre Ethernet speed club signs Brocade
Plenty more to come, we expect
New photonic router works by flipping reflective atom's lid
Look ma! No electronics!
SHARE your big data scientist. They're too costly and rare to keep a whole one – HP exec
Pool the, er, 'shared resource' across channel partner base
FCC commish: We don't need no steenkin' net neutrality rules
Just as deadline approaches for public comment on internet fast lanes
Metaswitch opens NFV code as Project Calico
Another day, another SDN play
10Gbps over crumbling COPPER: Boffins cram bits down telco wire
XG-FAST tech could finesse fiber connections
AdaptiveMobile joins Chipzilla's SDN club
Mobe security software for telcos, SPs
Microsoft, Google et al form club to push 25/50 Gbps Ethernet
New consortium plans faster Ethernet delivered faster than rival standard groups
Facebook: Yes, we made you SAD on PURPOSE... for your own good
It makes (y)our content 'more engaging'
Microsoft Intune hears the call for device management
Review Enterprise suite covers all angles
UK.gov: Forget Google and those other chaps... Use THIS open Internet of Stuff specification
'HyperCat has a strong security model; it's the same one the web uses'
Google adds 'data protection' WARNING to Euro search results
Wanna see EVERYTHING? Just click the 'use Google.com' button. Simples
Why we need converged infrastructure
Watch our Regcast on 18 July
3CX WebMeeting reviewed: Youthful, but full of promise
Video-conferencing made easy
Extreme Networks adds OpenDaylight to SDN suite
Another picture added to SDN's "spot the difference" game
Cisco okayed for UK government comms
IPSec cleared for most gummint sites
Mellanox gives InfiniBand a 5 BILLION PACKET/sec cloud dose
100 Gbps switch, HPC software, drinks less juice too
Facebook reveals open network gear to drive WEDGE between itself and Cisco
New switch spells doom, gloom and, yes, more gloom for trad networking vendors
Careful with 'fibre speed record' hype: which record's been broken?
91 Gbps seems fast, but isn't much of a record
Cisco swallows Tail-f, burps out network orchestration plans
Small-ish, Swedish, firm will be assimilated for cloud management purposes
Cisco promises Lync link for its UC kit and collaborationware
Borg will try to assimilate Microsoft's unified comms
VMware puts a price on NSX and tells partners to open fire
Indoctrination phase complete: let the selling begin!
CIA rendition jet was waiting in Europe to SNATCH SNOWDEN
Unmarked Gulfstream tracked as it passed above UK
Most read
- Pic Mars rover 2020: Oxygen generation and 6 more amazing experiments
- Microsoft's Euro cloud darkens: US FEDS can dig into foreign servers
- Boffins spot weirder quantum capers as neutrons take the high road, spin takes the low
- Plug and PREY: Hackers reprogram USB drives to silently infect PCs
- Review Fiat Panda Cross: 'Interesting-looking' Multipla spawn hits UK


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Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Flip Case
From £1.22 per week
- Was
- Was £32.00
- Now
- Now £24.32
- Save £7.68
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
Replaces the back cover of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini to provide full screen protection without additional bulk
Protect the front of your Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini from scratches, scrapes and front-on impacts with the official flip cover. This cover clips onto the back of your device thanks to a flexible rubber bumper without adding any bulk, and then folds over the front when not in use. This means that the most important part of the phone, the screen, is protected from harm without the added thickness and weight normally associated with flip cases.
Durable construction offers premium protection for your screen Made from high quality synthetic materials, this flip cover will keep your Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini screen looking good as new. The cover is tough enough to withstand day-to-day punishment without blemishing, so both your phone and cover will stay looking sharp for longer.
Official Samsung accessory made for the Galaxy S4 Mini.
This is an official Samsung product, so is made to the highest standards with the best quality materials. It is designed specifically for use with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini so offers a perfect fit, and does not impede the use of any of the functions such as the power and volume buttons, headphone and charging ports, or front and rear cameras.Colours: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, White, Yellow.
Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch - Orange
From £2.97 per week
- Was
- Was £379.00
- Now
- Now £288.04
- Save £90.96
- In Stock
4 reviews
- Delivery
The Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch is wearable technology you'll never want to be without.
Perfect for linking up with your Samsung smartphone via Bluetooth, you can enjoy new ways to communicate – with what's happening in your life mirrored in your watch.
You can keep track of everything without taking your phone out of your pocket or bag – with your smart watch let you know when you receive a text, call or social networking message, as well as telling you who's calling.
It's all there on your wrist to see in a glance at the 1.6 inch colour touch screen – when a message or notification comes in, touch the app icon to read it.
