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It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A...Mouse?
If there's one complaint we in the Linux world hear more than anything, it's "My [whatever] doesn't work with Linux." The unfortunate truth is that, while their infrastructure is likely Linux powered, the majority of device manufacturers aren't thinking about the desktop version when designing their wares. When a manufacturer does think outside the box (the one on the shelf, with the $200 price tag), it's a great day for us all — when they make really cool devices, it's all the better.
What Hillcrest Labs announced yesterday is about more than just Linux compatibility. Hillcrest is the company behind Freespace, a "complete solution for the creation of in-air pointing and motion control devices for a broad range of applications including pointing remote controls, hybrid 2D/3D mice and motion-sensing game controllers." Companies can license Freespace to develop precision devices for all manner of tasks, from presentation pointers to medical monitoring gear.
That's all well and good, of course, until it comes time to use these super-cool Freespace-powered products. What happens when they're pointed at a Linux box — or any other consumer computer, for that matter.
That's exactly the question Hillcrest has been asking itself, and yesterday it formally announced the solution: libfreespace. As the name might suggest, libfreespace is a library that provides Freespace support and "enables rapid development of software applications for use with a wide range of Freespace devices." Hillcrest envisions libfreespace expanding Freespace "beyond TV remote controls, game controllers and PC accessories," to include among others, "smartphones, medical diagnostic devices, body-worn computers, virtual reality systems." Even better, libfreespace devices shouldn't suffer the "partial support" problem so many of us have encountered — the library includes support for "Linux, Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.0."
Of course, this shiny new library isn't of much use to the Open Source world if it comes with 101 proprietary strings attached and a hefty price tag. Hillcrest has handled that too — while the Freespace software that powers devices remains proprietary and must be licensed, libfreespace is available under the terms of the Lesser General Public License 2.1. That's good news for application developers, who can now add support for these next generation devices without the need for reverse-engineered drivers and the trial and error that comes with them. Given that Open Source development is the Ferrari to proprietary's Yugo — it's not just faster, it's better — it wouldn't surprise us to see Freespace devices working in Open Source applications long before the proprietary set have them out.
For device developers, the news is sweet, but not quite so free. Along with the official announcement of libfreespace — which has been in development for some time — Hillcrest has also announced the launch of the 3.1 version of their Freespace Reference Kit. The reference kit, which is not available under an Open Source license, provides device developers with the tools to review and build Freespace devices. The kit includes a number of essential features, including lower power and better customization, as well as a quarter-sized embedded sensor. According to Hillcrest, the kit is "the lowest-cost Freespace solution so far, with more features, lower power and a dramatically smaller form factor using the first commercially available in-plane sensing solution."
We look forward to seeing what the Open Source community will come up with to utilize Freespace-based devices. Whatever it may be, we know that it'll be innovative, enviable, and without question outside the box.
Justin Ryan is a Contributing Editor for Linux Journal.
It's great that a company like Hillcrest considers Linux from the start, especially because it delivers a peripheral that's a bit more exotic than usual. However, I find more stuff works out of the box with my Linux Mint 7 (Ubuntu based) PC than my Windows box these days.
For example: the other day I bought the cheapest, no-name USB bluetooth adapter: works just fine out of the box with Linux while Windows XP needed the driver installed from CD, needed a restart. Connectivity is spotty with Windows but solid with Linux.
Another example: today I bought the cheapest laser printer I could get. When connected to the Linux PC I was informed that a new printer had been detected and that it was a Samsung ML-1640 and that the drivers had been loaded. On Windows, again, I needed to install the printers from CD.
So, if it wasn't for Lightroom, I'd never boot to Windows again.
"If there's one complaint we in the Linux world hear more than anything, it's "My [whatever] doesn't work with Linux." "
That is completely invalid. It is a known fact that WINDOWS has more driver incompatibility issues than Linux has.
Even if the statement is
Even if the statement is wrong, it is one of the most common complaints about Linux. In my experience, second only to "my Word/Powerpoint files don't open correctly." :P
If something doesn't work (or just doesn't work precisely as expected) in Linux -- it's obviously "Linux's fault".
But if it doesn't work in Windows -- then it's understood that, "well, that's just the way things are."
And when something works better on Linux than on Windows -- then it's time for the disinformation and FUD-machinery to kick into high gear.
Linux has become a key foundation for supporting today's rapidly growing IT environments. Linux is being used to deploy business applications and databases, trading on its reputation as a low-cost operating environment. For many IT organizations, Linux is a mainstay for deploying Web servers and has evolved from handling basic file, print, and utility workloads to running mission-critical applications and databases, physically, virtually, and in the cloud. As Linux grows in importance in terms of value to the business, managing Linux environments to high standards of service quality — availability, security, and performance — becomes an essential requirement for business success.
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Stackato private Platform-as-a-Service technology from ActiveState extends your private cloud infrastructure by creating a private PaaS to provide on-demand availability, flexibility, control, and ultimately, faster time-to-market for your enterprise.
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Sweet Potato Recipes - Yam Recipes
All About Sweet Potatoes and Yams
Yam or sweet potato, what in the world is it? Many people use these terms interchangeably both in conversation and in cooking, but they are really two different vegetables. Learn about these sweet vegetables and the difference between them before trying one of the many sweet potato and yam recipes.
Beef Brisket with Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Cooked long and slow, beef brisket becomes incredibly tender. This recipe makes its own sweet and sour pan gravy. The sweet potatoes are roasted along with the brisket for extra flavor.
Bourbon Stout Yam Waffles Recipe
Stout beer gives a wonderful yeasty flavor to waffles while the yams add a gentle sweetness. These are great for breakfast, but also good for dinner as a change of pace.
Chicken Poached in Coconut Curry Recipe
Curry paste spices up chicken poached in coconut milk with sweet potatoes and cilantro. Make sure you use coconut milk and not coconut water or coconut cream. Serve with greens or a salad for a full meal.
Company Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Sweet potatoes, orange juice, onion, and sour cream are combined for mashed potatoes that are perfect for special guests or any meal.
Cranberry Yam Casserole Recipe
Take a break from yams with marshmallows and try this recipe. Cranberries, oranges, Grand Marnier, pecans, and spices make a wonderful addition to yams or sweet potatoes. It is easy to make and makes an impressive presentation.
Curried Apple and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Apples and sweet potatoes meld harmoniously into this soup flavored with curry, cinnamon, ginger, and soy sauce. Plan ahead to soak the raisins in beer for at least 30 minutes before beginning.
Double Potato and Halloumi Bake Recipe
Caramelized red onions and garlic mix with sweet potatoes, red potatoes, bell peppers, and cheese to make a tasty and colorful side dish. If you are unable to find halloumi cheese in specialty markets, you may substitute feta cheese or omit it altogether.
Ginger Chicken & Yams Recipe
Yams, ginger, chicken, and red onions are quickly sauteed and cooked with a homemade sweet and sour Oriental sauce.
Ginger Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe
Crystallized ginger spikes the flavor of moist spiced sweet potato muffins. Serve these delicious muffins for breakfast, brunch, snack, or even as a dessert.
Ham and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Sweet potatoes are seasoned with nutmeg and orange peel then layered with ham and mustard. Baked and topped with sesame seeds, this dish is sure to please family or guests.
Maple Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Raisins, maple syrup, and apple juice flavor candied sweet potatoes made in the crockpot. This is a great recipe for holidays because the crockpot frees up your oven for other dishes.
Maple Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Twice-baked sweet potatoes are stuffed with the flavors of maple syrup, nutmeg, and walnuts. They are quickly cooked in the microwave and finished in the oven. Eat the skin along with the flesh for extra nutrition and fiber. If you are allergic to nuts, simply omit them. Adjust this recipe up or down in number to suit your needs. A toaster oven works well for 1 or 2 sweet potatoes.
Molasses Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Idaho potatoes and sweet potatoes are combined with molasses, butter, and sour cream. This combination is a nice change from traditional mashed potatoes.
Peach Yam Casserole Recipe
Take a break from traditional sweet potatoes and yams at Thanksgiving and try this version with peaches. This recipe uses canned yams (sweet potatoes) and peaches, but you can also use home-baked or boiled yams and fresh peaches.
Pork, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Stew Recipe
Sweet potatoes and black beans enrich this hearty pork stew, completely made in the microwave. Orange juice and honey, along with the sweet potatoes, lend a hint of sweetness to the stew.
Raspberry Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Sweet potatoes become a real treat with the simple additions of butter, brown sugar, and raspberries. This dish is incredibly easy to put together and makes a nice change from traditional sweet potato casseroles.
Red Flannel Hash Recipe
This recipe combines veggie bacon or smoked tofu, onion, sweet potatoes, and beets for a hearty breakfast meal or a side dish.
Risotto with Yam Puree, Kale, and Smoked Mozzarella Recipe
Yams and kale give a Southern touch to creamy rice risotto with mozzarella cheese. Because mozzarella is stringy by nature, be sure to use shredded rather than cubed cheese. And remember, risotto requires constant attention and stirring, but it is well worth the exercise.
Roast Chicken with Cranberry Gravy Recipe
Chicken is roasted with herbs and sweet potatoes and accompanied by a low-fat cranberry gravy.
Rock Cornish Hens with Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These rock Cornish hens with fruit, sweet potatoes, and Grand Marnier are a quick meal in the pressure cooker.
Sage-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Fresh sage leaves are stuffed under the skin of the chicken to slowly release flavor while roasting on top of a bed of brown sugar sweet potatoes and onions.
Skinny Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Chicken broth takes the place of butter and adds flavorful dimension to low-fat mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes or yams may be substituted for the potatoes.
Sweet Potato & Leek Gratin Recipe
Creamed leeks and garlic are the perfect complement to sweet potatoes in this wholesome casserole. Currants or prunes and fresh thyme give added sweetness and depth.
Sweet Potato & Spicy Chicken in Coconut Milk Recipe
Ellery Hollingsworth, of the US 2010 Winter Olympics Snowboard Team soars in the kitchen as well as on the slopes with this delicious chunky chicken soup. Ellery likes spending time in the kitchen with her Mom, and this is one of her favorite recipes. The soup gets a hint of natural sweetness from the apples and sweet potatoes, plus a little kick from ginger, garlic, and chiles. It makes a perfect heart-warming meal for a cold winter's day.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Recipe
Vegetarian burritos are filled with a puree of sweet potatoes, black beans, onions, chiles, garlic, and cilantro. They are rolled up like enchiladas and baked. Serve topped with homemade salsa.
Sweet Potato and Carrot Pie Without the Crust Recipe
Pureed sweet potatoes, carrots, raisins, and yogurt are cooked in the microwave for a meal your baby is sure to love. The dish is completely cooked in the microwave. Use a microplane to make quick work of grating the carrots.
Sweet Potato and Orange Gratin Recipe
Sweet potato gratin is baked with orange juice, brown sugar, and walnuts. The dish will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator and is easily reheated in the microwave.
Sweet Potato and Turkey Croquettes Recipe
This is a great recipe for leftover turkey and potatoes. You can also substitute ham, duck, chicken, or goose for the turkey.
Sweet Potato Chocolate Nut Cake Recipe
Rich and delicious spice cake pairs sweet potatoes with chocolate for an enticing dessert.
Sweet Potato Jam Recipe
This recipe uses Caribbean sweet potatoes called boniato. The jam is best stored in the refrigerator and used within 5 days.
Sweet Potato Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Sweet potatoes, pecans, and condensed milk are the basis of this unusual ice cream dessert. This recipe requires an ice cream machine.
Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Recipe
This twist on traditional shepherd's pie uses ground beef, sweet potatoes, spinach, and hard-boiled eggs. If you do not choose to pipe the potatoes on top, simply spoon them into a smooth layer. Ground chuck is preferred for its richer flavor, but you may substitute lean ground beef, if you must.
Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe
Sweet potatoes are lightly spiced and topped with a brown sugar pecan crumble topping. This is a delightful change from traditional candied yams or mashed sweet potatoes. It is quite easy to make and is sure to impress. Feel free to substitute your own homemade mashed sweet potatoes for the canned ones.
Sweet Potato, Corn and Kale Chowder Recipe
This vegetarian chunky soup filled with carrots, sweet potatoes, tomato, corn, and kale is hearty enough to be a main meal. The cashews add extra protein and thickening power. However, they may be omitted for those with nut allergies. The ingredient list may appear daunting, but this soup is extremely simple to make and does not take long. You do not have to be vegetarian to enjoy this one.
Sweet Potato, Lamb, and Sausage Stew Recipe
Thick and hearty lamb and sausage stew is rounded out with sweet potatoes and a hint of ginger. Beef may be substituted for the lamb, if you wish. This stew makes a filling one-pot meal.
Sweet Potatoes in Date Sauce Recipe
Sweet potatoes are sauteed with pineapple and dates for a deliciously different side dish. The dish may be made in advance and reheated in the oven.
Tipsy Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Whiskey makes mashed sweet potatoes a bit tipsy. They are sweetened with brown sugar and topped with pecans and/or marshmallows. Although much of the alcohol in the whiskey will burn off, the rich flavor will remain. This is a nice change from traditional sweet potatoes.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Twice-baked sweet potatoes get natural sweetness from maple syrup and apples. Plan ahead to bake the potatoes before mashing for this casserole. Do not peel and slice the apple until just before you are ready to bake the dish in order to avoid discoloration due to exposure to the air.
Winter Vegetable Chowder Recipe
Low-fat and full of parsnips, sweet potato, broccoli, and ricotta cheese, this simple creamy vegetable soup is a winter delight.
Yam Biscuits Recipe
Yams or sweet potatoes make a wonderful breakfast biscuit popular in Cajun country. Leftover biscuits can be wrapped in plastic, then unwrapped and reheated for 4 to 5 minutes in a hot oven.
Yam Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Yams, orange juice, and spices flavor this delicious cake topped with streusel. Use canned yams or cook and mash fresh ones.
Yam Yeast Bread Recipe
Beautiful and delicious yeast bread gets its slightly sweet flavor naturally from yams. The bread also gets a slight kick of flavor from white pepper and spices. Sweet potatoes may be substituted for the yams.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Been waiting with bated breath for a new feature from Chiddy Bang? Then unless you're David Blaine, you're probably dead, because the Philly duo hasn't dropped off a solo record since last July's Paper & Plastic. Assuming you're in a position to do so, you can go ahead and Breathe, because they're … Read More