You can also use the Gear as a phone remote to make or take hands-free calls, as well as using voice recognition to compose text messages and set appointments in your calendar.
There's even a 1.9 megapixel camera onboard that lets you shoot photos and video that's all wirelessly transferred to your phone.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch is currently compatible with the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy 10.1, with the Galaxy S3, S3, Note 2 and S4 Mini all getting compatibility updates in November, followed by the S4 Active and Galaxy Mega in December.
Useful info:
- Rubber strap and aluminium case
- Bluetooth v 4.0 with 150m range
- 800Mhz processor
- 1.9 Mp camera with auto-focus
- Sound & Shot available
- Pedometer app pre-loaded
- Dimensions: 56.6 x 36.8 x 11.1 mm
- Weight: 73.8 g
- Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Wallet Cover
From £1.90 per week
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- Was £50.00
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- Now £38.00
- Save £12.00
- In Stock
1 review
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The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Flip Wallet was developed with the user's lifestyle in mind.
This case, designed to protect the smartphone without adding bulk, is the perfect combination of style and durability. Take it to the gym, on a hike, to the grocery store or even on an evening out. This case is constructed to withstand even the most active lifestyle and while many smartphone cases make you choose between protection and fashion, with the Galaxy Note 3 Flip Wallet you can have both! The Flip Wallet has a hidden pocket on the inside of the cover to store a single credit card or travel card. This means you don't need to take a wallet or purse with you on that night out and with the leather-like finish and stitching detail, the Galaxy Note 3 is all dressed up and ready to impress...just like you. When you open the flip cover the phone detects this and will automatically switch your display on and then switch it off when you close it. Enjoy high-quality design and a range of colour options. Protect the screen of your Note 3 from scratches and smudges. Store your bank card in the wallet's useful card slot. Keep your device thin by simply replacing the battery cover.Colours: Black, Blue, Cream, Orange, Pink, Turquoise, White.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 S-View Cover
From £2.39 per week
- Was
- Was £63.00
- Now
- Now £47.88
- Save £15.12
- Low stock, selling fast
4 reviews
- Delivery
The Galaxy Note 3 S View Cover
The Galaxy Note 3 S View Cover is designed to provide the best of both worlds, the fashion and privacy of a flip cover with the convenience of a screen window, allowing view-through access to alerts, status and other important information. The cover is detachable so you can change your battery and with the S View Cover you can accept or reject an incoming call as well as checking time, weather, control your music and even take pictures without needing to uncover the screen. The S View Window allows you to do more without opening the cover. It offers smart user experience such as checking missed events, camera control, action memo, music player etc.. A? Protect your Galaxy Note 3 and stay stylish on the go. Check and operate your Note 3 with the cover closed. Match your background and cover colour automatically. Keep your device thin by simply replacing the battery cover.Colours: Black, Blue, Cream, Orange, Pink, Turquoise, White.


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By Kate Gibson, MarketWatch
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — U.S. stocks fell sharply on Wednesday to reclaim much of the prior day's advance, with sentiment hit by disappointing company results and an Apple Inc. supplier's tepid outlook.
"In this environment you don't want to miss, you want to beat and guide higher," said Phil Orlando, equity strategist at Federated Investors, citing Intel Corp. /quotes/zigman/20392/delayed/quotes/nls/intc INTC -1.34% and Bank of America Corp.'s /quotes/zigman/190927/delayed/quotes/nls/bac BAC -2.12% quarterly earnings reports.
"We came into this week with a pattern of weaker-than-expected data, a horrific tragedy in Boston, and the China demand story, all at the beginning of a lackluster earnings season," offered Art Hogan, market strategist at Lazard Capital Markets.
B. of A. searches for growth
Bank of America manages to cut the costs that were expected in its first quarter, but surprises investors with yet one more large payout to bondholders suing over mortgage securities.
"We may have 60% of companies beating numbers because expectations are so low. And Apple is down not because of earnings, but because of someone else's earnings," Hogan added.
Shares of Apple supplier Cirrus Logic Inc. /quotes/zigman/69936/delayed/quotes/nls/crus CRUS -4.02% plummeted nearly 16% after the chip maker offered a weak first-quarter revenue outlook and DigiTimes reported that iPad mini shipments would fall as much as 30% in the second quarter.
After a 195-point slide, the Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/zigman/627449/realtime DJIA -1.88% finished at 14,618.59, down 138.19 points, with B. of A. /quotes/zigman/190927/delayed/quotes/nls/bac BAC -2.12% pacing the index's declines that had all but four of its 30 components in the red.
B. of A. shares slid 4.7% after the lender reported first-quarter earnings below Wall Street's estimates as its mortgage business weighed.
Caterpillar Inc. /quotes/zigman/221644/delayed/quotes/nls/cat CAT -2.54% fell 1.4% after Macquarie downgraded the construction-equipment maker to neutral from outperform.
The S&P 500 index /quotes/zigman/3870025/realtime SPX -2.00% shed 22.56 points to 1,552.01, with the technology and energy sectors weighing most heavily.
The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite /quotes/zigman/12633936/realtime COMP -2.09% declined 59.96 points to 3,204.67. Apple fell as low as $398.11, its first foray under $400 since September 2011, and closed off 5.5% at $402.80.
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. /quotes/zigman/445224/delayed/quotes/nls/bk BK -1.96% declined 2.1% after reporting a first-quarter loss and adjusted earnings that missed estimates.
Fairway Group Holdings Corp. /quotes/zigman/14473949/delayed/quotes/nls/fwm FWM -2.97% rallied nearly 34% in its market debut, after the New York grocer's initial public offering reportedly got off to a strong start late Tuesday.
Shares of rival Whole Foods Market Inc. /quotes/zigman/80039/delayed/quotes/nls/wfm WFM -2.25% fell 1.4%.
• Gold heading for first year of losses since 2000
• Talk of strong gold demand grows post selloff
• The case for owning gold has collapsed
• How Goldman saw gold crash others missed
• Why Buffett isn't keen on gold


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Found the same room at a different price? Tell us, and we'll offer to match it.
D-H Valparaíso Hotel
Hotel Valparaiso is located on the beach of Cala Domingo, surrounded by a garden of 1,200 square meters and with stunning sea views.
The restaurant, which highlights the incredible views towards the sea, offers an upscale buffet, which offers a wide selection of international dishes. The complex also has a terminal connection to the Internet in public areas with office, conference room, a small indoor bar and hotel parking. On the outside, with superb sea views, a swimming pool, a snack bar and a sun terrace with parasols and sun loungers. All this in a natural setting of great beauty and tranquility on the edge of the Mediterranean just 50 meters from the excellent beach of Cala Murada.


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Latest Posts
Tucker Carlson Is Very Confused About Women in Combat
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the Obama administration will lift the ban on women serving in combat units, finally allowing the law to confirm to the long-standing reality that women have been operating on the front lines of America's endless wars. Panetta's decision will make women eligible for another 238,000 jobs in the military and open up a whole flood of stupid from the likes of Tucker Carlson.
Tags: Department of Defense, Leon Panetta, Military, Tucker Carlson, Twitter, Women's Rights
From the Pork Barrel: Leader of the Choom Gang
* According to a soon-to-be-released book, teenaged Barry Obama spent his free time smoking pot amongst other activities. Just kidding. There were no other activities.
* Hey, who's that white guy next to Obama? Must be William Ayers!
* Here's an interesting new strategy: "Please, Please, Please Call Me a Racist™" Good luck with that.
* Has the DNC actually discovered a rare electable Arizona Democrat?
* Don't forget to download our Election Companion App for iPhone and iPad and follow along as we liveblog Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on this Sunday's This Week on ABC.
Tags: Arizona, Democrats, Department of Defense, Drugs, Hawaii, Leon Panetta, Marijuana, Pork Barrel, Racism, Richard Carmona, Senate, William Ayers
Defense Secretary Really Sorry About Costing Fed $800,000 on Airfare
As former CIA Director and current Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has learned, working at the Pentagon during two unpopular wars can be really emotionally taxing. So it's important to go home for some R & R every now then.
Even if those trips cost the government a million dollars…
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Monday that he regrets that his frequent flights home to California on a military jet have cost taxpayers more than $800,000 since July. He gave no indication, however, that he would end the weekend commutes…
Under government rules established by President George W. Bush, the defense secretary is required to fly on military aircraft, which are outfitted with secure communication links to the White House and Pentagon…
The AP calculated that the expense of operating Panetta's military aircraft — usually an Air Force C-37A — totaled about $860,000 for those trips.
It's OK, though, because Leon Panetta feels so bad about costing the government a million dollars for his fancy military flights. He's so sorry, in fact, he's going to keep doing it for the foreseeable future.
Come on. Look at that little face. He's so sad. (Or just old?) He's crying big crocodile tears. Well, with a million dollars, they're more like designer crocodile-skin tears.