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Wondering what's moving into your neighborhood shopping center? Our weekly Sprouts & Shutters column highlights the latest Tri-Valley restaurant, retail and other business news.
Danville's will soon transform into Martini Sky. The restaurant is waiting on city approval for some minor remodeling and should be ready to unveil Martini Sky early this spring. Diners will find a more casual astmosphere with a small plate focus. And, as the name suggests, martinis are part of the change: You'll find a large a cocktail menu featuring 80-100 martinis made with fresh seasonal fruit, says mixologist Brian McGuirk. Read more in the Diablo Dish's coverage.
Looking to start your weekend celebrating a little early? Danville's AuburnJames tasting room recently expanded its hours and is now open from noon to 8 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday. See the latest wine flights and small plates menu at www.auburnjames.com/The-Latest/Current-Menu.
The Lil' Genius Kid, a franchised children's education center, celebrated its grand opening in San Ramon with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 23. Located in the Marketplace shopping center next to Orchard Supply Hardware, the new Lil' Genius Kid provides supplemental education programs designed for kids ages 2 – 12.
Hotel Sierra in San Ramon and Sierra Suites in Pleasanton became Hyatt House in January. The newly re-branded Hyatt House will introduce gradual changes such as evening socials, entertainment areas and apartment style room design to appeal to customers with extended stays (from three to 30 days).
After 16 years selling furniture in Dublin, Furniture Warehouse is going out of business. The furniture store, formerly called Oak Warehouse, sells a variety of furniture lines on Dublin Boulevard next to Sahara Market. The store manager says the closure is "due to rising business costs" and that the store will shut down after it sells its existing inventory.
Zakuro Japanese Bistro & Sushi Bar opens March 5, replacing iPho Vietnamese on Santa Rita Road next to the new La Palapa. Zakuro (the Japanese word for Pomegranate) will serve traditional and fusion style Japanese dishes such as oyster shooters, albacore steak salad and Zakuro Maki plus more than 20 unique sauces made from scratch at the restaurant. The interior has been completely renovated with warm burgundy wall color, upholstered booths and a prominent sushi bar.
Yogis have a new place to practice in Pleasanton. Bikram Yoga Tri-Valley Pleasanton opened its nearly 5,000 square-foot facility a few months ago next to Little Caesars Pizza. It offers heated yoga classes in an environment that incorporates green architecture, energy efficiency and feng shui. Learn more at http://www.bikramyogapleasanton.com/studio.html.
Erica Nusom, personal trainer and owner of , opened her first indoor fitness facility in early February in the Trader Joe's shopping center on East Stanley Boulevard in Livermore. Before opening her new gym, Nusom had been providing fitness programs to her clients outside at various city parks. Learn more and view a class schedule at tuffgirl.com.
Did you miss Patch's last retail and restaurant roundup? Read about these and more in our last Sprouts & Shutters column:
- and in Danville
- in San Ramon
- in Dublin
- and in Pleasanton
- in Livermore
Know of a restaurant or shop opening or closing in the Tri-Valley? Please send me a news tip at email@example.com.


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I am writing to you about something that some people do that might be disrespectful. The thing I am talking about is when people do not say the pledge of allegiance.
I am a big supporter of the military and I think it is not right not to get up and say a few words we all learned in kindergarten to respect the men and women who fight and die for our country. I understand that it is against the law to make someone say the pledge, but you can make people and students be silent as others say the pledge. Another thing is to make them be quiet during the moment of silence.
One year in my P.E. class when I would say the pledge, because not many others did, people would talk and carry on conversations. In my U.S. history class my teacher who is ex--military does make people be quiet during the pledge and also makes them stand up.
I think about people who don't say the pledge, and think that they must take for granted the freedom we have in our country. Other countries do not have the freedom and pleasures we have, and I think some people don't understand that.
I know many people who were in the military and not one of them doesn't say the pledge and aren't quiet when there is a moment of silence. My scoutmaster was in the Navy and sometimes when the pledge is being said he gets tears in his eyes because he saw men die and he himself was in a hummer that was hit by an IED.
I think anyone who lives in the U.S. should say the pledge. I love my country and always say the pledge.
Thank you for listening.
Alex Blankenship
Boy Scout Troop 221


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Divex offer a flexible range of designs of 12, 18 and 24-man saturation systems for... Read on.
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James Fisher offers careers in various sectors for crew, cadet training and other positions.
The Sir John Fisher Foundation is a charitable trust established in 1980 by Sir John and Lady Maria Fisher.
James Fisher has a long history from its roots in the 19th century Barrow haematite trade.
The group is committed to ensuring the highest standards in all its business dealings.


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The Samurai Rangers prepare to battle any evil that may be lurking in New Yorks Battery Park.
The Samurai Power Rangers make their first ever appearance at the 84th Annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade!
The Rangers show off their high kicks on the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Rangers take a time out to hang with Alice and the gang.
The Samurai Rangers wave to ferry passengers as they set sail for another adventure.
The Rangers snuggle up with a good book at the New York Public Library!
The Rangers enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with 2010 Miss America Caressa Camron!
The Rangers stand guard in New York Citys Battery Park.
The Rangers pose for a famous New York City caricature.
The Samurai Rangers attempt to tame the Wall Street bull!
Rangers can get mighty hungry, so they make sure to stop for a delicious NYC hotdog.
The Rangers salute the iconic Statue of Liberty before they leave the Big Apple.
10 pictures
Can you face a whole season worth of Nighloks at the same time? Find out!
15 pictures
Using the Black Box, the Samurai Rangers have upgraded to Super Samurais! Get your first look at all their fierce new battle gear.
14 pictures
A biker dude from another dimension crashes a Mooger party and lends the Rangers a hand.
8 pictures
Check out these pictures of the one and only Gold Ranger!
Patrick and Jack Griffo: both stars, both studs, combine to make one handsome creature!
The battle is BACK and this time it's in Bikini Bottom!


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Community News Network
VIDEO: Aaron's historic homer
On the 40th anniversary of Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th career home run, take a look at the historic moment as it happened.
Hank Aaron's historic home run
- Community News Network
Why a see-through mouse is a big deal for scientists
A group of Caltech researchers announced in Cell Thursday their success in making an entire organism transparent. Unfortunately, this isn't any kind of "Invisible Man" scenario: The organism in question is a mouse, and the mouse in question is quite dead.
VIDEO: Five-year-old doesn't want her brother to grow up
Sadie, an adorable 5-year-old from Phoenix, wants her brother to stay young forever, so much so that her emotional reaction to the thought of him getting older has drawn more than 10 million views on YouTube.
Police department turns to Facebook for guidance on use of 'negro'
What seems to be a data entry mistake by a small town police department in western New York has turned into a social media firestorm centered around the word "negro" and whether it's acceptable to use in modern society.
The virtues of lying
Two computational scientists set out recently to simulate the effects of lying in a virtual human population. Their results, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, show that lying is essential for the growth of a cohesive social network.
Survey results in legislation to battle sexual assault on campus
Missouri U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill joined a bipartisan group of senators Wednesday to announce legislation that aims to reduce the number of sexual assaults on college campuses.
An alarming threat to airlines that no one's talking about
It's been an abysmal year for the flying public. Planes have crashed in bad weather, disappeared over the Indian Ocean and tragically crossed paths with anti-aircraft missiles over Ukraine.
Spanx stretches into new territory with jeans, but promised magic is elusive
The Spanx empire of stomach-flattening, thigh-slimming, jiggle-reducing foundation garments has expanded to include what the brand promises is the mother of all body-shaping miracles: Spanx jeans.
Obama had crush on First Lady of Rock
Linda Ronstadt remained composed as she walked up to claim her National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony Monday afternoon.
Can black women have it all?
In a powerful new essay for the National Journal, my friend Michel Martin makes a compelling case for why we need to continue the having-it-all conversation.
'Rebel' mascot rising from the dead
Students and alumni from a Richmond, Va.-area high school are seeking to revive the school's historic mascot, a Confederate soldier known as the "Rebel Man," spurring debate about the appropriateness of public school connections to the Civil War and its icons.
- More Community News Network Headlines
- Why a see-through mouse is a big deal for scientists


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To the Editor:
Candidates are expert salesmen. As Steve Jobs could dress up a sophisticated supercomputer in such a sleek design that everyone wanted to have and show it off, so do political candidates know how to market something as complicated as economic policy as a fashionable catchphrase small enough for a poster board. This poisons democracy with opportunistic, uninformed, and often self-righteous voters.
The candidate doesn't expect you to know the first thing about economics; he just wants you to buy his trendy product, something so sexy and conceivable that the desire for independent, objective investigation is arrested. Anyone who believes in the value of rational inquiry must agree that campaign products do not compete practically with the extensive, sober, and intellectual discussions that such issues as the economy require to be had.
For all its ugliness, however, election season is at least a scheduled healthy pinch in the butt that doesn't let us forget there's work to be done. Without its recurrence, many would never think to attend to the world's dirty laundry.
In saying that, it should also be said that our notion of policy as the world's best medicine is troubling. We always look first to the government to feed a hungry neighbor, then we pass him by. During election season, we self-righteously preach atop soapboxes about promoting healthy society and helping the needy. But as this feverish spirit is only fostered to gain political victories, the causes we spotlight during election season quickly thereafter blend into the white noise of everyday life, like traffic passing by, unworthy of our attention until a candidate's black limo cavalcade returns.
Furthermore, government frequently proves itself to be slow-paced and hostile anyways. We should retain our ability to help rather than delegate it to deadlocked politicians. We should reach out to the hungry man ourselves--not ignore him and later feel good inside for regurgitating talk show opinions about which policy can best help him. Policy does not have to be the primary remedy. Our obsession with government ought to be exchanged for a more humble, consistent, and individualistic approach to improving society.
Joe D'Amore Jr.


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HOUSTON -- It'll be cold and breezy in the Houston area on Wednesday, and some northern communities are expected to get a light freeze again tonight, according to KHOU 11 News Meteorologist Chita Johnson.
"After a pretty cold start to the morning, there will be sunshine and temps in the 50s later today," said Johnson.
Early this morning we bottomed out in the 30s and 40s. This afternoon we'll top out around 55 degrees.
The clouds are clearing out, which means even colder temperatures are expected overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning.
Chita says while Thursday morning will be a few degrees colder than Wednesday morning, it'll quickly start to warm up once the sun comes out. By Friday our daytime temperatures will be back in the 70s, and our overnight lows will be in the 50s and 60s.
A chance for rain returns this weekend into the start of the workweek.
Download the free WeatherCaster app for your hourly forecasts and severe weather tracker.


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Is this correct if I want to ask what time the party finished?
how long did the party last??
Thank you in advance:)
Please do not edit your question after it has received a response. Such editing can make the response hard for others to understand.


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NASHVILLE - First-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones told a crowd of boosters here at the downtown Hilton that he planned to stay will the Vols as long as UT would have him.
"I pray every day I'm going to be here forever," Jones said. "You guys may get tired of me in about 30 years."
Jones and his nine assistant coaches started the day in Memphis, moved on to Nashville for a luncheon and will finish the day at Neyland Stadium this evening. All events are sold out.
His message to fans in Nashville was much the same it was in West Tennessee: "We're going to own this state. Keep spreading that orange pride loud and proud in Nashville."
Every assistant spent time on the stage and talked about their recruits as highlight reels played in the background.
The coaches also talked about their family and personal background, including the challenges of the last two months.
"Coach Jones was hired on a Friday and on a Sunday we got on a plane and moved to Knoxville," said offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian.
Receivers coach Zach Azzanni, who coached at Wisconsin in 2012, said he flew home to snow-filled Madison after the Badgers lost the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. He tucked in his young daughters and headed to Knoxville the next morning.
"That's the last time I've seen them," said Azzanni, drawing sympathetic ahhs from the crowd.
Jones, who plans to visit his wife and kids in Cincinnati later this week, said he hopes his family is able to move down to Knoxville this spring.
Follow Tennessee's tour through the state at http://twitter.com/TennesseeBeat and read the News Sentinel for a behind-the-scenes look at the trip on Friday and Sunday.