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Tags: CIA, Department of Defense, Leon Panetta, Money
At Least Barack Obama's Stop Offline Piracy Act Is Working
Last night as Barack Obama stepped into the House chambers to deliver the State of the Union, he pointed to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta standing in the crowd and said, "Leon, good job tonight, good job tonight."
What could the president have possibly meant by this bit of coded Saul Alinskyite communication?
U.S. special forces swooped into Somalia on Wednesday and rescued an American and a Dane after a shootout with pirates holding them hostage, in a rare raid into the Horn of Africa nation to free foreign captives. The aid workers, American Jessica Buchanan and Dane Poul Hagen Thisted, were kidnapped from the town of Galkayo in the semi-autonomous Galmudug region in October while working for the Danish De-mining Group (DDG).
"This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people," U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement.
Man, why does the president keep apologizing for America? If we keep on apologizing at this rate, we're going to need to open more munitions plants, instead of the tire factories that we were promised last night.
There's also an important lesson here for foreign travelers. When going to a dangerous region, do yourself a favor and bring along an American. Preferably, a white, photogenic, female American, but almost anyone with a U.S. passport will do in a pinch. If you get in trouble, Navy SEALs will come and apologize for your ass the way they have for 50 years — with helicopters and assault rifles.
Photo by John Moore/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Tags: Barack Obama, Foreign Policy, Leon Panetta, Pirates, Somalia
Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy Takes Effect
If you woke up this morning and the air smelled a little gayer, but also a touch safer, it wasn't thanks to the Broadway show tunes that lulled you to sleep last night. More likely, it was because as of 12:01 this morning, the policy known as Don't Ask, Don't Tell was formally consigned to the dustbin of irrationally prejudiced history.
Turns out the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward fabulousness…
The 18-year-old "don't ask, don't tell" policy officially ended at midnight and with it the discharges that removed more than 13,000 men and women from the military under the old ban on openly gay troops. To mark the historic change, gay rights groups are planning celebrations across the country while Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will usher in the new era at a Pentagon news conference.
The other side will be heard, too: Elaine Donnelly, a longtime opponent of allowing gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces, has already said that "as of Tuesday the commander in chief will own the San Francisco military he has created." Two top Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee — the chairman, Representative Howard P. McKeon of California, and Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina — have asked the Pentagon to delay the new policy, saying commanders in the field are not ready. But the Pentagon has moved on.
I have so many questions about this "San Francisco military" and the "Rainbow Warriors" who may now serve openly. Will feather boas become mandatory accessories to the Army Combat Uniform? Will the score to La Cage aux Folles replace morning reveille? Will nefarious San Francisco values displace the martial virtues that keep us safe? A letter sent by top commanders to U.S. Army soldiers provides some guidance…
For over 236 years, the U.S. Army has been an extraordinary force for good in the world. Our Soldiers are the most agile, adaptable and capable warriors in history — and we are ready for this change…
Accordingly, we expect all personnel to follow our Values by implementing the repeal fully, fairly and in accordance with policy guidance. It is the duty of all personnel to treat each other with dignity and respect, while maintaining good order and discipline throughout our ranks. Doing so, will help the U.S. Army remain the Strength of the Nation.
Sounds like business as usual. Except now, when gay soldiers do the difficult work of defending Congressmen McKeon and Wilson's rights to be petty and bigoted brats, they can do so while being true to themselves. Progress.
Photo by Joshua Roberts/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Tags: DADT, Elaine Donnelly, Howard McKeon, Joe Wilson, Leon Panetta, LGBT, Mike Mullen, Military


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"Now staff meetings are forums where team members share ideas and iron out strategies so day-to-day activities run as smoothly
as possible," says Crabtree. "It helps us realize that we're all on the same team. And this approach means that you don't
hear from just a few vocal people each time."
More articles


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By LIBBY CLUETT
Mineral Wells ISD faculty and staff will begin their 2013-14 school year Monday morning and they have something to look forward to.
The school board plans to start off the school year on what will likely be a very popular note, since approving, last Tuesday, pay raises and a new hiring salary schedule.
The board has been working much of the past month on the district's budget for the coming school year. As a result, it will give an average of 3-percent pay raises for teachers and administrators. However, maintenance, paraprofessionals and food-service staff will all received a 3 percent raise, according to MWISD Superintendent Gail Haterius.
For faculty and administrators, she said, "Its an average of a 3-percent pay raise, depending upon their pay-grade scale and whether they've topped out or not."
Along with the upgrade in pay comes new hiring salaries for teachers and staff.
"The hiring salary schedule increased the beginning teacher pay scale," Haterius explained. "We are now more competitive with other school districts."