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Man to be reunited with '56 Thunderbird
PALO ALTO, Calif. - Ronald Leung thought he would never see his beloved 1956 Ford Thunderbird again after it was stolen from his auto-repair shop in downtown Palo Alto in 1976. But the 59-year-old car aficionado will soon be reunited with the classic car he treasured as a young man after police called Thursday and told him the T-bird had been found in Southern California.
"I was very shocked," said Leung, a retired sheriff's deputy who runs a car-rental business in Milpitas. "After 31 years, I thought that car was long-gone history, like the Roman Empire."
The California Highway Patrol recovered the collectible — still in excellent condition — after a Ventura County woman tried to register it after buying the car on eBay from an Ohio seller. She contacted the CHP because the vehicle identification number listed on the car's title didn't exist in the California Department of Motor Vehicles registry.
CHP Officer Christopher Throgmorton located the true VIN and ran it through a CHP database that identified it as a stolen car from Palo Alto. Leung plans to fly to Southern California to pick it up next week.
"It's in really good condition," Throgmorton said. "It looks like somebody had it refurbished. It's been restored."
Since the Thunderbird disappeared, Leung fathered two kids and retired from a two-decade career in law enforcement. He had bought the collectible in 1974 for about $1,500 and carefully restored it.
"I belong to a car club, and every time I look at a Thunderbird, I go, 'Oh, I had one of those!'" he said. "I have one son who's 30 and a daughter who's 26. It's unbelievable, that car is older in theft than they are in age."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070622/ap_on_fe_st/odd_stolen_thunderbird;_ylt=Av3l8OD9ZeGeFWmjMROiU4 ssQE4F


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n Thompson Surgical Instruments, Inc., of Traverse City will be exhibiting several new products to improve spine surgery exposure at the North American Spine Society in New Orleans and at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in San Francisco this month and is also celebrating 50 years as the original table-mounted retractor company.
n Springfield Commercial Roofing of Kingsley was honored as the winner of the 2013 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Small Businesses. This award, presented through its Center for Character Ethics, seeks to identify and honor companies for their commitment to business ethics, customer satisfaction, and community contribution.
n Armor Express of Central Lake; Magna Interior Trim Components of Benzonia; Lear Corporation of Traverse City; Janco International of Traverse City; Listening Ear Crisis Center of Kalkaska; and Binsfeld Engineering of Maple City have received Outstanding Business Awards from Northwest Michigan Works! for their success as employers and Michigan Works! partners.
n Traverse Bay Farms earned three awards at the 2014 Scovie Awards competition, recognizing the top fiery food products in America.
Their Red Raspberry Jalapeno Jam won first place in the condiments category; Apple BBQ earned first place in the BBQ sauce-fruit category and Pineapple Salsa took third place in the processed salsa-fruit category.
n WPBN/WTOM has hired Thomas Jordan as co-anchor for 7&4 News Today. For the past two years, Jordan has been the weather/anchor and general assignment reporter for KMTR NewsSource 16 in Oregon, and KKCO 11 News in Colorado.
n Robert Tucker, of West Bay Exploration in Traverse City and Joey Holmes of LINN Energy in Traverse City, have been re-appointed to the board of directors of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association.
n Joe Francis has been appointed financial representative by Northwestern Mutual in Traverse City. He will be associated with Northwestern Mutual Northern Michigan Group in Traverse City.
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text: I've got a pair of MMC6500's and I was looking at one of the crossovers today. I notice there's a switch on the crossover that allows you to toggle between "single" and "dual." The instruction manual shows a diagram of the crossover with this switch, but the instructions mention nothing about it. What does this switch do? Does it relate to the impedance that the crossover shows the amplifier?


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Transforming Critical Care Medicine
ADS Biotechnology, Ltd. (ADS) is a pre-IND biomedical company founded to pursue the commercial development of a novel, blood volume expander created by scientists at the University of Toledo's College of Medicine. These scientists developed an original technology to create ADS4203, a patent-protected Pegylated Albumin biologic that promises to become the optimal blood volume expander for the treatment of any condition that triggers capillary leak syndrome (CLS) with an initial targeted indication of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Problem Definition & Market Opportunity
CLS, a serious medical condition that has been defined and discussed in the medical literature for decades, is a counter-adaptive response of the body that can occur as a result of any severe injury or insult. When triggered, CLS compromises the integrity of capillary vessel walls. As a result, there is a markedly increased permeability (i.e. propensity to leak) within the damaged vessel walls, followed by recurrent episodes of hypotension (i.e. low blood pressure). These episodes are characterized by the sudden transient shifting of 10% – 70% of the body's blood proteins and plasma water from the damaged, leaking capillary vessels into surrounding tissues. The body's subsequent response is persistent, dangerously low blood pressure, interstitial edema (i.e. swelling of the surrounding tissues), hypo-perfusion and edema of vital body organs, and a significant decrease in oxygen delivery to vital organs of the body. When left untreated, CLS develops into a deleterious iterative cascade of recurrent episodes of hypotension that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction and failure and, in many cases, death.
Medical and traumatic conditions that trigger CLS include, but are not limited to the following: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), poly-trauma (with our without hemorrhagic shock), traumatic brain injury (TBI), pancreatitis, burns, complex surgical procedures (e.g. open-heart surgery and large organ transplants), and severe sepsis. In the U.S., the combined incidence of these medical and trauma conditions is estimated at greater than 2.6 million cases per year. In the U.S. military, CLS is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among soldiers injured in battle and/or infected with microbiological pathogens[1], [2].
Current conventional treatment for CLS is the intravenous administration of a blood volume expander. This treatment is largely empirical and generally ineffective. There is presently no commercial blood volume expander available that can safely and effectively treat CLS[3], creating a clear unmet clinical need.
ADS Biotechnology Ltd. has a drug development plan that targets ARDS as the first indication for ADS4203. ARDS is a life threatening manifestation of acute lung injury with mortality rates 40-60%5. It is characterized by the acute onset of diffuse, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates secondary to non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, refractory hypoxia, and decreased lung compliance. Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs most frequently in the setting of sepsis, aspiration of gastric contents, trauma, or multiple transfusions. No specific therapy for ARDS exists. Treatment is primarily supportive using a mechanical respirator and supplemental oxygen. Intravenous fluids are given to maintain blood pressure. While these supportive measures may provide short-term benefit, they can also lead to serious problems including fluid overload especially in the lungs (i.e. pulmonary edema) and oxygen toxicity. According to the NHLBI, 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed each year with ARDS.
Value Proposition
ARDS is one of a number of diseases with high mortality rates and limited therapy options due to CLS. ADS4203 has the potential to become the definitive, first-in-class treatment for hypovolemic conditions. The estimated accessible market is $2.7 billion domestically. It is the goal of ADS to position ADS4203 as the primary treatment choice of physicians by providing the only safe and effective treatment for patients with CLS including ARDS. In addition, ADS4203 has the potential to lower non-reimbursable acute care and hospital aftercare costs by reducing hospital stays and edema related complications commonly associated with hypovolemic conditions and associated CLS and ARDS by optimizing a patient's clinical and functional outcomes.
Product & Technology
ADS4203 is created through the chemical bonding of human serum albumin (the most abundant protein in human blood plasma) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)—an inert, polyether compound with many applications from industrial manufacturing to medicine. In the presence of CLS, ADS4203 will not leak through compromised capillary walls to the extent of currently available products. Upon intravenous administration, ADS4203 works immediately to re-establish total blood volume, systemic blood flow and arterial blood pressure. It (1) reduces further edema, leakage of blood proteins and plasma water into surrounding tissue, and (2) reverses CLS, thereby giving the body the critical time it needs to heal its damaged capillary vessel walls and to recover from the underlying insult or injury.
ADS4203 is protected by three issued U.S. patents centered on the treatment of hypovolemic conditions and the necessary composition to maintain critical protein function, three pending U.S. utility patent applications, one Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application for international patent processing and three international patents. The development of commercial clinical applications for the ADS4203 product and derivative products will be recipient of ongoing development by the Company.
[1] Petty, T.L. "Initial observations that led to the definition of ARDS". Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2008;5(3):290.
[2] Bone, R.C. et al. "Sepsis Syndrome: a valid clinical entity. Methylprednisolone severe sepsis study group". Crit Care Med. 1989;17(5):389-393.
[3] Mortelli, M,P et al. "Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome", Am Fam Physician. 2002:65(9):1823-1831


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Shepherd's Pie VI1,729 Reviews 126 Pics
Prep30 m
Cook20 m
Ready In50 m
"This Shepherd's Pie is a layered casserole of beef, carrots, and potato."
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Adjust Servings
Original recipe yields 1 (2 quart) casserole
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.)
- Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until clear. Add ground beef and cook until well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Next, spread a layer of mashed carrots. Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Reviews (1,729)Rate This Recipe
Very good. Every bit as good as what Ive purchased in Irish restaurants. I made a few crutial changes to this recipe in order to arrive at perfection: add 1/4 cup of worstershire to the ground beef mixture before cooking. Without this, the meat is too bland. Also, add a packet of brown gravy mix to 1 cup of water (instead of 3/4 c. beef broth) and stir into the browned and floured meat mix to simmer for 5 min. This gives the meat a little bit of gravy, which the mashed potatos love! Finally, instead of 5 carrots, I add 8-10 oz. of frozen peas and carrots right on top of the meat mix and before the mashed potatos. It tasts great and adds color to the dish. This recipe is going in the favorites file. ***** stars for flavor and presentation!
OK, I have FINALLY perfected (at least for us) this recipe. I brown usually around 1 - 1.5 lbs of ground beef. I try and get something lean. Add two tablespoons of flour and mix it in. Then add two tablespoons of ketchup, 1/4 cup of worcheshire sauce, a packet of brown gravy and one cup of water. When it starts to thicken I add about a cup and a half of mixed veggies (corn, green beans, carrots, and peas). Simmer until thickened. Put in a 2 quart casserole dish cover with mashed potatoes and whatever else you like (I add slivers of butter to the potatoes) and bake at 375 for 20 minutes. FANTASTIC!!!!!
I made a lot of shepherd's Pie and this is my favortie. TIME SAVING HINT: to make preparation even faster and easier use instant mashed potatoes for the topping ... although I much prefer fresh mashed potato. If you don't have beef broth use brown gravy mix with one cup water, but honetly, the broth is good too. If making for only adults I will also sometimes add a little HP sauce to the meat mix ... this gives it a bit of "zing". I NEVER add worcestershire sauce...blechh, gross..it has anchovy paste in it!!! Also, although the carrots are very nice, you could use frozen corn and or peas instead of carrot (my kids prefer). But if making for adults, I find they tend to prefer the mashed carrot over the peas and corn, myself included. After my husband tasted the one I made with carrot he said "That's the best cottage pie I've ever tasted!!! And he's English! There is something very comforting about the combo of carrots and potato. Great idea to mix in cheese and onion to the potatoes. (PRESENTATION HINT:I always top my shepherd's pie with a sprinkling of paprika - nice little touch for taste and appearance).
Similar Recipes
Chicken Pot Pie IX
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Sugar Cream Pie I
Shepherd's Pie Daddy's Way
Amount Per Serving (6 total)
- Calories
- 452 cal
- 23%
- Fat
- 17 g
- 26%
- Carbs
- 52.5 g
- 17%
- Protein
- 23.1 g
- 46%
- Cholesterol
- 65 mg
- 22%
- Sodium
- 295 mg
- 12%
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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Chicken Pot Pie IX
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Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs


text: Photo: Vyrus This isn't the first we've seen of Italian engineer Asconio Rodorigo's hub-center-steered sportbikes. Rodorigo spent years at Bimota, where he designed the similar Tesi 2D before departing to found Vyrus and continue further development. The Rimini-based designer's latest effort is the Vyrus 986 M2, intended as a Moto2 racer. Theoretically, hub-center steering offers numerous advantages over a traditional telescopic fork, maintaining geometric stability by isolating braking and suspension forces and making dive characteristics more tunable. In addition, increased structural stiffness allows for lighter weightwith the caveat being that weight is unsprung. Vyrus will reportedly offer its Moto2 platform for $75,000, the same amount as the conventional-forked Suter Moto2 machine. A $35,000 street version will follow. By Aaron Frank Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!


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How to create multiple email signatures on your iPhone and iPad
If you've got more than one email account on your iPhone or iPad, for example, an iCloud account, Gmail account, and/or a Hotmail/Outlook/Exchange account, or a work, school, and/or personal account, you'll probably want and need separate email signatures for each account. Maybe you don't want work contacts having your personal cell number, but you'd like personal contacts to. Whatever the reason, iOS lets you easily add multiple signatures for use in the [Mail app](http://www.imore.com/mail "Apple Mail app for iOS and OS X).
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 6 or higher.
- Tap on Mail, Contacts, Calendars — you'll need to scroll down a ways.
- Under the Mail section, tap on Signature.
- Tap on Per Account instead of All Accounts.
- You can now edit signatures separately for each account.
That's all there is to it. Start a new email message and your iPhone or iPad will automatically add the proper signature to the proper account! Keep in mind that this only works with the built-in Mail app. if you use a third party email app, you'll need to check and see if it supports multiple email signatures.
Note: Originally published, January 2013. Updated, July 2014.
There are 6 comments. Add yours.
I've been unsuccessful getting this to work for a little while now.
My primary email address (Exchange ) always dominates the signatures on my 1 gmail, 2 outlook.com accounts
Are you aware if there is an issue using exchange and this feature?
I like the iphone case. Anyone know the manufacturer?
That's not a case. The phone is pink and black.
Great tip. Thanks!
That's great, cheers! I assume you still can't attach pictures to the signature, like a logo?
is there a way to have multiple email signatures for 1 account?


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Legendary Mount Baker Banked Slalom 2007
Thursday: I woke up at 4:30am sharp to make my early flight out of John Wayne Airport; only to find out it was delayed by 90 minutes. Nothing like three hours of sleep to sit in an airport terminal, so I made the most of it by getting some much-needed work done.
The highlight of my flight was sitting next to the one and only, Tom McElroy, one of the founders of Volcom, and listening to his crazy stories. Now that man has led an amazing life!
Gretchen Bleiler and Chris Hotell picked me up in one of the Oakley trucks and off we went to Baker, well sort of… first to Starbucks for a power session of emails, calls and networking. Then we were off to Baker. Now I am not sure how well versed you may all be with driving up to Baker, but it's an interesting drive. First depending on what time you hit the road, one can run into Seattle traffic leaving work… and guess what time we left for Baker? You guessed, we hit the road at 4:30pm, could not have timed it better Chris. Once off the 5, you take several backcountry roads, where hitchhikers can be found wondering the roads in the dark fog… watch out for those guys.
Upon our arrival we settled into our nice little condo and enjoyed numerous snowboard videos and fun conversations about shredding different places in Tahoe.
Friday: I woke up to the sound of raindrops on the windows, pretended to not hear my alarm and rolled over. Five minutes later I was up and taking a shower for the first time in 48 hours. By 7:30am we were on the road to Baker from our condo, which was fun because the switchbacks up the Baker road are gnarly to say the least.
When we arrived in the parking lot we were told to, "Park our 'Extendo Truck' over their guy." From that day forward Chris and I would refer to the Oakley truck as "Extendo." First we checked in, got our tickets for the weekend, Gretchen and Chris received their rider packages with hoodies to wax inside them … something that was much needed the night before.
After a little light scrapping of our boards back at the Extendo Truck we ventured up to the top of the mountain where it was raining at chair 7, sleeting at chair 5, and snowing at the top. Classic Washington weather, now I could say I had shredded true Washington weather at Mt. Baker.
The day was fun, seeing all the uber pros from years past to the ones pushing the future of the sport today. Highlights consisted of chatting it up with Bob Klein, running into my buddies that run SASS, seeing Guch and Terje drop gates, and eating smoked salmon in the riders' tent.
The Legendary Mount Baker Banked Slalom is very unique, you can only take one practice run, and that is on Friday. You have to be there during the 90 minute window to get the practice run and then you get one run on Friday and one on Saturday to qualify for Sunday's final. On Sunday you take two runs and your best run counts, but you cannot see the time of your last run… which allows for some serious guessing as to who wins.
Conditions were tough for the riders on Friday, but Gretchen did well and qualified on the first day of qualifiers, allowing her to relax and treat Saturday as a practice run.
We headed back to the condo after hanging in the lodge to dry off, and probably saw a total of at least 25 cop cars before we pulled into our condo. It was insane to say the least, they were definitely out in force, but that did not stop Chris and I from driving to Maple Falls from some much needed Jack and Coke at a very interesting Liquor Store. Turns out in Washington the state runs the liquor stores, except for a few, which this one in Maple Falls happened to be… and man was that lady nice, not really.
The night was short, we meet up with Tobia from Dragon and McKay and Lance from K2 for some drinks and tacos, then went back to the house to have one more drink and called it a night at 9pm.
Saturday: Waking up to sunny skies in Washington during mid-winter is rare, so I was stoked to see sunlight peaking through our blinds on Saturday morning.
We packed up our stuff, made some bagels and boogied up to Mt. Baker. I could not believe it was sunny, the camera was going to need to wait for a little bit. I bounced around the mountain charging as many runs as I could get in before Men's Pro Division started.
I set up on course around turn 10 because it showcased the first nine gates in the background and I could get the rider completely in the bottom right of my frame. Snapping away during the Men's and Women's Pro runs I was blown away looking off into the distance at Hemispheres – this ridiculous mountain off of my Mt. Baker. "Man, that hike must be gnarly, but totally worth it," I said to myself. Later, Zimmerman would tell us it is the most photographed mountain in world for ski and snowboard magazines, pretty cool.
Some top highlights of the day had to be Seth Wescott's ridiculous time of 1 minute and 27 seconds, seeing Sammy Luebke race with a cast on his left arm, the Salmon BBQ, Future Snowboarding Magazine's Jason Ford hooking me up with the latest issue that has two of my photos from a summer in Argentina, and watching Joel Muzzey from Snowboarder Magazine run all over the course snapping sick shots with his Thump 2's on – never listening to the crew members trying to wave him off the course.
Sunday: Finals race day was totally insane, it was freaking down pouring at the base of the mountain and nobody wanted to go up until they absolutely had to. Needless to say I ventured up to get my shots of all my heroes from Tom Burt to Terje.
The first runs were all over the map for the Men's Pro with times coming in mostly around the 1:32 mark, but then Terje ran a 1:30 and the times started dropping. Local boy Lucas DeBari ran an unbelievable run of 1:28! Pushing all the Men's Pro riders to step up there game.
The second runs were tough to tell who had done well, Terje left immediately after his run to try and make it home for his third child's birth in Norway. But again it looked like Seth Wescott and Nate Holland had put up solid runs.
The Women's Pro race was very tight with the ladies coming in around 1:39 to 1:36. Gretchen looked to be close to podium as the day came to a close.
Heading back to the lodge to shed some layers and see who won, Chris and I posted up near the back as the Mt. Baker Lodge turned into complete mayhem. By the time the awards ceremony started, there had to be at least a few hundred people crammed in to hear the results.
Top highlights from the awards ceremony had to be Bob Klein of Octagon taking second in the Mid-Masters Division, Joe Cummins taking third in the Grand-Masters Division, the entire Cummins family earning the Craig Kelly Award, and of course Gretchen taking third in Women's Pro. Congrats to Gretchen who had never even ridden Mt. Baker, never mind running the Banked Slalom course.
Afterwards I ventured out into the rain to find my friends and a ride to a safe dry place…


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The Daily Star
---- — UUSO to hold Imbolc Service
An Imbolc Service, "The Promise of Spring," will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta at 12 Ford Ave. Imbolc is one of the Greater Sabbats of the Pagan calendar and the cross-quarter day between Yule and the Vernal Equinox.
It is a time of cleansing, healing and inspiration, according to a media release.
Organizers asked that those who with to attend arrive a little early to be seated in time for the casting of the circle. There will be a collection of nonperishable items and cash donations for the local food bank. Refreshments will follow the ceremony. All are welcome.