She said filling positions this year provided some challenges based on the previous hiring salary structure.
"We had about nine prospective teachers who verbally signed on [with MWISD] and called back and said they found a job that pays more [elsewhere]," she said.
Now, new hires with a degree and certification, but no teaching experience will make $34,099 annually or $35,099 with a master's degree. The Texas Education Agency state minimum salary for the same individual is $27,320.
For a teacher with five year's experience the TEA minimum is $31,560. MWISD will start now at $37,338 and $38,338 for a teacher with a master's degree. These amounts are the new minimum salary for new employees and based on a 187-day contract. Non-exempt aides, clerks and food-service staff, likewise, also have a new, higher hiring salary schedule.


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Cardinal Gibbons High girls volleyball coach Logan Barber had more than 60 girls report for tryouts last year. The vast majority, more than 50, have played volleyball on a year-round basis for several years.
"I don't know of another program that has a situation like this," Barber said. "That's a lot of talent. That's really the key to our success. When you have eight Catholic middle schools feeding one school, you get a lot of talent."
Cardinal Gibbons (21-2 last year), one of three nonboarding parochial schools in the NCHSAA, entered the N.C. High School Athletic Association in 2005 and won the NCHSAA 2A championship that year.
The title was the first of seven that the Crusaders have won in their eight years in the NCHSAA. Counting their seasons in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association, the Crusaders have been in the state finals 15 consecutive years and have won 13 state titles.
They have won 35 of their 36 matches in the NCHSAA playoffs, including a five-game loss to West Henderson in the 2008 2A finals.
"I know a lot of girls who played in the 2008 finals and they still say it was one of the most disappointing days of their lives," Barber said. "They are girls who went on in college and played in some big games. But they still remember that loss."
The loss has become one of several motivating factors for Gibbons. No other senior class wants to be the group that fails to win the title.
The Crusaders graduated much of their size from last year and probably will be shorter than in some past years, but returns eight players who were a part of the 21-3-0 club's nucleus. The team lost only four of its 16 varsity players to graduation.
Senior setters Erin Quinn and Cheyenne Wood lead the veterans along with 6-foot sophomore Briley Brind'Amour, the daughter of former NHL Carolina Hurricanes player Ron Brind'Amour. Briley Brind'Amour played on the varsity team last year as a freshman and made major contributions, including 15 kills in the championship win over Jesse Carson. Senior libero Bianca Garner had 13 digs in the finals.
Amy Robertson is another senior veteran and sophomores Juliane Peterson and Mia Fradenburg and junior Meghan Wilkinson also are back.
Cross Country: The Crusaders girls' cross country team, which has won the last three state titles and seven in the last eight years, is ranked third in the state by NCrunners.com among all classifications. The Crusader boys, who have won the last two 3A state titles, are ranked sixth.
Both teams are the top-ranked NCHSAA 3A schools, meaning a sweep could be in order for the third straight year.
The Crusaders girls bring back three of the state's top 25 runners in Mary Grace Doggett, Sophie Ebihara and Rachel Bartolomeo. Laura Hart, Amanda Wiggenhorn, Kitty Gibbons and Maddie Smith are expected to add depth.
The Crusaders boys return four runners – Jake Zawada, David Edwards, Cody Nagy and J.T. Klimek – whose best times last year were under 17 minutes. Chase McCord, Anthony Cortina and Ethan Lund aren't far behind.
Boys soccer: The Crusaders were 17-5-1, losing in the 3A East final to Jacksonville. They will be without N.C. Gatorade Player of the Year Ade Taiwo, a senior who tore his ACL during the summer. Gibbons loses four of its top four goal-scorers, but it brings back senior Matt Springer (9 goals, 2 assists), defender Chase Rhode and goalkeeper Luke Deacon.
Girls tennis: The Crusaders (19-7) were the NCHSAA 3A runner-up in 2010, 3A champion in 2012 and reached the NCHSAA 3A semifinals last year. Gibbons lost to Nash Central 5-1 in semifinals. Junior Devin Knors reached the quarterfinals of the 3A singles championships, and classmate Natalie Freeman qualified in the state 3A doubles competition.
Girls golf: Cardinal Gibbons is coming off a third-place finish in the 3A girls' golf state championships and will be powered by the return of juniors Caroline O'Neill and Ellen Smith.
Field hockey: The Crusaders will have its first varsity field hockey team this year. Field hockey is not sanctioned by the N.C. High School Athletic Association, but some NCHSAA teams hold their own state championship.
Staff Writer J. Mike Blake contributed.
Stevens: 919-829-8910