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40% off on the Worlds Finest Chocolate, Valrhona - Johannesburg
Deal by 5ounces on Food & Wine - SaveMe - 40% off on the Worlds Finest Chocolate, Valrhona
Discount from 40%
Time Left:
- Product will be delivered within 14 working days from when the deal closes
- T's & C's Apply
- www.5ounces.co.za
- Any foodie worth their salt will tell you that Valrhona is the finest chocolate money can buy, recognised as one of the top chocolates in the world.
Chocolate has been called 'liquid gold' and 'food of the Gods', by everyone from the ancient Aztecs to modern-day women. This might seem like something of an exaggeration if you've been eating boring slabs of chocolate. But treat yourself to a square of Valrhona and the descriptions ring very true.
Let's start with the Jivara slab, because one would expect the milk chocolate to be the least interesting. One would be wrong. With 40% cacao, it's really chocolatey, but balanced by a beautifully creamy vanilla and malt finish. The aromatic cocoa beans produce an exceptionally smooth and deep milk chocolate.
Then there's Manjari. 64% cocoa and pure cocoa butter, Manjari liberates acidulous notes of red fruits and nuts reminiscent of the original Trinitario cocoa beans from Madagascar. How does it taste? Fresh, tangy, robust. Not at all bitter, unexpectedly fruity. In other words: delicious.
And then we have Guanaja. 70% cocoa, bittersweet and elegant, this is Valrhona's second darkest chocolate in the range. Its aromatic range of warm notes and roasted almond and hazelnut flavours combine beautifully with the slight bitterness to form a balanced finish. Simply superb.
Of course, you don't only get these three chocolates, but an Initiation Grands Crus that includes six dark chocolate squares, each one just as heavenly as the last. Who said chocolate wasn't the food of the Gods?
www.5ounces.co.za -
Pay R125 for 6 X Re-usable Coffee Capsules For Your Coffee Machine Valued at R249 Including National Delivery
Gauteng Good Food and Wine entrance and chef entry from R239 for 2 at the Coca-Cola Dome from the 31 July-3 Aug (save 40%)


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The Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations provides undergraduate and graduate courses in psychological and social foundations. These courses support the preparation and continuing development of teachers and human-service professionals such as school psychologists, counselors and school administrators. Courses taught by the department include those in the areas of human development, learning & teaching, school psychology, measurement and research, and the history, sociology and philosophy of education.
In addition to undergraduate teaching responsibilities, many faculty are actively involved in one or more of the department's graduate programs: M.A.E in Educational Psychology: Professional Development for Teachers; and Ed.S. in School Psychology.
Faculty members conduct a broad array of research related to these topic. In addition many participate in scholarly activities at the local, national and international levels. Some provide related professional services related to their field of expertise.


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Dasatinib is a drug approved for the treatment of leukemia. Studies have shown it can also prevent the growth of non-small cell lung cancer cells with mutations in the DDR2 and BRAF genes. These mutations alter how the DDR2 and BRAF proteins work.
This study is assessing the safety and effectiveness of dasatinib in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and a DDR2 mutation, and in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with an inactivating BRAF mutation. Dasatinib is taken orally (by mouth).
To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:
For more information about this study or to inquire about eligibility, please contact Dr. Paul K. Paik at 646-888-4202.


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Morning Show Guests
Weekdays at 6:10, 7:10 and 8:10 - Family Minute with Dr. Bill Maier
Mondays at 7:50 - Jill Hart with Christian Work at Home Moms
Her website is at http://www.cwahm.com
Tuesdays at 7:50 - Life Walk
Tuesday mornings at 7:40 with Connie. Practical living for a simple life.
Thursdays at 7:10 - Positive Parenting with Jamie Hansen
Raising your children from a Biblical Perspective
Thursdays at 8:20 - "Transforming Your Mind" with Cliff Tulsie
Cliff offers a biblical, cognitive approach to dealing with complicated thinking patterns that result in social and domestic dysfunction. Based on Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world (think patterns of this world), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Email Cliff or call him at 402-650-4014
|Every other Thursday at 9:20 it's "Your Healthy Child with Children's Physicians" with Dr. Lars Vanderbur from Children's Physicians
| Fridays at 7:40 - Keeping Kids Healthy with Caryn
Get great ideas to keep your kids healthy, great ideas for the kids to be active, plus creative ways to eat healthy.
Fridays - Praise the Lord Friday


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MODESTO — Here is a searchable database of expenditures Jeff Denham, Republican candidate for the 10th Congressional District. It was updated Oct. 31.
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Marshall University
Marshall Quick Links
First Floor Prichard Hall
Old Main 111
Parthenon 1999
February 26, 1999: Group addresses hate crimes on campus
by CONNIE
Some students are uniting to work toward changing the campus policy concerning hate-motivated crimes.
Although a Crimes Task Force already exists on campus, students are concerned because hate crimes are not included in the task force's focus, Jimel Beckett, co-coordinator of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Outreach (LGBO), said.
The unofficial Hate Crimes Task Force, which began to organize last semester, is not an organization recognized by the university. It has chosen to remain unrecognized because its goal is that the university incorporate hate crimes into any existing crime task force policy, Beckett, Chesapeake, Ohio senior, said.
"The goal is unity, not separation," she said.
"We (the Hate Crimes Task Force) are a panel of concerned students, of student representatives from several student groups."
The College Democrats, Alpha Kappa Delta, Lambda Society and People Reaching Out with Love are some of the groups represented in the Hate Crimes Task force. The NAACP, although not affiliated with Marshall, has also expressed an interest in being involved, Beckett said.
The group is preparing recommendations that will be presented April 30, National Erase the Hate Day. University President J. Wade Gilley and other relevant campus offices will receive the recommendations, Raymie White, co-coordinator of the LGBO and president of Lambda, said.
"I would hope he (Gilley) will take it serious now, considering all the groups and students involved," White, Clendenin senior political science major, said. "All the bases are being covered.
"His (Gilley's) not taking it serious now would mean he is a president who is ignoring student concerns," White said.
Part of the recommendation will include a subcommittee or task force to focus specifically on hate crimes, he said.
Crimes regarding all races, religion, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, gender, ethnicity and political affiliation are part of the group's focus. The group is aware that hate crimes can occur toward white students as well as other more obvious groups, White said.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, West Virginia does not include sexual orientation and disability in any hate crime legislation. On the national level, statistics for sexual orientation and disability
related crimes are kept but are not included in legislation.
Dr. Betty J. Cleckley, vice president for multicultural affairs and international programs, said any type of discrimination should not be tolerated on campus, which should be one of support and love for all students. Sexual orientation, among other racial, ethnic and cultural differences are recognized in the multicultural affairs' mission statement, she said.
"The atmosphere on campus is a major concern," Beckett said. "We are addressing all that is hate motivated, whether it be direct acts or more indirect things such as gestures, graffiti, etc...
"I could never understand the apathy surrounding this issue," she said. "It's not a gay rights issue ... it's a human rights issue."
More information is available by contacting the LGBO at 696-4801 or 696-6623. The office is located in Prichard Hall, Room 137.
March 19, 1999: Diversity explored by slate of speakers for Pride Week
by JIA
Pride Week, which begins Monday, will be a chance for homosexuals and bisexuals to celebrate their identities and be proud of themselves.
"Pride and unity in the 21st Century," is the theme of Pride Week, which is sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Outreach (LGBO) office, the Lambda Society and Multicultural and International Affairs Office.
"It's important to be proud of who you are, whether gays or straight people," said Raymie White, LGBO coordinator and Lambda Society president.
"And it's also important that we work with other minorities whether those differences are based on races or sexual orientation," he said. "We should work together to improve all of our stations and human rights, not only focusing on gay issues."
He said he hopes to raise awareness of gay and lesbian issues on campus, help teach those who are not gays and try to illustrate to heterosexual people what is like to be gays through the Pride Week.
Jimel Beckett, LGBO coordinator and Lambda Society treasurer, said visibility is an important issue.
"That's where the pride comes into," she said. "Based on the idea of not being ashamed of yourselves, and proclaim your identity. The Pride Week gives us a chance to do something positive, not only for ourselves, but also for the community."
During the week, there will be two presentations on various topics daily at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
White said the first presentations on each day will be workshop activities, while the second presentations will be lectures.
Many of the presentations relate to American and world history, Beckett.
"They are the part of the literature that you will not possibly find in your normal literature classes, especially in the secondary level," she said.
"We hope to help educate not only people who are not gay, but also those who are gay but don't know about the history."
Laura Johnston, who refounded the Lambda Society, will present the lecture entitled, "Where are the Women?" March 26.
Dr. Richard Garnett, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, will present a lecture March 22 entitled "Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals," which deals with its causes and effects.
Garnett said Pride Week is a chance to celebrate campus diversity. He said it is also an opportunity for gays and lesbians to feel pride in who they are and express themselves more openly, despite the discrimination and prejudice they encounter. Beckett said Pride Week is supposed to be a celebration. "It is time for us to educate ourselves to celebrate who we are, to reaffirm ourselves," she said.
"The presentations will be inspirational not just to gays and lesbians but to everyone on campus," White said. "Straight persons who haven't have contact with gays and lesbians should come at least to listen to what they say to get another point of view."
March 25, 1999: Rally conducted despite rainy weather
by CONNIE NICHOLS , reporter
Despite rain and low attendance, speakers gathered and focused on hate crimes and related issues.
As part of Pride Week, "Unity and Diversity in the 21st Century," sponsored by the Lambda Society and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Out-reach office, a Hate Crimes Awareness Rally was sponsored Wednesday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Memorial Student Center.
The rally was planned for the plaza but was moved inside to the Alumni Lounge because of rain.
The rally's format varied throughout its duration. It alternated between a round table discussion and a speaker and audience format because the attendance ranged from as few as 10 participants to as many as 50 at times.
Speakers included students, faculty and administration, as well as various community representatives.
"People need to understand that hate crimes are real," Sally Lind, executive director of Huntington's Human Relations Commission, said. "They are happening everywhere, even in Huntington, West Virginia."
The commission's definition of a hate crime is a crime directed toward someone because of race, religion or national origin, Lind said. The crime does not have to be violent.
Attempts have been made to add sexual orientation to the current hate crime laws, Lind said. Huntington, along with West Virginia, continues to be behind with such changes, she said. Although statistics are being kept for such crimes, she said, laws have not been amended.
Dr. Donnalee Cockrille, dean of student affairs, said, "It is encouraging that we are talking about it nationally."
"Diversity enriches the educational experience," Cockrille, who spoke on behalf of the administration, said.
"It's in our mission statement," she said. "Respect is the bottom line and the administration embraces that, but we've yet to make that real."
While discussing many things listed in the mission statement, such as respect, diversity and addressing student concerns, Cockrille followed each time with the statement, "We say that. Now we need to make it real."
The LGBO office welcomes anyone who has been discriminated against, Ramey White, co-coordinator of the LGBO office and president of Lambda, said.
Its goal is to offer a place for international, race and all minority issues as well as to educate people regarding lesbian, gay and bisexual issues, he said.
Dr. David Wucher, rabbi of the B'nai Sholom congregation and part-time religious studies professor, shared scriptures, humorous anecdotes and hate-crime related stories at the rally.
"Discrimination in our society affects all of us, not just those being discriminated against," he said.
"When I hear the Pledge of Allegiance," he said. " I hope for a country where we are what we pledge to be ... a nation with justice."
Additional information is available by contacting the LGBO at 696-4801 or 696-6623. The office is located in Room 137 of Prichard Hall.
October 6, 1999: Gay History Month under way
by AMANDA M. TULLY
October is here and so is the first Gay History Month at Marshall.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Outreach Office is sponsoring activities and events throughout the month as part of the national celebration and to give students the opportunity to participate and learn about issues concerning the gay community.
Raymie White, coordinator of the LGBO program and president of the Lambda Society, said it was difficult to incorporate much of the history of the gay community into one designated month.
"We were actually confined on which issues we could look at," White said.
"I think that any oppressed group needs to take time to remember its history," said Okey Napier, faculty advisor for the Lambda Society. "That is our common bond and what ties us together."
One of the events planned this month is the showing of William Friedkin's 1970 film "The Boys in the Band."
The film is a depiction of life in the gay community.
"(The film) shows the dynamics of the (masculine) gay man and the feminine gay man, and how they operate together," White said.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Memorial Student Center 2E13.
Another event planned is a drag show Oct. 21.
White said there is a lot more intricacy in the drag community than people may think. This is an opportunity for anyone curious to experience what a drag show actually embraces.
All students are welcome and tickets are free.
All events sponsored by the LGBO for Gay History Month are intended to increase awareness pertaining to gay issues in the community and on campus.
"We can't ignore racism and sexism and act like we're depicting reality," White said.
More information may be obtained by calling the LGBO Office at 696-6623 or visiting Prichard Hall 134.
October 6, 1999: History of gays important to all
By Editorial Staff
Like women and blacks before them, homosexuals form a minority group that has long been oppressed by others who disagree with their lifestyles.
They have been unfairly stereotyped, ridiculed and even killed because of their sexual preferences. Although the millennium is less than 100 days away, they still are not accepted totally.
Their history of oppression cannot be ignored any longer. That is why the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Outreach Office (LGBO) is observing October as Gay History Month, bringing the national celebration to campus for the first time in school history.
The LGBO Office has organized a series of events during the month to raise awareness of issues that affect the gay community.
We applaud the office for its effort. Gay History Month is as important as Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March.
Those specialized months inform others about groups who were - and still are - minorities. They celebrate their cultures and document their struggles. They allow us to learn about the histories of those oppressed groups. And they raise awareness to the problems those groups face.
We think it would be beneficial for everyone - homosexual or heterosexual, man or woman, young or old - to participate in the events of Gay History Month. It would give them opportunities to learn about the history of an oppressed group.
Let our gay students know they do not have to be ashamed of their lifestyles. Let them know they do not have to worry about experiencing the fear University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard felt just before his killers murdered him because he was a homosexual.
Support them. Do not shun them.
Remember, people are people. And people should not live in fear or be oppressed for being themselves.
We think participating in Gay History Month is worth your time and effort, even if you are not homosexual, bisexual or transsexual. It may open your eyes and broaden your views.
And an open mind never hurt anyone.
October 10, 1999: Thumbs Up to LGBO
Thumbs up to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Outreach Office for observing October as Gay History Month on campus. It is the first time the national celebration has been observed at Marshall. Despite the possibility of backlash and opposition, the LGBO Office has organized a month of events to raise public awareness of issues gays face. We hope Gay History Month will open the eyes and expand the views of those in the Marshall community. But even if it does not, the organizers deserve praise for having the courage to be themselves and reveal parts of their lives to an entire campus.
October 25, 1999: LGBO discussion to address book about lesbians under Nazi regime
by AMANDA M. TULLY
A roundtable discussion on a book about two lesbians falling in love under the Nazi regime will take place in the Memorial Student Center 2E10 today at 7 p.m.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Outreach office (LGBO) is offering the discussion to the public.
The Erica Fischer book "Aimee & Jaguar: A Love Story, Berlin 1943," a Lambda Literary Award winner, will be the topic of discussion.
"We want to educate the gay community as well as the general community about the factions of groups idolizing Hitler," said Jimel Beckett, co-coordinator of the LGBO Office.
"Gay people are often the target of many Neo-Nazi groups. It is important to discuss these issues as part of gay history."
The discussion will allow people to present their opinion on various aspects of the book, which is based on a true story.
Beckett said there are many issues surrounding the story that are worthy of being discussed. The conservative and radical views will be compared.
"Aimee" and "Jaguar" are the main characters who battle being in love under nearly impossible conditions. "Aimee" is married to a man who supports the Nazis, and "Jaguar" is a Jewish woman. They are involved in continual conflicts as they try to pursue a relationship. As the story unfolds, vital issues that are important to the gay community.
"This is a superb opportunity to explore the literary stance of what took place between two lesbians during World War II," said Okey Napier, graduate student and faculty adviser for the Lambda Society.
More information on the discussion is available by calling the LGBO Office at 696-6623 or stopping by Prichard Hall 134.
Site Maintained by the Marshall University Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Other Outreach office.
Copyright © Marshall University
Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Other Office. All Rights Reserved.


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Rick Ungar, Contributor
I write from the left on politics and policy.
A new Congressional Budget Office report out last week has the healthcare world scratching its head over the possibility that Obamacare might—in part—be responsible for what is being described as a significant slowdown in the growth of healthcare costs in America.
According to the report, hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending for Medicare and Medicaid are being removed from government projections as federal healthcare spending is now expected to be full 15 percent less than what had been initially budgeted for 2012. The surprisingly low spending projections come as the growth in healthcare spending has hit a new low for the fourth consecutive year.
To be sure, a big part of the decline in healthcare spending is the result of the recession's impact on people's ability to lay out cash on health related expenditures. Indeed, up until this point, most analysts have agreed that the poor economy was pretty much the sole cause for the improvement we have seen in containing the explosion of healthcare spending.
Now, experts are beginning to recognize that the Affordable Care Act may, in fact, be contributing to the good news—a significant development as bending the cost curve was a primary goal of Obamacare.
Douglas Elmendorf, Director of the CBO, noted that while much of the savings are the result of a loss of wealth due to the recession. But, for the first time, Elmendorf was willing to say that a 'significant part' of the savings are the result of structural change in how healthcare is now being delivered.
While the new data suggests that some of the changes in how providers are paid for delivering healthcare began—and were having a positive impact—prior to passage of Obamacare, the ACA codifies these changes in payment procedures for physicians and hospitals, taking what now appears to be programs that are slowing the growth in costs and applying them to all providers throughout the nation.
Importantly, the slowdown in the cost of care is happening in both the overall rate of spending and government spending. Writes Annie Lowrey in the New York Times—
"The slowdown has occurred in both government and overall health spending. From 2009 to 2011, total health spending grew at the lowest annual pace since the government started keeping records 52 years ago, a trend that seems to have continued last year. In the 2012 fiscal year, Medicare spending per beneficiary grew just 0.4 percent. The new Congressional Budget Office data said that overall Medicare outlays grew 3 percent in 2012, the slowest rate since 2000."
The multi-billion dollar question is whether this positive trend will continue as we have seen slowdowns in the past only to see the curve explode upwards after a pause.
The answer to that question matters as Lowrey reports—
"Slower cost growth would have ramifications far beyond the deficit. According to calculations by White House economists, slowing the annual growth rate of health care costs by 1.5 percentage points might increase economic output by 2 percent in 2020 and 8 percent in 2030. It might also lead to higher wages for workers and more room for productive investments in the budget."
While we can expect the Obamacare bashers to pour cold water on this good news, there is no denying that the law is paying some dividends in the critically important effort to bend the cost curve in healthcare delivery.
Could this be enough to open people up to contemplating that there may just be other good news to come thanks to health care reform?
contact Rick at email@example.com and follow me on Twitter and Facebook
Also on Forbes:
PS has anybody identified the "changes" that they think made the difference?
I predict the projections of those in power will continue to improve the chances to keep their power.
Interesting article, unfortunately you are drawing conclusions that should not/can not be drawn from the data. One, your article highlights that the slowdown in healthcare spending started in 2009. However, "Obamacare" wasn't even passed until March 2010. So, safe to say that the decrease in spending in 2009 and 2010 had nothing to do with Obamacare. Two, you go on to write "ACA codifies these changes in payment procedures for physicians and hospitals". However, the codified changes to payment systems have not even gone into effect yet. The only changes that have gone into effect on the payer side are "quality" bonuses (PQRS) for preventive care that can not bend the cost curve for several more years.
You've committed the reasoning fallacy "post hoc, propter egro hoc". Just because one thing (lower healthcare spending) happens after another thing (ACA passage) does not mean that one caused the other.
Rick, I love the ad hominem attacks rather than debating the facts.
You write "key provisions such as the changes in payment to reduce recidivism…and others…are already in effect." But Rick, the penalties for excessive readmissions (recidivism) didn't go into effect until October of 2012. So, yes, the changes are in effect now, but the reduction in healthcare spending you cite in the article (from CBO) was from 2009 until end of fiscal year 2012, ie before the recidivism penalty actually went into effect! So, no, the recidivism penalty enacted in October 2012 cannot explain the reduced healthcare spending from 2009 through Q32012.
You also write "many hospitals have gotten ahead of the curve and have instituted a number of the ACA changes prior to 2014″. Do you have any references for this claim? Hw many hospitals? What ACA changes were instituted? Do you actually expect us to believe that hospitals, for example, are self-imposing penalties on themselves for excessive readmissions?
Please, give me a single concrete example of an ACA directive that resulted in decreased healthcare spending from 2009-2011. References, please.
I stand by my prior comment that your conclusions aren't based in fact.
Rick, listen to Julie Rovner's (NPR) fact check this am on the SOTU last night. She was charged with fact checking the POTUS's claim that the ACA is already bending the spending curve. Even she said that the claim is without basis.
" I attempt to engage with people something virtually no other columnist with a reader base as large as my own will do."
and i am grateful you take the time to respond!
I know WHY healthcare costs have decreased.
Social Security gave us a whopping $26.60 monthly cost of living increase in benefits this year, raised our monthly Medicare deduction by $5.00, increased co-pays for doctor visits by 25%, and increased co-pays for prescription drugs by 300%.
Now, even with Medicare, we're left to die in the streets.


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It's holiday time, and everyone's favorite first grader is back to celebrate! Everyone in Room One is happily creating the perfect holiday party -- but how is Junie B. supposed to enjoy anything when she has drawn the name of her arch nemesis, Tattletale May, for her Secret Santa Gift!! But wait - maybe the Secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she deserves… Holiday fun with a lesson about giving is a perfect treat for the holiday season! Presented byThe Kudzu Players at The Dancing Goat Theatre
Copyright ©2014 Planck LLC d/b/a Patch Media. All rights reserved | Patch Network


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For a Photo Gallery from the Game, Click Here.
(Game Recap provided by Scrimmage Play)
Covenant (1-1) emerged from its Friday afternoon matchup with Fishburne (0-1) with big plays on both sides of the ball and a 35-6 victory. Five different Eagles found the end zone, and the Covenant defense forced four turnovers while keeping Fishburne off the scoreboard until 5:51 remained in the game.
It was senior quarterback Brady Doyle's emergence, however, that stole the show. Doyle led Covenant's offensive attack with three touchdown passes. He finished 12 of 21 for 232 yards, and was quick to cite the whole team's effort in building a 28-0 halftime lead.
Covenant senior Hernon Henderson opened the scoring on the Eagles' first possession with a 37-yard catch-and-run down the left sideline for a touchdown. Doyle's favorite target though was senior receiver Daniel Crawford, who tallied 135 yards on five receptions, including a pair of 42-yarders on two touchdown drives in the final 1:33 of the first half. Crawford also hauled in a 22-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Eagles running back Jamie Gaston led all rushers with 107 yards on 20 carries, including a second quarter tally. Sophomore Austin Llera also rushed for a touchdown in the opening quarter...


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Availability: Omni Hotel Independence Park
Philadelphia hotel with spa and pool, near Liberty Bell
A stay at Omni Hotel Independence Park places you in the heart of Philadelphia, steps from Carpenters' Hall and Independence Hall.
This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of National Liberty Museum and Independence National Historical Park.
Make yourself at home in one of the 150 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Wired and wireless Internet access is available (surcharge). Bathrooms have hair dryers and bathrobes. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Treat yourself with massages and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. Additional amenities include concierge services and gift shops/newsstands.
Satisfy your appetite at the hotel's restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or stay in and take advantage of 24-hour room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge.
Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Omni Hotel Independence Park Amenities
- General
The 14-story Omni Hotel at Independence Park is set in Philadelphia's Old City and Society Hill, a block from Independence Hall and two blocks from the Liberty Bell.
The hotel offers a restaurant and piano bar. The Omni Sensational Kids program caters to the hotel's youngest guests: Upon check-in, children receive a backpack filled with fun items designed specifically for them. Kids also receive milk and cookies delivered to their guestroom on the first night and can request to borrow a rolling backpack full of toys, books, and games.
For adults, Balance Spa and Fitness Center offers an indoor pool, spa tub, sauna, and cardio and strength-training equipment. Spa treatments include massages, facials, and nail care. In addition, the reception desk offers complimentary in-room exercise kits containing a floor mat, two dumbbells, and elastic bands.
Valet parking is available on site (surcharge). Self parking is available in a garage located behind the hotel (surcharge). Parking height restrictions apply.
- Concierge services
- Restaurant
- Bar/lounge
- Room service (24 hours)
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Express check-in
- 24-hour front desk
- Porter/bellhop
- Total number of rooms - 150
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Elevator/lift
- Number of floors - 14
- Fitness facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Luggage storage
- Business center
- Meeting rooms
- Multilingual staff
- Number of meeting rooms - 5
- Sauna
- Smoke-free property
- Spa services on site
- Spa tub
- Indoor pool
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Wireless Internet access (surcharge) , Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
- Parking
Valet parking (surcharge)
- Room Amenities
- Climate control
- Complimentary weekday newspaper
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Bathrobes
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room safe
- Desk
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Wireless Internet access (surcharge)
- Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
- Dining
Azalea Restaurant A fine dining restaurant overlooking the Independence Park, Azalea serves American regional cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Brunch is available on Sundays. The pace is leisurely, and the atmosphere is enhanced by dramatic floral arrangements and chairs upholstered in faux zebra-print fabric. Crab-and-shrimp cake is a specialty. Also available for private functions.
Lobby Lounge Serves light fare and cocktails. Open from mid-afternoon until late evening.
Guest Room Dining 24-hour guest room dining is available if you choose to enjoy delicious cuisine in the privacy of your room.
- Recreation
Omni Hotel Independence Park features Balance Spa and Fitness Center. The facility offers an indoor pool, spa tub, sauna, cardio center with BroadcastVision, and strength-training equipment. Spa treatments, available by appointment, include massages, facials, and nail care.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Spa
- Manicures and pedicures
- Sauna in spa
- Spa tub in spa
- Massages
- Facial treatments
- Accessibility
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Omni Hotel Independence Park Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is noon
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Parking height restrictions apply
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary)
- Fee for in-room high-speed Internet (wired): USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary)
- Self parking fee: USD 27.00 per day
- Valet parking fee: USD 37 per day
- Pet fee: USD 50.00 per room, per stay
- Pet deposit: USD 50.00 per stay
- Additional Details
Construction is underway at a neighboring building and there may be noise disturbance from the construction work.
Awards & Affiliations
- Details
- Omni Hotel Independence Park is listed in the 2010 Travel + Leisure 500.